Upper secondary schools are generally called “high schools” (as they will be referred to hereafter). Over 90% of Japanese students go on to study at a high school. Just as in the case of elementary schools and junior high schools, there are national schools run by the national government, public schools run by prefectures/municipalities, and private schools run by incorporated educational institutions. Which public high schools you can apply to is limited according to the district in which you reside.
Note that entrance fees, tuition fees and textbooks must be prepared at your own expense, as high school education is not compulsory.

You must pass the entering examination to enter a high school. Some high schools have a system of recommendation, whereby students may enter by passing an interview if they have shown outstanding academic achievements or unique talents. Other schools may also have a special quota for foreign students. Contact the school you wish to enter for information.

You must either be predicted to graduate a Japanese junior high school or be certified as having the academic abilities equivalent to graduating junior high school in order to take the entrance exam. Those who have graduated from high schools overseas must have proof of this.

This is an examination held by the national government to certify that a person has the academic abilities equivalent to those who have graduated from junior high school. It qualifies those who pass it to take high school entrance examinations. Those of foreign nationality may also take the exam if they are over the age of 15 by the 31 May each year.