Subjects and class hours
Standard yearly class periods set by the national curriculum. Schools may add more.
- Japanese 245 periods
- Arithmetic 175 periods
- Science 105 periods
- Physical education 105 periods
- Social studies 90 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
- 202 new kanji (including many used in prefecture names), summarising texts and writing reports.
- Arithmetic
- Large numbers up to the trillions, long division, angles, area, line graphs, and adding decimals and fractions.
- Science
- The human body and joints, weather and temperature, how water changes state, electric current, and the moon and stars.
- Social studies
- Their prefecture, water supply and rubbish, disaster prevention, and local history and traditions.
- English activities
- Simple conversations about likes, days of the week and time.
School life this year
- A "half adult ceremony" (nibun no ichi seijinshiki) at many schools, marking age ten.
- Visits to a water treatment plant or rubbish facility.
- Joining school clubs and committees run by the older years.
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.