Living Guide Q&A TOP

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary schoolQ＆A] Is there a place where they can look after my child after school?

Answer

Congratulations on entering elementary school! From April, a new school life has started. There are various procedures to be done at the beginning of the school year. Check the school’s handouts carefully and ask the school if you have any questions.

There are after school children’s club (Hokago Jido Kurabu) (＊The naming may differ).
After school children’s club offers a safe place to stay and play for the child whose guardian are unable to care for them at home after school due to work, illness, nursing care, or other circumstances. There are public and private children’s club, and some days are also available during long vacations. Conditions of use and fees differs between each club so for more information please contact the municipal office.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] Tell me about the payments of school expenses, etc.

Answer

In public elementary and junior high schools, textbooks and tuition are free during the compulsory education period, but there are fees for school lunch, textbook, PTA membership, etc., which will be withdrawn by bank account transfer. There is a support system called the “Financial Aid for Educational Expenses System” (Shugaku enjo seido) for families in need of financial assistance. Those who are in need may apply for it through their school.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] I’m worried about injuries at school, will there be any compensation, etc.?

Answer

If your child is injured while under the supervision of a school or other facility (during childcare, classes, extracurricular activities, breaks, commuting to and from school, etc.), from kindergarten/ nursery school to high school, you can receive medical expenses and compensation from the “Injury and Accident Mutual Aid Benefits System (Japan Sport Council).” Information will be provided by the school at the beginning of the school year. The premium for the guardians is only a few hundred yen annually.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] Tell me about school lunch (Kyushoku).

Answer

School lunches are provided in public schools. Please inform the school if your child has any food allergies or if religious considerations are necessary. Guardian should prepare a Kyushoku set including chopsticks and a cup. Children have school lunch duty. The lunch aprons used on duty needs to be washed and ironed and brought back to school the following week.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] Tell me about going to and from school.

Answer

Many schools have a set route from home to school. In some schools, children go to and from school in groups by route, while in others they go to school individually, with parents and community members watching over them along the way to ensure their safety.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] What kind of school events are there in the 1st semester?

Answer

In general, after the entrance and opening ceremony in April, there are medical checkups and physical measurements and spring excursions. In addition, with the aim of nurturing children through cooperation between home and school, there are home visits, class observation, and parent-teacher conferences.
In June, swimming classes will begin in PE, so it will be necessary to carefully check on your child’s health condition at home.
1st semester will end in late July, and report cards will be given to the child. Summer vacation is until late August. There will be homework on subjects and also research assignment (jiyuu kenkyu) etc., so it is necessary to plan ahead on doing homework.

Consultation contents

[Starting elementary school Q＆A] How do guardians interact with the school?

Answer

In elementary school, there are PTA (Parents Teacher Association) or parents association. The main purpose is for guardians and teachers to cooperate with each other in activities to ensure the well-being of children attending the school. An admission fee to support the activity will be required. Activities and management methods vary from school to school, so please check the information provided at the time of enrollment.

Consultation contents

To raise your child with security　～About the public support system～

Answer

Child rearing costs a lot of money, including child support and educational expenses. In Japan, there are various public systems that financially support child rearing. Some require application, so check the application timing and let’s make good use of it.

Child allowance system　Jidouteate seido

Child allowances will be provided to those who are raising children from birth to the age of junior high school graduation. If the parents are separated, priority payment will be given to those who live with the child. If the parents live abroad, and the parents designate the person who is raising the child in Japan, it will be paid to that person.
[INQ ] 各市町

Kindergarten, nursery, elementary and junior high schools tuition : Free of charge

Kindergarten, nursery, and certified child care facilities 3 to 5 years old classes tuitions are free of charge. For households with exemptions from municipal residence tax, it is also free for 0 to 2 years old classes. If you are certified with “Need for Childcare” for reasons such as employment, there are subsidies to extended childcare services at kindergarten too. Public elementary and junior high school tuition are free of charge.
[ INQ ] Contact the municipal office　Cabinet office HP
　 Cabinet office HP

Financial Assistance System　Shugaku enjo seido

This system assists part of the expenses necessary for entering school such as school supplies and PTA membership fees, for parents of students attending public elementary and junior high schools. Parents covered by welfare and who are equivalent to this are eligible.
[ INQ ] Through the school you are enrolled, or the Municipal Board of Education　

High School Tuition Support Fund Koutougakkou-tou shugaku shienseido

For households with annual incomes of less than 9.1 million yen, students enrolled in high schools (including technical colleges and Upper Secondary Specialized Training School) will be supported for tuition fees. Instead of being paid directly to parents, the school will receive it and apply it to tuition.　
[ INQ ] Through the school you are enrolled.　

High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund Koukousei-tou shougaku kyufukin

To reduce the burden of educational expenses other than tuition fees, there are support for low-income households with high school students.
[ INQ ] Through the senior high school where you are enrolled. In the case of a private school, the Shiga Prefectural General Affairs Department, the Promotion Division of a private school and prefectural university, or in the case of a national and public school, Shiga Prefectural Educational Bureau, General Education Division.

New System for Higher Education Support (Tuition reduction and exemption, and Benefit-type scholarships)

Depending on household income, etc., there are support for exemptions or reductions in tuition and entrance fees at universities and vocational schools, as well as benefit-type scholarships. You can apply while you are in high school.　
[ INQ] Through the school you are enrolled or scheduled to enroll, or Japan Student Services Organization

Consultation contents

The Support System for Higher Education will be Expanded

Answer

Starting April 2020, a system will be established to give every person the opportunity to go on to university(daigaku), junior college(tanki daigaku),higher technical college(koutou senmon gakkou), or technical college(senmon gakkou) regardless of the economic situation of their family.

Supported School Types

universities, junior colleges,higher technical colleges and technical colleges

Details of Support

  1. Tuition fee exemption system (entrance fee and tuition)
    2. 　 （The amount varies depending on the type of school, and whether it’s public or private.）
  2. Expanded payment of scholarships
  • The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides each student with financial support
    • 　
  • Will cover necessary student living expenses

    • （The amount of money differs between students living at home and outside）

Eligibility

Students in resident tax-exempted households and similar households
(Applicable to students in school in 2020 (including those who had already started their studies))

Related Web page

Consultation contents

About the Procedures on Scholastic Support

Answer

～Submission of “My Number” will be required from April, 2019～

To apply for the following, submission of “My Number” will be required: “High School Tuition Support Fund (Koutougakko-tou Shugaku Shienkin)”, “Supplemental Scholarship Fund　(Shougaku no tameno Kyufukin)”, and "Enrollment Incentive for Students of Schools for Special Needs(Tokubetsu shiengakko no jidouseito ni taisuru Shugaku Shourei-hi)”.

◆ High School Tuition Support Fund

  • A grant-type system where the state supports high school tuition fees, etc.
  • Intended for standard households with an annual income of less than 9.1 million yen
    (The sum of the prefectural and the municipal tax (per income basis) is less than 507,000 yen)
  • Apply at the school where you are to be enrolled.
  • The tuition support fund will be received by the school and will not be paid to the parents or guardians. (In the case of private schools, handling of the fund may differ depending on the school).
☛Regarding High School Tuition Support Fund (Multilingual)
　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

◆ Supplemental Scholarship Fund (Supplemental Scholarship Grant for High School Students)

  • A system that supports educational expenses other than high school tuition fees (repayment not required).
  • All households exempt from paying prefectural and municipal tax (per income basis) are eligible for application.
  • Parents or guardians should apply in the prefecture where they reside (Those enrolled in schools in Shiga Prefecture should apply at their school).
  • As a general rule, the parents or guardians will receive the grant (In the case of private schools, handling of the fund may differ depending on the school).
    • 　
Info:　Regarding High School Tuition Support Fund・Supplemental Scholarship Grant for High School Students
(Public schools) Shiga Pref. Board of Education High School Education Division ℡　077-528-4587
(Private schools) Shiga Pref. Department of Genenral Affairs Private School・University Promotion Division 　　 ℡　077-528-3271

◆ Enrollment Incentive for Students of Schools for Special Needs

  • A system that provides part or all of the expenses necessary for enrollment to a special needs education school in accordance to the income status of the household.
  • Parents or guardians of students in special needs education school are eligible to receive this benefit.
  • Apply at the school where one will enroll.
  • In general, parents or guardians will receive the school enrollment financial incentive.
Info: Educational Bureau of Shiga Pref. Board of Education Special Needs Education Division 　℡　077-528-4641
*The telephone numbers listed here corresponds only to Japanese language.

What is “My Number” (Individual Number) ?

  • ”My Number” is a 12-digit number designated to each and every registered resident in Japan.
  • Individual number (“My Number”) may be confirmed in your “My Number” Card, “My Number” Notification Card and in the Certificate of Items Stated in Resident Register.
  • Please consult with your local municipal office in case you lost your “My Number” Card or your “My Number” Notification Card.
☛For more info. regarding “My Number” (multilingual)

Consultation contents

Learning / Playing Groups for Children

Answer

Name of Group:　Japanese Language Class for Children (Kodomo no tame no Nihongo kyoshitsu)
    Details:　Supports learning, pre-school children, leisure activities (from 4 y.o. to 6th grade in elem. school)
    Venue:　Nagahama City, International Cultural Friendship House “GEO”
    Date / Time:　Saturday 15:00-16:00
    Inquiries:　Nagahama International Friendship Association (NIFA)
    　　　　　　　℡: 0749-63-4400
    　　　　　　　nifa_info@ybb.ne.jp
Name of Group:　Hikone UNESCO Association (Japanese Language Class for Children)
    Details:　Learning support, Japanese language learning
    Venue:　University Satellite Plaza Hikone (Al Plaza Hikone 6th flr.)
    Date / Time:　Sunday 10:00-16:00
    Inquiries:　Hikone UNESCO Association
    　　　　　　　℡：0749-24-7974
Name of Group:　World Amigo Club
    Details:　Learning support, Japanese language training, providing a place where children can stay
    Venue:　Omihachiman City, Kaneda Community Center
    Date / Time:　Saturday　10:00-12:00　summer vacation (4x), winter vacation (once)
    Inquiries:　℡：080-3834-8095
    　　　　　　　world.amigo.club@gmail.com
Name of Group:　Kan-chan no chiisana ie (“Kan-chan’s little home” )
    Details:　Consultations about learning, learning support
    Venue:　Omihachiman City, Kan-chan no chiisana ie
    Date / Time:　Upon request
    Inquiries:　℡:090-3708-3315
    　　　　　　　srmq61299@nike.eonet.ne.jp
Name of Group:　Higashiomi Amigo Kyoshitsu
    Details:　Japanese language learning, learning support, Japanese culture
    Venue:　Higashiomi City, Heart-pia Yokaichi
    Date / Time:　Saturday　14:00-16:00
    Inquiries:　School Support Regional Headquarters (Lifelong Learning Division, Higashiomi City Board of Education)
    　　　　　　　℡: 0748-24-5672
Name of Group:　Classes on South American Languages Camino Kyoshitsu Caminho Kyoshitsu
    Details:
    Native language classes:
    1.　Spanish
    2． Portuguese
    Venue:　Konan City, Mito Machizukuri Center
    Date / Time:
    1．Saturday　10:30-12:00
    2．Saturday　9:30-11:30、11:30-13:00
    Inquiries:　Konan International Association
    　　　　　　　℡: 0748-71-4332
Name of Group:　Camiyando
    Details:　Japanese language learning, learning support
    Venue:　Konan City, ERUDI
    Date / Time:　Monday / Wednesday　19:00-21:00
    Inquiries:　℡：090-1338-3350 (Mr. Kise）
Name of Group:　Hiyori-terakoya Otsu
    Details:　Learning support, measures to be taken in passing an entrance examination
    Venue:　Otsu City, Seta Community Center (2nd floor)
    Date / Time:　Saturday　10:00-12:00
    Inquiries:　hiyori_o2@yahoo.co.jp
Name of Group:　Tabunka Kyosei Gakushuukai Half half（Learning support class for students of foreign nationals）
    Details:　Learning support
    Venue:　Tekiou Kyouiku Kyoushitsu Half Step（Ihoujin Ltd.）
    　　　　　Ogaya 1-18-14 Otsu, Hongo Bldg. 3F
    Date / Time:　Every Saturdays in August from 6pm （1～2 hours）
    Fee：　free　
    Inquiries:　ihoujin63@gmail.com（Half Step Representative Ogi-san）

Consultation contents

Educational Funds

Answer

Are the educational funds ready for your children’s enrollment? If educational funds are insufficient, aside from bank loans, you can borrow money using the following system.
(Generally includes permanent residents, spouse or child of Japanese, spouse or child of permanent residents, long-term residents)
▲When availing of loans and scholarships, make a payment plan that will not be a burden on you!
　

Consultation contents

Scholarships

Answer

Although recruitment of scholars in each university is commonly held after admission in April or May, some universities recruit for reservation scholarships before admission. Therefore, you should collect information on scholarships as soon as you have decided on which school you want to study.
Scholarships are broadly divided into (1) scholarships from JASSO, (2) scholarships from university, (3) scholarships from private companies, foundations, etc., and (4) scholarships grant funded by the local government. Eligibility requirements vary, but the economic situation of the household, academic ability and fields of study are often checked. There are two types of scholarships: [grants] that do not require repayment, and [loans] that do. Some scholarships also cannot be received simultaneously with others. For more information contact the department in charge of the school or visit the school’s homepage.
＊There may be restrictions based on the status of residence.

JASSO

[Eligible Recipients] Students enrolled in graduate schools, universities, junior colleges, higher technical colleges and technical college
At the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), aside from “loan-based” scholarships (with interest and without interest), there are also “grant-type” scholarships for outstanding students who are in an economically difficult situation.
[Contact Address・Reference] JASSO
＊Grants and loans

Local Government Scholarship Fund

[Eligible Recipients] Varies
[Contact Address・Reference] Municipal offices (Some local governments do not have scholarships.)
＊Grants and loans

Newspaper Scholarship Grant

[Eligible Recipients] Students who deliver newspapers
[Contact Address・Reference] Each newspaper company
＊Grants and loans

Scholarship Grant for Traffic Accident Orphans

[Eligible Recipients] Traffic accident orphans, and students with parents with significant disabilities
[Contact Address・Reference] Scholarship Grant for Traffic Accident Orphans
＊Grants

Benefit Associations for Japanese Public Servants in Education

Eligible Recipients] Students enrolled in graduate school, university, higher technical college and technical college
[Contact Address・Reference] Shiga Branch　　 　TEL： 077-526-1356　
＊Grants and loans　

Tsuboi Ichiro/Jinko Student Support Program

[Eligible Recipients] University students (3rd year or higher) and graduate students (including those who are planning to enroll) , Children of refugees, permanent residents of Japanese descent and Chinese returnees
[Contact Address・Reference] Support 21　 TEL：03-5449-1331
＊Grants

PP Scholarship

[Eligible Recipients] Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and special permanent residents
[Contact Address・Reference] Support 21　 TEL：03-5449-1331
＊Grants

Biwako Scholarship

[Eligible Recipients] International students within Shiga prefecture
[Contact Address・Reference] Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization TEL：077-526-0931
＊Grants　　

Related Web page

Consultation contents

The Educational Funding System and Educational Loans

Answer

＊There may be restrictions based on the status of residence. Always confirm the interest rate, repayment period and other details before taking a loan.

Social Welfare Office Funds (Educational Support Fund) (loan)

[Eligible Recipients] Low-income households
[Contact Address・Reference] Shiga Prefectural Social Welfare Council 　 TEL：077-567-3903
＊Interest-free

Enrollment preparation loans from the Welfare Fund for single-parent household and widows

[Eligible Recipients] Single parent households
[Contact Address・Reference]
Shiga Prefecture Health Care and Welfare Department, Children and Youth Bureau TEL：077-528-3554
Residents of Otsu City, Otsu City Children’s Family Division　 TEL：077-528-2686
＊Interest-free

Government school loan, public school funds

[Contact Address・Reference] Japan Finance Corporation
Education call center TEL：0570-008656
＊With interest

Bank school loans

[Contact Address・Reference] Each bank (interest rates vary depending on the bank)
＊With interest

Consultation contents

Enrollment Allowance

Answer

Japan Finance Corporation (Nihon seisaku kinyuu kouko)
    (The length of study is generally 6 months or longer, educational facility for junior high school graduates or above).
  • Payment period: whenever necessary
  • Interest:　with interest
  • For Inquiries:　National Education Loan　℡ 0570-008656
    • Japan Finance Corporation (Nihon seisaku kinyuu kouko)
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) (Nihon gakusei shien kikou)
Special increase in student loan during admission.
    Increasing the student loan in the form of a lump sum on the month of admission. For those who applied to the “National Education Loan” but were unable to avail of it. (university, junior college, vocational school)
  • Payment period:　after enrollment
  • Interest:　with interest
  • For Inquiries:　The senior high school where one is enrolled at, the school where one graduated from.
    • Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Special increase in student loan during admission
Labor Bank or Worker’s Credit Union (roudou kinko or roukin)
Loan system for the required fund during admission.
    A loan given until JASSO’S “Special increase in student loan during admission” is granted to the scholarship candidate.
  • Payment period:　before enrollment
  • Interest:　with interest
  • For Inquiries:　 Kinki Labor Bank (Kinki Roukin) ℡ 0120-191-968
    • Labor Bank or Worker’s Credit Union
Prefecture, Social Welfare Council of Municipalities, Living Welfare Fund, School Entrance Preparation Expenses
Prefecture, (Otsu City residents should apply in Otsu City.)
Fatherless Family, Motherless Family, Widow’s Welfare Fund Loan

Consultation contents

Certified childcare center

Answer

Facilities that combine the functions of a certified childcare center, kindergarten and nursery school, divided into 3 categories, and application may differ for each.
  1. For children 3 years or older, who want to study until noon → apply directly to the school.
  2. For children 3 years or older, who wish to have additional hours of childcare until evening, aside from the hours of learning → apply at your municipal office.
  3. For childcare of children 0 to 3 years of age → apply at your municipal office.
*Starting October, 2019, the cost of kindergarten, nursery and certified childcare center for all children from 3 to 5 years of age will be free of charge. Residence tax-exempted households with children from 0 to 2 years of age will be free of charge (there is an upper limit for unauthorized facilities).

Consultation contents

Kindergartens and Day Nursery Schools

Answer

Kindergartens are educational facilities for children from the age of three years to primary school age. Parents can choose a one-, two- or three-year program. Tuition fees are required for both public and private kindergartens
For information on entrance procedures, please contact
  • Public kindergartens : Local municipal board of education.
  • Private kindergartens : The office of the private kindergarten
Day nursery schools take care of children from birth up to primary school age if, for example, both parents work during the day. The tuition fee for public nursery schools is set according to the age of the child and the income of the parents or guardians.
For information on entrance procedures, please contact
The Juvenile Welfare Section of the local municipal office.

Consultation contents

Educational System

Answer

The Japanese educational system basically comprises six years of primary school, three years of junior high school, and three years of high school, and two years of junior college or four years of university.

Consultation contents

Primary Schools and Junior High Schools

Answer

Children of foreign nationals having a domicile in Japan are not obligated to enter Japanese primary schools and junior high schools. However, you can enroll your child/children in Japanese schools if you wish. Public schools require no tuition fees, apart from expenses for teaching aids and the like.
For information on entrance procedures, please contact
  • Public schools : Local municipal board of education
  • Private schools : The office of the private school

Consultation contents

Careers after junior high school

Answer

Academic/ career guidance -What are your plans after junior high school? (PDF）

Consultation contents

High Schools

Answer

Students who wish to study at a Japanese high school must pass an entrance examination.
Eligibility
Those who are 15 years of age as of April 1 of the year of entrance.
Those who, in principle, have completed nine years of education abroad, or who have graduated or are due to graduate from a Japanese junior high school.
For information on entrance procedures, please contact：
School Education Division of the Shiga Board of Education Telephone ： 077- 528-4573

Consultation contents

Universities and Colleges

Answer

Students who wish to study at a Japanese university or college must pass an entrance examination. The entrance examinations for national, prefectural and municipal universities include tests by the University Entrance Examination Center and tests conducted by the individual universities. Most private universities and colleges conduct their own entrance examinations.

Consultation contents

International Schools

Answer

滋賀県 Shiga

京都府 Kyoto

Consultation contents

Japanese Language Schools

Answer

Consultation contents

Comprehensive Guide to Studying in Japan

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the information on the following website.

Related Web page

Consultation contents

Higher Education

Answer

After graduating from high school, there are various ways to access higher education, such as four-year universities, two- or three-year colleges, and technical colleges. There are national, public and private educational institutions, and there are many options for specialized courses. Transfer to a university from a junior college or higher technical colleges and cross- enrollment in a college or junior college while taking classes in a university or college are also possible.
Admission to university generally requires the completion of Japanese high school, or of a 12-year school education course at a designated school for foreigners equivalent to high school in Japan. In addition, the following methods are available for those who have graduated from a school abroad or who have not completed a 12-year education course. For details, please check the homepage of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
  1. Pass the certification exam for high school graduates.
    the certification exam for high school graduates
  2. For those coming from countries with over 12 years of primary and secondary education: have received over 12 years of primary and secondary education from foreign schools, or pass the corresponding academic qualification exam.
  3. 3. For those from countries with less than 12 years of primary and secondary education: have completed a school course corresponding to a high school in a foreign country; or possess academic achievements equivalent to high school completion and complete a preparatory education program or a training course designated by the MEXT.
    academic achievements equivalent to high school completion and complete a preparatory education program by the MEXT
    a training course by the MEXT
    4. ★In addition, the number of years of primary and secondary education does not matter for the following persons: persons with international baccalaureates or with Abitur qualifications, persons who passed the entrance qualification screening conducted by each university and who are 18 years old or older.
The tuition for higher education varies depending on the institution and the field of study. Rent and living expenses must also be considered in the case of schools that are far from home. Gather information on scholarship to avoid hesitation due to financial reasons.