Enrolling Foreign Children in Japanese Public Schools: The Process

Follow the usual steps for enrolling a foreign child in a Japanese public school, from the city office visit to grade placement, school lunch, supplies and parent involvement.

Published October 20, 2026 at 1:38 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Foreign children living in Japan can enroll in public elementary and junior high schools. Families register their address at the municipal office, tell the office they want a school place, receive guidance or an application from the Board of Education, and then visit the assigned school. Tuition and textbooks are free, while lunch and some supplies are paid by the family.

Who can enroll and when

Japanese public elementary and junior high schools welcome foreign children whose families wish to enroll them. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology publishes a Guidebook for Starting School, which says that enrollment is free and that foreign children are given the same opportunity for education as Japanese children. Compulsory education covers children aged 6 to 15, and the guidebook encourages families to confirm their situation with the local Board of Education.

The school year runs from April to March. Children enter elementary school in April after turning six. Elementary school lasts six years and junior high school three. Families who arrive during the year should ask the municipality about timing, since the guidebook also describes a transfer procedure, so do not wait for April to start asking if your child is already living in Japan. The guidebook dates from the mid-2010s, so check the ministry and your municipality for the latest version.

Step one: register at the municipal office

The process begins at the municipal office, whether it is a city, ward, town or village office. The guidebook explains that you first submit a moving-in notification at the resident registration counter. At the same office, you tell staff that you want your child to attend a Japanese school and ask how to proceed.

For a new school-age child, the Board of Education may send or give you a school guide notice, called shugaku annai. For a child who is transferring from another school, there is a separate application form for non-Japanese students. The Board of Education issues an enrollment permit, either on the spot or by mail. Procedures vary by municipality, so bring your residence card, your child's passport and any records you have, and ask what else the office needs.

The school guide notice and designated school

The school guide notice tells you the designated school, the entrance date and the deadline for submitting your application. Public schools are normally assigned by address, which is why the moving-in notification comes first. Transferring students usually use the application form rather than the guide notice.

Take the notice and the enrollment permit to the designated school. If you cannot read the notice, take it to the municipal counter, where staff can usually explain it or point you to translation help. Some areas may have international exchange associations that support new families, so it is worth asking whether one is nearby. Keep every document in a folder, since the school will want to see several of them.

Visiting the school and grade placement

At the school, you meet teachers to discuss your child's background. The guidebook says you may be asked about birth date, arrival date, previous schooling, Japanese study, health, allergies, family contacts and the route to school. Bring school records from the home country, such as a certificate of enrollment and a transcript, if you have them.

Grades are based on age. Children born between April 2 and the following April 1 share a grade, so the Japanese grade may differ from the grade in your home country. A child may sometimes be placed in a lower grade for a time if Japanese ability is limited. Support differs by area, so ask the Board of Education about the options available where you live, including whether a school with more Japanese-language support is possible.

School lunch, supplies and fees

Tuition is free at public elementary and junior high schools, and textbooks are provided free to each student at the start of the school year. Families pay school lunch fees and some school supplies, along with supplementary learning materials. Most elementary and junior high schools serve school lunch, called kyushoku, as part of education, and students usually serve and clean up themselves.

The guidebook adds that families facing financial difficulty may receive help with lunch and supply costs through the Board of Education. Tell the school about allergies or food restrictions at enrollment. For health or religious reasons, talk with the homeroom teacher. Schools also carry out regular health checks, including height, weight, eyesight and hearing, so share any medical history when you enroll.

Daily life, language support and parents

Classes are normally taught in Japanese. Elementary school usually has one main teacher for most subjects, while junior high school has subject teachers. Students clean their own classrooms and school grounds, and after-school clubs are optional. The guidebook describes the school system and subjects in some detail, which helps families picture a typical day.

Language support differs by municipality. The guidebook mentions that interpreters may be arranged for parent-teacher interviews at some schools. Parents are encouraged to join the PTA, class observations and meetings. Ask about interpreters when you book an interview. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with your municipality or the Board of Education before you act.

Preparing your child and your family

Visiting the school before the first day can help a child feel at ease. Practice the route, learn a few simple Japanese phrases for greetings and asking to use the restroom, and prepare the supplies the school lists. Schools may provide a list of items for each grade, so ask the teacher what is needed and how belongings should be marked.

Many families find it helpful to connect with other parents, a local international association or a language class for children. Tell the teacher about anything that would help them support your child, such as a medical need or a first language. Patience matters, since settling in can take time, so allow time for your child to adjust. A calm routine at home, with regular sleep and a relaxed morning, can make the first weeks easier.

It also helps to keep a small folder with the enrollment permit, vaccination records, emergency contacts and copies of school letters, so that you can answer any question from the teacher quickly. If a letter arrives that you cannot read, bring it to the school office or the municipal counter rather than waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign children attend Japanese public schools?

Yes. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology says foreign children may enroll in public elementary and junior high schools if the family wishes, and that tuition is free. Start at your municipal office, where you can ask the Board of Education about the enrollment process and about support in your area.

Which grade will my child join?

Grades are normally based on age, with children born from April 2 to the following April 1 sharing a grade. A child may sometimes start in a lower grade for a time if Japanese ability is limited. Ask the Board of Education and the school what is possible for your child.

What will it cost?

Tuition and textbooks at public elementary and junior high schools are free. Families pay school lunch fees and some school supplies, and help may be available if costs are a burden. Ask the school or Board of Education for the current amounts, because they vary by municipality and school.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Building a Life in Japan is available on Amazon.

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