As a parent of a 5-year-old son who’s about to start elementary school next year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between Japan and the U.S. when it comes to education systems and customs
School calendar difference
One of the first things I noticed is the difference in the academic calendar. In Japan, the school year starts in April and ends in March, while in the U.S., it typically runs from September to June. This difference in timing can make transitions tricky, especially for families moving between the two countries due to work.
For example, I know someone who moved back to Japan from the U.S.—his child had already started middle school in the U.S., but was still placed in the 6th grade of elementary school upon returning to Japan.
It required a bit of coordination with the school system.
Educational system in Japan
In Japan, children usually enter elementary school in the year they turn 6 or 7. The system consists of 6 years of elementary school, followed by 3 years of junior high, and then 3 years of high school, before moving on to university. Some families choose to have their children take entrance exams for private elementary or junior high schools, while others stick with the public system.
Exam-oriented culture?
Japan’s strong exam-oriented culture is one of its defining features, although it’s not the only path to success. I personally only took entrance exams for high school and university and went through the public school system the whole way.
Culture of Randoseru
Another cultural point worth noting is the tradition of buying a “randoseru” — a sturdy, leather backpack — before starting elementary school. It’s a bit of a rite of passage, often gifted by parents or grandparents. These backpacks are built to last all six years of elementary school, and while they used to come in just two basic colors (black for boys, red for girls), there are now countless options in color, stitching, weight, and design. Prices vary, but most fall in the range of ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 (about $350 to $600), though cheaper and more expensive models exist too.
So if you’re a family planning to move to Japan with young children, it’s helpful to be aware of these cultural and educational differences. Whether it’s adjusting to a new school year schedule or picking out your child’s first randoseru, there’s a lot to take in — but it’s all part of the adventure of parenting across cultures.
Summary
Raising kids in a different country can come with surprises, but that’s what makes it interesting. If you’re planning to move to Japan with little ones, knowing these school system quirks and traditions in advance might just make the transition a bit smoother.