Shukudai: Summer Homework and the Japanese School Break

Learn what summer homework looks like in Japan, from workbooks and picture diaries to free research projects, and how families can plan the long break calmly.

Published October 19, 2026 at 11:49 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Shukudai means homework. In Japan, pupils receive a set of summer assignments, often called natsuyasumi no shukudai, before the break that starts in late July. Typical tasks include workbooks, a diary, a reading task, a craft or a free research project, and work is handed in on the first day of the second term.

What shukudai means

Shukudai is the everyday word for homework, and in summer it takes on a special meaning. The long break, which runs from about late July through August, is paired with a packet of tasks that pupils complete over several weeks. Children bring it home on the last day of the first term, usually along with their report card and a letter about the break.

A guide for foreign residents explains that pupils receive summer assignments and submit them on the first day of the second semester. The break is also long compared with some countries. One encyclopedia entry notes a six-week summer break for primary and secondary schools, while a city guide describes holidays of about 30 to 40 days. The exact dates are set by the school or city. Nishi-Tokyo City's guide, for example, lists the break as July 21 to August 31.

What the summer packet contains

The contents vary by school and grade, but a few items are familiar to many families. Workbooks in Japanese and math are common, often divided into daily pages so that children can finish a little at a time. A diary or picture diary asks pupils to record the weather and an activity, and younger children draw as well as write.

Other typical tasks include a reading task, such as a short report on a book, a craft or poster, and a calligraphy or drawing piece. Some schools assign observation of a plant, with notes on its growth over several weeks. Teachers often give a calendar or checklist to help children plan. Each school sets its own list, so the handout is the main guide. Younger pupils tend to receive lighter, more playful tasks, and older pupils receive longer workbooks and more independent projects.

Free research projects

Jiyu kenkyu (free research) is the most distinctive part. Pupils choose a topic they are curious about, investigate it, and present the results in a report, poster or model. Examples might include how fast ice melts, which plants grow near a river, or how a family tradition began. Teachers value the process: asking a question, collecting information, and sharing what was learned. A simple format is common, with a title, the reason for choosing the topic, what was done, the results and a short reflection.

Some schools display the projects after the break, and some entries are shown in the classroom or sent to local contests. Parents can help by offering materials, a library visit or a trip to a museum, but the idea is that the child leads. Not every school requires a free research project, and some make it optional, so check the summer handout.

Pool days, club activities and community events

Summer break is not only desk work. A city guide notes that some schools hold swimming classes during the break, and another mentions study days at some schools. Pupils may be asked to come to school on certain days for pool time, and local communities often run activities in the neighborhood, such as morning exercise sessions, festivals and cleanups.

Many children join a children's association event or a library program, and those in after-school clubs may attend the club during the break. Schedules vary, and a letter from the school lists any required days. Families who plan travel should check these dates first, so the trip does not clash with pool days or a school event. Weather is also part of planning, since summers are hot, and schools commonly remind pupils to drink water and rest.

A rhythm for the break

A steady routine helps. Many families choose a time each morning for homework, often before the day gets hot, and keep the rest of the day for play, errands and family plans. A small chart on the wall, with stickers or ticks for finished pages, makes progress visible, and a shared family calendar can show pool days and trips beside homework time. Children often enjoy choosing the order of the tasks themselves, which gives them a sense of control over the schedule. Spreading the work evenly keeps the end of August calmer than a last-minute push.

Teachers often suggest keeping the same bedtime and wake-up time as during the term, since the second term starts soon after the break. Some families set a rule that the diary is written each evening, which is easier than recalling the whole week later. A flexible approach works too, as long as the child finishes the main tasks before the new term starts.

What parents can do

Parents are not expected to do the assignments for children, but they help in practical ways: reading the handout, setting up a plan, buying materials and checking that pages are complete. Children usually need help with the free research project the most, especially in choosing a manageable topic. A parent can suggest a topic linked to a family trip or hobby.

It also helps to ask about expectations. Teachers generally want to see effort, curiosity and neat work, not perfection. If a child struggles, a short note in the contact book is welcome, and the teacher can adjust. Families who will be away from Japan during part of the break should tell the teacher early, so that the work can be planned around the trip.

Tips for overseas parents

Start by translating the handout, either with a translation tool or with help from the school, and write the key dates on a calendar. Ask whether English is accepted for the diary and the reading task. Some teachers welcome writing in the language the child is most comfortable in, along with a few Japanese words, while others prefer Japanese, and clarity from the start prevents stress.

Use the break to let children explore. A visit to a local museum, a farm or a festival often turns into a free research topic. Keep a folder with the completed work and a list of what to bring back on the first day. Rules and schedules differ by school and city, so check the current handout and the school calendar for the exact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Japanese summer holidays start and end?

They usually begin in late July and last until the end of August, though dates differ by city and school. Some cities have shorter breaks because of local weather or school calendars. The school sends a calendar before the break, so check the dates there, including any days when pupils are asked to attend.

Is the free research project required?

It depends on the school. Many elementary schools assign one, while others make it optional or allow a smaller report. The summer handout explains the rules. If your child needs help picking a topic, ask the teacher for examples, and choose something small enough to finish in a few weeks.

What if my child cannot finish everything?

Tell the teacher as early as you can, preferably with a short note in the contact book. Teachers usually value honesty and effort and may allow extra time or a lighter task. Setting a small daily goal during the break reduces the chance of an end-of-August rush.

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: Toban: Class Duty Rotations in Japanese Schools, Renrakucho: The Daily Contact Book Between Home and School and The Japanese School Year: April Starts and Cherry Blossoms.