The Japanese School System: Rules, Student Life, and Exams

The Japanese school system is known for its discipline, structure, and unique traditions. From mandatory education in Japan to strict school rules, cleaning duties, and high-pressure entrance exams, student life in Japan is quite different from what you might find in other countries.

If you're curious about what it's like to study in schools in Japan, keep reading!

📏 Strict School Rules in Japan

Japanese students grow up following strict rules, and schools in Japan are no exception. The Japan school system enforces detailed guidelines, especially in junior high school (中学校) and high school (高校), where students wear uniforms daily.

However, the rules go beyond just wearing a uniform:

• Dress Code for Female Students: Skirts must cover the knees, long hair must be tied up, and wearing makeup or dyeing hair is not allowed.
• No Long Nails: Students must keep their nails trimmed short.
• Teachers Enforce Rules: In some cases, teachers even check students' hair length and tie or cut it if it’s too long.

🙇🏻‍♀️ Classroom Etiquette and Greetings

Respect and discipline are deeply embedded in the education system in Japan. One unique practice in Japanese schools is the daily formal greetings before and after lessons.

• At the beginning of a lesson, students stand up together, bow, and say 「おねがいします」(Onegaishimasu), meaning "please teach us."
• At the end of the lesson, they bow again and say 「ありがとうございました」(Arigatou gozaimashita), meaning "thank you very much."

This practice reinforces respect for teachers and classmates.

🏫 Students Clean Their Schools

Unlike in many Western countries, schools in Japan don’t have janitors. Instead, students are responsible for keeping their classrooms, hallways, and common areas clean.

This system, known as o-soji (お掃除), is believed to teach responsibility, teamwork, and respect for shared spaces. It’s a fundamental part of education in Japan and instills good habits from a young age.

🌸 School Year Starts in April

One of the most unique aspects of the Japanese school system is its academic calendar.

• School starts in April, coinciding with sakura (cherry blossom) season, and ends in March of the following year.
• Even during holiday breaks, many students continue attending bukatsu (部活), or extracurricular clubs, which play a major role in student life in Japan.

🎓 Students Can’t Fail a Grade

In mandatory education in Japan, failing a grade is almost unheard of.

• Even students with low grades or attendance typically move on to the next level.
• However, expectations are high, and most students work hard to meet academic standards.

That being said, while failing a grade is rare, there is one major hurdle students must face: exams in Japan.

📚 The Pressure of Entrance Exams in Japan

Although students in the school system in Japan rarely repeat a grade, entrance exams are incredibly competitive.

• If a student doesn’t pass the entrance exam for their desired high school or university, they won’t be accepted.
• Many students attend juku (塾), or cram schools, for extra study sessions outside of regular school hours.

Because of this intense competition, exams in Japan are considered the biggest academic challenge students face.

🏮 Omamori for Exam Success

Another popular good luck charm for students in Japan is the お守り (omamori), a protective amulet sold at temples and shrines. Students (or their parents) often buy special 学業成就 (gakugyou jouju) omamori, which are specifically for academic success and passing exams.

Two of the most famous temples for students seeking omamori to help with exams are:

• Yushima Tenmangu (湯島天満宮) in Tokyo – Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, this shrine is one of the most popular spots for students praying for academic success.
• Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮) in Kyoto – Another shrine honoring Sugawara no Michizane, this is a must-visit for students looking for luck before their exams.

Many students visit these shrines before entrance exams to pray for good results and buy an omamori to keep with them as they study.

🎉 Fun Fact: KitKat and Exam Luck

In Japan, KitKat has become a good luck charm for students taking entrance exams.

Why? The name “KitKat” sounds similar to the Japanese phrase 勝つ (katsu), which means “to win.” So, giving a KitKat to a student is like wishing them success in their exams!

The education system in Japan is strict, structured, and deeply rooted in discipline and responsibility. From following school rules and cleaning classrooms to handling the pressure of entrance exams, student life in Japan is both challenging and rewarding.

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫