Subjects and class hours
Standard yearly class periods set by the national curriculum. Schools may add more.
- Japanese 306 periods
- Arithmetic 136 periods
- Life environment studies 102 periods
- Physical education 102 periods
- Music 68 periods
- Arts and crafts 68 periods
- Moral education 34 periods
- Homeroom and special activities 34 periods
Source: MEXT Course of Study (2017 revision), standard class hours.
What they learn
- Japanese
- Hiragana and katakana, the first 80 kanji, reading short stories aloud and writing simple sentences.
- Arithmetic
- Numbers up to 120, adding and subtracting within 20, comparing lengths and amounts, and telling the time to the hour and half hour.
- Life environment studies
- Learning about school, the neighbourhood, plants and animals by growing morning glories and going on local walks.
- Also
- Music with the keyboard harmonica, drawing and making, and PE games.
School life this year
- The entrance ceremony in April, with a new randoseru backpack.
- Walking to school in a group with older children, often carrying a yellow cover or hat for safety.
- Taking turns serving school lunch (kyūshoku) and cleaning the classroom.
- Sports day in spring or autumn and the first school excursions.
School life guides
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Based on Japan's School Education Act and guidance from the Ministry of Education (MEXT). Local rules and dates vary, so check with your city or school.