CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
The smell of new pencils. Crimson leaves and shiny lunchboxes. One pair of guess jeans versus three pairs of Jordache. Big decisions. All the memories of a new school year in America. But, did you know that the Japanese school year actually begins in April? My son’s sensai (teacher) claims that many Japanese people associate springtime with “a fresh start”- and thus the beginning of the school year here in Japan.
The teachers at Sebastian’s school – Hirayasu Yochien – have adorned the classrooms with handmade sakura trees. The grounds are brimming with lovely new plants, orchids and small furry creatures. April is also the fiscal year where the government and businesses in Japan being to plan their budget. So Sakura means school and business time.
Back to new shiny lunchboxes. Not to fret, the kids in Japanese school get lots of new goodies too. For example-
A new colored hat (very important to have your mom iron on your favorite hero Apanman).
A school planner (which my son diligently places a sticker each day he is at school).
A new bag for his fork and spoon (handmade from his last teacher as a “graduation” present):
And not to forget, a lovely littel towel. If you want a laugh, read 67 uses for it here.
The first term of school runs from April 6 until July 20th when the summer vacation starts. The students then return in early September for the second term which starts around December the 25th. The final session begins in early January and continues to late March.
A few of my Japanese friends have complained about the school schedule for one reason. It is difficult for students in other countries to come and study abroad – and vice versa. It can make for an akward transition.
Although I will always have fond memories of school starting around the time of those ever so sweet sakura flowers blossoming.
Jeremiah is going to be 6 this May. So he should be fine. I’ll have to figure out which school he will be attending when we get there. Thanks!
DoDDs schools are on the regular US schedule. The only thing I’d mention is that the Kindergarten reqs are changing this next school year. Don’t know how that would affect a 1st grader. But now the kids have to be 5 years old by Sept 1 to start Kindergarten.
ok so is that the same for the schools on the base? My son will be starting 1st grade here in the states starting in August. Will he start 1st grade early there? Thanks! I know this is probably the wrong strand to start this but I was curious about when their school year started.
I JUST finished ironing-on those VERY same AnPanMan’s to Jake’s smocks for his start at Koza Seibo yesterday! FUNNY!
Oh, and I remember the HUGE letdown of my mom saying NO to the “expensive” Reebok’s with the velcro strap at the ankle and buying me knock-offs instead… Sigh… 🙂