Many students attend juku or have sports or other extracurricular activities in the afternoon. Classes may be as large as 40 students in elementary school. Student groups are therefore an important part of both learning and other activities. Groups of students in each class take turns cleaning the classrooms, hallways, toilets, playgrounds, and other areas. Neatness is a major part of the dress code, too.
Some schools require students to wear uniforms.
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.