Education in Japan

Education of a child in Japan begins early at home. At the age of 6 children are enrolled in elementary school followed by Junior High School which starts from 7th grade and goes up till 9th grade. From elementary to junior high school, education in Japan is compulsory after which they can go for high school or upper secondary education. The programs offered at colleges and universities usually last for four years and lead to graduation. In some universities six year programs are also offered that ultimately lead to a professional degree.
Pre-schooling or early education in Japan starts at home by mothers who are supported by several specially designed books and Television programs. Usually the training and education given to a child at home is about social behavior, manners and well thought-out play. Gradually verbal and number skills are also introduced. Though pre-schools are supervised by the Ministry Of Education, it isn’t part of the official education system. Preschools are usually staffed with female college graduates. Apart from the pre-schools, a well refined system of day care centers is also supervised by the Ministry Of Labor. In Japan, about 90% of children are enrolled in day- care centers and pre-schools before entering the first grade.


In Japan, entering an elementary school is considered to be the most crucial part of a child’s life. The ratio of children getting their elementary education in private schools is very low as compared to the public schools because of high tuition fees in private schools. Same is the case with private secondary schools. Majority of the parents prefer public schools due to high cost of private institutes.

High school or upper secondary education in Japan is considered optional, still according to the estimates taken in 2000, around 94% of the junior high graduates went to high schools.  

After high school, different colleges and universities provide higher education from four to six years. According to the estimates in 1991, there were about 2.1 millions students who got enrolled in 607 universities. The majority of the college students go for the full time courses. At this level education is considered expensive, however, there are several types of funds and student loans offered by the local governments, nonprofit corporations, and various other institutions.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:My search on Education in Japan led me to Career Development course. Could you tell me more?

A:It is common to come across the mention of various courses and programs relevant to the field while going through search such as Education in Japan. Career Development course can be a part of numerous programs. In this course the students are introduced with career development and importance choices needed to be made in life.

Q:What can be the benefits of online education Japan?

A:There are a number of benefits offered by online education Japan that is not there in on campus education. With online education you can study at your own pace and make your own schedule. Online programs are also cost effective, as you do not incur travelling, textbook, or hostel accommodation costs.

Q:While searching for online education in Japan I came across the master's in general education program. Can you give me the details of this program?

A:If you found the master's in general education program, while searching for online education in Japan, you would have noticed that this program is a pathway to a very rewarding profession. The topics that are generally covered in the program include theories and issues in literacy, educational change and innovation, gender and education, languages, culture of school organizations, and the reforms in education.

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