Traditionally, boys have worn black uniforms with brass buttons and stand-up collars. Today, boys' uniforms come in blue and other colors, and summer uniforms often include shorts. Girls' uniforms are mostly navy blue with pleated skirts, but this style is changing, too. Young students may wear brightly colored caps to help automobile drivers spot them. Today's uniforms are more comfortable and attractive than in the past, but it is just as important as ever for students to be neatly dressed for school.
Students attending public school almost always go to a school in their own neighborhood.
If a student enrolls in a private school, he or she may not necessarily stay in the neighborhood. Students spend a lot of time together, both in class and in such extracurricular activities as field trips and graduation trips, sports, and athletic meets, and various after-school activities. Junior high school students develop their computer skills. A tug of war is a highlight of school athletic day events. Almost all Japanese students study English.