Subjects and class hours
Standard yearly class periods set by the national curriculum. Schools may add more.
- Japanese 245 periods
- Arithmetic 175 periods
- Physical education 105 periods
- Science 90 periods
- Social studies 70 periods
- Integrated studies 70 periods
- Music 60 periods
- Arts and crafts 60 periods
- English activities 35 periods
- Moral education 35 periods
- Homeroom and special activities 35 periods
Source: MEXT Course of Study (2017 revision), standard class hours.
What they learn
- Japanese
- 200 new kanji, romaji (the Latin alphabet), dictionaries, and the first brush calligraphy (shūji).
- Arithmetic
- Multiplication and division, numbers up to 100 million, decimals and fractions, circles and spheres, bar graphs, and the soroban abacus.
- Science
- Insects and plants, light and shadow, magnets, simple electric circuits, and the sun's movement.
- Social studies
- The local town and city: maps, shops, farms and factories, fire stations and police.
- English activities
- Greetings, songs and games to get used to listening and speaking.
School life this year
- Integrated studies projects on the local area.
- Field trips to a local factory, farm or fire station.
- Recorders replace the keyboard harmonica in music.
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.