japanese school homework

Everything you want to know about Japan

Do Japanese students get a lot of homework?

1. introduction.

Do Japanese students get a lot of homework? This is a question that has been asked for decades, and the answer is not always straightforward. In this article, we will explore the issue of homework in Japan from both a historical and modern perspective. We will look at how much homework Japanese students receive, what factors affect the amount of homework they receive, and the benefits and disadvantages of heavy homework loads for Japanese students. Finally, we will discuss the impact of technology on homework in Japan.

2. What is Homework?

Homework is defined as any academic assignment that is given to students outside of class time to be completed on their own. It can include reading assignments, writing essays or reports, solving problems, or conducting research. Homework is an important part of the learning process as it allows students to practice and reinforce concepts learned in class and prepare for upcoming lessons.

3. Homework in Japan: A Historical Perspective

Homework has been a part of education in Japan since ancient times. In the Edo period (1603-1868), students were expected to complete their studies at home with the help of their parents or tutors. During this time, there was an emphasis on rote memorization and repetition rather than understanding concepts deeply. This approach continued into the Meiji period (1868-1912) when formal schooling became more widespread and textbooks were introduced into classrooms across Japan. The amount of homework assigned during this period was generally light compared to today’s standards; however, it still included some form of nightly practice or review work that was expected to be completed by all students.

4. How Much Homework Do Japanese Students Receive?

The amount of homework assigned to Japanese students varies greatly depending on grade level and school type (public vs private). According to recent surveys conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), elementary school children typically receive around 60 minutes per day while junior high schoolers receive around 100 minutes per day on average. High schoolers have even more with an average daily load ranging from 120-150 minutes per day depending on grade level and subject matter studied.

5. Factors That Affect the Amount of Homework Received by Japanese Students

There are several factors that can affect how much homework a student receives in Japan including grade level, school type (public vs private), subject matter studied (science vs humanities) as well as regional differences between prefectures/cities/towns within Japan itself due to differing educational philosophies between local governments/school boards etc.. Additionally, teachers’ expectations may also vary due to personal preferences or beliefs about how much work should be assigned each night/weekend etc..

6. Benefits and Disadvantages of Heavy Homework Loads for Japanese Students

Heavy homework loads can have both positive and negative effects on student learning outcomes in Japan depending on individual circumstances such as family support or access to resources like tutoring etc.. On one hand, having a lot of homework can help reinforce concepts learned in class while encouraging independent study habits which are beneficial for long term success in higher education or career pursuits after graduation from high school/university etc.. On the other hand however, too much work can lead to fatigue/burnout which can negatively impact concentration levels leading to lower grades overall if not managed properly over time etc..

7. The Impact of Technology on Homework in Japan

In recent years there has been an increased use of technology such as computers/tablets/smartphones etc., which has had both positive & negative impacts on traditional methods used for assigning & completing assignments such as essays & problem sets etc.. On one hand it has made it easier for teachers & administrators alike to distribute materials & track progress online but at same time it has led some educators & parents alike concerned about potential distractions posed by devices like smartphones which could potentially lead to lower academic performance if not managed properly over time etc..

8 Conclusion

In conclusion it is clear that Japanese students do indeed receive quite a bit more homework than their counterparts around world but this varies greatly depending on individual circumstances such as grade level & school type etc.. The amount & type assigned also depends heavily upon teacher expectations & regional differences between prefectures/cities within country itself but overall trend seems be increasing due introduction new technologies like computers/tablets which have made it easier assign tasks monitor progress online but also pose potential distractions if not managed properly over time etc..

9 References

1) Ministry Of Education Culture Sports Science And Technology “Survey Results On Hours Spent Doing Homework By Elementary Junior High And High School Students” Accessed April 15th 2021 https://www8.mext.go.jp /a_menu /shotou /toushin /1375705.htm 2) BBC News “Japan’s ‘Education Fever’ Is Making Children Ill” Accessed April 15th 2021 https://www.bbc.com /news /world -asia -39935337

How many hours do kids in Japan spend on homework?

On an average day Japanese high school students go to school from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and depending on the school and the individual how immersed they are in exam hell. Many go to school diligently during the day and on weekends and are very involved in sports or club activities.

How many hours do Japanese students study in school?

School leaves around 3.15pm so they have to be at school about six and a half hours a day from Monday to Friday. However most children also go after school and many also go to doll schools (生书) in the evenings for extra study. Learn more about school life in Japan in our Getting to know the kids section.

How many hours do Japanese students work?

As a student you can work 28 hours a week. Its a combination of all the places you work so if you work two jobs for example you can only work 14 hours each. If you leave school because you dont want to carry out student-related activities your work permit will not be valid.

How many hours a week do Japanese students study?

FSI classes are 25 hours per week but students spend 3-4 hours per day on independent study outside of class time. Between class time and independent study students study about 395 hours per week.

What country has the shortest school day?

Finland Finland School Hours Typically, the Finnish school day starts anywhere from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and students typically spend only about five hours a day in the classroom. Whats more, Finnish students typically have little to no homework.

What country has the longest school hours?

Asian countries are known for their great education systems and exam schedules. All of Taiwan is notable for having the longest school hours which annoys some students while others find it necessary.

Related posts:

• How many hours a day do Japanese students study?
• Why are Japanese so hygienic?
• How often do Japanese wash their hair?
• Is learning Japanese worth it?

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Daily Life in Japanese High Schools

Getting to School

Extracurricular activities, "cram schools", entrance examinations, questions for consideration, references and resources.

Understanding the Japanese people and culture requires understanding the factors that mold them. Particularly important are those components which influence them in their formative years. The Japanese education system is one of the most influential agents molding Japanese youth. Given the large amount of time that Japanese students spend in schools, it is little wonder that the education system plays a tremendous role in determining the fabric of Japanese society. An examination of the "typical" high school experience illuminates the function of the education system in Japanese society.

Japanese high school students do not drive cars. Many either walk or ride bicycles if the distance is not too great. In other cases, students must take public buses and trains, often changing lines several times in order to reach their destinations. It is not uncommon for students to spend two or more hours each day on public transportation. After junior high school, students attend schools based on standardized high school entrance examination scores. As a result, some students travel a great distance to attend the school determined by their test scores. The school day begins at 8:30, so students may leave home as early as 6:30. While some students sleep or study during their long commute, public transportation also provides a chance for socializing with peers. Student behavior on the way to school is regulated by school policies. These policies may prohibit certain activities in public--chewing gum, consuming snacks, reading books while walking--anything that might reflect badly on the reputation of the school. Each school has a unique uniform that makes its students easily identifiable to the public. School policies often require students to stand on buses and trains, leaving seats open for other passengers in order to demonstrate consideration. In practice, however, the behavior of students tends to relax as they move farther away from school.

Once at school, the students usually enter an area full of small lockers in which they place their street shoes and don school slippers. These slippers may be color coded: pink for girls and blue for boys. Many schools have a weekly school-wide assembly. Then students assemble in their homeroom classes for the day's studies. The school day starts with classroom management tasks, such as taking attendance and making announcements. These activities usually are conducted by the students themselves on a rotating duty schedule called toban . Each homeroom has an average of 40-45 students. Students stay in their homeroom classrooms for most of the school day while the teachers move from room to room, operating out of a central teachers' room. Only for physical education, laboratory classes, or other subjects requiring special facilities do students move to different parts of the school. Between classes and at lunch time, classrooms can be noisy, lively places. Some schools may have a cafeteria, but most do not. Even in schools where a lunch is prepared and provided to the students, they usually eat together in their homeroom classrooms. In most schools, students bring a box lunch from home, almost always consisting of foods prepared by the mother in the early morning hours, such s rice, fish, eggs, vegetables, and pickles.

Japanese students spend 240 days a year at school, 60 days more then their American counterparts. Although many of those days are spent preparing for annual school festivals and events such as Culture Day, Sports Day, and school excursions, Japanese students still spend considerably more time in class than American students. Traditionally, Japanese students have attended school for half a day on Saturdays; however, the number of required Saturdays each month is decreasing as the result of Japanese educational reforms. Course selection and textbooks are determined by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Schools have limited autonomy in their curriculum development. Students in academic high schools typically take three years each of the following subjects: mathematics, social studies, Japanese, science, and English. Other subjects include physical education, music, art, and moral studies. All the students in one grade level study the same subjects. Given the number of required subjects, electives are few.

At the end of the academic day, all students participate in o soji , the cleaning of the school. They sweep the classrooms and the hallways, empty trash cans, clean restrooms, clean chalkboards and chalk erasers, and pick up trash from the school grounds. After o soji , school is dismissed and most students disperse to different parts of the school for club meetings.

Club activities take place after school every day. Teachers are assigned as sponsors, but often the students themselves determine the club's daily activities. Students can join only one club, and they rarely change clubs from year to year. In most schools, clubs can be divided into two types: sports clubs (baseball, soccer, judo , kendo , track, tennis, swimming, softball, volleyball, rugby) and culture clubs (English, broadcasting, calligraphy, science, mathematics, yearbook). New students usually are encouraged to select a club shortly after the school year begins in April. Clubs meet for two hours after school each day and many clubs continue to meet during school vacations. Club activities provide one of the primary opportunities for peer group socialization. Most college bound students withdraw from club activities during their senior year to devote more time to preparation for university entrance examinations. Although visible in the general high school experience, it is in the clubs that the fundamental relationships of senpai (senior) and kohai (junior) are established most solidly. It is the responsibility of the senpai to teach, initiate, and take care of the kohai . It is the duty of the kohai to serve and defer to the senpai . For example, kohai students in the tennis club might spend one year chasing tennis balls while the upperclassmen practice. Only after the upperclassmen have finished may the underclassmen use the courts. The kohai are expected to serve their senpai and to learn from them by observing and modeling their behavior. This fundamental relationship can be seen throughout Japanese society, in business, politics, and social dealings.

An interesting component of Japanese education is the thriving industry of juku and yobiko , after school "cram schools," where approximately 60% of Japanese high school students go for supplemental lessons. Juku may offer lessons in nonacademic subjects such as art, swimming, abacus, and calligraphy, especially for elementary school students, as well as the academic subjects that are important to preparation for entrance examinations at all levels. Juku for high school students must compete for enrollment with yobiko , which exist solely to prepare students for university entrance examinations. Some "cram schools" specialize in preparing students for the examination of a particular school. Although it would seem natural for students to dread the rigor of additional lessons that extend their school day well into the late evening hours and require additional homework, many students enjoy juku and yobiko , where teachers often are more animated and more interesting than some of the teachers in their regular schools. Also, in many cases, the lessons studied in "cram schools" provide an intellectual challenge for students bored with the standardized curriculum of their regular schools.

Juku and yobiko are primarily private, for profit schools that attract students from a wide geographical area. They often are located near train stations, enabling students to transport themselves easily to juku directly from school. Juku and yobiko thrive in Japan, where it is believed that all people possess the same innate intellectual capacity, and it is only the effort of individuals, or lack thereof, that determines their achievement above or below their fellows. In Japanese schools, there is the tendency to pass students with their grade cohort. Therefore, without the supplemental juku lessons, some students could fall well behind their classmates. Yobiko also exist to serve ronin , "masterless samurai," students who have failed an entrance examination, but who want to try again. It is possible for students to spend a year or two as ronin after graduating from high school, studying at yobiko until they can pass a university entrance examination or until they give up. "Cram school" tuition is expensive, but most parents are eager to pay in order to ensure acceptance into a selective junior high school, high school, or university, and thus, a good future for their children.

In addition to university admission, entrance to high school also is determined by examination, and the subjects tested are Japanese, mathematics, science, social studies, and English. Private high schools create their own examinations, while those for public high schools are standardized within each prefecture. Students (and their parents) consider each school's college placement record when deciding which examinations to take. Success or failure on an entrance examination can influence a student's entire future, since the prospect of finding a good job depends on the school attended. Thus, students experience the pressure of this examination system at a relatively early age. But, practice tests at school and juku help teachers to direct students toward institutions whose examinations they are most likely to pass.

Japanese students devote approximately two hours per weekday to homework, and about three hours on Sunday. They spend an average of two hours per day watching television, half an hour listening to the radio, an hour reading casually, and less than half an hour in social relations with peers outside of school. Japanese adults tend to perceive high school students in many ways as large children instead of young adults. And, while opposite sexes are interested in each other, parents and teachers strongly discourage teenage dating. Most young people do not begin to date until after high school. Finally, for a variety of reasons, there are few drug problems among Japanese adolescents.

What fundamental social values are reflected in the education systems of the United States and Japan?

What are the intrinsic and extrinsic incentives motivating American and Japanese students?

Imagine high school life without cars. How would it be different?

There are different definitions of democracy as applied to education. In the United States, recognition of different talents=democracy. In Japan, "equal access" based on standardized scores=democracy. What do you think?

Dolly, John P. "Juku and the Performance of Japanese Students: An American Perspective. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Japan-United States Teacher Education Consortium, Tokyo, June 1992. ED 355 175

Pettersen, Larry. "Japan's 'Cram Schools.'" EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP 50, no. 5 (1993): 56-8. EJ 457 365

Rohlen, Thomas P. JAPAN'S HIGH SCHOOLS. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1983. ED 237 343

Tomlinson, Tommy. "Hard Work and High Expectations: Motivating Students to Learn." Issues in Education. Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Washington, D.C. Report. April 1992. ED 345 871

Tsukada, Mamoru. "Institutionalized Supplementary Education in Japan: The Yobiko and Ronin Student Adaptations." COMPARATIVE EDUCATION 24, no. 3 (1988): 285-303. EJ 386 063

White, Merry. THE MATERIAL CHILD: COMING OF AGE IN JAPAN AND AMERICA. New York: The Free Press, 1993.

Marcia L. Johnson is the former Associate Director of the National Clearinghouse for U.S.-Japan Studies. Jeffrey R. Johnson has an MA in East Asian Studies and is a graduate student of history at Indiana University. The Johnsons have lived and taught in Japan for six years.

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• Life & Culture

What is school life typically like in Japan?

In terms of education, Japan is one of the top-performing countries in the world , alongside countries like Hong Kong, Finland, and Canada. 

Analysis from the NCEE tells us that “there is a clear correlation between the quality of a country’s educational system and its general economic status and overall well-being”. So, it may come as no surprise that Japan, one of the world’s largest economies in the world, also offers a top-class education .

It begs the question: what is school life like in Japan?

In this article, we explore elements of the Japanese education system that might help to indicate why their education system is so successful, and how that translates into “typical” day-to-day Japanese school life.

The Structure of the Japanese Education System

The first thing to understand is the fact that the Japanese education system is highly standarised , with a national curriculum that ensures a consistent educational experience across the country. Students typically go through a highly uniform educational structure of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, and three years of high school.

Western education systems, on the other hand, especially in countries like the United States, can vary significantly between states and even individual schools. Some Western countries have a similar 6-3-3 model , while others may have different divisions, such as elementary, middle, and high school, or primary and secondary education.

Schools in Japan often open at, or shortly after, 8:00 am, with students arriving between 8:00 and 8:30 am. All levels of schools have six periods per day , with the first period usually starting after 8:30am. 

In Japanese elementary school, each period is 45 minutes, while in junior high and high school, each period is 50 minutes, with a small break between periods.

Standardised Learning

Japanese students put in a whopping 240 days a year at school , a whole 60 days more than their American counterparts. 

Although a significant portion of these days are dedicated to preparing for annual school events, Japanese students still log more classroom hours than their Western counterparts. While Saturdays were traditionally half-days , recent educational reforms have led to a decrease in the number of required Saturday sessions.

The Japanese Ministry of Education calls the shots when it comes to course selection and textbooks, leaving schools with limited autonomy in shaping their curriculum. Academic high school students generally tackle a three-year curriculum covering maths, social studies, Japanese, science, and English. Additional subjects may include physical education, music, art, and moral studies. Given the array of mandatory subjects, elective options are relatively scarce .

Japanese education also places a strong emphasis on standardised exams , notably the university entrance exams. Success in these exams often determines a student’s future academic and career paths, since the prospect of finding a good job in Tokyo balances on the school they attend. 

University entrance exams are particularly rigorous and highly competitive, but, practice tests at school and “ juku” (or “cram schools”: summer lessons in nonacademic subjects ) help teachers to usher students toward institutions whose examinations they are most likely to pass.

In comparison, western systems typically prioritise a holistic approach to evaluation , considering factors beyond exams, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. While standardised tests are common, they might not carry the same weight as in Japan, and universities frequently consider a broader set of criteria than just grades.

What does the Japanese Education System Look Like for the Average Japanese Student?

Travelling to school.

High school students in Japan usually don’t drive cars. Instead, many opt for a stroll or hop on their bicycles if the distance isn’t too far. On your average weekday in Japan, you can expect to see groups of elementary schoolers walking each other to school , rather than their parents. For longer journeys, public buses and trains are the go-to, even if it means changing lines a couple of times — it’s not unusual for students to clock in two or more hours each day just commuting .

Once they’ve sat their standardised high school entrance exams post-junior high, some students find themselves trekking quite a distance to attend the school that their test scores landed them in. As we said before, the school day kicks off at 8:30AM, so these early birds might be leaving their nests as early as 6:30AM.

Some students catch up on much-needed sleep, or dive into their textbooks during the lengthy commute. However, public transportation also becomes a social hub , providing a chance for students to catch up and chat with their pals.

Of course, there are some ground rules. School policies regulate behaviour on the way to school, which can include

• no chewing gum
• no snacking
• or reading books on the move

Basically, nothing that might dent the school’s stellar reputation, which speaks to Japan’s culture of respect and integrity . And speaking of reputation, each school boasts a unique uniform, making its students stand out in the crowd (and far easier to report if they break school policy).

However, whilst policies such as those that suggest students stand on buses and trains to leave seats for others, the further they get from school, the more those rules tend to loosen up.

The Japanese School Day

Once students arrive at school, they step into an area filled with small lockers, where they stash their street shoes and slip into their school slippers. This is a continuation of Japanese customs, whereby guests and residents of homes, accommodations, restaurants, temples, (and even some hospitals and hotels) are expected to take off their shoes at the door , and slip into slippers suitable for inside. 

Many schools kick off the week with a school-wide assembly, and afterward, students gather in their homeroom classes to dive into the day’s studies.

The school day commences with some essential housekeeping tasks, like attendance-taking and announcements. Students handle these responsibilities on a rotating schedule called “toban.” This is one of many ways in which the Japanese school system is quite different to the UK & US system, where teachers usually take attendance and collect work. 

Typically, each homeroom hosts around 40-45 students, and they stick to their homeroom classrooms for most of the day . Teachers, on the other hand, navigate from room to room, operating out of a central teachers’ room. The only time students venture to different parts of the school is for subjects like physical education, laboratory classes, or to use other specialised facilities.

Between classes and during lunch breaks, classrooms buzz with activity and chatter. While some schools may boast a cafeteria, providing healthy, balanced meals, most rely on students bringing box lunches from home. These homemade lunches, usually prepared by mothers in the early morning hours, feature a nutritious mix of rice, fish, eggs, vegetables, and pickled goods . You can find out more about Japan’s healthy food culture in our article, Japan’s Healthcare System vs The US .

As the academic day winds down, all students pitch in for “o soji,” the school cleaning routine. They sweep classrooms and hallways, empty trash cans, tidy up restrooms, clean chalkboards and erasers, and pick up any litter on the school grounds. Again, this is a greatly contrasting element of the Japanese school day, when compared to Western school systems.

The day will typically finish with students returning to their homeroom for end-of-day salutations, which ends before 4:00 pm. After this time, junior high and high school students will usually take part in club activities , “bukatsu”, until about 6:00 pm.

Working in a Japanese School

Working in a Japanese school is a unique and enriching experience that blends tradition, discipline, and a strong sense of community. 

If you’re lucky enough to be an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) , stationed at one of Japan’s broad range of public and private schools, you can expect to teach your own classes, accompanied by a Japanese teacher, to help manage the classroom and overcome any language barriers.

Taking on a teaching role anywhere in the world can be an incredibly formative and life-changing  experience, but there’s nothing quite like teaching in Japan, with one of the best education systems in the world.

Here’s a taste of what you should expect!

Most schools in Japan will have a principal (“kōchō-sensei”) and vice-principal (“kyoto-sensei” or “fuku-kōchō-sensei”). The number of homeroom/form teachers will depend on the school population. Class sizes usually range from 20 to 40 students. Each grade will have a head teacher, and each class will have a homeroom/form teacher, according to the Japanese school system.

Your First Day in a Japanese School

In most cases, you will be introduced to your schools prior to your first working day. You will meet a representative of each school, likely the head of the English program, and quite likely the principal and vice-principal as well. You should be shown your desk, shoebox, and other things that relate to you and will likely be asked to give a brief self-introduction to the other teachers, in Japanese if possible.

On your first day, unless otherwise notified, you will be expected to find your way to school on your own . Be sure to check and double-check your route, as a late arrival on your first day can sour your relationship with the school for the entire year! When you arrive, you should change into your indoor shoes, find your way to the teachers’ room, and offer a hearty “Ohayō gozaimasu!” with a bow at the door. You should already have been shown where to sit, so simply proceed inside and get settled into your role as an inspiring educator . If not, the head of the English program should be ready to guide you.

There may be an official welcome for you given by the students, where you will need to give another introduction, this time in English. If you come at the beginning of the Japanese school year (April), you will likely be introduced along with the other new teachers to the school, as Japanese teachers rotate regularly, only spending an average of three years in a school at a time .

If you want to know more about Japanese culture, Interac is home to a wealth of free articles to help give you a taste of life in Japan. Or, you could experience working and living in Japan first hand, by signing up to be an ALT with Intera c!

About the Author

Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac , Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers).  Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.

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Promotion of Educational Travel to Japan

• ABOUT JAPAN EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• arrow_right WHY JAPAN?
• arrow_right Traditional culture
• arrow_right Modern culture
• arrow_right Natural environment
• arrow_right Japanese food
• arrow_right Sports
• arrow_right Made in Japan
• arrow_right Crisis management
• arrow_right Social systems and infrastructure
• arrow_right Peace and friendship
• arrow_right SCHOOL IN JAPAN
• arrow_right JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
• arrow_right SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN
• arrow_right PLAN YOUR TRIP
• arrow_right SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
• arrow_right SCHOOL EXCHANGES
• arrow_right TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE SCHOOL EXCHANGE
• arrow_right IN-PERSON EXCHANGES
• arrow_right ONLINE EXCHANGES
• arrow_right VISITOR'S VOICES

class JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

About Japanese Educational System and Japanese Schools.

Curriculum Outline

The Japanese school system primarily consists of six-year elementary schools, three-year junior high schools and three-year high schools, followed by a two-or-three-year junior colleges or a four-year colleges. Compulsory education lasts for 9 years through elementary and junior high school. School exchanges during Japan Educational Travel are mainly implemented in junior high and high schools. For physically or mentally challenged students, there is a system called “Special Needs Education” to support special students to develop their self-reliance and thus enhance their social participation.

School Education Chart

Introduction to Schools in Japan

Event school timetable.

Public schools in Japan have classes five days a week, from Monday to Friday. There are also schools that have classes on Saturday. In junior high and high schools, there are six class periods each day, typically lasting 50 minutes for each. After classes, students clean the classrooms in shifts and then start their club activities. There are a variety of clubs such as cultural and sports ones.

An Example of School Timetable

event Academic Calendar

In principle, the school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Most schools adopt a three-semester system, with the first semester from April to August, the second semester from September to December, and the third semester from January to March. There is also a summer break (from the end of July to the end of August), a winter break (from the end of December to the beginning of January), and a spring break (from the end of March to the beginning of April).

An Example of Academic Calendar

event School Organization

Each school has a principal, a vice principal, teachers, a school nurse, and other administration staff. As the chief executive, the principal assumes all responsibilities of the school, including the courses provided and related administrative work. The vice principal supports the principal to manage administrative affairs of the school and to be in charge of student’s educational activities and curriculum as well. Furthermore, in order to ensure school’s smooth operation, teachers take on various responsibilities, such as taking care of educational activities, students’school life, and employment guidance for students after graduation. Many schools also establish their own committees, for example a International Exchange Promotion Committee, and others.

Related Information

Special Features of Japanese Education

About Features of Japanese Education.

event Regarding the Level of Education

The level of Japanese education is high even by world standards. In OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) aimed at fifteen-year-olds, Japanese students recorded high levels of achievement, particularly in science related areas. Educational activities outside of school also flourish, and programs leading to advanced education are implemented. Enrollment in high schools, the second-half of secondary education, reaches over 90%, and the enrollments in college are also high reaching over 50%. Admission to high schools and colleges is mainly through entrance exams, held from January to March. Source: OECD

location_city Foreign Language Education

English is a compulsory subject in junior high and high schools. There are also elementary schools that introduce English education from intermediate grade classes. In some high schools, apart from English, students are also allowed to take courses in Chinese, Korean, French, German, etc.

location_city Student Clubs

Student clubs are a characteristic part in Japan’s school education. Under teachers’ guidance, students with the same interests in sports, cultural activities, or fields of study voluntarily gather together after classes and on days off. There are also numerous student clubs revolving around Japanese traditional sports and culture, such as judo, kendo(Japanese swordsmanship), sado (Japanese tea ceremony), kado (Japanese flower arrangement), shodo (Japanese calligraphy), etc. Club activities also provide students with the chance to participate in school exchange and friendly matches.

Sports Clubs

• Track and Field
• Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship)

Culture Clubs

• School Band
• School Choir
• Kado (Japanese flower arrangement)
• Sado (Japanese tea ceremony)
• Shodo (Japanese calligraphy)

check 学校交流する場合のポイント

Check_box 1～3月は受験シーズンのため交流は難しい.

海外における教育旅行は、それぞれの国・地域によって特徴が異なると考えられるが、日本で現在受け入れている教育旅行は、日本の修学旅行のように、教師等の引率者と児童生徒で構成される団体旅行として実施されることが多い。

check_box 英語での交流が可能

Check_box 部活動も充実, stories of school exchanges.

Learn About School Life in Japan

• Cultural Tips

What is a Japanese School Day like?

Going to School in Japan

Have you ever wondered about what a school day looks like in Japan? In this article, we will explore what a typical day might be for a Japanese middle school and high school student. We will learn about what Japanese students study, what they eat for lunch, and when they get their holidays. Many things may sound familiar. But you might find other things surprising – like school on Saturdays or cleaning duty. Let’s begin our day!

Subjects Taught and Learned in Japanese Schools

Most subjects taught in Japanese schools are similar to those in the rest of the world: mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, music, and physical education. English, as the language of global economics, and computing technology have increasingly crept into the curriculum as well. More uniquely, students will learn Japanese arts and crafts, such as calligraphy and haiku. It is also typical for students to study home economics to learn basic cooking and sewing skills.

Getting to School: Early Independence

One of the most striking things about Japanese society is how safe it is. Visitors and foreigners never fail to notice students as young as 6 years old walking to school alone. Indeed, students continue commuting to school by themselves throughout middle and high school. Safety is only part of it. Japan’s efficient and reliable public transportation enables students to do this. Most people take advantage of this and prefer not to drive, which would cost more, possibly take longer, and be less convenient due to limited parking options. Because of this, most students who do not live within walking or cycling distance of their school will commute by train or bus, often together.

Starting the School Day with a Fresh Pair of Shoes

Middle school students start their day around 8:45 am while high school students may begin earlier around 8:30 am. One thing all Japanese students have in common: as soon as they arrive, they go to their lockers to change out of street shoes into school shoes. The school day is divided into 6 periods, each lasting 45-50 minutes. Before the first period officially begins, students are often assigned tasks, such as taking attendance, passing out papers, or gathering homework. This is different from most western schools, where the teachers usually assume sole responsibility for these tasks.

What Lunchtime Looks Like in a Japanese School

Middle schools often provide lunch to their students. The lunches are well-balanced and contain a protein in the form of meat or fish, plenty of vegetables, rice, and miso soup. Typical entrees include curry, noodles, and grilled salmon. Each meal costs about 400 yen, or less than $5 USD, and is served by the students themselves in their classroom. Each class assigns a group of students to be in charge of serving the food to their classmates and collecting the used dishes. This, as with so many aspects of Japanese education, is designed as an exercise in teamwork and collaboration. In high school, it is more common for students to bring their own bentos from home and eat in the classroom.

Wrapping up the Day at School

Gakkou Soji, or school cleaning, is a unique part of the Japanese school day. Before students leave, they clean their school. Unlike western schools, most Japanese schools have their students rather than hired janitors clean all areas, including classrooms, toilets, hallways, windows, stairwells, etc. This is an important part of Japanese education. It teaches students to take responsibility for maintaining a shared space, a core value that is central to Japanese culture. This practice makes for responsible citizens and is one of the reasons why public spaces in Japan are so clean. Having a clean classroom is also considered good for the mind and for learning.

Starting from elementary school, Japanese students receive homework every day. By middle school, kids will typically spend about an hour each day on homework, and by high school, it will be one to two hours, though of course, this varies. Basic knowledge of kanji means knowledge of over 2,000 kanji characters, and students must master the different readings of each character as well as the correct stroke order. So kanji homework alone takes up quite a bit of time.

In addition, many if not most students attend juku, or cram school, in the evenings or weekends for extra studying. Juku are meant to give students a boost in the years leading up to high school or university entrance examinations. On Saturdays, too, many students attend school. The Saturday school day was officially eliminated 20 years ago, but today, it continues in the form of extracurriculars or optional classes.

The Academic Year and School Holidays

Unlike the semester system common in American schools, the Japanese school year is divided into three terms. The academic year begins in April and the first term runs from April to July. The second term begins in September and ends in December, and the last term is from January to March. You might notice that there is quite a long summer gap between the first and second terms. Japanese students also enjoy a “summer break” though the differences are: 1) at 5-6 weeks long, it is much shorter than the 10-11 weeks long American summer holiday, and 2) students return to the same academic year after summer. Japanese schools also have a short winter break in December and another spring break from the end of March to the beginning of April. This last spring break marks the end of the academic year, as students return to a new year again in April.

In a departure from the American system, students receive homework over both summer and winter breaks, the two longest. This may take the form of worksheet exercises or an independent project. On the one hand, adds to the infamously large workload of the Japanese student. On the other hand, however, shorter breaks and holiday assignments may help stem the skill gap that widens between students of disparate backgrounds during school breaks.

How Unique is the Japanese Education System?

One of the ways Japanese schools stand out from their western counterparts is their strict rules. These rules regulate fingernail length, hair length, and hairstyle among other things. Make-up and dyed hair are forbidden. Enforcement is so strict that it is not unusual for a teacher to give an offending student black hair dye with which to remedy the offense. These rules noticeably affect girls more.

Japanese high schools are ranked, so there is immense pressure starting as early as the primary years to advance to a good middle school, a high-ranking high school, and eventually a prestigious university. While the Japanese system is more explicit with its ranking systems, it is not so different from America, where “feeder schools” also feed the brightest (or in many cases the wealthiest) into prestigious Ivy Leagues or Ivy League equivalents.

How different or similar is the Japanese school day from what you know? Some things might be the same, but my guess is that Japanese middle schoolers and high schoolers have a pretty different experience from their western counterparts. If you would like to read more about life in Japan, check out the following articles for more info.

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Kids’ Summer Homework in Japan: With Friends Like These

For better or worse, summer-long school assignments have been a family affair in Japan for longer than you might think.

By Aonghas Crowe Aug 27, 2021 6 min read

As I’m knocking back some imo jochu (sweet potato shochu) during the Obon holiday, my wife tells me she needs me to go take some photos in front of our local train station.

“What for?”

Our son’s jiyu kenkyu (independent research project), she tells me.

Jiyu kenkyu, for the uninitiated, is one of the major headaches confronting Japanese kids and their parents during the natsu yasumi (summer break), sometimes also referred to as 夏 （ ） 季 （ ） 休 （ ） 暇  ( kaki kyuka ) on some school calendars sent home to parents.   In an open-ended research project, students are allowed to choose what they will study but must produce a poster of their findings that is then presented at school. The best projects are sent to a regional contest, with the winning entries bumped up to a national contest.

Summer break friend

As a bio-chem major, the notion of jiyu kenkyu strikes me as rather good—it compels children to examine the world around them, to be curious about its phenomena and to conduct an investigation, inculcating them with the Scientific Method at the tender age of 8. In the past years, my elder son has built handmade vacuum cleaners out of plastic bottles using different sized motors and blades and power sources.

It was not only fun (and a little dangerous), but also quite educational. It helped him along a path of building and tinkering, something that he still loves to do today.

The problem with jiyu kenkyu is that it is only one small but time-consuming part of the thick bundle of summer homework euphemistically called “ natsu yasumi no tomo ” (“summer break friend”)—and boy, with friends like that…

It includes an 80-page workbook with drills covering each subject, extra printouts for kanji (Japanese characters) and math study, reports, diaries, art projects, calligraphy, book reports and producing the front page of a newspaper. In addition, there are a slew of contests for essay writing, artwork, calligraphy, haiku (poetry) and more.

What do parents think?

Switch on any terebi anime (animated TV show) in the final week of the summer break and you will surely find cartoon parents yelling at their children to finally hit the books, a standard theme of popular shows like Sazae-san and Doraemon .

In a survey conducted by PR Times , two-fifths of parents said that although their children managed to get through the bulk of the work at the start of the summer break, the book reports and jiyu kenkyu tended to be put off until the very end of it. That’s been the case in our home, too, requiring me to put my shochu down and hump over to the station and snap some photos.

Half of the parents in the survey reported also having to help their children with their research projects. Another 40% helped with the book report, which in my younger son’s case ended up being six handwritten pages long; while another 34% assisted with the art project. Only 16% said they didn’t lend their children a hand at all.

Growing up in America, homework was the very antithesis of summer vacation, which in my day lasted three glorious months and was spent entirely at our cabin in the San Bernardino mountains east of Los Angeles, swimming, playing shuffleboard and ping pong, hiking and—most importantly—forgetting half the stuff our teachers had tried to cram into our thick skulls during the previous nine months. Come to think of it, I doubt I even read books back then, whereas my sons today devour several books a day, sometimes in one gulp.

Cramming and more cramming

But, naturally, they have different ideas here in Japan about the purpose of kaki kyugyo , as the summer break is officially called. One of the main purposes of it is to instill in children the ability to learn independently. All well and good, but sheesh—talk about wet blankets!

Most elementary school kids, though, have it comparatively easy. At least they can spend time with their “summer break friend” in the comfort of their own home. The older children get, however, the more likely they will be doing hard time at a juku (cram school).

Two-fifths of sixth graders, according to Child Research Net , attend extracurricular cram schools. That figure rises to almost 60% in the third year of junior high school. Many juku hold special summer break “camps,” which might sound like teepees and totem poles, but actually involves studying sometimes 12 or more hours a day, with daily tests determining the seating arrangement of the students—the sharp-witted twirling mechanical pencils in the front of the class; the dolts slumped in a miasma of self-loathing in the very back row. In high school, the drudgery of cram schools is replaced by kagai jugyo , supplementary lessons held throughout most of the summer “break.”

Switch on any terebi anime (animated TV show) in the final week of the summer break and you will surely find cartoon parents yelling at their children to finally hit the books…

Is all this cramming, all these projects, all this review really necessary? Well, according to a survey by the advertising company Eole , 65.4% of parents believe it is, a figure that was mirrored in the PRTimes survey. However, 37%  felt that calligraphy wasn’t (probably because cleaning up the mess afterward is a major hassle), 36.3% said that the poster was a waste of time, while 30.1% felt the book report could be done away with (again probably because two-fifths of parents had to help them with it).

The only true authority: my wife

Naturally, the only Japanese parent’s opinion I really give a tinker’s damn about is my wife’s. When I asked her the same question, she said that she was far more shocked to learn that American kids had none. After some thought, she said, “Come to think of it, the only reason parents today don’t question the need for summer homework is that they had to do it themselves when they were young.” And she’s right: Natsu yasumi no tomo has been around since the Taisho era, meaning her great-grandparents also had to do it.

“Oh, and don’t forget to take those photos,” she adds. “Chop-chop.”

With a sigh, I put my sweating glass of shochu down, push myself out of the chair, grab my ichigan refu (single lens reflex) camera, then head out the door.

This year’s jiyu kenkyu is about CO2 levels found in the environment. Apparently, my son picked up a kit containing phenolphthalein, a chemical compound that is used as an indicator in acid-base titration. A weak acid, the deprotonated ion is fuchsia in color. When in contact with CO2, however, the color fades. The faster the color fades, the higher the level of C02.

My son predicted that due to all the car and bus traffic around the station C02 levels would be high, but to his surprise, they were not.

At first, he guessed it may be due to the fact that almost 40% of new cars sold in Japan now are so-called “next generation,” namely, electric, hybrid and so on. What we learned was that it was actually hard to record atmospheric CO2 levels with cheap kits from hobby shops. (The quickest reactions, incidentally, were triggered by gas from carbonated drinks and air fresheners.)

And so, like generations of Japanese parents before me, I can only acquiesce, despite the constant niggling. I find some solace in the fact that my son didn’t bother asking daddy to contribute some of his hot air for the project.

How is summer homework for your school-age children handled in your home? Do you get as involved in the projects as the kids? Or do you scramble to help as the return to school approaches? Let us know win the comments!

Aonghas Crowe

Hakata-based American writer, translator and student of Japanese dialects and literature.

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Kids Web Japan

Web Japan > Kids Web Japan > Explore Japan > Schools > Homework/Kanji

Explore Japan

Q. what kinds of homework do the students do, and how long do they study each day how do they learn kanji (sino-japanese characters).

A girl keeps records of plant growth

Elementary school pupils get homework nearly every day. Often they have to do math drills and learn kanji (Sino-Japanese characters), which are an important part of the Japanese language.

Schoolchildren are expected to learn 1,026  kanji while in elementary school, around half of the 2,136 that have been specified as being kanji for daily use. The children have to learn not only the correct stroke order but must also master the different readings that the kanji have.

When a new kanji comes up in a textbook, children memorize it by practicing writing it dozens of times in their notebooks.

Kids also get homework over summer and winter vacations . They frequently undertake a project of their own choosing, like studying the growth of plants or researching the history of their community, and write compositions on the books they read.

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9 Ways Japanese Schools Are Different From American Schools

By ellen freeman | dec 18, 2015.

They say education is the foundation of society—and since Japanese and American societies are different in many ways, it may not surprise you that aspects of the two countries’ educational systems are like chalk and cheese. To find out just how different learning your ABCs (or あいうs) can be in the U.S. and Japan, study up on these nine things that are commonplace in Japanese public schools, but probably wouldn’t fly in America.

1. Dress Code

While only about 20 percent of public schools in the U.S. require uniforms, nearly all Japanese public school students suit up from junior high school on. The traditional uniform is a high-collared, black, military-style suit for boys and a beribboned sailor blouse and pleated skirt for girls (sorry ladies, there’s no pants option). These as-seen-in-anime styles are still the norm for middle school students, but the high school uniform is gradually being replaced by the tartan skirts and trousers with ties typical of Western parochial schools. Besides regulating clothing, shoes, and backpacks, many Japanese secondary schools impose strict bans on makeup, nail polish, hairstyles, and even eyebrow grooming that would make the average American teen wince. Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect of Japanese school dress codes, though, is that until the 1990s , these mortifying buruma (bloomers) were the standard girls’ PE uniform.

2. No Janitors

You won’t find a janitor in any Japanese school. Instead, industrious students and teachers roll up their sleeves and spend a few minutes every day mopping the floors, clapping erasers, and even scrubbing the toilets. Which means that students wouldn’t dream of putting gum under their chair or doodling on the desks—‘cause they know they’ll just have to clean it up themselves.

3. No Substitutes

Leaving 30 teenagers unsupervised in a classroom would be the stuff of nightmares in an American high school, but that’s exactly what happens when a teacher calls in sick in Japan. Japanese secondary schools rarely use substitutes; instead, students are trusted to study quietly and independently.

4. The Sasumata

Even in a country as safe as Japan, schools have to prepare themselves for the possibility of a violent intruder. Enter the sasumata : an aluminum pole with two curved prongs at one end which is adapted from an ancient samurai weapon—and found today hanging in schools all across Japan. The idea is to use the tool to immobilize the trespasser (who is hopefully not carrying a gun, which would be highly unlikely in Japan anyway).

5. Kancho-ing the Teacher

If the sasumata doesn’t work, there’s always the kancho . A favorite prank among elementary and kindergarten students, all foreigners coming to Japan to teach English are duly warned about getting kancho ’d. How it works: kids clasp their cute little hands together, extend the pointer fingers, then aim them right at the unsuspecting teacher’s butthole.

Forget PB&J, it’s hot lunch every day at Japanese elementary and junior high schools. Students and teachers forgo cafeterias, instead eating all together at their desks in the classroom. Everyone eats the exact same meal, which is prepared by lunch ladies and served by students who take turns dishing out the rice, fish, and soup to their classmates. And because waste is a big no-no in Japanese culture, schools are known for enforcing 100 percent membership in the Clean Plate Club, requiring even the pickiest of eaters to finish every last bite.

7. Greetings

Greetings are an integral part of Japanese culture, and school is no exception. At the beginning and end of each class, students stand and greet the teacher, then bow in unison. Many high schools also bring a little of the dojo into the classroom with a brief mokuso , (closed-eyes meditation) to allow students to center themselves before class. 

8. Saturday School

One-day weekends were the norm for Japanese schools until 1992, when the government began phasing out Saturday lessons as part of a national push for a more relaxed educational system . Despite this, many school boards ignored the change and continue to hold extra lessons on Saturdays—and almost half of all Tokyo elementary and junior high students still spend at least one Saturday morning a month doing math instead of watching cartoons. 

9. Summer Bummer

Japanese students do get a five-week summer vacation (about half as long as America’s), but calling it a “break” might be a stretch—unlike in America, the Japanese summer break is right in the middle of the school year, and though school is technically out, students and teachers will still typically come to school almost daily for club activities. Even elementary school students are assigned a legendarily hefty summer homework packet.

Japanese-style education seems to work for them; the latest OECD global math and science rankings place Japanese high schoolers at fourth in the world, while students in the U.S. have slipped to 28 th place. So though we probably won’t find American students scouring the bathroom floor while wearing a pair of bloomers anytime soon, Saturday school may be worth considering.

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Common Japanese Words and Phrases Used in Classroom

The language used in a classroom setting will differ depending on whether you are a student or teacher, and whether you are talking to other students or teachers. To sort this all out, let’s first go over the basics. What do I call my teacher? How do I ask questions during the class? How do I reply during the roll call? By going through the common vocabulary and phrases first, you will be able to then modify and arrange them to communicate smoothly with your peers and teachers.

Whether you’re studying in a Japanese language school as a foreign student, taking Japanese group lessons online or in-person, or teaching in a Japanese school, we will help nail down key Japanese vocabulary and phrases for the classroom. 

Essential Japanese Vocabulary Related to School: Classroom, Teacher, and Student in Japanese

Before we go into the common Japanese phrases used in a class, let’s take a look at what class and classroom are in Japanese. You may be familiar with jugyou (授業), kyoushitsu (教室), sensei (先生), and gakusei (学生), the general terms for the lesson, classroom, teacher, and student in Japanese, but other terms may be used depending on the circumstance.

Jugyou (授業) is an umbrella term for the lesson and refers to any format of the lesson where students learn from teachers. It is commonly used in high school and below, as well as language schools, but can be used for any lesson in an educational institution. Kougi (講義), which is the term for a lecture in Japanese, is a specific type of jugyou where teachers talk in front of a group of students at their desks. It is commonly used in universities or other tertiary educational institutions, This can also be referred to as zagaku (座学), which basically means education received while sitting at a desk.

Kyoushitsu (教室) is the general term for classrooms and is the most common one used in any setting. However, those in universities or other tertiary education may also hear the term kougishitsu (講義室), meaning lecture hall.

Sensei (先生) is the most common way to refer to any teacher of any kind, in schools, other academic institutions, and even extracurricular activities. Until high school, the terms kyouin (教員) and kyoushi (教師), which both mean teacher, are commonly used to refer to a teaching position or title. On the other hand, teachers in universities will have different titles depending on their rank, such as koushi (講師), junkyouju (准教授), and kyouju (教授), which mean lecturer, associate professor, and professor respectively. In all cases, sensei (先生) is still the most common and appropriate way to refer to educators, but knowing the different classifications will come in handy especially if you are a university student or are teaching in Japan.

Students are generally referred to as one of the following: gakusei (学生) or seito (生徒). In legal terms, the former is used for students receiving higher education such as in universities or vocational schools, whereas the latter is used for junior high to high school students. The two are used interchangeably in daily conversation, however, there is a tendency to use gakusei (学生) when talking about students generally, and seito (生徒) when talking about students of a specific institution or under a specific teacher.

Japanese Expressions for Greeting in a Class 

As with all other interactions, classes start and end with greetings. Students may greet each other formally in keigo (敬語) or informally in tameguchi (タメ口), but interactions between students and teachers are almost always in keigo (敬語).

At the start of the class, the sensei (先生) usually greets students using the greeting appropriate for the time of the day, with either ohayougozaimasu (おはようございます): good morning, konnichiwa (こんにちは): hello, or konbanwa (こんばんは): good evening. Some may even follow this with yoroshikuonegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします), which is loosely translated to ‘please treat me favorably’ in English. Check out our guide on basic Japanese greetings and phrases.

The class usually ends with arigatougozaimashita (ありがとうございました) to thank the students, and sometimes with otsukare sama deshita (お疲れ様でした) to acknowledge the students’ hard work during the class. Some teachers may also use goseichou arigatougozaimashita (ご清聴ありがとうございました), which takes a step further to thank students for listening quietly. This phrase is often used after presentations by students as well.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom for Taking Attendance

Attendance is shusseki (出席) in Japanese, with its kanji meaning to be in your seat. Therefore the Japanese for absence is kesseki (欠席), to be absent from your seat. Depending on the school, teachers may take attendance through roll calls, paper slips, or online.

A roll call, called tenko (点呼) in Japanese, but typically, the teacher will usually proceed in the following way:

出席を取ります。Aさん。 Shusseki o torimasu. A-san. I will be taking roll call (attendance). A-san.

If Person A is present, they would simply respond by saying yes with hai (はい). This will repeat until everyone is called. If you will be absent, it’s best to notify the teacher or staff by email beforehand for it to be an excused absence or kounin kesseki (公認欠席). Unexcused absences, or mudan kesseki (無断欠席), are commonly frowned upon and may even lead to consequences. Here is an example of how to notify your absence through email.

​​件名：本日の（授業名）を欠席します（名前） kenmei : honjitsu no (jugyoumei) o kesseki shimasu (namae) Subject : I will be absent from today’s (class name) (name)

〇〇先生 〇〇sensei   〇〇 teacher

お世話になっております。 osewa ni natte orimasu. *Loosely translated to Thank you for your assistance.

(名前と学籍番号）と申します。 (namae to gakuseki bangou) to moushimasu. I am (name and student number)

昨日から熱があるので、本日の（授業名）は欠席させていただきたいと思います。 kinou kara netsu ga aru node, honjitsu no (jugyoumei) wa kesseki sasete itadakitai to omoimasu. I’ve had a fever since yesterday, so I would like to be absent from today’s class.

本日の課題を後日取りにうかがってもよろしいでしょうか。 honjitsu no kadai o gojitsu torini ukagattemo yoroshiideshouka. May I pick up my assignment for today’s class at a later date?

よろしくお願いします。 yoroshiku onegaishimasu. *Loosely translated to thank you in advance.

（名前と学籍番号） (namae to gakuseki bangou) (name and student number)

Interestingly, there is a term for faking someone’s attendance in Japanese, called daihen (代返). It comes from 代 わりに 返 事する (kawarini henji suru) , meaning to respond in place of someone else during roll call. This is strongly prohibited in all schools, so be careful not to do this!

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Listening to Instructions

Apart from sitting and listening to your teacher’s jugyou (授業), you may have other tasks to complete such as answering questions or solving a quiz, reading something for the class, or having class discussions. In these cases, you will most likely hear the command for the task in a Verb ~て + ください (verb ~te + kudasai) form.

For example:

答えてください kotaete kudasai Please answer.

解答してください kaitoushite kudasai. Please answer. (Used in written form)

話し合ってください hanashiatte kudasai. Please discuss.

読んでください yonde kudasai.   Please read.

手を挙げて Te o agete. Please raise your hand.

Your teacher usually instructs the last example in the class. If you want to say or ask anything, we should avoid disrupting the flow of the lesson. Raising your hand allows the teacher to decide if it’s the best time to address your concern in the class at the moment.

Take a look at this blog post to learn other ways kudasai (ください) is used , and this blog post for how to conjugate verbs into the ~te (~て) form.

How to Ask Questions in a Class in Japanese

Some teachers prefer students to ask questions during class, but others may prefer for students to ask all their questions at the end of the lesson. If you have a question during class, raise your hand and ask your question! Teachers may also ask:

ここまで何か質問はありますか？ kokomade nanika shitsumon wa arimasuka? Are there any questions so far?

Outside of class, students can find the opportunity to talk to the teacher in the time between classes called jugyou no aima (授業の合間), or during office hours, or ofisu awa a (オフィスアワー). When you go up to the teacher, here are some examples of how you can start the conversation:

〇〇先生、今お時間よろしいでしょうか？ 〇〇sensei, ima ojikan yoroshii deshouka? Teacher 〇〇, may I have a moment?

本日の授業について質問があります。 honjitsu no jugyou ni tsuite shitsumon ga arimasu. I have a question about today’s class.

Japanese Phrases in Classroom: Homework and Assignments in Japanese

Although many may dread the idea of homework, it’s a must-know when learning Japanese in the classroom. Assignments including homework are called kadai (課題), which can also mean ‘issue that needs to be solved’. The word to use for homework specifically is shukudai (宿題), with its kanji referring literally to work that is completed at home.

Teachers will also provide students with information about submission or teishutsu (提出), including the due date, which is kigen (期限) or shimekiri (締め切り). 

Let’s put all the vocabulary together in some example sentences:

宿題を出します。 shukudai o dashimasu. I will be giving out homework.

これについてのレポートを来週までの課題にします。 kore ni tsuite no repooto o raishuu madeno kadai ni shimasu. The assignment until next week will be a report about this topic.

ちゃんと期限までに終わらせて提出してください。 chanto kigen made ni owarasete teishutsu shite kudasai. Make sure to finish and submit it before the due date.

この課題の締め切りは来週の火曜日です。 kono kadai no shimekiri wa raishuu no kayoubi desu. The due date for this assignment is next Tuesday.

Whether you are taking a Japanese class or you want to teach at a Japanese local school and/or study with native students, knowing Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary ahead will make your school life easier. On top of the basic terminology of lesson, classroom, teacher, and student, learning other common phrases will allow you to understand and communicate better with the rest of the class. Feel free to refer back to this guide for a free email sample for being absent from class, or vocabulary needed to remind your classmates about the due date of your assignment!

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, why not join a Japanese class at Coto Academy? We offer online and in-person courses , with a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese speaking skill. 

Head to our contact page for a free level check and consultation !

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We make the process of applying for a student visa and going to a Japanese language school super easy, but there are still some basics you should know about how Japanese language schools work, what you learn and how the schools can support your language learning goals. Here are our top 10 most-asked questions about how Japanese language schools work!

1. How do language school terms in Japan work?

Official school terms in Japan start in January, April, July and October.  You can study Japanese in Japan for up to two years with a student visa , but it’s important to check your chosen school’s available course’s length, as they vary by term, with some schools and terms only offering courses that last 15 months versus others that offer a full 24 months.

2. How do Japanese language lessons in Japan work?

Full-time Japanese language students study for 5 days a week , typically half a day Monday to Friday, either in a morning or afternoon class. Japanese language class schedules are prescribed by each school depending on their schedule availability and language level of the student. Japanese language class sessions are normally broken up into blocks of 4 x 45mins or 2 x 90mins focusing on different topics like vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, reading, writing, listening and speaking.

3. What do you learn in Japanese Language class? 

There are different methods and school teaching methodologies depending on your current language level, your Japanese language goal and your desired intensity. Typically each school will teach a variety of topics to help you to achieve your desired language level using topics like vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, reading, writing, listening and speaking.

4. What are the differences between high and low-intensity Japanese language courses?

There are a variety of language schools available that offer high to low-intensity courses. A high-intensity school would expect you to attend classes, complete a significant homework load plus also do a lot of self-study, meaning for the first three months of school they do not recommend, or in some cases even allow, part-time work for their students. A low-intensity school will have a similar class load but will require less homework and self-study in order to keep up with the class curriculum and pass the course.

5. How can I pass Japanese language school?

All schools have regular tests throughout the term and at the end of each term (usually around three or six months) there is also a level check test to verify your language proficiency and allow you to move up a level if you successfully pass. In order to pass your language level test, you will need to ensure you have kept up with classwork and homework as well as doing any additionally required self-study recommended by your school. 

6. What is the difference between JLPT vs J-test?

The JLPT , or Japanese Language Proficiency Test , is considered the standard exam to take for Japanese learners and its qualifications are more widely recognised . The test has been around since 1984 and tests vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. If taking the test in Japan, there are two opportunities to take the exam each year – once in July and another in December. If taking the test elsewhere in the world, the frequency will either be twice a year or once a year only in either July or December. 

The J Test , or the Test of Practical Japanese, started in 1991 and its levels are divided into beginner, beginner to intermediate and advanced. It tests reading, listening, writing and vocabulary. The exam is offered six times a year for intermediate to advanced learners in Japan and three times a year for beginners learning in Japan. This test is not administered globally – there are a select locations around Asia and Brazil where you can take this exam if you are unable to take it in Japan. 

7. How long does it take to become proficient in Japanese?

If you study Japanese full-time, it typically takes students around 18 months to two years to go from a beginner level to advanced (N2/N1 level). This assumes that students also put in extra effort to study outside of the classroom in addition to attending their regular daily classes. 

8. Will studying Japanese in class be enough to become fluent?

Homework and self-study are required for all levels of Japanese. Students who are committed to mastering the language are advised to attend every class , complete all required homework, as well as dedicate time outside of school to study the language. If speaking Japanese fluently is a goal, then students will also need to practise speaking the language often as well. 

9. Why do Japanese language schools teach in Japanese?

It’s the best way to immerse yourself into the language. Teachers using Japanese daily in all lessons is the fastest way to become proficient. This can be difficult at first but don’t be deterred as all our partner school will offer support if you need it.

10. Is learning Japanese in Japan, the best way to master the language?

In short: yes! If you’re learning a language, nothing beats being able to study while also living in a country where that language is spoken. Learning Japanese and studying at a Japanese language school in Japan means you are fully immersed in the language, culture and society, making it a more rounded experience since you will be able to use the language all the time, as well as better understand cultural nuances in the language. 

A note about school accreditation

It’s important to be realistic about how intense you want your studies to be and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Schools get penalised for poor student behaviour, such as students who overstay their visa or who work more than the 28 hours they’re allowed on their student visa.

They can lose their accreditation from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This means applying for that school can be much more complicated and involve more documentation than usual.

For any questions about the student visa application procedure or which school would be right for you, contact our Go! Go! Nihon staff today. We will assist you during the whole process.

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100+ Useful Japanese Classroom Phrases & Vocabulary

If you are taking a Japanese group lesson online, or planning to study as a foreign student in Japan or to teach your language as a teacher in Japan, it’s good to know Japanese classroom phrases well for effective learning and better communication in the class.

In this guide, we introduce the most useful Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary from various aspects, including school vocabulary, classroom greetings and calls, explaining absence and tardiness, teacher’s phrases, student phrases, and school subjects. You will learn not only common Japanese classroom phrases and vocabulary but also the unique features of Japanese schools, such as the school system, school routines, and school supplies. Let’s get ready for your class with JapanesePod101.com !

答えがわかったら手を挙げて Kotae ga wakattara te o agete (“Raise your hand if you know the answer”)

• School Vocabulary
• Classroom Greetings and Calls
• Explaining Absence and Tardiness/Leaving Early
• Teacher’s Phrases
• Student’s Phrases
• Talking About Subjects

1. School Vocabulary

Before talking about Japanese classroom phrases, here are the lists of school vocabulary for the Japanese school system, school facilities, school personnel, school routines and school supplies.

1. Japanese School System

April is one of the most important months of the year in Japan as the school year or the fiscal year begins.  Classes are held from Monday to Friday in compulsory education and at public schools, and some private schools are also open on Saturdays. The Japanese school year usually consists of three terms (学期 gakki ), and there are short spring and winter breaks or a long summer break between each school term.

Below is the basic Japanese school system ;

Elementary school:  6 years (age 7 to 12)    [Compulsory Education] Junior high school : 3 years (age 13 to 15) [Compulsory Education] Senior high school : 3 years (age 16 to 18)

[Higher Education] University: 4 years (6 years for Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Veterinary, and Dentistry School) Junior college: 2 years (or 3, depending on the school) Vocational school: 2 years (or 3, depending on the school)

Japanese Words for School Vocabulary 

教室 kyōshitsu (“classroom”)

2. School Facilities

図書室 toshoshitsu (“library”)

3. School Personnel

*Generally, 先生 ( sensei ) is who teaches something, and 先生 ( sensei ) is commonly used for school teachers. On the other hand, a synonym word 教師 ( kyōshi ) is used as an occupation, for example, 私は教師です Watashi wa kyōshi desu. “I’m a teacher.” 

4. School Routines

*Food Service  給食 kyūshoku is usually provided at elementary school and middle high school for very low monthly fees in Japan. They usually eat kyūshoku in the classroom. In high school, students either bring their own lunch boxes お弁当 o-bentō or use the school cafeteria.

**There is time allocated for cleaning, especially from elementary to high school, and students clean their school by themselves in Japan. Not only in their home classroom but also in corridors, bathrooms, gym, and other places in the school. In this way, Japanese schools teach students to clean, keep tidy, be responsible, use things with care, etc.

5. School Supplies

 * シャーペン shāpen (“mechanical pencil”) is 和製英語 Wasei-eigo (“Japanese-made English”)  word that is the shorter version of シャープペンシル “ sha rp pen cil.”

** Wearing 上履き uwabaki (“school indoor shoes” ) at school is something particular about Japan. This comes from the Japanese culture and etiquette that people are expected to remove their shoes when entering homes and other particular rooms or buildings.

*** ランドセル randoseru (“school backpack for elementary school kids” ) is a unique Japanese school backpack usually made of leather with a firm structure. Traditionally, parents or grandparents give children as a gift upon entering elementary school. They use the same randoseru for 6 years until they graduate from elementary school. 

To enhance your Japanese vocabulary and learn more about Japanese basic nouns, please check out Guide to the Top 100+ Japanese Nouns .

ランドセルは日本の小学校のかばんです。 Randoseru wa Nihon no shōgakkō no kaban desu. (“Randoseru is a bag for elementary school in Japan” )

6. Example Sentences

タメ口 Tameguchi (“peer language”) or casual speech form can be used when talking among students. However, 敬語 keigo (“honorific speech”) or polite language should be used for teachers.

Here are some basic phrases in Japanese classrooms using school vocabulary:

[Japanese]     鉛筆を1本借りてもいい？　 Enpitsu o ippon karite mo ii?  (casual)      　　           [English]         “May I borrow a (one) pencil? ”

*Japanese language learning: To learn more about Japanese numbers, see Japanese Numbers: Let’s Master the Basic Japanese Numbers !

[Japanese]    生物の教科書を失くしちゃった。    (casual)                         Seibutsu no kyōkasho o nakushichatta.  [English]         “I lost my biology textbook.”

[Japanese]    宿題を忘れました。 (polite)                         Shukudai o wasuremashita. [English]         “I forgot my homework.”

[Japanese]    消しゴム持ってる?     Keshigomu motte ru?    (casual)    　 [English]         “Do you have an eraser?”

[Japanese]    これ使っていいよ。   Kore tsukatte ii yo.     (casual)    [English]         “Here, you can use this.”

[Japanese]    ありがとう、後で返すね。   Arigatō, ato de kaesu ne.     (casual)    [English]         “Thanks, I will return it to you later.”

[Japanese]    明日の朝は体育館で全校朝礼があります。     (polite)                         Ashita no asa wa taiikukan de zenkō chōrei ga arimasu. [English]         “We will have a whole school assembly at the gymnasium tomorrow morning. ”

[Japanese]    明日の化学の試験は何時だっけ？       (casual)                         Ashita no kagaku no shiken wa nan-ji dakke? [English]         “What time is the chemistry test tomorrow?”

*Please visit How to Tell Time in Japanese article and Japanese Calendar Dates: Reading Dates in Japanese & More on JapanesePod101 to learn how to tell time and date in Japanese.

消しゴム持ってる?   Keshigomu motte ru?    (“Do you have an eraser?”)

2. Classroom Greetings and Calls 

Some of the most essential Japanese classroom phrases are greetings and calls used at school. Here is the list of frequently used Japanese words and greetings in classrooms.

[Japanese]     先生 / 教授、おはようございます。　 Sensei / kyōju, ohayō gozaimasu.  (polite) [English]         “Good morning teacher / professor.”

*Japanese language learning: To learn more Japanese greetings, check out How to Say Hello in Japanese: Practical Japanese Greetings .

[Japanese]    おはよう。 Ohayō.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “Good morning.”

[Japanese]    バイバイ。 Bai bai.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “Bye bye.”

[Japanese]    また明日。 Mata ashita.   (casual)    　　   [English]         “See you tomorrow.”

[Japanese]    先生、さようなら。 Sensei, sayōnara.   (polite)    　　   [English]         “Good bye, teacher.”

[Japanese]    起立！   　 気をつけ！　   礼!　      着席!            (imperative)                         Kiritsu ! Ki o tsuke ! Rei ! Chakuseki ! [English]         “Stand up! Attention (make a good posture)! Bow!  Seated down! ”

*This is the traditional call and ritual of bowing in Japan at the start and end of school class to greet the teacher. Usually, one of the students in a class is allocated to the call roll on a weekly or monthly basis.

When there is a whole school or classroom assembly, usually held in the gymnasium or schoolyard, the following phrases are used.

[Japanese]    集合！     Shūgō!     (imperative)    　 [English]         “Assemble / gather!”

[Japanese]    一列に並べ。   Ichi-retsu ni narabe.     (imperative)    [English]         “Line up in a row.”

[Japanese]    前へならえ。   Mae e narae.     (imperative)    [English]         “Stand at arm’s length. (Literally: follow (do) as front)”

[Japanese]    解散！ Kaisan !       (imperative) 　　    [English]         “Dismissed!”

3. Explaining Absence and Tardiness/Leaving Early 

1. taking attendance.

At Japanese Schools, usually from elementary school to high school, students have a “home class” and a particular teacher (担任 tannin ) who’s in charge of its home class. Students usually stay in the home classroom and 担任 ( tannin ) teaches all the basic subjects in elementary school, and teachers of each subject come to the classroom to give classes in junior highschool and senior highschool.

The teacher in charge of a home-class calls the roll in the morning meeting. 

Japanese Vocabulary for Taking Attendance

Following are some teacher’s basic phrases in Japanese for taking attendance:

[Japanese]    静かに。出欠を取ります。 Shizuka ni. Shukketsu o torimasu.   　　   [English]         “Quiet please, I will take attendance now.”

[Japanese]    名前を呼ばれたら返事をすること。   Namae o yobaretara henji o suru koto. 　　   [English]         “Respond when your name is called.”

[Japanese]    全員いますか。  Zen’in imasu ka. 　　   [English]         “Is everyone here?”

[Japanese]    誰か欠席の人いますか。 Dare ka kesseki no hito imasu ka.       　　   [English]         “Anybody absent?”

[Japanese]   [name]さんが今日欠席した理由を知っている人はいますか。                       [name] -san ga kyō kesseki shita riyū o shitte iru hito wa imasu ka. [English]      “Does anyone know why [name] is absent today?”

 はい、います。 Hai, imasu. (“Yes, I’m present”)

Following are some student’s basic phrases in Japanese for taking attendance:

[Japanese]    はい、います。 Hai, imasu.   　　   [English]       “Yes, I’m present.”   (response when your name is called) 

[Japanese]    [name] さんがいません。[name]- san ga imasen.    　　   [English]       “[name] is not here.”

[Japanese]    すみません、寝坊したので遅刻しました。                         Sumimasen, nebō shita node chikoku shimashita. [English]         “I’m sorry, I was late because I overslept.”

[Japanese]    電車が人身事故で止まったので遅刻しました。                         Densha ga jinshin jiko de tomatta node chikoku shimashita. [English]         “I was late because the train stopped due to an injury accident.”

[Japanese]    [name]さんは昨日から体調が悪くて、今日は欠席です。                           [name]-san wa kinō kara taichō ga warukute, kyō wa kesseki desu. [English]         “[name] has been sick since yesterday and is absent today.”

[Japanese]    足を骨折したので、体育の授業は見学します。                           Ashi o kossetsu shita node, taiiku no jugyō wa kengaku shimasu. [English]         “I will just observe the PE class because I broke my leg.”

[Japanese]    すみません、とても気分が悪いので早退します。                           Sumimasen, totemo kibun ga warui node sōtai shimasu. [English]         “Excuse me, I’m leaving early because I feel very sick.”

4. Teacher’s Phrases  

In the Japanese culture, names are called together with 敬称 keish ō (“Japanese honorific title”) , “さん san ” is most commonly used.

When a teacher talks to a student : [student family name] + さん san  In some cases, [family name of a male student] + 君 くん kun

The following are frequently used Japanese classroom phrases by teachers in a class.

1. Instructions

[Japanese]    みんな、席に着いて。 Minna, seki ni tsuite.   　　   [English]       “Everyone, be seated.”

[Japanese]    [name] 君、早く座りなさい。　[name]- kun, hayaku suwarinasai.    　　   [English]         “[name], sit down now.”

[Japanese]    では、始めます。 Dewa, hajimemasu.                   　   [English]         “Well, let’s begin.”

[Japanese]    今日はXXXについて勉強します。     Ky ō wa XXX ni tsuite benkyō shimasu. [English]         “We are going to learn XXX today.”

[Japanese]    教科書のXXページを開いてください。   Ky ōkasho no XX-pēji o hiraite kudasai.  [English]         “Please open to page XX of your textbook.”

[Japanese]    これはとても重要です。   Kore wa totemo jūyō desu.   　　   [English]         “This is very important.”

[Japanese]    これはテストに出るので、しっかり理解してください。                           Kore wa tesuto ni deru node, shikkari rikai shite kudasai. [English]         “Please understand this well because this will be on the test.”

[Japanese]   しっかり聞いてください。 Shikkari kiite kudasai. 　   [English]       “Listen carefully.”

[Japanese]   　黒板の図を見てください。　 Kokuban no zu o mite kudasai.   　　   [English]         “Look at the diagram on the blackboard.”

[Japanese]    この質問の答えがわかる人は手をあげてください。                           Kono shitsumon no kotae ga wakaru hito wa te o agete kudasai. [English]         “Raise your hand if you know the answer to this question.”

[Japanese]    最初に聞いてから、私の後で繰り返してください。                              Saisho ni kiite kara, watashi no ato de kurikaeshite kudasai. [English]         “Listen first and repeat after me.”

[Japanese]    答えをノートに書いて。   Kotae o n ōto ni kaite.  [English]         “Write the answers in your notebook.”

[Japanese]    みんなで一緒に、２段落目から読みましょう。                             Minna de issho ni, ni-danraku-me kara yomimashō. [English]         “Let’s read from the second paragraph together.”

[Japanese]    [name]さん、XXページを読んでください。                         [name]-san, XX-pēji o yonde kudasai. [English]         “[student name], read the page XX please.”

[Japanese]    紙を一枚ずつ取って、後ろの人に渡してください。                         Kami o ichi-mai zutsu totte, ushiro no hito ni watashite kudasai. [English]         “Take one sheet of paper and pass (the rest) to the person behind you.”

これはとても重要です。 Kore wa totemo jūyō desu.   ( “This is very important.”)

2. Homework

[Japanese]    今日の宿題はXXXです。     Ky ō no shukudai wa XXX desu. [English]         “Homework for today is XXX.”

[Japanese]    宿題は教科書XXページの１番から５番です。                         Shukudai wa kyōkasho XX-pēji no ichi-ban kara go-ban desu. [English]         “The homework is from the number 1 to 5 on page XX of the textbook.”

[Japanese]    今日学んだことを家で復習してください。                            Kyō mananda koto o ie de fukushū shite kudasai. [English]         “Review at home what you’ve learned today.”

[Japanese]    前回出された宿題は、先生の机の上に提出してください。                         Zenkai dasareta shukudai wa, sensei no tsukue no ue ni teishutsu shite kudasai. [English]         “Please submit the homework given last time on the teacher’s desk.”

[Japanese]    宿題の提出は成績に反映されます。                         Shukudai no teishutsu wa seiseki ni han’ei saremasu. [English]         “Your homework submission will be reflected in your grades.”

3. Questions

[Japanese]    質問はありますか。     Shitsumon wa arimasu ka. [English]         “Any questions?”

[Japanese]    皆さん分かりましたか。  Mina-san wakarimashita ka. [English]         “Did everyone understand this?”

[Japanese]    誰かこの問題を解答できますか。   Dare ka kono mondai o kait ō dekimasu ka.   　　   [English]         “Can anyone solve this problem?”

[Japanese]    正しい答えは何ですか。     Tadashii kotae wa nan desu ka. [English]         “What is the correct answer?”

[Japanese]    ここまでで何か分からないことはありますか。                         Koko made de nani ka wakaranai koto wa arimasu ka. [English]         “Is there anything you don’t understand so far?”

  正しい答えは何ですか。   Tadashii kotae wa nan desu ka.   ( “What is the correct answer?”)

4. Keeping the Order

[Japanese]    静かにしなさい。 Shizuka ni shinasai. [English]         “Be quiet.”

[Japanese]    おしゃべりはやめなさい。  Oshaberi wa yamenasai. [English]         “Stop talking!”

[Japanese]    自分の席に戻りなさい。     Jibun no seki ni modorinasai. [English]         “Go back to your seat!”

[Japanese]    授業に集中しなさい。 Jugy ō ni shūchū shinasai. [English]         “Focus on the class!”

[Japanese]    質問がある時は手をあげてください。   Shitsumon ga aru toki wa te o agete kudasai. [English]         “Raise your hand if you have a question.”

Japanese language learning : To learn more Japanese angry phrases, please also check out Getting Angry in Japanese: 20+ Useful Japanese Angry Phrases . 

5. Student’s Phrases 

At schools in Japan, faculty is usually called by his/her title by students. When students talk to a teacher:  先生 sensei (“Mr./ Mrs.“, Literally: teacher) When students talk to a professor:  教授 ky ō ju (Literally: professor)

If you want to be more specific, add a name in front of a title, such as 高橋先生 Takahashi-sensei (Mr./ Mrs. Takahashi , Literally: Takahashi teacher).

Here is the list of most useful Japanese classroom phrases used by students, including when asking questions to a teacher and when talking with other students.

1. Asking Questions

[Japanese]    すみません、何ページですか。     Sumimasen, nan-p ē ji desu ka. [English]         “Excuse me, what page are we on?”

[Japanese]    わかりません。 Wakarimasen. [English]         “I don’t understand.”

[Japanese]    過去分詞の使い方がわかりません。 Kakobunshi no tsukaikata ga wakarimasen. [English]         “I don’t understand how to use a past participle.”

[Japanese]    その部分をもう一度言ってください。 Sono bubun o m ō ichi-do itte kudasai. [English]         “Please repeat that part again.”

[Japanese]    もう一度ゆっくり言ってもらえますか。 M ō ichi-do yukkuri itte moraemasu ka. [English]         “Can you say that again slowly?”

[Japanese]    もっとわかりやすく説明してください。 Motto wakariyasuku setsumei shite kudasai. [English]         “Please explain it in a more understandable way.”

[Japanese]    質問があります。 Shitsumon ga arimasu. [English]         “I have a question.”

[Japanese]    質問してもいいですか。  Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka. [English]         “Can I ask you a question?”

[Japanese]    先生は今何て言いましたか。 Sensei wa ima nante iimashita ka. [English]         “What did the teacher just say?”

[Japanese]    これは何て発音しますか。 Kore wa nante hatsuon shimasu ka. [English]         “How do you pronounce this?”

[Japanese]    XXXはどういう意味ですか。　 XXX wa d ō iu imi desu ka. [English]         “What does XXX mean?”

[Japanese]    どうしてこの場合に未来完了形を使うのですか。                         Dōshite kono bāi ni mirai kanryōkei o tsukau no desu ka.　 [English]         “Why do you use the future perfect tense in this case?”

[Japanese]    これは合ってますか。 Kore wa atte masu ka. [English]         “Is this correct ?”

[Japanese]    これが正解ですか。 Kore ga seikai desu ka. [English]         “Is this the correct answer?”

[Japanese]    やっと理解しました。 Yatto rikai shimashita. [English]         “I finally understood.”

[Japanese]    トイレに行ってもいいですか。 Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka. [English]         “May I go to the bathroom?”

[Japanese]    気分が悪いので、保健室に行ってもいいですか。                         Kibun ga warui node, hokenshitsu ni itte mo ii desu ka. [English]         “May I go to the infirmary because I feel sick?”

 質問があります。 Shitsumon ga arimasu. (“I have a question.”)

2. Talking Among Students

The speech tone is very casual for conversations among students. The following are handy Japanese classroom phrases when you want to chat with your friends in a class.

[Japanese]    今どこ？ Ima doko? [English]         “Where are we at?”

[Japanese]    今何ページ？ 　Ima nan-pēji? [English]         “Which page are we on?”

[Japanese]    宿題やった？ Shukudai yatta?   [English]         “Did you do your homework?”

[Japanese]    宿題やったのに、家に忘れてきちゃった。 Shukudai yatta noni, ie ni wasurete kichatta. [English]         “Though I did my homework, I forgot it at home.”

[Japanese]    後でノート見せてもらってもいい？  Ato de n ōto misete moratte mo ii? [English]         “Can I see your notebook later?”

[Japanese]    今日の授業は全然わからなかった。 Ky ō no jugy ō wa zenzen wakaranakatta. [English]         “I didn’t understand today’s class at all.”

[Japanese]    この問題が分からないんだけど、教えて。 Kono mondai ga wakaranai n da kedo, oshiete. [English]         “I don’t understand this problem, can you teach me?”

[Japanese]    宿題は何だっけ？ Shukudai wa nan dakke? [English]         “What is the homework?”

[Japanese]   教科書の何ページが試験範囲？ Kyōkasho no nan-pēji ga shiken han’i? [English]         “Which pages of the textbook will be covered in the exam?”

[Japanese]    英語のテストはいつだっけ？  Eigo no tesuto wa itsu dakke? [English]         “When is the English exam?”

[Japanese]   試験の勉強は全然できてない。  Shiken no benkyō wa zenzen dekite nai.               [English]         “I couldn’t study enough for exams at all.”

[Japanese]    テスト/試験 どうだった？ Tesuto / shiken dō datta? [English]         “How was your test / exams?”

[Japanese]   どうしよう、英語のテストが赤点*だった。 Dō shiyō, Eigo no tesuto ga akaten* datta.  [English]         “What should I do, I got a red mark on the English test.”

*赤点 akaten is a slang word for bad grades, it is literally translated as “red mark”, meaning “failing grades”.

[Japanese]   試験の結果は思ったより良かったよ。 Shiken no kekka wa omotta yori yokatta yo.             [English]         “The result of the exam was better than I thought.”

[Japanese]    試験期間が終わったら、カラオケに行こう！ Shiken kikan ga owattara, karaoke ni ikō! [English]         “When the exam period is over, let’s go to Karaoke!”

テストどうだった？ Tesuto dō datta? (“How was your test?”)

6. Talking About Subjects  

1. subject vocabulary [from elementary to high school].

School subjects are one of the most essential parts when learning classroom phrases and vocabulary. 

The following is the list of subjects (科目 kamoku ) that are taught from elementary school to high school in Japan. 

学科 gakka / 科目 kamoku (“School subjects”)

2. Subject Vocabulary [University]

Below are the common department / course of study (学科 gakka ) taught in higher education, such as junior college or university.

3. Example Sentences

Here are some basic phrases in Japanese using subject vocabulary:

[Japanese]    私の一番好きな科目は [subject] です。                          Watashi no ichi-ban suki na kamoku wa [subject] desu. [English]         “My favorite subject is [subject].”

[Japanese]    私は [subject] が得意です。 Watashi wa [subject] ga tokui desu. [English]         “I’m good at [subject].”

[Japanese]    私は [subject] が苦手です。 Watashi wa [subject] ga nigate desu. [English]         “I’m not good at [subject].”

[Japanese]   [subject] は難しいので嫌いです。  [subject] wa muzukashii node kirai desu. [English]         “I don’t like [subject] because it’s difficult.”

[Japanese]    何の科目が一番好きですか。 Nan no kamoku ga ichi-ban suki desu ka. [English]         “What is your favorite subject?”

[Japanese]   何の科目が得意ですか。  Nan no kamoku ga tokui desu ka.              [English]         “Which subjects are you good at?”

[Japanese]    大学では [subject] を学びたいです。 Daigaku de wa [subject] o manabitai desu. [English]         “I’d like to learn [subject] at university.”

[Japanese]   専攻学科は何ですか。 Senkō gakka wa nan desu ka.         [English]         “What is your major?”

[Japanese]   私の専攻学科は [subject] です。 Watashi no senkō gakka wa [subject] desu.           [English]         “My major is [subject].”

[Japanese]    第二外国語としてドイツ語のクラスをとっています。                         Dai-ni gaikokugo toshite Doitsu-go no kurasu o totte imasu. [English]         “I’m taking German class as a second foreign language.”

Japanese language learning : If you want to learn more about how to introduce yourself in Japanese, please see How to Say “My Name is,” in Japanese + More !

7. Conclusion

In this article, we introduced 100+ most useful Japanese Classroom Phrases and Vocabulary, including:

• School vocabulary and the Japanese school system 
• Useful Classroom Greetings and Calls
• Talking about Subjects

Whether you are taking a Japanese class or you want to teach at a Japanese local school and/or study with native students, our guide of Japanese Classroom Phrases and Vocabulary will make your school life easier and more adaptable.

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find a lot more helpful content on JapanesePod101.com . This is the best place to learn Japanese online, providing a variety of free lessons designed to help you improve your Japanese-language skills. 

If you are interested in more Japanese phrases sorted by situations, the following articles are just right for you: 

• Japanese Travel Phrases for an Enjoyable Trip to Japan

50+ Restaurants Phrases for Eating Out in Japan

• Essential Business Japanese: Learn the Most Useful Phrases

And there’s so much more! Be a faster learner and enjoy studying Japanese at JapanesePod101.com !

Before you go, let us know in the comments if there are any specific topics or situations you’d like to learn Japanese phrases for. We’d be glad to help, and we look forward to hearing from you! 

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Japanese School Grades By Age | Guide to Japanese School System

Here’s a guide to Japanese School Grades By Age . Read on to find out everything about the Japanese school system. 

School systems and structures vary from country to country. The age at which a child starts school may differ as the start date of every academic year differs in different countries. 

In Japan, the academic year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Children who are born between April 2nd of the current year and April 1st of the following year enter the same grade. 

Children start the first grade of elementary school of the year that they have their sixth birthday on or before April 1st of that year. 

Japan places a lot of importance on education during the early years of a child’s life. This is why it is not uncommon for children to start preschool by the time they are around 2.5 to 3 years. 

Page Contents

Key Takeaways

• The Japanese education system is managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) and is compulsory at the elementary and lower secondary levels.
• Children start their education at age 6 and attend elementary school for six years, followed by three years of junior high school and three years of high school.
• The Japanese school year starts in April and ends in March, with a long summer break from late July to early September.

Japanese School Grades By Age

The Japanese education system comprises six levels:

• Kindergarten (Yōchien): Ages 3-6
• Elementary School (Shōgakkō): Ages 6-12
• Junior High School (Chūgakkō): Ages 12-15
• High School (Kōkō): Ages 15-18
• Vocational School (Senmongakkō): Ages 15-18 (alternative to High School)
• University (Daigaku): Ages 18-22 (or longer for postgraduate studies)

Japanese School System Overview

The Japanese school system is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. In Japan, education is compulsory for children from the age of 6 to 15, which includes six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school.

Students then have the option to attend three years of high school, followed by two or three years of junior college or four-year universities.

The Japanese school year begins in April and ends in March, with three semesters. The first semester runs from April to July, the second from September to December, and the third from January to March.

The summer vacation is six weeks long, while the winter and spring breaks are two weeks each.

The Japanese school system places a strong emphasis on discipline and respect for authority. Students are expected to follow strict rules and adhere to a hierarchical system, where older students have more authority over younger ones. This system is reinforced by the use of uniforms and a strict code of conduct.

In Japan, students are placed in classes based on their academic ability, with the highest-performing students in the top class and the lowest-performing students in the bottom class. This system is designed to encourage competition and motivate students to work harder.

Overall, the Japanese school system is highly respected for its academic rigor and emphasis on discipline. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of creativity and individuality, as well as its high levels of stress and pressure on students to perform well.

Pre-School Education in Japan

In Japan, pre-school education is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. Children usually attend pre-school between the ages of one and five, although some may begin earlier. Pre-school education is divided into two categories: hoikuen (nursery schools) and yochien (kindergartens).

Nursery schools are for children under the age of six, and they are usually run by local governments or private organizations.

They provide full-day care and education, including meals and snacks. The curriculum is designed to help children develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Kindergartens, on the other hand, are for children between the ages of three and six. They are usually run by private organizations, and they provide half-day education. The curriculum is focused on developing children’s social skills, creativity, and independence.

Both hoikuen and yochien have their own unique characteristics and teaching methods. Some hoikuen may focus more on play-based learning, while others may have a more structured curriculum. Similarly, some yochien may focus more on academics, while others may prioritize social and emotional development.

Overall, pre-school education in Japan is highly valued, and it is seen as an important foundation for future academic and social success. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in pre-school programs, and the government provides financial support to make it more affordable for families.

Elementary Education in Japan

In Japan, elementary school education is compulsory for all children. It begins at the age of 6 and lasts for six years, from grades 1 to 6. Children enter first grade in April following their sixth birthday.

The curriculum in Japanese elementary schools includes subjects such as Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, and physical education. English education is not mandatory in elementary school, but some schools offer it as an elective subject.

Students are usually assigned to a homeroom teacher who is responsible for their overall education and well-being. In addition to academic subjects, elementary schools also focus on instilling good values and manners in their students.

The Japanese education system places a strong emphasis on discipline and respect for authority. Therefore, students are expected to follow strict rules and regulations in school, such as wearing uniforms and bowing to their teachers.

Overall, elementary school education in Japan is designed to provide a strong foundation for students to build upon in their future academic and personal pursuits.

Junior High School Education in Japan

Junior high school education in Japan is compulsory and lasts for three years. Students attend junior high school between the ages of 12 and 15, after completing their elementary education. The focus of junior high school education is on academic studies, and students are required to take a wide range of subjects, including Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, and English.

In addition to academic studies, junior high school students also participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and art. These activities are an important part of the school curriculum and provide students with opportunities to develop their skills and interests outside of the classroom.

At the end of their junior high school education, students take a standardized test called the “high school entrance examination” to determine which high school they will attend. The results of this exam are a significant factor in determining a student’s future academic and career opportunities.

Overall, junior high school education in Japan is rigorous and demanding, but it provides students with a solid foundation in academic and social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

High School Education in Japan

In Japan, high school education typically spans three years, starting at age 15 and concluding at age 18. The initial year of high school includes students aged 15 to 16. A notable distinction between junior high and high school lies in the requirement for entrance exams.

The Japanese high school curriculum is divided into two parts: compulsory subjects and elective subjects. Compulsory subjects include Japanese language, social studies, mathematics, science, and English language. Elective subjects include music, art, physical education, and foreign languages other than English.

Japanese high schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural clubs, and volunteer work. These activities are an important part of the high school experience and are often used to develop leadership skills and foster a sense of community.

Upon completion of high school, students have the option to pursue further education at a university, junior college, or vocational school. The entrance process for these institutions is highly competitive and often requires students to take entrance exams and submit essays and recommendations.

Japanese Grading System

The Japanese grading system is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Each level is further divided into grades based on the student’s age.

Elementary School

Elementary school in Japan consists of six grades, starting from age six to twelve. The grading system in elementary school is based on a five-point scale, with five being the highest grade and one being the lowest.

Junior High School

Junior high school in Japan consists of three grades, starting from age twelve to fifteen. The grading system in junior high school is also based on a five-point scale, with five being the highest grade and one being the lowest.

High School

High school in Japan consists of three grades, starting from age fifteen to eighteen. The grading system in high school is different from that of elementary and junior high school. Most high schools in Japan use a numerical grading system from 5 to 1, with 5 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest.

University Level

In Japan, students must pass a standardized test to be accepted into a university. Most national universities employ a 4-scale grading system, with A, B, C, and F being the grades.

Overall, the Japanese grading system is designed to encourage students to strive for excellence and to provide a clear and objective way to evaluate their academic performance.

Age vs Grade Comparison

In Japan, the education system is structured in a way that students are grouped according to their age. The age range of students in each grade level is roughly the same across the country. The following is a comparison of the age and grade structures in Japan.

• Age range: 6 to 12 years old
• Age range: 12 to 15 years old
• Age range: 15 to 18 years old

It is important to note that the age range for each grade level is not set in stone. Some students may be a year older or younger than the average age for their grade level, depending on their individual circumstances.

In comparison to other countries, the age range for each grade level in Japan is relatively consistent. For example, in the United States, students in the same grade level can have a wider age range due to differences in the cut-off dates for school enrollment.

Overall, the age vs grade comparison in Japan provides a clear and consistent structure for students to follow throughout their education. This structure helps to ensure that students are learning at a pace that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage.

Transition Between Grades

In Japan, the transition between grades is a significant event in a child’s education. The school year starts in April and ends in March, and children who were born between April 2nd and April 1st of the following year are placed within the same grade. This means that a child’s grade level may change when they move to Japan from another country.

The transition between grades is marked by a ceremony called “shuugaku ryokou,” which is a school trip taken by students at the end of their elementary school years. This trip is meant to be a celebration of the students’ achievements and a way to prepare them for the next phase of their education.

During the transition between elementary school and junior high school, students are required to take an entrance exam, which determines which school they will attend. The entrance exam is a significant event in a student’s life, and preparing for it can be stressful for both the student and their family.

After junior high school, students take another entrance exam to enter high school. The high school entrance exam is even more challenging than the junior high school exam, and the competition for admission to top high schools is fierce.

Overall, the transition between grades in Japan is marked by significant events and can be a stressful time for students and their families. However, it is also an opportunity to celebrate achievements and prepare for the next phase of education.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Japanese education system is often praised for its rigor and high academic standards, it also faces a number of challenges and criticisms. One of the main criticisms is the excessive emphasis on rote learning and memorization, which some argue stifles creativity and critical thinking skills.

Another challenge is the pressure placed on students to perform well on standardized tests, which can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. This pressure is particularly intense for students in their final year of high school, who must perform well on the university entrance exams in order to secure a place at a top university.

In addition, the Japanese education system has been criticized for its lack of emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience. Some argue that the system is too focused on academic achievement and does not do enough to prepare students for the workforce or for life outside of school.

Despite these challenges and criticisms, the Japanese education system remains one of the most highly regarded in the world, and continues to produce many highly skilled and successful graduates. However, there is ongoing debate about how best to address these challenges and improve the system for future generations.

Japanese School Grades by Age : FAQs

What are the grade levels in the japanese school system.

The Japanese school system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school, and four years of university. The grade levels are as follows:

• Elementary school: 1st-6th grade
• Junior high school: 7th-9th grade
• High school: 10th-12th grade

What is the age range for high school students in Japan?

The age range for high school students in Japan is typically 15 to 18 years old. However, some students may start high school at a younger or older age depending on their individual circumstances.

How old are students in their third year of high school in Japan?

Students in their third year of high school in Japan are typically 17 to 18 years old. This is the final year of high school before students graduate and move on to university or other post-secondary education.

What is the age of a first-year student in Japanese high school?

A first-year student in Japanese high school is typically 15 years old. However, as mentioned earlier, some students may start high school at a younger or older age depending on their individual circumstances.

At what age do Japanese students typically attend middle school?

Japanese students typically attend middle school, or chugakko, from the age of 12 to 15 years old. This is after completing six years of elementary school.

What age range do Japanese students fall under for elementary school?

Japanese students usually start elementary school, or shogakko, at the age of six and attend for six years until the age of 12.

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Mastering the Phrase: How to Say Homework in Japanese

Are you looking to expand your Japanese language skills? Learning how to express academic tasks like “homework” in Japanese is a great place to start. In this section, we will guide you through the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese, providing you with the necessary tools to communicate more effectively in the language.

Although it may seem simple, expressing “homework” in Japanese is not as straightforward as you may think. Japanese has multiple words and expressions for this concept, depending on the context and level of formality. But fear not! By the end of this article, you will know how to say “homework” in Japanese like a pro.

So, are you ready to learn the Japanese word for homework and other relevant phrases? Let’s get started!

How to Say Homework in Japanese

When it comes to expressing the concept of homework in Japanese, there are various phrases and expressions you can use. Here are some common ways to say “homework” in Japanese:

Note that the word “宿題” (shukudai) is the most commonly used term for “homework” in Japanese. However, the other phrases can also be used depending on the context and level of formality.

How to Say Homework in Japanese in Different Contexts

Depending on the situation, the appropriate Japanese phrase for “homework” may vary. Here are some examples:

• If you want to ask your teacher about the homework: 「今日の宿題は何ですか？」(Kyou no shukudai wa nan desu ka?) which means “What is today’s homework?”
• If you want to tell a friend that you have homework to do: 「宿題があるんだよ」(Shukudai ga aru n da yo) which means “I have homework to do.”
• If you want to express that the homework is difficult: 「宿題が難しいです」(Shukudai ga muzukashii desu) which means “The homework is difficult.”

By using these phrases in the appropriate context, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese.

Japanese Vocabulary for Homework

As mentioned earlier, the Japanese language has multiple words and expressions for “homework”, depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some of the most commonly used vocabulary words and phrases related to homework in Japanese:

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of each word and phrase can vary depending on the speaker’s region and dialect, so it’s best to listen to native speakers for proper pronunciation.

Homework Phrase in Japanese

The most commonly used phrase for “homework” in Japanese is “shukudai” (宿題), which is also the most casual and familiar. For a more formal or academic context, “kadai” (課題) can be used instead.

In addition to these phrases, Japanese educators may use the term “jishu gakushu” (自主学習) when referring to self-study or homework outside of class. Students may also use the phrases “yoshu” (予習) for preparing for a lesson and “fukushu” (復習) for reviewing material covered in class or for exams.

By familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words and phrases, you can accurately express and discuss homework in Japanese conversations.

Ways to Express Homework in Japanese

Japanese has multiple words and expressions for “homework” depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some common ways to express homework in Japanese :

In addition to the words listed above, there are also many expressions commonly used to talk about homework in Japanese. Here are some examples:

• しゅくだいのりょうがおおい
• The amount of homework is large
• まいばんしゅくだいをする
• To do homework every night
• しゅくだいをほうちする
• To leave homework undone

By learning these variations for expressing homework in Japanese, you can showcase your language prowess and effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts.

Pronunciation and Usage Tips

Now that you know how to say homework in Japanese and have familiarized yourself with the related vocabulary and expressions, it’s important to understand how to pronounce these phrases correctly.

The Japanese word for homework is しゅくだい (shukudai). To pronounce it correctly, begin with the “shu” sound, which is similar to the English “shoe” sound, but with a slightly shorter duration. Next, move on to the “ku” sound, which is similar to the English “koo” sound. Finally, say “dai” with a long “i” sound, similar to the English word “die.”

Another word commonly used for homework in Japanese is 宿題 (shukudai). To pronounce this word, start with “shu” as before, then say “ku” and “dai” as you did previously. The final syllable “kai” is pronounced with a long “i” sound as in the English word “high.”

It’s important to note that Japanese has different levels of politeness and formality, and the appropriate word choice and expressions will depend on the context and situation. For example, if you want to ask a friend if they have any homework, you might use the phrase “shukudai aru?” which means “Do you have homework?” In a more formal setting, you may use “shukudai ga arimasu ka?” which has the same meaning, but with a higher level of politeness.

By paying attention to pronunciation and using the appropriate level of formality, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a master of the phrase!

Summary and Conclusion

In conclusion, learning the various ways to express “homework” in Japanese is an essential part of mastering the language. The Japanese language has multiple words for homework, and it’s important to understand the context and level of formality when choosing which phrase to use.

By familiarizing yourself with the specific vocabulary and expressions related to homework in Japanese, you can effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts. Additionally, understanding the correct pronunciation of these phrases will enhance your language skills and improve your overall communication in Japanese.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese and has helped you improve your language proficiency. Remember to practice and use these phrases in your Japanese conversations to further enhance your skills!

Q: How do you say “homework” in Japanese?

A: The word for “homework” in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai).

Q: Are there any other ways to express “homework” in Japanese?

A: Yes, besides “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai), you can also use the phrases “宿題をする” (しゅくだいをする, shukudai o suru) which means “to do homework,” or “宿題を出す” (しゅくだいをだす, shukudai o dasu) which means “to assign homework.”

Q: How do you pronounce “宿題”?

A: “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai) is pronounced as “shoo-koo-die” in English.

Q: Can you provide an example sentence using the word “宿題”?

A: Sure! An example sentence could be “毎晩、宿題をします” (まいばん、しゅくだいをします, Maiban, shukudai o shimasu) which means “I do homework every night.”

Q: Are there any other words or phrases related to homework in Japanese?

A: Yes, some related words and phrases include “テストの勉強” (てすとのべんきょう, tesuto no benkyou) for “studying for a test” and “レポートを書く” (れぽーとをかく, repooto o kaku) for “writing a report.”

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On December 13 - 15, 2019, the traditional autumn Camp of Max Dedik's branch " Effective Kumite " will be held at the Peresvet hotel near Moscow. We invite karatekas and instructors to take part in our training camp!

KYOKUSHIN KARATE – THE STYLE FOR THE ELITE

Kyokushin karate - style for the elite. Kyokushin develops courage. Kyokushin fosters character. Kyokushin forging the blade of the spirit. "The spirit cuts through the stones." We are proud of the fact that it is developing Kyokushin. It's really deep, intellectual Karate. And it really is a Weapon.

Kyokushin Karate - "the way of ultimate reality" or "the Way to the absolute truth" if translated from Japanese. But we're talking easier – just BE REAL. "Never strike in anger "is an expression of Okinawa Karate, reflects the essence of our understanding of"the way of an Empty Hand".

WHY SCHOOL MAXIM DEDIK?

Phone: +7 (926) 578-33-78

Moscow, 2nd khoroshevskiy proezd, 9 building 1

M. Polezhaevskaya, Running (10-15 minutes walk)

Shikoku Mule (Yuzu Moscow Mule)

This Shikoku Mule is a creation based on the popular Moscow Mule cocktail.  It’s technically a Yuzu Moscow Mule but I also used Japanese shochu instead of vodka to make this new refreshing cocktail drink.

While I used Japanese ingredients to make this recipe, I didn’t simply want to name this “Japan Mule” (which just sounds odd) or something meaningless like “Tokyo Mule” just because that’s the city in Japan that everyone knows. I named this Shikoku Mule because Shikoku in Japan is where yuzu is predominately produced.

What is yuzu?

Yuzu is a citrus fruit that can be explained as “not quite a lemon, not quite a tangerine” but the flavor of it has been described as “a cross between a grapefruit and a lime.”  It’s very fragrant and has an elegant tart flavor that yuzu can be found in many cooking ingredients as well as in beauty and bath products. 

Where in Japan is Shikoku?

Shikoku is smallest of the four major islands of Japan. The name directly translates as “four countries” and true to its name, the island is made up of four prefectures.  Just so that you have a better idea of where Shikoku is, here is the map:

Shikoku, incidentally, is also a Japanese breed of dogs , a lesser known cousin to Akita or Shiba Inu .  That’s not why I named this drink Shikoku although, now that I’m thinking about it, I also made a Salty Shiba cocktail drink recently.  Hmm…I see a trend.  But there’s nothing wrong with combining my two favorite things: dogs and cocktails!

What is Shochu?

Shochu  (pronounced  show-chew ) that I used as the base alcohol for this cocktail,   is a Japanese alcoholic beverage distilled typically from sweet potatoes, barley, buckwheat, brown sugar or rice.  Shochu works great for this recipe since, unlike vodka, it doesn’t overpower the flavors of other ingredients in the drink.  So that you can enjoy the natural, vibrant flavors of yuzu and ginger beer.

Related article: Lean all the basics about Japanese shochu

Ginger beer

So, what exactly is ginger beer?  It’s a carbonated drink, with spicy ginger flavor, that is usually non-alcoholic. 

Since also I found alcoholic ginger beer, I made them two different ways – one using alcoholic ginger beer Wild Ginger and another one using the non-alcoholic version, Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer. They are equally refreshing.  The alcoholic version just has a little more boost.   

Shikoku Mule (Yuzu Moscow Mule) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz yuzu juice or yuzu syrup
• 1 oz shochu
• 4 oz ginger beer

Glass: Copper mule mug or old-fashioned

Garnish : One or a combination of:

• Lemon wedge

Instructions :

• Fill a glass with ice cubes.
• Add shochu and yuzu juice.
• Fill the glass to the top with ginger beer.
• Gently mix, garnish and serve.

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Jane | 27th Aug 19

As I was reading your post, I was salivating. LOL. I love this kind of drink because it has citrus in it. And I love anything with citrus, lime..

I will copy your recipe for when we have a gathering.

admin | 28th Aug 19

Citrus does have that effect on your taste buds! lol I love anything with citrus, too. Let me know how it turns out, Jane! Thanks!

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