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Japanese Education System

Preprint · April 2025

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29867.55842

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Pavan Mandavkar
Indira Mahavidyalaya, Kalamb, Dist Yavatmal affiliated to SGB Amravati University (India)
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 Japanese Education System
Dr. Pavan Mandavkar
Principal, Indira Mahavidyalaya, Kalamb, Dist. Yavatmal 445001
Maharashtra, India
pavanmandavkar@yahoo.com +91-9422867658

Abstract
Japan has an education system that emphasizes discipline, hard work, and teamwork
among students. Japan's elementary school curriculum is divided into three main categories:
Compulsory Subjects, Moral Education and Special Activities. Compulsory subjects are
Japanese language, Japanese literature, mathematics, social studies, science, music, arts and
crafts and physical education. The Japanese education system consists of six years of
elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior high school, and four
years of university education. The first nine years (elementary and junior high school) are
compulsory. There are both public and private schools in Japan. Children have to take entrance
exams to get into private schools. The academic year runs from April to March. The standard of
Japanese education is considered high globally.

Keywords
Japanese education system, aptitude test, Japanese culture and etiquette, modernization

Introduction
The Japanese education system is a sound and disciplined system, which instills in
students from an early age the importance of discipline, work ethic and team work. This
curriculum teaches students a variety of skills such as helping others at school, participating in
group activities or doing group work, and Japanese culture and etiquette. Because of the forced
education system in Japan, everyone gets an education, so the illiteracy rate is actually zero. A
system of special education exists in Japan to help promote self-sufficiency, social participation
of physically / mentally disabled / special students.
The Japanese education system has a 6+3+3+4 structure. That means six years of
primary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior high school and four
years of university education. The first nine years (elementary and junior high school) are
compulsory. Although senior high school is not mandatory, nearly all students continue their
education.

Historical background
The Japanese education system has evolved significantly over the course of history.
This system has moved from a system rooted in Chinese learning and Buddhist teachings to a
modern, Western-influenced system. The major periods in the development of this education
system include the ancient period, the medieval period, the early modern period, and the
modern period.
Ancient period (5th century - 1185)
Early Influences
Formal education in this period began with the introduction of Chinese writing and
learning, which focused primarily on Confucianism and Buddhist thought.
Aristocratic Dominance
The aristocracy had access to education through branch schools for the Daigaku-ryō
(court aristocracy) and the provincial aristocracy.
Development of Kana
The development of kana (written syllabaries) in the 9th century led to the
establishment of the national Japanese written language, which shifted its focus beyond
Chinese influences.
The Middle Ages (1185 - 1573)
The Rise of the Samurai
The rise of the bushi (samurai) influenced education, with an emphasis on the study of
military skills and the bushido code.
The Buddhist monastery
Buddhist monasteries remained important centres of learning, providing a mix of
religious and secular knowledge.

Early modern period (1600-1868)

Isolation and cultural development
During the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan's isolation led to the development of its own
culture, which included a more sophisticated education system.
The Neo-Confucian Academy
Yushima Seido Academy in Edo was the state's premier educational institution.

Modern period (1868-present)

The Meiji Restoration and Modernization
After the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted a modern education system based on
Western models, establishing its first Ministry of Education in 1871.
Expansion of primary education
Initially, the focus was on increasing access to primary education, followed by
qualitative improvement and expansion of secondary and higher education.
Changes in education system
Educational powers were devolved from the central government to local governments
and schools.
Focusing on standardized testing
This system places a strong emphasis on standardized testing and academic
performance, which has led to both success and criticism.

Discussion
A new system of education was introduced in Japan in 1872. Schools, colleges and
universities were established. At the time of reorganization, after 1947, the educational system
was made compulsory for 9 years, mainly for the first 6 years of primary school, followed by 3
years of secondary school. This will be followed by three years of higher secondary education
followed by four years of college education followed by two years of postgraduate education.
In addition to the traditional undergraduate courses of the university, the system was
designed for six-year dental and medical degree courses, five-year courses in technical
colleges.
• Pre-school
Children usually start preschool around the age of 3 or 4, and some may stay in it until
the age of 5 or 6. Most parents in Japan send their children to preschool-kindergarten (yochien)
or nursery school (hoikuen), before enrolling their children in compulsory education starting in
elementary school. Each facility has different goals, methods, objectives, and educational
content.
• Primary School
This education lasts for six years (grades 1-6), after which students go to junior high
school. Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education. This education starts from
the age of 6 and continues till the age of 12. At this level, children learn subjects such as
Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, and physical education.
• High School (Junior High School)
This is a three-year period (grades 7-9) and is also compulsory. Although junior high
school is a compulsory education, private schools and government schools attached to high
schools have examinations for admission. In the case of private schools, junior high school
entrance exams also vary from school to school. They create their own exams, so the style and
level are different. Most private school exams include subjects such as Japanese, mathematics,
science, and social studies. There is a system of examination in government schools. For
example, government schools in Tokyo have an aptitude test and a test called shorthand. This
test measures whether students are able to use their knowledge and explain it logically to
others.
• High School (Senior High School)
This is a three-year period (grades 10-12) which is not compulsory, but the percentage
of students is very high. Since high school is not a part of compulsory education, students have
to take exams to get into any type of high school.
There are differences between public and private schools. In private schools, students
are required to take exams in three subjects: Japanese, Mathematics, and English. In some
schools, there are tests. Most private schools create their own tests based on their standard
scores, so the types of questions are different at each school.
On the other hand, in government high schools, there are tests of 5 subjects - Japanese,
Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. Government schools are owned by the local
government and generally use the same examinations given by the Board of Education. Since
all government school exams are being held on the same day, students can choose only one
school to apply. Usually, students choose their schools to take the entrance exam based on their
standard scores and the characteristics of the schools.
• Higher education
These include universities, junior colleges and other specialized institutions.
Universities generally offer four-year courses. As the university is not compulsory, students
have to take an examination to get admission. There are 3 types of exams for admission to the
university, including exams for candidates recommended by high school principals, a
comprehensive admission test and a general admission test. The number of students taking the
test for candidates recommended by high school principals is limited, since these types of tests
require a recommendation from teachers and require a good score in each subject. There is a
demand for comprehensive entrance examinations for students with knowledge and abilities
that match the admission policies of the universities and match the level of the university. For
example, whether they can express their opinion positively and whether they have interest and
knowledge about social issues, this type of examination is conducted along with essay and
interview test.
After all, the common entrance exams are basically paper tests, which most students
take to get into a university. If they are applying to a private university, they have to take tests
prepared by each institution, and if they are applying to a national university, they have to score
the marks set by each university in the common university entrance exam.

Key issues in school education

The academic year in Japan runs from April to March. The first semester from April to
August, the second semester from September to December and the third semester from January
to March are the three-semester system used in most schools; however, some schools / colleges
also have a two-semester system.
Summer vacation is from the last week of July to the last week of August, winter
vacation is from the last week of December to the first week of January for 10 days and spring
vacation is from the last week of March to the first week of April for 10-15 days.
Schools in Japan hold classes five days a week, Monday to Friday. In secondary and higher
secondary schools, 50 minutes are given for each subject every day. There are a total of six
subjects.
After school, students clean their classrooms. Students take part in various cultural and
sports activities.
School Management
Although the schooling system in Japan is highly structured, there is also a wide variety
of schools, including public, private, and special education institutions, that cater to the needs
and interests of a variety of students. The first nine years of schooling are free and compulsory,
meaning that all Japanese children receive primary and secondary education.
 Most schools are run by self-help groups or self financed. They learn about each other's
culture and traditions. There is a high quality and diverse education.
The school has a principal, a vice-principal, a headmistress, and other teachers.
Teachers engage themselves in activities such as taking care of the academic curriculum of the
students, their school life and guiding the students for employment after graduation. Children
can learn in a safe environment.

Government Schools
Most of the children go to government primary and secondary schools near their
homes. The reason why many parents choose government schools is that the tuition fees are
waived. They have arrangements to take care of the students after school, so it is very helpful
for busy parents who come home late.
In the compulsory education system, children do not need to take any exam to get
admission in government schools, but are required to live on the campus. For example, students
who go to elementary or junior high school in Tokyo, they have to live somewhere in Tokyo.
In addition, in most elementary schools there are no rules for school uniforms and their clothes.
On the other hand, most junior high schools have school uniforms and have some limitations
such as the length of their skirts and the color of their socks. Due to Japanese educational
reforms in recent times, ICT devices have been introduced for every student in government
schools as well.
Although government primary and junior high schools do not conduct any entrance
exam, but it is necessary to take and pass the entrance exam in government high schools and
universities.

The Private Schools

Especially in urban areas. Apart from government schools, some children go to private
primary and junior secondary schools. The biggest difference between private schools and
government schools is that their education is much higher than government schools. Private
schools have more resources and flexibility in curriculum. Since there are more and more
private schools in Japan, they need to have originality and strength that can attract parents and
children. Therefore, many schools strive to appoint competent teachers and increase the quality
of teaching. Moreover, in terms of environment, many private schools have adequate facilities,
adequate equipment and clubs set up. iPads are provided for the students and lights are installed
on the sports grounds so that the students can practice for a longer time.
Students have to pass an entrance exam to get into private schools. They have to study
a lot. Since many private elementary schools are attached to junior, high, or high schools,
students do not have to take entrance exams to high schools. There is a growing trend towards
private schools, especially in urban areas.
Most elementary schools conduct entrance tests that check whether children can follow
the teacher's instructions. A physical exam and an interview will be conducted. In addition,
children's behavior is observed in the test. For example, a kind of test is carried out by grouping
several children. In that group test, they look at how they interact with others and whether they
use polite words and welcome them well. These types of tests mentioned above usually look at
how parents raise or nurture their children.

Key Features of the Japanese Education System

The quality of Japanese education is considered to be high globally. Japanese students
have made great achievements in science-related fields. Advanced and high-quality educational
programs are implemented here. All necessary resources for academic and practical research
are made available by the government.
• The entrance
Students are admitted mainly from January to March. Only students who pass the test
are admitted to high school and college. There is practically no gender gap in educational
opportunities in Japan. Even at the level of higher secondary education and higher education,
there is hardly any difference in the enrolment ratio between male and female students.
• Rules and Regulations
Discipline and rules are very important in the Japanese education system. Students are
taught to be disciplined both in school and outside. All students are required to adhere to the
dress code. Earrings, piercings and nail polish are prohibited. When coming to school, students
wear school slippers, most often they are colored according to gender, which further increases
the sense of order and discipline.
• Collective effort and support
In the Japanese education system, students are encouraged to participate in group work
or group activities. This allows them to work together and help each other.
• Passion for the work
From childhood, children are accustomed to work. They are encouraged to help with
various tasks at school, help in the kitchen and participate in other activities.
• Culture and traditions
Students are taught Japanese culture and etiquette. They are taught how to talk and
behave with large people.
• High academic standards
The Japanese education system is known for its high educational standards. Students
have to face tough exams, which motivates them to work hard and pursue higher education.
The Japanese education system is often described as a "pressure cooker" because it focuses too
much on academic performance and competitive entrance exams.
• The science
The Japanese education system has produced many notable distinguished champions in
the field of science. Japan has won several Nobel Prizes in science. The Japanese education
system is one of the leading in the world in the field of science and technology.
• The class of students
A typical part of Japanese schooling is the 'student hobby class'. Numerous students
with common interests in sports, cultural courses, or fields of study, participate in Japanese
traditional sports and cultural programs. For example - judo, kendo (Japanese fencing),
baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, swimming, kado (Japanese floral
design), sado (Japanese tea hospitality), origami (making things from paper), shodo (Japanese
calligraphy) etc. Students also get an opportunity to participate in inter-school or other level
competitions like school band, singing, drama, art, literature, etc.
• Foreign language
English is a compulsory subject in high school and college. In some primary schools,
English is taught through intermediate grade classes. Some high schools also allow students to
learn foreign languages such as Chinese, Korean, French, German, etc. instead of English.
• Relationship between teachers and students
There is a strong connection between teachers and students in Japan. The relationship
between teachers and students is deeply rooted in a hierarchical structure and strong emphasis
on respect, often characterized by a "kyoushokuin" (teacher) role that extends beyond
instruction to encompass guidance and mentorship. This relationship fosters a positive learning
environment, with many teachers prioritizing the influence on students' development and
contribution to society. Studies suggest that these positive teacher-student relationships
promote student motivation, engagement, and academic achievement.

Through the Japanese education system, traditions, respect for culture, a sense of
patriotism and a sense of social responsibility are awakened. Basic knowledge and skills are
fostered; therefore, most Japanese parents prefer education as a way to enrich their children.
The Japanese are dedicated to advancing practical and academic research. The
Japanese education system puts a lot of emphasis on cooperative behavior, group discipline.
Japan has done well in producing skilled industrial workers.

The benefits of the Japanese education system

Education in Japan is compulsory and free for the first nine years, allowing almost all
children access to basic education.
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• Trained teachers
Teachers in Japan are well-trained, which provides a strong foundation for the
education of students. Teacher training involves planning that helps teachers learn from each
other and improve their teaching methods. Teachers are highly respected in Japan.
• Disciplined students
This system emphasizes discipline, hard work and respect for teachers and authority,
which strengthens the work ethic among students. The Japanese education system makes
students disciplined and helps them to lead a better life.
• Strong social values
The Japanese education system fosters a sense of responsibility, cooperation, and group
harmony by reflecting cultural values. Although pedagogically rigorous, this system
incorporates elements of moral education, which leads to cultured students.
• Ability to work collaboratively
Students develop the ability to work together and help each other. For this, the students
are given training.
• High academic achievement
Japanese students are known for their high academic achievement on a global scale.
Japan has consistently ranked high in international education rankings. This system prepares
students for the challenges of higher education.
• Good career
After getting a good education in the Japanese education system, students get a chance
to make a good career. Japanese schools are increasingly incorporating technology-based
learning into their curriculum, thereby preparing students for the future.

Concluding Remarks
The Japanese education system is a 6+3+3+4 year framework, with 9 years of
compulsory schooling. Children typically attend preschool for 5-6 years, followed by 6 years of
elementary school and 3 years of junior high school. High school is optional, followed by 4
years of university education. Preschools serve as preparatory stages, kindergartens and nursery
schools offer a variety of educational approaches.
There are many types of schools in Japan, which encourage students to learn.
Government schools are popular because of free tuition and convenient facilities, while private
schools offer more resources. Entrance exams vary at different levels, assessing knowledge and
behavior. In Japan, a lot of emphasis is placed on standardized testing, with entrance exams
determining a student's future academic path.
Teaching discipline and adherence to rules, cultivating the habit of working together
and helping each other, encouraging hard work, teaching Japanese culture and etiquette,
embracing science and technology, foreign language studies as well as emphasizing basic
knowledge and skills are some of the characteristics of the Japanese education system.
Building disciplined students, developing the ability to work collectively, and preparing for
higher academic success on a global scale are some of the advantages of the Japanese education
system.

References
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elementary_schools_in_Japan
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Japan
3. https://education.jnto.go.jp/en/school-in-japan/japanese-education-system/
4. https://ncee.org/japan/
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