Why events matter so much
School events (gakkō gyōji) are part of the national curriculum, under special activities. They are meant to build class spirit, give children roles and responsibility, and mark the turning points of the year. That is why ceremonies are so formal and why so much class time goes into practising for sports day and the graduation ceremony.
Through the school year
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Early April
Entrance ceremony 入学式
A formal welcome for new students. Parents dress up, and families take photos by the school gate, often under the cherry blossoms.
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April – May
Home visits 家庭訪問
The homeroom teacher makes a short visit to each home, or meets parents at school, to learn about the child and the route to school.
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Through the year
Open classes 授業参観
Parents watch a lesson from the back of the classroom, often followed by a class meeting with the teacher.
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Spring or autumn
Excursions 遠足
Day trips to parks, zoos or museums, with a packed lunch from home.
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May – June or September – October
Sports day 運動会
Relays, tug of war, group dances and the red team against the white team. Families come with picnic blankets and cameras.
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Autumn
School festival and shows 学芸会・文化祭
Plays and music shows in elementary school, and culture festivals and choir contests in junior high and high school.
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Final years
School trip 修学旅行
Usually one night away in elementary grade 6, and two or three nights in junior high, often to Kyoto and Nara. High school trips go further afield.
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March
Graduation ceremony 卒業式
A long, formal ceremony with songs and each diploma handed over by name. It is rehearsed many times beforehand.
Tips for families in Japan
- Ask for the yearly events calendar (nenkan gyōji yotei) in April and note the days that need a packed lunch or a parent.
- Parents wear formal clothes, usually a dark suit, to entrance and graduation ceremonies.
- Schools often limit photos and videos to protect other children. Check the rules before the day.
- Sports day may be postponed for rain, so keep the reserve day free too.
Words you will hear
- 学校行事 gakkō gyōji
- school events
- 入学式 nyūgakushiki
- entrance ceremony
- 運動会 undōkai
- sports day
- 修学旅行 shūgaku ryokō
- school trip
- 卒業式 sotsugyōshiki
- graduation ceremony
See also
More on School culture
- School lunch (kyūshoku) Children serve each other a hot, nutritionist-planned lunch and eat it in the classroom.
- Cleaning time (sōji) Every day, students sweep and wipe their own classrooms, corridors and often toilets.
- The randoseru and school supplies The famous leather backpack, indoor shoes, a yellow cap and a name on absolutely everything.
- Club activities (bukatsu) After-school clubs that shape junior high and high school life, and the reform moving them to the community.
School events are part of special activities in the MEXT Course of Study. Dates and destinations vary by school. Rules, costs and dates vary by city and school, so check with your local office or school.