Japan school system age In addition, both delaying school attendance and repeating grades are Japan enacted the School Education Law in 1947 that defines school to consist of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high (middle) school, three years of high school, and two or four years of university. Overview of Japanese School System. Universal enrollment: Yes, through age 17 ; Compulsory: No ; Entrance/exit criteria: Students in Japan are placed into upper secondary schools based primarily on test scores and school report cards from lower secondary schools. In Japan, the school system is generally called the ―6-3-3-4 year system,‖ which expressly places primary school education as the foundational stage of the entire school system. Usually, a child in Japan starts going to school by the time they reach the age of six. This phase of education is compulsory, meaning that all children in this age group are required to attend school as mandated by the Japanese government. Mar 29, 2018 · The structure of the studies. [44] Upper secondary consists of three years. 8% of students go on to high school. ” After graduating from high school, some students choose In Japan, the average age of new entrants in bachelor's programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. The 6-3 school system means not only extension of the period of compulsory education from 6 years to 9 (6+3) years, but also the articulation between elementary education Nov 21, 2023 · Learn about the Japanese high school system and comprehend the stages of Japanese schooling years. The high quality of the lunches, and the idea of using them for education, are attracting attention from overseas. A Look into the School Education System in Japan. In Japanese, the word shougakkou means "small," shou 小, "school," gakkou 学校. Pre-school education in Japan is the starting point for many children on their educational journey. Student placement decisions for those coming from a different school calendar are based on several factors, among which include age, educational history, and the percentage of the school year […] School Basic Survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in financial year 2014, there were 20,852 ele-mentary schools, 10,557 middle schools, 4,963 high schools and 51 secondary schools in Japan (MEXT, 2014). The education system in Japan. Pre-School Education in Japan. Each level is further divided into grades based on the student’s age. Updated: 2023-12-08 Feb 21, 2025 · The Japan education system follows a 6-3-3-4 structure: six years of elementary school, three years of junior high, three years of high school, and four years of university. Lower secondary education is the final stage of mandatory education and caters to students from 12 to 15 years of age. After that, most students go on to high school, even though it’s not mandatory. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Ellington, Lucien. It includes: May 4, 2025 · Japan's structured education (0-22+) emphasizes discipline, academics, and holistic growth. Japan’s education system features several distinct school types, each catering to specific age groups and educational needs: Elementary School (Shōgakkō): Duration: 6 years, ages 6-12 (compulsory). You can also find the timetable and subjects which students learn in elementary school in "Primary - Elementary School System in Japan". The school year in Japan generally starts in early April and ends the next March. See full list on realestate-tokyo. The first part of this video explains the different levels of the Japanese School System. (2. To help, we’ve unpacked the international schools market to bring you everything you need to know about a child’s educational journey in Japan: find out more below, then read our insider reviews to compare and contrast schools across the country and the rest of the world. school until 18. Elementary education in Japan begins at the age of 6 and is mandatory for children to attend school for this period. ) High School (3 yrs. Japanese Lessons: A Year in a Japanese School through the Eyes of an American Anthropologist and Her Children. And they do that really well. Kindergarten: age 3-6: Elementary school: age 6-12 (Grades 1-6) Junior high school: age 12-15 (Grades 7-9) Primary Schools in Japan Overview Japanese primary school lasts for six years. That equals 6 years for elementary school, 3 for junior high, 3 for high school, and 4 for university, for a total of 16 years of education. These are as follows: The modern school system of Japan began from the promulgation of the school system in 1872. no 5-year elementary school, or 4-year high schools in Apr 16, 2012 · University entrance exams in Japan are notoriously difficult — some see the escalator school system as a easy way out. School education in Japan starts with kindergarten for infants, and after completing nine years of compulsory education in elementary school (6 years) and junior high school (3 years), students move on to senior high school (3 years). There is no variation in the years of education at each level, e. The 6-3 school system means not only extension of the period of compulsory education from 6 years to 9 (6+3) years, but also the articulation between elementary education Mar 11, 2015 · At the age of 15, when they end their compulsory education, they will know additional 1,130. ) Full-time (3 yrs. May 14, 2024 · Education System Japanese education adopts a 6-3-3-4-year educational framework. There are, however, a few elements regarding the Japanese educational system that need to be understood. Aug 21, 2024 · This guide provides an overview of the Japanese educational system, from pre-school to higher education, and explores the various types of schools available to students. The grading system, however, might change based on the subject and the school. ” Elementary and junior high school are “compulsory education. May 11, 2025 · The Japanese educational system was reformed after World War II. Junior High School (Chūgakkō): Duration: 3 years, ages 12-15 (compulsory). It is usual for all students to eat lunch in their classrooms. 10 things you should know about Japanese public schools 1. It may get a little complicated remembering that a 3rd year junior high school student is typically the age of an American high school freshman, but it's not that hard. The first stage covers ages 12 to 15 and is compulsory, while the second is optional for students aged 15 to 18. Jul 17, 2014 · In America, school grades are counted as 1 -5 for 小学校 (elementary school), 6-8 for 中学校 (junior high) and 9-12 for 高等学校 (high school). As an indication of its success, elementary school enrollments climbed from about 30% percent of the school-age population in the 1870s to more than 90 percent by 1900, despite strong public protest, especially against school fees. Feb 18, 2021 · In Brief: The Education System of Japan. In Japan, elementary school is six years We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This article will explore the key stages of the Japan education system. 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. These are as follows: Oct 7, 2022 · School Rules in Japan . Without taking into account preschool or higher education, the Japanese education system requires students to spend a total of 12 years of which nine are compulsory, similar to Western education systems. Schools can be divided into state-run, public and private schools. 6 %, rank 26/32 , 2022) Download Indicator The Japanese school system is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. Age and organization of the school system in Japan. Today, education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 15. At the end of the study, the student should be around the age of 18. ) Trade School (1-4 yrs. The Japanese school system was created during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Feb 5, 2024 · After compulsory education, the next 3 years are for high school. Elementary school starting age > Years: Primary school starting age is the age at which students would enter primary education, assuming they had started at the official entrance age for the lowest level of education, had studied full-time throughout and had progressed through the system without repeating or skipping a grade. 4. Dec 27, 2024 · Below is a list of 8 major customs of Japanese public schools you may not be familiar with. The Japanese education system is organized into three main stages: Elementary Education (Shōgakkō) Jan 2, 2024 · The number of homeroom/form teachers will depend on the school population. " Jul 29, 2010 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. School children / Students go to school by themselves I think what Japan does with school is teach people to be Japanese. , consisting of three stages. Compulsory education lasts for 9 years through elementary and junior high school. It includes: Under Japan's compulsory education system, when a child reaches six years, they can enter elementary schools which take six years from the beginning of the first year (April 1). Aug 3, 2022 · Elementary schools in Japan consist of six grades, so students spend six years until they finish the final year of elementary school at the age of 12. More Sep 30, 2021 · 1. Compulsory for 9 years (6-15). [45] Private upper-secondary schools account for about 55% of all upper-secondary schools. Learn about the compulsory education age range and the option to continue education through upper secondary school and higher education opportunities. ), Part-time or In Japan, almost all elementary schools and junior high schools provide school lunches. Although there are kindergartens for preschool education, these Furthermore, the Japanese school system places a high value on moral education, instilling values such as integrity, responsibility, and empathy in students from an early age. com May 12, 2025 · The Structure of the Japanese School System. The school year begins in April, so almost all children who have turned 6 by April 1 each year enter elementary school Oct 25, 2024 · Japanese secondary education The secondary school system. 18 Sports today, are shaped Please consult the table below as different school systems can cause confusion. Apr 7, 2020 · Western educational systems, such as in the US, consider 1st to 5th graders as having elementary status, 6th to 8th graders as junior high, and 9th to 12th graders as part of the high school student body. The Japanese people have devised an extraordinary system of education that works well for their students. However, I think it's more useful to understand that all Japanese elementary, junior high schools, and high schools follow the 6-3-3 system. The Fundamental Law of Education and the School Education Law were enacted in 1947 and the 6-3-3-4-year system of school education was established aiming at realizing the principle of equal opportunity for education. Local Schools that are set up by the municipal government and financed by all 3 levels of government. Many Japanese schools have adopted a three-term system, and each year is divided into three separate semesters. Because most people take compulsory education according to the school-age in Japan. High School (Kōtōgakkō): In Japan, higher education starts upon the completion of 12 years of education: elementary education (6 years of elementary school) and secondary education (3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school). Moral education classes, as well as daily rituals like morning assemblies and cleaning duties, instill in students a sense of communal responsibility and civic duty Benjamin, Gail. Primary Education. In Japan, the school year (as well as the fiscal year) starts on April 1st and ends in March. Aug 27, 2024 · This guide provides a detailed examination of Japan's educational system, covering all stages from pre-school to higher education, and outlines the different types of schools available to students. Say a student is born on April 1, 2009. Should this be implemented worldwide? Within recent times, many western- style appliances and such can be found in Japanese homes. S. Only the first nine years of elementary and middle school are required, although 98. Following elementary education at kindergartens and day-care centers, children move on to primary schools, where they complete 6 grades in preparation for junior high. 2 The academic year runs from April 1 to March 31. 8% of students continue on to high school. Jan 5, 2021 · The school year that indicates in which year you were born is more important than the actual age in Japan. In Japan, compulsory education starts at age six and ends at age fifteen at the end of A typical Japanese high school classroom. Respect is also extremely important in Japanese schools. Here’s what’s involved in enrolling your child into the Japanese public school system. Jun 27, 2023 · The Japanese educational system is represented by the digits 6-3-3-4. years. " Sep 16, 2024 · Now, let’s be clear, just like Hollywood doesn’t accurately portray US schools, Japanese TV dramas don’t either, but having a somewhat personalized view inside—a way of seeing how the Japanese see their own education system—can give you a perspective on school life you might not find elsewhere. Education through middle school is compulsory in Japan, where schools remain structured after the American model. The structure of Japan’s education system resembles that of much of the U. About 75. 17 Many of the students are learning in these schools to take English language courses to help them as they get older. ) Age 20 2-Year College (2 yrs. After completing the studies in an elementary school, the students are required to enroll in junior high school until the first March 31 after the date when they reach Mar 26, 2023 · Scoring Systems: Japanese students are graded on a scale of 0 to 100, with 60 being regarded as a passing grade. Others see the system as a way to get a top notch education from a young age. Let’s begin by familiarising ourselves with the school system in Japan. From age twelve, they attend three years of junior high school, chūgakkō (中学校). Between age 6-12 (6 years) pupils are educated at primary school. Jun 10, 2024 · In Japan, the grade system is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school and high school. Of this, the nine years of primary education and lower secondary education form the compulsory education […] The School Education System (1) The School Education System The Japanese Education System Chart (See page 6) Education before Starting School Before starting school, children from age 3 till they reach school age can receive education in kindergartens. Education is compulsory only for the nine years of elementary and middle school, but 98. New York: New York University Press, 1998. Arguably, that's the goal of any education system - to create a functioning, contributing member of society. 1 Japanese School System (1) Pre-school Education Children under elementary school age can attend a kindergarten (Yochien), daycare center (Hoikusho or Hoikuen), or designated child care center. Therefore, it is common to see children returning home from school in the evening. All the actual subject matter is just a side-show. Nov 8, 2023 · In Japanese schools, students are asked to clean classrooms as part of their learning experience. Japanese schools follow the same system but they consider their junior high students as grades 1 to 3, and high schoolers as grades 1 to 3. Elementary school is for 6 years, junior high school is for 3 years, high school is for 3 years, and university is for 4 years, so it is called “6-3-3-4. 16 The Japanese schools, based on America's, teach the same things in grade school as American schools. The Japanese school education system consists of 12 years, of which the first 9 years, from elementary school (6 years) to junior high school (3 years), are compulsory. Dec 2, 2023 · The Japanese education system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and three years of university (four years). Small school. The basic school system in Japan is composed of elementary school (lasting six years), middle school (three years), high school (three years), and university (four years). Students who have completed lower secondary school, at about age 16, receive a school leaving certificate and apply to upper secondary school. The structure of education in japan. Jan 11, 2016 · In Japan, education is compulsory roughly from the age of 6 to the age of 15. The Japanese educational system starts with pre-school education, followed by 6 years of elementary education, then 6 years of secondary education (3 years of lower secondary and 3 years of upper secondary education), which leads to a wide range of higher education. Your First Day in a Japanese School May 15, 2025 · The Japanese school system is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. The Japanese scholars teach manners before knowledge. Sep 24, 2024 · Japanese School System. Elementary school: grades 1-6 (ages 6-12) The Japanese general school system is a 6-3-3-4 system. Children start preschool at around age four in Japan and elementary school at age at around age seven. The modern school system of Japan began from the promulgation of the school system in 1872. The school system in Japan was changed from a dual system to a single-track school system through educational reforms influenced by the United States after World War II. The Japanese school system is divided into several stages: Elementary School (Shougakkou): 6 years (ages 6–12) Junior High School (Chuugakkou): 3 years (ages 12–15) High School (Koukou): 3 years (ages 15–18) not compulsory University (Daigaku): Usually 4 years (ages 18+) May 4, 2025 · Japan's structured education (0-22+) emphasizes discipline, academics, and holistic growth. Children are required to attend school compulsory for a minimum of 9 years as follows : Education from Grade 1 to 6 at elementary school (Primary) and Grade 1 to 3 at junior high school (Lower Secondary School), also called as Chuugakko in Japan. Though upper-secondary school is not compulsory in Japan, 98. In Japan, the proportion of international graduates among bachelor's first-time graduates is relatively low. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In Japan, compulsory education starts at age six and ends at age fifteen at the end of junior high school. Class sizes usually range from 20 to 40 students. Children attend elementary school, shōgakkō (小学校), for six years, starting at age six. 2. They begin at Elementary School, a compulsory education besides Junior High School or Lower Secondary School. This means that if a foreign family living in Japan would like their child to attend a public elementary or junior high school, they can. However, Japanese schools offer many extracurricular classes, clubs, and workshops outside of these standard hours. 6 %, rank 26/32 , 2022) Download Indicator Jan 5, 2021 · The school year that indicates in which year you were born is more important than the actual age in Japan. New York: Teachers College Press, 2002. DeCoker, Gary, editor. The period of attendance varies among towns, cities, and facilities. However, the traditional system was still commonly Japanese elementary schooling is seen [who?] as effective, but not without some problems, notably increasing absenteeism and school refusal and a troublesome amount of bullying (77,630 reported cases in 2010 throughout the school system) [9] In addition, special provision for the young children returning to Japan from long periods spent Dec 1, 2021 · Conclusion. A student of a shougakkou is a shougakusei 小学生. (18. " Jun 1, 2011 · The research design based on Japanese data is advantageous for estimating the pure effect of actual age at school entry because the Japanese educational system does not induce a variation of educational attainment by the birth month as in the US (Angrist and Krueger, 1991). Sep 28, 2023 · Guidebook for Starting School (Created by Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education): This guidebook provides information in 16 languages about the Japanese school system, enrollment procedures, educational content, promotion/advancement, educational expenses, school regulations, scholarship systems, tuition waiver programs, employment, and main What are the School Hours in Japan? School hours are generally from about 8:00/8:30 until 15:00/16:00 depending on the school and student’s age. Japan has a well-developed educational system in which the structure and function has much in common with many other industrialized countries. ) Age 18 Late- Secondary Education School (3 yrs. Most parents also enroll their children in early childhood education programs prior to elementary Aug 17, 2024 · How does the Japanese school system structure differ by student age? In Japan, compulsory education lasts 9 years. After compulsory education, the next 3 years are for high school. Nov 18, 2023 · The Schooling System in Japan: An In-Depth Look at Key Aspects and Academic Excellence Discover the renowned education system in Japan, known for its discipline, work ethic, and academic excellence. Kindergartens are educational institutions (schools) designed to help Sep 6, 2019 · In Japanese schools, the students don’t get any exams until they reach the 4th grade. 8% of all junior high school graduates enrolled as of 2020. Minimizing distractions and instilling discipline in kids saves a lot of time Organization of Japanese School System ates began working at age 15 after completing compulsory education, while 43% entered upper secondary school. The table below explains what the Japanese school Children are required to attend school for a minimum of nine years: six years of primary and three years of lower secondary education. . The Japanese school system is divided into several stages: Elementary School (Shougakkou): 6 years (ages 6–12) Junior High School (Chuugakkou): 3 years (ages 12–15) High School (Koukou): 3 years (ages 15–18) not compulsory University (Daigaku): Usually 4 years (ages 18+) The K12 education system in Japan is recognised and well-known worldwide. Sep 21, 2017 · So, how does this elite school system work? This guide details the educational structure of the system in place, as well as the costs, curriculum and school types available in the country. National Standards and School Reform in Japan and the United States. 3. Nov 19, 2024 · Secondary Education: Junior High School. The Japanese school system length of study consists of six years of elementary school starting at age 6, following that would be three years of junior high school and another three years of high school. Public schools are of two types: National Schools that are set up and financed by the national government. From its age-specific curriculum to its emphasis on extracurricular initiatives, the education system in Japan is one of the best in the world, promoting well-rounded development. Nov 15, 2024 · The Japanese school year system and how that influences how the Japanese view age can be confusing, so let me break it down for you. After the 1947 educational reform, the Japanese educational system was redesigned around a uniform 6-3-3-4 system (six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school and four years of college). This may seem like an odd question, but I'm doing personal research into the Japanese school system along with Japan in general. That’s 6 years for elementary school, 3 for junior high school, 3 for high school, and 4 for university, totaling to 16 years of studying. In Japan, junior high school, or chūgakkō, serves as a critical stage in the education system, encompassing students typically aged 12 to 15 years. Class placement is based on the child’s educational background and age on September 1st. 3 Beginning in April 2002, the school week is five days long and Oct 7, 2022 · School Rules in Japan . May 26, 2020 · Under Japan’s existing school system, which has long been taken for granted, pupils are grouped uniformly by age into classes in which they learn the same content in the same way and at the same The school system in Japan was changed from a dual system to a single-track school system through educational reforms influenced by the United States after World WarII. The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University) with reference to the American system. Mar 12, 2024 · If you’re embarking on a global move, getting to grips with a different schooling system can be a challenge. Dec 30, 2024 · Students in Japan typically start elementary school at the age of six. However, it is possible to identify some characteristics that are particular to the Japanese system. Let’s explore the structure, culture, and key features of the Japanese education system. Compulsory Education Compulsory education at elementary schools, junior high schools, The Japanese education system is a three-part system which begins at age six, and usually continues to age eighteen. Let’s dive into the basics!. Japan performs quite well in its educational standards, and overall, the Japanese school educational system is divided into five sections. 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. 9 percent of high school graduates attended a university, junior college, trade school, or other higher education institution. Are high schools in Japan compulsory? No, high school is not compulsory, but about 98% of students choose to attend. of basic education, elementary, junior high, and senior high school, followed by higher education. Even after finishing school, people judge if they are older or younger than them in terms of the school year. Jan 4, 2022 · Japanese School System. Le système éducatif au Japon contemporain fut créé ex nihilo, dès le début de l'ère Meiji en s'inspirant principalement du modèle scolaire allemand tel qu'il prévalait dans la seconde moitié du XIX e siècle et privilégiant, avant tout, l'ordre, la discipline, la rigueur méthodologique et l'effort de mémorisation [1]. As a result Dec 29, 2024 · Japan’s 6-3-3-4 education system, mandated by the School Education Law and rooted in the Fundamental Law of Education (1947), has been a cornerstone of its national development since its post-war implementation. After some trial and error, a new national education system emerged. The traditional Japanese system of age reckoning, or kazoedoshi (数え年, lit. Oct 11, 2021 · A Guide to the Japanese School System. Aug 26, 2015 · Understanding Differences Between Japanese and American Schools Source: Suki Tamba. Attendance is extremely important and can affect students’ grades at the end of the year. Das Bildungssystem in Japan ist ein 6-3-3-4-System, entsprechend der Anzahl der Jahre, die in den aufeinander folgenden Institutionen verbracht werden. Three years in high school is optional, but most children attend high school. "counted years"), which incremented one's age on New Year's Day, was rendered obsolete by law in 1902 when Japan officially adopted the modern age system, [30] [31] [32] known in Japanese as man nenrei (満年齢). Its administrative head was called Daigaku-no-kami as head of the Tokugawa training school for shogunate bureaucrats. This includes 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high school. There are 5 types of higher education institutions that international students can be admitted to, which are 1) colleges of technology, 2) specialized training In Japan, the average age of new entrants in bachelor's programmes is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. Education in Japan typically begins with pre-primary education, after which school becomes compulsory until age 12. Oct 17, 2024 · Types of Schools in Japan. Ⅰ The Structure of Japanese Schools 1 The Japanese Education System Age 24 Graduate School (2 or 5 years) Age 22 University (4 yrs. g. Dieses System wurde im März 1947 zusammen mit dem Grundgesetz der Erziehung und dem Schulbildungsgesetz eingeführt, um den Grundsatz der Chancengleichheit für Bildung zu verwirklichen. The 6-3 school system means not only extension of the period of compulsory education from 6 years to 9 (6+3) years, but also the articulation between elementary education In Japan, higher education starts upon the completion of 12 years of education: elementary education (6 years of elementary school) and secondary education (3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school). Though Japanese schools may sometimes feel upside down and backwards, the truth is they are part of a flawed and fully functional system that successfully prepares 10,000,000 human beings a year for real life. In Japan, secondary education is split into two stages: junior and senior high school. Did you know much about Japanese school system? Do you find their Dec 27, 2024 · In Japan, regardless of nationality, all children have the same rights. In the United States, they would turn 15 on April 1, 2024. The school year in Japan starts in April and ends in March. May 2, 2024 · Educational Stages in Japan: From Kindergarten to University. Afther the age of 18 Japan was very unified by the Tokugawa regime (1600–1867); and the Neo-Confucian academy, the Yushima Seidō in Edo was the chief educational institution of the state. Features: uniform system, moral education, student responsibility, cram schools. State-run schools Dec 8, 2023 · In Japan, six years in elementary school and three years in junior high school are mandatory. Almost all Japanese students continue on to upper secondary schools. The school system in Japan centers around several key rules. May 12, 2025 · The Structure of the Japanese School System. See how Japanese students progress through the developed countries in the West, and introduced many elements of the school system from those countries. There are 5 types of higher education institutions that international students can be admitted to, which are 1) colleges of technology, 2) specialized training Dec 27, 2024 · * List of International Schools in Japan * Japanese education system and which school is the best for your child * Enrolling in a Japanese public school and materials you need to prepare * What You Should Know about Japanese Public School Customs * Yearly Activities and Events in Japanese Public Schools Nov 23, 2017 · The shougakkou 小学校 in Japan would be equivalent to an "elementary school," "primary school," or "grade school" in the United States from first grade and up. The education system in Japan is called the “6-3-3-4” system. Japan's education system played a central part in Japan's recovery and rapid economic growth in the decades following the end of World War II. May 15, 2025 · The Japanese school system is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. Keep in mind the lady speaking will use American terms for schooling words. The schools in Japan are either public or private. Each grade will have a head teacher, and each class will have a homeroom/form teacher, according to the Japanese school system. ) Specialized Vocational High School (5 yrs. How does the grading system work in Japan? The grading system in Japan usually ranges from 0 to 100, with a passing score generally being 60. Why? Because the goal for the first 2 years of school is not to judge the child’s knowledge or learning, but to establish good manners and develop character. 6 Years, rank 40/40 , 2022) Download Indicator. But really, there are a few things to understand about the Japanese school system. Shougaku 小学 Jan 8, 2025 · Education in Japan is renowned worldwide for its discipline, high academic standards, and unique approach to learning. These numbers represent the Japanese education: 6-3-3-4. Educational Structure. Outline of Senior High Schools in Japan The Japanese education system is divided into six years of primary education and six years of secondary education (three years of lower secondary education and three years of upper secondary education). Clearly, this works, as 98% of the child population is currently in regular education. Jan 20, 2015 · The Japanese school grading system is summarized below. " Japan enacted the School Education Law in 1947 that defines school to consist of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high (middle) school, three years of high school, and two or four years of university. gcuzbcncspceiwbjbtaptslsuknqzjzhzrpgydnzyrehbbdjzhem