If you're thinking about moving to Japan — either as a student, professional, or with your family — understanding the Japanese education system is essential.

While Japan’s public and private schools offer high academic standards, the structure, expectations, and cultural values around education can feel very different from those in other countries.

Education in Japan is a complex and nuanced topic. In this blog, I’ll provide a general overview to help you navigate your options.

In this blog:

Nursery and Kindergarten (Hoikuen and Yochien)
Elementary School (Shougakkou) – Ages 6–12
Middle School (Chuugakkou) – Ages 13–15
High School (Koukou) – Ages 16–18
University and Junior College
Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkou)
Graduate School: Master’s and Doctorate
International Schools in Japan
Wrap up

Let’s start !

1. Nursery and Kindergarten (Hoikuen and Yochien)

Below is an overview of the main early childhood care options in Japan:

Hoikuen (保育園): Nursery schools for children from a few months old to preschool age. These are primarily designed for households where both parents work. Enrollment is especially competitive for the 0–1 year age group, particularly in urban areas. It's not uncommon for families to be unable to secure a spot at their preferred nursery.

Yochien (幼稚園): Kindergartens that focus more on early childhood education, typically for children aged 3 to preschool age. Yochien usually operate on shorter hours and may not be suitable for families where both parents work full-time.

International Schools: Limited in number and availability at the preschool level in Japan. See the “International Schools” section below for more details.

Extracurricular Lessons: It is common for young children to start attending private extracurricular lessons, including:

Piano or rhythmics
English
Swimming
Dance or ballet
General early learning classes – numbers, simple words and phrases, and basic thinking skills

Some lessons are offered directly at the nursery or kindergarten. Otherwise, parents are responsible for taking their children to the lesson venue.

Some children plan to attend private elementary schools. To prepare for admission, both parents and children often attend preparatory schools for entrance exams and interviews. The admissions process varies by school.

2. Elementary School (Primary School) – Ages 6–12

Elementary school begins at age 6 and lasts for six years (grades 1–6). Most children attend public schools, which are tuition-free. English education is now mandatory from grade 3 onward, though the quality varies by school.

Compulsory education in Japan includes 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of middle school (a total of 9 years). Public middle and high schools operate within school districts, and enrollment notices are sent based on one’s registered address. Contact your local municipal office for details.

Some children plan to attend private middle schools and begin preparing for entrance exams around February of grade 3 by going to juku (塾) after-school cram school. Many private middle schools are integrated with high schools (6-year programs), with curricula focused on university entrance exams.

JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) Students: Acceptance and support vary by school. In some cases, even with district-based placement, students may attend schools better equipped for Japanese language support.

3. Middle School (Junior High School) – Ages 13–15

Middle school in Japan covers grades 7 to 9, although these are typically referred to as grades 1 to 3 within the middle school system. Public schools are tuition-free. Many students attend juku (cram schools) to prepare for high school entrance exams.

Students in integrated private middle schools do not take high school entrance exams, while students in public schools must prepare for them. Integrated schools are more common in urban areas and may not exist in some regions.

JSL Students: During adolescence, students become more self-conscious and often have strong feelings of “I don’t want to make mistakes” or “I don’t want to stand out.” This psychological barrier can make it difficult for them to engage in learning.
A combination of emotional support and academic assistance in their native language can be effective in helping them overcome these challenges.

Real story: When I lived in the Chicago area, I helped some Japanese children (age 14-15) by driving them to a local supplementary school that taught in Japanese. It turned out to be a valuable resource. The students, all facing similar challenges, found comfort in being together — it gave them a sense of belonging and relief during a difficult time.

4. High School (Koukou) – Ages 16–18

High school is not mandatory in Japan, however, according to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the high school enrollment rate in Japan was 98.8% in 2020.
Source (in Japanese).

Entrance exams are required — even for public schools. Many students continue attending juku (cram schools) throughout this period to prepare for university entrance exams.

Both public and private high schools exist, and some offer specialized tracks, such as science or vocational training.

JSL students: According to research from the Hitachi Foundation (source), the number of JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) students in high school is lower compared to those in primary and middle school — with primary school having the highest concentration.

This trend may reflect the increasing academic difficulty at the high school level, which poses greater challenges for non-native Japanese speakers.

University Entrance Exams and the One-Shot System

University entrance exams are held annually, starting in January. While high school grades (called naishinten, 内申点) are submitted, admissions decisions at most universities are based primarily on entrance exam scores.

Real Story: The Cost of a Medical Track in Japan

A friend’s son followed one of the most academically demanding and costly paths in Japan — the road to medical school.

Starting in elementary school, he attended a top-tier cram school for three years to prepare for middle school entrance exams. After gaining admission to a prestigious public secondary school, his family continued investing heavily in his education, enrolling him in an elite cram school and hiring a private tutor for another three years.

He was eventually accepted into one of Japan’s top private medical universities, where tuition and fees span six years.

The total cost — including exam preparation, tutoring, and university tuition — reached approximately ¥30 million (roughly $220,000 USD), not including living expenses.

This path required not only academic dedication but also a significant and sustained financial commitment from the family.

Japan vs. U.S. – Different Paths, Different Pressures

In the U.S., becoming a doctor typically costs between $300,000 and $650,000 over 8 years of study (4 years of undergraduate + 4 years of medical school), excluding any pre-university costs.

Here are some key differences in the education culture and financial expectations between Japan and the U.S.:

Alternative Admission Paths

While most admissions rely on standardized tests, some universities offer recommendation-based (推薦入試) or comprehensive selection (総合型選抜) pathways. These consider high school performance, essays, interviews, and extracurriculars, and may reduce the pressure of a single exam.

International admissions

The 'international admissions track' refers to a university entrance selection process for students who hold foreign nationality and have completed (or are expected to complete) 12 years of formal education outside of Japan. Typically, these students apply through special admission categories such as 'Special Selection for Graduates of Foreign Schools' or 'Admissions for International Students,' separate from the general entrance examination.

Real Story:

When I worked at a securities company, one of our finance department employees was a Canadian national who had come to Japan through the international admissions track. After graduating from high school in his home country, he was accepted into a Japanese university through this special application route.

While the university he attended may not have been highly competitive, it offered him a solid opportunity to study in Japan, learn the language, and eventually find employment here.

His biggest challenge had been the Japanese language — not academics. He was an extremely capable employee, especially strong in mathematics.

This experience showed me that international admissions can be a smart and practical way for foreign students to come to Japan, build language skills, earn a degree, and launch a professional career.

Technical College (Kousen / 高専)

A unique option in Japan, Kousen are 5-year colleges that students enter after junior high school. They focus on engineering and applied sciences, combining both upper secondary and early college-level education. Entrance exams are required.

5. University and Junior College

Most students attend 4-year universities. However, there are also 2-year junior colleges, often chosen by students pursuing careers in early childhood education, healthcare, or nutrition.

Unlike in the U.S., Japanese 4-year universities (Bachelor’s programs) typically offer a narrower range of majors, such as:

Literature, Psychology, History, or Languages
Economics, Commerce
Law
Science, Engineering
Medicine (6-year program)
Pharmacy (6-year program)

Emerging and Unique Fields of Study in Japan

In addition to traditional majors, Japanese universities are expanding their offerings to reflect global challenges and local needs. Here are some of the most notable or growing fields, along with the Japanese names of the programs and examples of universities that offer them.

🌍 Global and Intercultural Studies

Focuses on global affairs, intercultural communication, and liberal arts in a cross-border context. Often taught in English.

Waseda University – School of International Liberal Studies
Sophia University – Faculty of Global Studies
International Christian University (ICU) – College of Liberal Arts: A curriculum that does not require students to choose a major at the time of admission.）

🏛️ Public Policy and Regional Management

Focuses on solving real-world problems through policy, administration, and local revitalization.

Keio University – Faculty of Policy Management
Ritsumeikan University – College of Policy Science
Ehime University – Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation

🎨 Media, Design, and Creative Arts

Japan is a global hub for animation, game design, and visual arts. These programs focus on both technique and creativity.

Tama Art University – Department of Information Design （多摩美術大学）
Musashino Art University – Visual Communication Design （武蔵野美術大学）
Kyoto University of the Arts – Department of Manga （京都芸術大学）

🏥 Co-medical and Allied Health Professions

Includes programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and radiology — vital in an aging society.

Tokyo Metropolitan University – Faculty of Health Sciences
International University of Health and Welfare- School of Health Sciences

🌱 Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Focuses on environmental conservation, sustainability, and green innovation.

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology – Faculty of Agriculture
Keio University – Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)

These programs may be offered in Japanese, English, or a mix of both. As demand for global talent grows, many of these faculties also welcome international students.

6. Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkou /専門学校)

After high school, students can choose vocational schools that offer specialized training in:

Animation
Fashion
Healthcare (e.g., physical therapy, radiology)
Culinary arts

Vocational schools (Senmon Gakkou) are classified as institutions of higher education under the School Education Act. If certain requirements are met, graduates are awarded the title of “Senmonshi” (Specialist) or “Koudo Senmonshi” (Advanced Specialist).

7. Graduate School: Master’s and Doctorate

Japan offers many graduate programs, especially in STEM fields and MBA programs. Some are offered in English. Universities like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are globally recognized.

Real story: Some of our foreign employees came to Japan for graduate school after earning their bachelor’s degrees in their home countries — one entered operations, and two pursued careers in information security.

Graduate programs, especially in STEM or business fields, can be an effective gateway to working in Japan. At the master’s level, students often read academic papers and engage in discussions in English, which makes the transition smoother for non-Japanese speakers.

After completing their degrees, many were able to secure jobs at Japanese companies, leveraging their advanced education and cross-cultural strengths. It’s a path that blends academic development with real, long-term career opportunities in Japan.

8. International Schools in Japan

International schools in Japan offer English-based curricula and a globally diverse learning environment, making them a popular choice for expatriate families and internationally minded Japanese parents. These schools typically follow internationally recognized education systems, such as:

IB (International Baccalaureate): A globally accepted program emphasizing critical thinking and inquiry-based learning.
AP (Advanced Placement): A U.S.-based system that offers college-level courses and exams in high school.
A-Levels: A UK-based system that allows students to specialize in a few subjects before university.

Most international schools are concentrated in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. They tend to be more expensive than local schools and often have limited availability, so early application is strongly recommended.

In addition to academic excellence, international schools offer a multicultural environment and flexible, student-centered curricula that differ significantly from Japan’s national education system.

For more information, including school comparisons by city, tuition, and language of instruction, visit:
👉 International Schools Database – Japan

9.Wrap up

Why choose Japan for education?

Japan offers high academic standards, especially in math and science, along with a rich cultural experience.

While the system is structured and lecture-heavy, it instills discipline and strong study habits. Challenges like school pressure and limited creativity exist, but new models — such as online schools, metaverse classrooms, and international programs — are beginning to offer more flexible options.

There’s a path for every learner — and NavigatorJapan.com is here to help guide you.

Japanese Education System 101: A Practical Guide for Families and Students