Japan ratified the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994. This agreement recognizes the rights of the child to education. In Japan, primary education is not compulsory for children of foreign nationality, but every child has the right to receive education.

The Japanese education system consists overall of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school and four years of university (or two years of junior college)

Among the 6.3.3.4 years of education, every child must enter and graduate from an elementary school and a junior high school, as this is compulsory education. Compulsory education is an obligation for Japanese citizens. However, children of age six to 15 with foreign citizenship may enter or transfer to local elementary schools or junior high schools with same expenses as Japanese citizens, regardless of their nationality. Looking ahead to your child’s future, it is highly desirable for your child to be entered/ transferred into a school. Please consult the municipal administrative office in the area where you reside.

Most students in Japan go on to study at high schools/universities. To be admitted into a high school or a university, applicants must take an entrance examination.
There are kindergartens for children under school age. There are also specialized training schools and miscellaneous schools basically for junior high school and high school graduates which teach them the skills and knowledge necessary for a vocation. Schools for children with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and health impairments are also available.