Attending a Japanese school can be a culturally enriching as well as a gratifying experience for a child. Several U.S. military dependent children have successfully participated within the Japanese school system. Although it can be difficult with many obstacles, not to mention the language barrier, it most definitely can be done with a satisfying outcome for all parties involved. Most children enjoy their Japanese school experience and take back memories well worth cherishing.
Japanese School System: There are three levels: shogakko (elementary grades 1-6), chugakko (junior high grades 7-9) and kotogakko (senior high grades 10-12). Grades 1-9 are compulsory. Senior high school is not required, however, 90% of junior high graduates go on to senior high. The Japanese school year begins at the beginning of April and ends in mid late March. There are three trimesters within the school year. Summer break begins mid July to the end of August. Spring break is around March 25-April 5, and winter break extends from around December 25-January 7.
Educational Expectations: Japanese is spoken exclusively within the schools except during English class. Presently English is compulsory beginning at the junior high level. The Ministry of Education is in the process of instituting English at the third grade level by the year 2003. Some elementary schools have already begun introducing English in some form or another. In spite of that, however, all subjects will be taught in Japanese.
Due to a high number of foreign students in some areas, certain schools have established an international class where Japanese is taught as a second language much in the same way ESL is taught. In this instance the student is removed from class and given additional language instruction. If the opportunity exists, a volunteer translator may be provided during classes requiring language enforcement. However, services vary from school to school and district to district.
Students are taught all content areas -- math, science, social studies and language (Japanese). Social studies consists of, but is not limited to community studies, Japanese history, geography, world history and culture. Specials include P.E., music, art, morality, calligraphy, and home economics. A considerable emphasis is placed on language and math.
If you are considering placing your child[ren] in Japanese school, it is highly recommended you supplement your child with math work in English since math concepts and word problems will not be taught nor translated in English and children will fall behind. It is also recommended that you provide ample opportunities in English reading and writing at your child's American school grade level, so that when they return to an American school, your child will not have as much "catching up" to do.
Parent Participation: Parent participation is a must. About every other month there is a class observation day where parents come in and observe a lesson in the back of the class. Once a term there is a parent/teacher meeting, and once to twice a year parent/teacher conferences. The teachers will also schedule a home visit where conferences will take place. All schools have a sports day and a school bazaar/culture day requiring parent volunteers. Japanese parents also "take turns" serving as PTA members. You may be asked or you may be told to help with one of the PTA committees if your turn comes up.
Enrollment: The Japanese take education very seriously. Your decision to officially enroll your child within the Japanese school system implies great commitment to your child's education. The decision should be well-thought out as well as something both child and parents desire to do. If you are not committed to this educational process, it could lead to disappointment and possible denial of enrollment.
"Taiken nyugaku" or trial enrollment requires no special processing. You simply notify the board of education of your desire to "try" the school. This could last one to two weeks or longer by consent. No formal enrollment procedure is required. However, some information such as parents'/child's name, emergency numbers, workplace etc. will be needed. You will be required to purchase lunches in cash (if the school has a lunch program). No special school supplies are needed. School supplies presently in your possession will suffice.
Upon completing the taiken nyugaku and if your child desires to continue, you will be asked to go through the formal process of enrolling your child. At this point you and your child may be interviewed once by the board of education and again by the prospective school. You will be required to present the following:
- Copy of the sponsors orders highlighting PRD date.
- Copy of your child's overseas' health screening or physical
- Proof of your residence (utility bill with sponsor's name, letter from your
command verifying base residence or copy of your housing acceptance form
with your house number highlighted.
- Sponsor's ID card
- Child's ID card and passport
You will also be required to have a translator. Additionally you will need a hanko or a stamp with your name or initials for this acts as your "signature." A hanko can be made at stamp shops in front of the base for around 1000 – 2000 yen. The whole enrollment process will take an hour or longer so please plan accordingly.
Once your child is enrolled, you will need to purchase the required school supplies. Supplies vary from grade to school so consult the school your child will be attending.
Costs are only estimates and vary among schools, districts and city. Elementary school supplies could cost 10,000 yen to start up with monthly fees ranging from 3,500 yen to 5,000. Junior and senior high supplies range from 80,000 to 100,000 with monthly fees of 4,000-6,000 yen. Please consult your area school for more information. Supplies include uniforms, club gear/equipment, school supplies, etc. Monthly fees include lunches and test fees. Miscellaneous includes PTA fees, field trips, additional supplies. Remember these fees are only estimates for public schools. Please check the respective schools for exact costs.
When enrollment is official, your child will also receive his/her text books which are yours to keep (in the case of public schools). Books are kept at home except when needed (consult your school's class schedule).
School Expectations: You are expected to provide a Japanese-speaking person for emergency contact as well as someone who can act as a translator. There will be times the school and PTA will want to communicate with the parents. It is your responsibility to provide a translator. You must properly disenroll your child should you decide to terminate his/her enrollment.
Although all Japanese schools utilize a similar curriculum, each school has its personality that makes it unique. Your child will grow into that personality. They will make new Japanese friends. And they in turn will have things to offer the Japanese school, teachers and students as well. Parents will make new friends and find cultural exchanges occurring in ways that are very worthy and rewarding. More importantly everyone will be able to experience once in a life-time opportunity that can open many doors in the future.
For more information please visit or contact the Board of Education located at City Hall of the city school you wish to attend. Please note all conversation will be in Japanese so be prepared to bring an interpreter.
Yokosuka City Board of Education: 0468-22-4000
Hayama City Hall (ask for Board of Education ext.) 0468-76-1111
Kamakura City Board of Education: 0467-23-3000
Zushi City Hall (ask for Board of Education ext.) 0468-73-1111
Yokohama City Board of Education 045-671-3265