In this article, you will understand all the phases of the Japanese school system such as Yôchien, Shôgakkô, Chûgakkô, Kôkô, and Daigaku.
Education in Japan goes far beyond tests and neatly aligned uniforms. Each phase of the school system carries a well-defined purpose and deeply shapes the behavior and mindset of students.
From the early years in Yôchien, through the hallways of Shôgakkô, to the challenges of universities (Daigaku) and technical schools, each stage brings unique demands and remarkable experiences. Follow along and understand how the system is organized and what truly matters at each phase.
If you've ever wondered how the Japanese manage to maintain such discipline and social cohesion, part of the answer is here.
Table of Contents
Yôchien – The Japanese kindergarten
Before compulsory school, many children attend Yôchien, something similar to preschool or kindergarten. It is an optional phase, but extremely common in Japan.
Teaching more than just playing
The focus goes far beyond toys and songs. From an early age, children learn about social coexistence, responsibilities, and basic rules of etiquette. Activities such as organizing their own materials, putting away shoes, and participating in collective events are common.
Age and routine
Normally, the Yôchien accepts children between 3 and 6 years old. Attendance is usually half-day, but there are full-time options. And don't be fooled: students have uniforms, school agendas, and participate in school festivals from this age.
Elementary School – The first stage of basic education
At six years old, the mandatory journey officially begins. The Shôgakkô (小学校) corresponds to the first six years of education, similar to elementary school in other countries.
What is learned in Shôgakkô?
Don't expect just reading and math. Children study moral (道徳), calligraphy (書道), domestic education, and even participate in cleaning the school. Discipline starts early. They also have a system of rotating class leaders, which encourages a sense of duty.
Intense school life
The daily journey goes beyond classes: there are extracurricular activities, school-organized lunches, and even seismic evacuation drills. Parents are also frequently involved in school activities, reinforcing the community-school bond.
Chûgakkô – The middle school education
The Chûgakkô (中学校) includes the 7th to 9th grades, being a mandatory part of the system. This is where the pressure begins to rise.
More subjects, more responsibilities
In addition to the main subjects, such as Japanese, math, and science, students face frequent tests, mandatory school clubs, and the start of grades that have a real impact on the future. It is common for many to attend juku (preparatory schools) in the afternoon or evening.
Uniforms and social hierarchy
Everyone wears strict uniforms and there is a clear hierarchy among the years. Veterans have a louder voice, and newcomers learn early to respect this structure. Social relationships within the school shape how Japanese adolescents behave in society.
Kôkô – The Japanese high school education
Unlike the previous ones, Kôkô (高校) is not mandatory, but almost all young people continue. Lasting three years, this phase is crucial.
Entrance exams
Yes, to enter high school, the student must exams. The most prestigious schools are extremely competitive. The choice of Kôkô already directs future options for university.
Division by areas
There are high schools for academic, technical, and even artistic education. Some offer a curriculum focused on exact sciences, while others focus on humanities or languages. This allows for an early career direction.
Stress and dedication
The workload can exceed expectations. Many students attend cram schools at night and sleep little. It is common to see young people studying on the train, walking, or during lunch. The routine is demanding but is seen as a rite of age.
Daigaku – The university in Japan
Higher education in Japan is where the student finally gets to breathe a little. But to get there, the path is tense.
National entrance exam
The ission exam for public universities is extremely demanding. There are private universities as well, such as Waseda or Keio, which conduct their own exams. The selection process is relentless.
University life
Upon entering, the routine changes significantly. There is more freedom, less rigidity. Students get involved in clubs, part-time jobs, and even trips. Classes are more theoretical, with fewer continuous demands than in previous phases.
Renowned colleges
Among the most prestigious are:
- University of Tokyo (Todai) – focus on research and academic excellence.
- Kyoto University – tradition is strong in humanities and sciences.
- Osaka University – highlight in engineering and medicine.
Senmon Gakkô – Technical and Professional Schools
Not everyone follows the university path. The Senmon Gakkō (専門学校) offer technical courses lasting 2 to 3 years in areas such as design, IT, fashion, nursing, and hospitality.
They are highly practical and geared towards the job market, with mandatory internships and specific curricula. Many foreigners also choose this path as it is more straightforward and financially accessible.
Curiosities about the Japanese educational system
- Academic year: starts in April and ends in March of the following year.
- Short holidays: summer vacation lasts about a month, much shorter than in many other countries.
- Cleaning system: the students themselves clean the school daily, reinforcing the sense of responsibility.
- Public vs. private schools: Public schools are strong, but private schools are seen as a prestigious alternative in many cases.
Want to understand better how these schools shape Japanese society? Observe the punctuality of trains, the discipline in the streets, and the courtesy in service. It all starts in the classroom.
If you're thinking about studying in Japan or want to understand how the system shapes such dedicated professionals, you now have a good overview. Choose the path that suits you best — and don't be afraid to go beyond the university, because Japan offers much more than degrees.
To complement your reading, we recommend:
