Would you like to send your child to a Japanese high school, but don't have the language skills or information about it? Here are ten schools in Tokyo that welcome foreign students and provide them with the right language and cultural support until graduation.
Compulsory education in Japan ends at the end of the 9th grade, which means that students who wish to continue their studies must find their own place in a high school that suits them. Here are some options for foreign students interested in learning Japanese and graduating from high school as a true native.
Opportunities and preparation
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government operates over one hundred three-year coeducational high schools, six of which are designated as schools for non-Japanese students residing in Tokyo. With the exception of foreign language classes, all classes at these schools are taught in Japanese (with proper language support), providing an authentic Japanese educational experience, including club activities, cultural festivals, and other activities throughout the year. the typical year of high schools. . These schools are great for students who want to experience Japan, learn the language, and possibly live and work here.
Applicants must have completed nine years of school in Japan or abroad, be registered as a foreign single parent in Tokyo at the time of application, and have a school entry date within three years of arrival in Japan. Entry requirements for international students at private schools are generally similar.
Of the six designated schools, all but one have little to no English on their websites. Therefore, if you are considering this option for your children, it is a good idea to first contact the schools directly or the Tokyo Metropolitan Education Consultation Center for general information about the schools and their admission process and requirements. Thatcenteroffers consultation hours in English every Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and can be reached at 03-3360-4175.
Public high schools are of course much cheaper than private ones. The annual tuition for full-time study in a public high school is around ¥118,800, with an entrance fee of about half that. There is a scholarship for low-income families.
Option One: Public High Schools
Below is a list of the most prominent high schools in Tokyo that regularly enroll international students.
Do not do. 1 Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School
Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, commonly known askokusai koko, is the leader among all public international secondary schools. He describes himself as one of the top 10% of high schools in Tokyo. Of the six schools dedicated to foreign students, only this one has a complete website in English.
Kokusai (the Japanese word for international) emphasizes the development of students' language skills and an international perspective.has a wide range of language courses, including French, German, Spanish, and more. Students can apply twice a year, in April and September.The school in Komaba, Meguro Ward, accepted 25 foreign students in April 2017 and around five foreign students in September. The school also runs the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is taught primarily in English. This course accepts a maximum of 25 Japanese and foreign students per year. One of the best features of the school is that it supports foreigners with special Japanese courses and places them in all classes (including math, science, and languages) based on their level. The school is very international, with returnees from all over the world and international students.
#2 Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School
Located in Oji, Kita Ward, Asuka High School describes itself as having a larger number of teachers than other schools, allowing it to manage smaller classes divided by ability in English, math, and Japanese. It offers courses in two main learning pathways: International Culture and Arts and Life Studies. Despite running a Japanese-only website, Asuka describes herself as active in international exchanges, in part through a sophomore study trip to Australia. The school normally accepts 20 foreign residents in April and three in September, out of an annual intake of around 130 students.
#3 Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium Fuchu Nishi
Located in Fuchu, west of Tokyo, this school prides itself on providing in-depth instruction. It has small classes, divided according to the ability of the students, and uses information and communication technology devices in instruction. In the first year of study there is a focus on information technology and from the second year there is a branch in humanities and natural sciences. Fuchu Nishi had 15 openings for foreign students in April for the 2017 school year and three in September.
#4 Tokyo Metropolitan Minamikatsushika Senior High School
Located in Tateishi, Katsushika district, this school normally accepts 15 non-Japanese students in April and three in September. It has small classes of 20-30 students in various subjects and divides math and English classes based on student ability. On Saturdays he gives voluntary tutoring classes. You can learn more about the school's application requirements.on here.
#5 Tokyo Metropolitan Tagara High School
Tagara High School normally accepts a total of 20 international students in April; six in general education and 14 in the foreign culture course. In September, it accepts one more non-Japanese student in the general course and two more in the foreign language course. Located in Hikarigaoka, Nerima Ward, Tagara is a third-year student teaching Japanese traditions and culture. Relevant application information can be found in Englishon here.
No.6 Tokyo Metropolitan Takenodai High School
Located in Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa Ward, this school normally accepts 15 foreign students in April and three more students in September for its general education course. She volunteers to tutor after school, on Saturdays and during vacations, and provides a self-study room after school.on heresee more information about applications.
Option two: private schools
#7 Kanto International High School
Kanto International School is a co-educational private high school with three learning streams: general education, study abroad, and performing arts. Foreign students are only admitted to the Japanese culture program in the mainstream. For the 2017 academic year, it had vacancies for 20 repatriated students or foreign candidates, in an annual total of 360 admitted.
The Ministry of Education has recognized Kanto International as an "English Super Secondary School". These schools emphasize the study of the English language and are responsible for developing such curricula, as well as practical research to create effective collaborative relationships with high schools and universities.
Based in Shinjuku, Kanto International had an admission fee of 240,000 yen and a tuition of around 31,500 yen in 2017, among other expenses.
In it. 8 International Christian University High School
this school is is located on the campus of the International Christian University (ICU) in the city of Koganei, west of Tokyo. It describes itself as one of the best private high schools in Japan. More than 65 percent of the students are returned. All classes are taught in Japanese, except those taught by native English speakers. ICUHS is designated a "Super Global High School" under a government program designed to develop leaders capable of playing an active role on the international stage.
Following admission in April 2017, ICUHS accepted applications for 80 first-year students, including a small number of international students. The cost for the 2016 academic year included an admission fee of 330,000 yen and an annual fee of 591,000 yen, among other expenses. UTIHS also has a dormitory.
#9 Keika Gakuen
Located in Hakusan, Bunkyo District, this institute includes an elementary and middle school for boys and an elementary and middle school for girls. At the beginning of the 2017 school year, the boys' school had 10 places available for returnees in the lower and lower grades. It also offered a small number of semester places in the returnee category, noting that nationality was not an issue, thus opening this category to foreign students. Each of the girls' schools planned to admit five female students and a few others in the returnee category during the year, also specifying that nationality does not matter. Each school charges an admission fee of 250,000 yen and a tuition fee of around 34,000 yen, among other costs.
No. 10 Otsuma Tama Middle and High School
Located in the city of Tama, west of Tokyo, this private all-girls school offers a handful of places for international students each year. Otsuma is a joint six-year high school. Therefore, the admissions process takes place at the seventh grade level. The high school years focus on developing foundational academic skills, while the final three years focus on college preparation. Contact the school directly for information on fees and registration.
FAQs
Do Japanese high schools accept foreign students? ›
Foreign students are only accepted in the Japanese culture course in the general education stream. The Department of Education has designated Kanto International as an “English Language Super High School”.
What is the most elite Japanese high school? ›Nada High School is well known for its severe entrance examination and superior education especially in sciences. Nada High School has sent the largest number of its students to University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and other top-tier medical universities in Japan.
What grade would a 14 year old be in Japan? ›| Age | Grade | Educational establishments |
|---|---|---|
| 13-14 | 2 (8th) | Junior high school/Lower secondary school (中学校 chūgakkō) Compulsory Education |
| 14-15 | 3 (9th) | |
| 15-16 | 1 (10th) | The upper-secondary course of special training school |
| 16-17 | 2 (11th) |
The school year consists of two or three terms, which are separated by short holidays in spring and winter, and a six-week-long summer break. The year structure is summarized in the table below. Primary education in Japan covers grades seven, eight, and nine; children are generally between the ages of 13 and 15.
Is Japan accepting foreign students now? ›New entry into Japan from overseas Updated
Those who have received at least three vaccine doses recognized as valid by the Japanese government will not be required any of “pre-departure COVID-19 test”, “on-arrival COVID-19 test” and “self-quarantine after entry into Japan”.
| Age | Japan | U.S.A. |
|---|---|---|
| 11-12 | ELMN 6 | Grade 6 |
| 12-13 | JHS 1 | Grade 7 |
| 13-14 | JHS 2 | Grade 8 |
| 14-15 | JHS 3 | Grade 9 |
Students must be interviewed in their home country before being accepted for a High School exchange in Japan. A minimum of 2 years of Japanese study and good academic results are required in order to be able to participate to this Japanese High School Program.
Can I go to school in Japan as an American? ›U.S. students may apply directly to Japanese undergraduate universities and colleges. These two- or four-year programs are immersive, with students directly incorporated into the Japanese higher education system. In addition, students will receive a certificate or degree from the university.
What grade would a 16 year old be in Japan? ›The usual schooling in Japan is 6 years of primary school (from the age of 7 to 12), 3 years of junior high school(from the age of 13 to 15), 3 years of senior high school (from the age of 16 to 18), and 4 years of university education(from the age of 19 to 22).
What is an 11th grader called in Japan? ›Freshman Year (9th grade) Sophomore Year (10th grade) Junior Year (11th grade) Senior Year (12th grade)
Is it hard to get into high school in Japan? ›
In order to attend high school in Japan, it is necessary to sit for and pass an entrance exam. Those tests are daunting even for native speakers, but they're virtually impossible for those who are not fluent in Japanese.
How long is school day in Japan? ›In general, kids have to be at school by 8:45 am. School finishes around 3:15 pm, so they have to be in school for about six and a half hours every day from Monday to Friday. However, most kids also attend after-school clubs, and many also go to juku (cram school) in the evening to do extra studying.
What is the legal age in Japan? ›While the legal age of consent set by the penal code is 13 in Japan, there are other multiple laws imposing penalties for engaging in lewd acts with minors. The Child Welfare Law defines a youth under the age of 18 as a child and provides for criminal penalties for “causing” a child to engage in lewd acts.
How long is summer break in Japan? ›Japanese schools have three semesters, separated by vacations. At most schools, summer vacation covers the 40-odd days from July 20 to August 31; winter and spring vacation both last around 10 days, from December 26 to around January 6 and March 25 to around April 5, respectively.
Is 14 a minor in Japan? ›42. The Penal Code of Japan provides that an act of a person under 14 years of age is not punishable. Under the Juvenile Law of Japan, however, "juvenile" (shonen) refers to anyone under 20 years of age.
How old is Grade 1 in Japan? ›Children who have their 6th birthday on or before April 1 enter the first grade of elementary school of that year. School year starts in April and ends in March. For Japanese nationals, six years at elementary school and three years at junior high school (total nine years) are compulsory.
Is 19 still a minor in Japan? ›The age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022. This makes it possible for 18- or 19-year-olds to sign a smartphone contract or take out a loan without parental consent, but also means that they need to take responsibility for such decisions.
Is Japan open to U.S. students? ›Absolutely! Students were welcomed back into Japan as of fall 2022. If you plan to study in Japan, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID and follow current entry requirements.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan? ›Currently, tourists with U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months). Passengers who have been fully vaccinated and boosted with vaccines approved by the Japanese government and who are arriving in Japan after October 11, 2022, will not require a pre-travel COVID-19 test.
What is the age limit for student visa in Japan? ›Q: Is there an age limit for getting a student visa? There's no strict limit but if you're middle-aged or older (over 30 years old) your reason for studying Japanese and your school history will be more carefully evaluated.
How old is 7th grade in Japan? ›
Shōgakkō (小学, Elementary school) from 6 to 12. Chūgakkō (中学, Middle School) from 12 to 15. Kōkō (高校, High school) from 15 to 18.
Is school in Japan free? ›School Cost
Tuition for public primary and secondary schools is free, even for foreign students. However, you will be required to cover some costs for lunches, school materials, uniforms, and contributions to the PTA. Your school should provide a detailed list of everything that your student needs.
Myth #1: You need to speak fluent Japanese.
Some universities in Japan offer courses fully taught in English, as well as language classes to help international students learn Japanese too. At Tokyo's Waseda University, for instance, seven schools and 12 graduate schools offer all-English degree programs.
- Summer study abroad.
- Semester or year exchange.
- Language immersion.
- Fellowships.
- Art programs.
- Teen Travel.
To enter, students typically take an entrance examination in Japanese, mathematics, science, social studies, and English, whether it is standardized for all public high schools in the prefecture or a test created by a private high school for that school alone.
How much GPA do you need to study in Japan? ›minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5.0.
Is Japanese hard for an American to learn? ›The Japanese language is considered one of the most difficult to learn by many English speakers. With three separate writing systems, an opposite sentence structure to English, and a complicated hierarchy of politeness, it's decidedly complex.
Where do American kids go to school in Japan? ›Founded in 1902, ASIJ offers an American-style college preparatory education for the children of international families, including those on temporary assignment, as well as families who make Tokyo their permanent home. The school offers a standards-based curriculum culminating in an American high school diploma.
Can you move to Japan for high school? ›High School Exchange
If you're eager to live and study in Japan longer you can enroll in a semester, year, or gap year abroad. Immerse yourself in the culture while living with a host family and attend classes alongside Japanese students.
Foreign children are not obliged to attend compulsory education in Japan, but if they wish to attend public compulsory education schools, MEXT will provide them with a school to enroll in free of charge in accordance with International Covenants on Human Rights and other agreements.
What grade is fail in Japan? ›
| Grade in Japanese (Kanji) | English translation | Corresponding percentage |
|---|---|---|
| ryō (良) | Good | B (70–79%) |
| ka (可) | Average, pass | C (60–69%) |
| nin (認) | Approved, acceptable | D (50–59%), uncommon |
| fuka (不可) | Unacceptable, failed | F (0–59% or 0–49%) |
Shōgakkō (小学, Elementary school) from 6 to 12. Chūgakkō (中学, Middle School) from 12 to 15. Kōkō (高校, High school) from 15 to 18.
Is dating in high school normal in Japan? ›High school dating isn't a big deal in many parts of the world — but in Japan, it means something quite different. The practice of “high school dating” matches young girls with men much older than them. And it means money changing hands. Sometimes this involves a walk around the block or a drink in a bar.
How long can Americans stay in Japan? ›You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
Can I live in Japan as an American? ›Can an American move to Japan? Yes. You can move to Japan from the US. You'll need to apply for the relevant visa for your situation, at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate² which is closest to your home.
Do Japanese high schoolers live alone? ›Do teens in Japan do this in real life, or is this simply a way of keeping the story simple and streamlined? No, this is actually a thing! While it's not EXTREMELY common, it's definitely not unusual for Japanese high school students to live alone, away from their family.
What grade would a 13 year old be in Japan? ›If you are 13, you are likely to be placed in 7th grade in Japan, so that might mean junior high/middle school.
What happens if a foreigner has a baby in Japan? ›Non-Japanese Newborns
In addition to submitting the Notification of Childbirth, you must apply for a Status of Residence (visa) if your baby has foreign nationality and will continue living in Japan. You are also required to report the birth to your home country so please check with your embassy or consulate.
4. High School (16 – 18 years old) High schools in Japan provide a three-year education for students which starts when they are 16 years old and lasts until the age of 18. One of the biggest differences between junior high school and high school is whether taking an entrance exam is required or not.
Can a 14 year old study abroad in Japan? ›To be able to get a student visa to Japan you must have graduated from High School (completed at least 12 years of school) in your home country which usually means that you are at least 18 years old.
Is highschool in Japan free? ›
School Cost
Tuition for public primary and secondary schools is free, even for foreign students. However, you will be required to cover some costs for lunches, school materials, uniforms, and contributions to the PTA.