For International Families
(Education Funding Edition) aside money each month while your child is still in elementary school (which is comparatively inexpensive). Even if it's not a lot of money, every little bit set aside helps. It's also a good idea to learn about the various different systems in place and make good use of them. Japanese people don't tend to talk about money in front of each other, but many are " kotsukotsu " (steadily) saving for their childrens ' futures. Start saving early to make your child's dreams come true!!
We often say that "anyone can go to elementary and middle school for free in Japan," but that doesn't mean that school life doesn't cost any money. Examples of Necessary Expenses in Elementary School Things to get before school begins lt’s expensive, but you can use it for 6 years. gym clothes, gym shoes indoor slippers, red/white reversible caps, etc. "randoseru" (School backpack) These things need to be replaced as your child grows Regular payments you’ll make school lunch fee, materials fee (as needed)special reserve funds (the amount varies by what they are being used for at school year, such as outdoor activities or field trips), etc. from your account And that’s not all... These need to be replaced after use writing materials, notebooks, etc. painting kit, calligraphy set, recorder melodica, sewing kit compass, swimsuit, etc. You buy them only when the school asks you to. As you can see, attending school costs money even in the early grades. Still, for the sake of your child's future, we recommend you start saving up money while they’re in elementary school!
Total Educational Expenses for 1 Year (￼1) (public schools) Elementary School : about  ¥320,000 Examples of Necessary Expenses □ Uniforms and gym clothes designated by the school □ A bike to ride to school □ Train or bus fare to/from school □ Items used during club activities □ Reserve funds for field trips, etc. □ High school tuition and textbooks ■ Cost of studying for exams at cram school □ Entrance exam fees (when advancing to high school or university) □ Enrollment fees (when first entering high school or university) etc. Don't fall into the trap of thinking “If it’s so expensive, maybe my kid doesn't need higher education..." In Japan, around 58% of students go o n to university or junior college. Including students those who choose professional training colleges, etc. Around 83% continue their studies after high school. (☞ Very few enter the labor market first and then return to continue their studies. (楽2　参照：18歳人口及び高等教育機関への入学者・港学率等の推移文惡科学省) While it costs a lot of money for children to continue their studies, there are some support systems in place.学援援助制度Elementary and middle schools… High schools……高等学校等就学支援金制度、奨学給付金制度high school scholarships Universities, professional training colleges, etc… various scholarships   and more Although the above systems do exist,  雲we urge you to save money “kotsukotsu” for your child’s future. Don't spend the money A child's allowance money plays an important role in teaching children the value of money and how to use money wisely. While managing their own money, they learn to systematically plan for purchases, or skip indulgences, and if you pay them an allowance as a reward for helping with household chores, they can also learn the social structure of "working to earn money."" Creating opportunities for them to handle money in the course of daily life, for example shopping, also naturally supports their studies in math and their Japanese language acquisition. For Japanese elementary students, many allowances take the form of either a fixed amount every month, or varied amounts as needed. It's a good idea for parents and children to talk about children's allowances and establish family rules as a part of ordinary life.
● Cram Schools and Lessons
In Japan, most elementary school students take lessons in things like swimming, calligraphy, abacus, piano, or soccer, or they attend extracurricular study programs like language schools or "cram schools" (juku). Many families also report that extracurriculars like this cost more money as students get older.
After-School Childcare Clubs
When both parents work, there are facilities where their children can be safe and feel secure. The timeframe and costs vary by facility, but almost all of them do cost money. It's a good idea to check in advance what sorts of facilities are available in your area.愛知教育大学外国人児童生徒支持〒448-8542 愛知県刈谷市井ヶ谷町広沢1  TEL：0566-26-2219 e-mail：gendaigp@auecc.aichi-edu.ac.jp  FAX：0566-26-2566愛知教育大学イラスト協力：古屋根