Naraigoto: Swimming, Piano, Abacus and Japanese After-School Lessons

Learn what naraigoto means, which lessons Japanese children commonly take, from swimming and piano to the abacus, and how to choose and balance them.

Published October 19, 2026 at 11:31 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Naraigoto means lessons taken outside school, such as swimming, piano, calligraphy, the abacus, English and sports clubs. Many Japanese children take part in some after-school activity, and swimming and music are among the best-known choices. Families usually choose by interest, schedule and travel time, and check current fees with each school.

What naraigoto means

Naraigoto is the Japanese word for lessons or learning a skill outside regular school, written with the character for learning. It covers a wide field: sports such as swimming and soccer, music such as piano, traditional arts such as calligraphy, and academic skills such as the abacus (soroban) or English conversation. Cram schools called juku are related, but they focus on academic study and exam preparation.

Because school hours are structured and clubs are common, naraigoto is where many children try a skill that school does not teach in depth. Lessons are usually held after school, in the evening or on weekends, and families often build the week around one or two fixed days.

Which lessons are popular

Lessons outside school are common among Japanese children, and families choose from a wide range, from sports and music to calligraphy and the abacus. Swimming and piano are among the best-known examples, and many families start with whichever activity a child shows interest in.

Interests also shift over time, and families often add or drop lessons as a child grows. Because popularity varies by region and by year, any list of popular lessons is best read as a general picture rather than a ranking.

Swimming

Swimming is a favorite lesson, and it fits naturally with school life because swimming is part of physical education. A child who has had lessons often feels confident in class. Swim schools offer group classes graded by level, and children often move up a level when the teacher judges they are ready. Pool rules, such as wearing a swim cap and showering before entering, are explained at enrollment.

A 2013 journal article from a Japanese medical welfare university, based on a survey of elementary schools in four Shikoku prefectures, summarizes the national curriculum guidelines: first and second graders learn to play in water, third and fourth graders learn basic floating and swimming, and fifth and sixth graders learn the crawl or breaststroke over longer distances. In that survey, 93.4 percent of the schools had a pool on site and 99.0 percent held regular swimming classes, although results from one region may not represent the whole country.

Parents who are new to the system can ask about trial lessons, the class level system, the schedule, the transport arrangements and the clothing needed. Pool rules differ by facility, so read the handbook carefully. For a young child, the main criteria are a friendly teacher, a manageable schedule and a pool that is easy to reach. Swimwear, a cap, goggles and a towel are the usual basics, and many schools post a list of what to bring.

Piano and music

Music lessons are a popular kind of naraigoto, and many children also learn violin, keyboards, drums or singing. Lessons may be private, in a small group or at a music school, and they commonly involve daily practice at home and a small recital each year.

Families who live in apartments often choose an instrument they can practice quietly or use a digital keyboard with headphones, since neighbors and building rules matter. Teachers usually explain how often to practice and what to buy. The goal at a young age is enjoyment and steady habit, and a child can usually try a few months before deciding whether to continue.

The abacus and traditional arts

The abacus, called soroban, remains a well-known lesson. A survey by an abacus education organization, reported by nippon.com, covered 348 parents in central Tokyo whose children attend abacus classes: 43.7 percent of the children began in the first year of elementary school and 31.6 percent before elementary school. About 86 percent of parents cited better calculation as the main reason, and about 83 percent said the child's calculation had improved.

Because the survey was run by an abacus organization among parents of current students, it describes motives and impressions, not a neutral test of results. Calligraphy (shuji), tea ceremony, judo, kendo and dance are other traditional or physical options, and many communities offer low-cost classes through community centers and sports clubs.

Choosing, costs and balancing

Start with the child's interest, then look at the schedule, travel time and the cost. Fees vary widely by type of lesson, location and frequency. Many schools charge a monthly fee plus an enrollment fee and equipment costs, so ask for a written fee list and about holiday closures. Many schools offer a trial lesson, which is the best way to judge the teacher and the atmosphere.

Balance matters. One or two lessons a week, plus homework and free play, is a manageable load for many young children, and older students may need to scale back as exam preparation begins. Watch for signs of tiredness and be ready to pause. Children who feel pressure to attend every session may lose interest, whereas a child who enjoys one lesson will often practice happily without reminders. The right number of activities depends on the child, and it is fine to change the plan as interests grow.

Tips for overseas parents

Ask the school or neighbors what is available nearby, check whether the teacher speaks English if the family needs it, and read the rules about absences and make-up lessons. Many Japanese lesson schools expect parents to bring children on time, to take part in occasional events such as recitals or tests, and to communicate by messaging apps or notebooks.

Fees, rules and class levels change, so check the current terms with each school before enrolling. Parents can also look at municipal sports and cultural programs, which are sometimes more affordable and offer a good chance to meet local families. This guide shares general cultural information, not professional advice; for a child's health or physical readiness for a sport, talk with a pediatrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does naraigoto mean?

Naraigoto means lessons or skills learned outside regular school, such as swimming, piano, calligraphy, the abacus, English and sports. Children usually attend after school or on weekends, and parents choose according to interest, schedule and budget. Cram schools called juku are a separate category focused on academic study.

What lessons do Japanese children take most?

Swimming and music such as piano are among the best-known activities, and many children take part in some kind of lesson. Other common choices include calligraphy, the abacus, English and team sports.

How much do lessons cost in Japan?

Costs vary widely by lesson type, location, class size and frequency, and many schools add enrollment and equipment fees. Ask for a written fee list before enrolling, and try a trial lesson first. Municipal sports and cultural programs can be a lower-cost option, but check the current terms with each provider.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese Parenting Secrets That Create Calm, Independent Children is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Juku: Cram Schools and the Japanese After-School Study Culture, Swimming Lessons for Kids in Japan: School Pools and Swim Schools and Ojuken: Entrance Exams for Japanese Schools.