Enrolling Your Child in a Japanese Public School [2026]

Foreign children are not under Japan's compulsory-education obligation, but if you wish, they are accepted into public elementary and junior high schools for free, just like Japanese children. This guide covers the procedure, documents, costs, Japanese support and grade placement.

① Acceptance and costs

• Public elementary/junior high have free tuition and textbooks
• School lunch, materials and school-trip costs are out of pocket (with school-cost aid depending on household circumstances)

② The procedure

1. When you file your moving-in notice (resident registration), many municipalities send an enrollment notice for foreign children too
2. Apply for enrollment at the municipal board of education
3. A school is assigned, and after an interview the child enrolls or transfers

Mid-year transfers are possible. After moving, consult the board of education as soon as you can.

③ Main documents (varies by municipality)

• The child's and guardian's residence card and juminhyo
• An application stating you wish to enroll
• The child's passport and any documents from the previous school

④ School assignment & Japanese support

• In principle the child attends the school for your address's district
• Many municipalities/schools provide Japanese-language instruction (pull-out classes, initial-guidance classrooms, etc.)

⑤ Grade placement

In principle the child enters the grade matching their age. Depending on Japanese ability, this may be adjusted in consultation with the school.

FAQ

Can foreign children attend public school?They are not under the compulsory-education obligation, but if you wish, they are accepted into public elementary/junior high for free, like Japanese children.

Are there fees?Public tuition and textbooks are free. Lunch, materials, etc. are out of pocket, with school-cost aid available depending on household circumstances.

Is it OK if my child can't speak Japanese?Many municipalities/schools offer Japanese-language and initial guidance. Consult the board of education before enrollment.

Can my child transfer mid-year?Yes. Apply at the municipal board of education. Consult them soon after moving.