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The Japanese education system at a glance

Like the ones in many other countries, Japan's basic education system is made of 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of university (or two years of vocational school). While compulsory education in Japan (elementary school and junior high school) is effectively compulsory for Japanese children only, foreigners can also attend school in Japan. Also, most children usually begin their education at the pre-school level, with a sizeable number eventually graduating from university.

In Japan, children enter elementary schools in April following their 6th birthday. Entrance and graduation from elementary and junior high schools could be qualified as "automatic", while entrance to senior high school and university is subject to a highly competitive entrance examination system. Vocational schools offer practical training to graduates of junior high and senior high schools.

There are three kinds of schools, namely the national schools (administered by the Japanese government), public schools (administered by cities and prefectures) and private schools.

The school year begins at the beginning of April and is divided into three terms. The first term is from April to July, the second one is from September to December and the third term is from January to March. Between terms there are summer, spring and winter vacations, but in many cases students are expected to go to school and join their club's activities.

As, in Japan, the school grade of children is determined by their age, children of foreigners are usually included in classes of the same age group.