Japan Trivia 15: What Are Japanese Schools Like? — What I Learned from My Own Experience —

I first went to a Japanese nursery school, and then started attending an international school in Japan at the age of four. Later, I also experienced a Japanese public elementary school (in Shibuya, Tokyo) and a public elementary school in Colorado in the United States, although only for a short period of time.

Based on these experiences, I’d like to share what Japanese schools are like, while comparing them with international schools and schools in the U.S.

The Japanese School System

In Japan, children enter elementary school at the age of six, after nursery school or kindergarten. They spend six years in elementary school, three years in junior high school, and three years in high school. After that, many students go on to university.

Academic competition in Japan is very intense. Especially in cities like Tokyo, it has become common for students to quit activities like soccer clubs in order to prepare for junior high school entrance exams, attending cram schools three times a week or more. I actually have many friends who do this.

Of course, high school and university entrance exams are also very competitive. Many students in Japan study hard for years, all the way until they get into university.

Why Don’t Many Japanese Students Study Abroad?

Compared to countries like South Korea and Taiwan, far fewer Japanese students go on to universities abroad. In fact, the number of Japanese high school students who enroll in U.S. universities is only about one-sixth of those countries, relative to population.

In South Korea and Taiwan, going to universities in countries like the U.S. or the U.K. has already become a common option. In Japan, however, studying abroad is still relatively rare, and most students aim for domestic universities.

In particular, many students set their sights on top universities such as University of Tokyo.

So why don’t more Japanese students go abroad?

I think there are several reasons. First, there is the language barrier. Many students feel anxious about studying in English.

Second, Japan is a very safe and comfortable country, so many people don’t feel the need to leave.

And finally, in Japan there is a clear path from university to employment within the country. Even without going abroad, students can enter well-known companies and build stable careers, so fewer people feel the need to take that risk.

Key Features of Japanese Schools

1. Strong Focus on Basics — A Memorization-Based Approach

Japanese schools place a strong emphasis on building fundamental skills. Students repeatedly practice through kanji tests and math drills to make sure they fully understand the basics.

The Japanese language itself is complex, with three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Even so, by the time students graduate from elementary school, most can read everyday texts without difficulty. I think that’s pretty amazing.

On the other hand, I felt that there are fewer opportunities for discussion or expressing personal opinions compared to international schools. Classes are also large, often with 30 to 45 students, which makes it harder for one teacher to create interactive lessons.

2. A Unique School Lunch Culture

My favorite part of Japanese elementary school was definitely school lunch.

The meals are well-balanced, with plenty of vegetables and protein, so they are very healthy. They are also delicious, and in some areas, they have even become free recently.

Another fun part is that if there is leftover food, students can play rock-paper-scissors to decide who gets extra. I once drank two or three cartons of milk!

What I found especially unique is that students serve the meals themselves. Students on duty, wearing white uniforms, go to the kitchen to pick up large pots of food, milk, and utensils, and then distribute them to everyone in the class.

After eating, they also return everything to the kitchen themselves.

This is something you don’t really see in American schools or international schools.

3. Students Clean Their Own School

In Japan, cleaning is considered part of education.

After lunch, there is about 15 minutes of cleaning time. All students work together to clean classrooms, hallways, and even bathrooms, using brooms and cloths.

What surprised me was that not just teachers, but all students clean as a normal part of the day. At first, I wondered why we had to do it ourselves, but over time, I started to feel good seeing the school become clean.

The idea that “we clean the spaces we use” is deeply rooted in Japanese schools. I think this habit also helps explain why cities in Japan are so clean.

4. A Strong Emphasis on Equality

In Japanese schools, it is very important that everyone is treated equally.

For example, if you use kanji that hasn’t been taught yet, you might be told, “It’s not fair because other students can’t read it.” I’ve actually been told not to use certain kanji for that reason.

Classes also move at the same pace for everyone. Instead of letting some students move ahead quickly, the class often waits until everyone understands.

This helps create an environment where fewer students are left behind, and everyone can learn with confidence. At the same time, students who want to move faster or learn at their own pace may feel a bit limited.

This is quite different from schools in the U.S., where students are often encouraged to advance at their own speed.

In Japan, learning together as a group is highly valued.

The Issue of School Refusal

Recently, the number of students in Japan who do not attend school has been increasing significantly.

According to the latest data, more than 350,000 elementary and junior high school students were not attending school in 2024 — the highest number ever.

There are many reasons, but one of the most common is emotional stress or anxiety. Problems with friendships, social media, and academic pressure can make school feel overwhelming.

Alternative options such as free schools and online learning are also becoming more common, and some students choose not to attend traditional schools at all.

I have also experienced a time when I didn’t want to go to school.

When I was in first grade at a Japanese public school, I had a very strict teacher. She often yelled loudly and rejected students’ opinions, and she rarely gave praise. I found her very scary.

Because of that, I started to dislike going to school, and I still remember seeing many children crying at the school gate.

Of course, not all teachers are like that. When I was in fifth grade, I had a much kinder teacher who listened to my ideas and even played with us during breaks.

Still, compared to international schools, I feel that Japanese schools can sometimes be less flexible. In international schools, students are often encouraged to think independently and pursue what they are interested in.

What I Think

Personally, I feel that international schools suit me better.

I like being able to express my opinions freely, being respected as an individual, and being encouraged to be myself.

That kind of environment makes me feel more comfortable.

So, what would make Japanese schools places where students truly want to go?

I don’t have a clear answer yet. But I think valuing students’ motivation and curiosity might be an important step.

Final Thoughts

Japanese schools have many great qualities that I think the world can learn from. For example, school lunches and cleaning time teach students how to work together, and the strong focus on fundamentals is very valuable.

At the same time, I feel that students also need more freedom to express their ideas and learn at their own pace.

How can Japanese schools become places where students truly enjoy going every day? I want to keep thinking about that.

And I hope this article made you a little more interested in Japanese schools.

This is the end of this episode of “What Are Japanese Schools Like?

” Stay curious! Keep exploring！ See you in the next episode. Bye!

If you’re curious about Japan — its culture, traditions, and everyday life — you can explore more on my YouTube channel: All About Japan with SHO

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SHOJPUS