Japan (JP)

Since October 2019, childcare is free for all 3–5 year olds at approved facilities (認可保育園). For 0–2 year olds, fees are income-based (¥0 for very low income households, up to ¥77,000/month). Non-approved facilities (認可外保育施設) receive up to ¥37,000/month subsidy for children aged 3–5.

Apply through your ward/municipal office — not directly to the nursery. Fill out a hoiku nintei (保育認定) application showing both parents work or cannot care for the child. Ward office allocates children to available spots based on a points system. Wait list notification in February for April start.

Same subsidy structure as Hoikuen for ages 0–2. Free for all children aged 3–5 regardless of income. Kodomoen combines the functions of hoikuen (working parents) and kindergarten (all children) — suitable regardless of parental work status.

Apply through ward/municipal office for the hoikuen portion. Kindergarten portion may be applied for directly at the facility.

Free tuition at approved kindergartens for all 3–5 year olds (up to ¥25,700/month for private). Private kindergartens may charge additional fees (lunch, events, materials) beyond the covered amount.

Apply directly to the kindergarten. Public kindergartens through the ward office; private through the school directly.

Compulsory education for all residents including foreigners. Enroll at your ward/municipal office (教育委員会 / Board of Education) which will assign you to the catchment school. Foreign children are welcomed — most schools have Japanese language support (日本語支援) teachers. Contact the school to arrange a meeting before enrollment.

Junior high (中学校, age 12–14) is compulsory and free — enroll at the ward office. Senior high (高等学校, age 15–17) requires passing entrance exams — apply through the Board of Education. Public senior high school fees are covered by the High School Tuition Support Fund (高校等就学支援金) for most residents. Some public high schools have English-medium programs (英語コース).

Required for the student visa (留学ビザ) for dedicated language study. Study up to 28 hours/week while working part-time. Popular schools: Genki JACS (Fukuoka), Akamonkai (Tokyo), ISI Language School. Choosing a JASSO-accredited school opens scholarship opportunities.

Available at most ward/city international exchange centres (国際交流センター). Very affordable and community-oriented. Classes often taught by volunteers. Good for practical conversational Japanese.

JLPT (日本語能力試験) is held twice per year (July and December). N2 is required for most professional roles in Japanese companies. N1 for legal, medical, and academic positions. Register at jlpt.jp.