july
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Some Japanese families have photos taken to celebrate significant moments during their children’s growth. These include maternity photos, which are taken during the mother’s pregnancy, as well as newborn photos and birthday photos. Other occasions when photos are taken include the start and graduation of pre-school, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. It is also common to have photos taken at Shichi-go-san (seven-five-three ceremony).
Two Main Ways to Have Commemorative Photos Taken
Although there are many ways to have commemorative photos taken, here are two main ways. First is to use a photo studio specialized in taking commemorative photos. Second is to have a photography service come to your chosen location.
○Photo Studio
There are several types of photo studios. The ones that offer children’s commemorative photography also have rental costumes available. Each studio offers a different atmosphere for the photos. Some studios have elaborate shooting rooms and offer additional service, such as making key chains with the photos that were taken, and creating a special photo album.
(Reference)
Studio Alice https://www.studio-alice.co.jp/
Studio Mario https://www.studio-mario.jp/
○Photography Service at Your Chosen Location
This service offers photo shooting at a location that you chose. In this case, costume preparation/rental is not included. This way, you will get unique photos that are different from anyone else’s.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for photos taken at a photo studio may include costumes and hair makeup, and it may be the case that the customers can choose which photos to purchase after the photo shoot. The total cost will depend on the number of the photos ordered. For photography services that are performed at your chosen location, costume and hair makeup are done separately, either on your own or by hired specialists. The cost is predetermined and invoiced together with photographer’s travel expenses. Both services are estimated to cost around 20,000 to 60,000 yen. Make sure to confirm what is included in the cost when making a reservation. Check for discount coupons or a special discount period.
What are Suitable Outfits for Photoshoots?
Many children wear a kimono or dress for Shichi-go-san (seven-five-three ceremony). For the start of school or graduation, ceremonial outfits or school uniforms are common, as well as wearing randoseru (school backpack) and school hats. Family members including parents, brothers and sisters are often photographed together. Check with the photo studio to see if rental outfits are available for family members who need it.
Which Photo Studio Should You Choose?
There are many different photo studios depending on the region, from major studios specialized in children’s commemorative photos, to personal photo studios. The photoshoot location, atmosphere, service content and price vary between studios. You can research online or ask other parents around for details. Do not hesitate to ask the studio if you have any questions.
Taking photos by yourselves at a commemorative location on your own is another great way, aside from hiring a professional, to capture special moments in your child’s growth so that you can look back on them in the future.
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Each Japanese school has a social educational association called PTA, which is an abbreviation of Parent-Teacher Association, consisting of both parents and teachers. PTA is an organization where parents and educators cooperate to learn and share knowledge with each other for the purpose of promoting the positive growth of children. Below is information on how PTA works.
PTA Participation is Voluntary
PTA participation is open to parents. Children are not eligible to become members and are the people supported by its activities. Parents do not have to become a member of PTA, even if their child is enrolled in school. Participation is completely voluntary. Its activities are for the purpose of promoting positive growth of children, and conducted by volunteers. The annual membership fee is 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Note that the membership fee is often collected in cash rather than automatic withdrawal from your bank account, as PTA is an organization independent from school.
What Kind of Activities Does PTA Carry Out? What Kind of Roles are there?
PTA activities vary between schools. There are committees responsible for the different roles. Here are the main committee names and activity details:
・Class Committee: bring parents in class together, hold events by grade, coordinate with teachers
・Public Relations Committee: public relations activities for school, create a school newspaper or booklet a few times a year
・Parent Education Committee: plan and execute workshops or lectures for parents
・Bellmark Committee: collect tokens from product packaging and exchange for essential supplies
・Board Member Selection Committee: Select PTA board members and/or executive board members for the following fiscal year
Other possible roles:
・Provide help for school events such as sports day and exhibition
・Manage and help school bazaar and/or community festivals
・Conduct community patrol
Who Plays Which Role?
PTA role assignment is done in spring of every year. Pay attention to the handout with activity details, provided around that time. Parents meet at school to discuss and decide who will play each role. It is often the case that PTA has a rule that members must play some kind of role at least once while their child is enrolled in the school, or once a year. Once a member accepts to play a role, they are expected to play the role for a year, cooperating with parents from other classes and/or other grades. All activities are run by volunteers.
What is the Role of the Executive Board Members?
The name of the role varies depending on the school, like PTA board member or PTA executive board member, and their role is to bring the entire school together. The executive board members often include PTA president, PTA vice president, secretary, treasurer, and financial audit. Some may nominate themselves, the others may be nominated by others. PTA board members/executive board members are selected in advance, around the fall and winter before the beginning of the school year.
When and How Do PTA Activities Happen?
The length of the activity varies depending on the school and role. Parents normally meet to discuss activity details at school after school hours, either during the week or Saturday mornings. In recent years, online meetings or information sharing using social network systems have become common.
Do You Have to Join PTA?
It is usual for a PTA member to play some kind of role while their child is enrolled in school. Some parents put off becoming a member, considering their child’s age, as it may be difficult to participate in the meetings and activities with small children. Some parents of 6th grade students avoid role assignment, as there are many events happening for their child before graduation.
Special consideration may be given to parents with foreign roots, as information for PTA activities are often provided in documents. If you have questions, do not hesitate to consult with school staff.
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Japanese children occasionally do “naraigoto” (after school activities) outside of school. There are various after school activity options, including sports practices, music lessons, and schoolwork related classes. Below you can find information on where and how children participate in after school activities.
Why Do Children Participate in After School Activities?
After school activities provide children with opportunities to learn what they cannot learn at school. Parents of younger children choose the activities that will help their children to experience different things, as well as to nurture their mind and body. As they get older, some children choose what they’d like to try depending on their interests. There are also some children taking private tutoring classes to support their schoolwork at any age.
What are the Advantages of Doing After School Activities?
One of the many advantages of doing after school activities is that children are able to make friends outside of school, and another is that they are exposed to diverse values. They also learn to follow rules and routines, such as being on time and managing their belongings. Learning and acquiring new skills or knowledge would help them gain self-confidence. Physical activities can help your child build a strong body, and support mental growth through being praised or encouraged. All these lead to children’s physical and personal growth.
On the other hand, cost and time may become a problem. These activities happen after school hours on weekdays or on weekends. Parents may need to drop off and pick up their child, or help out with their activities, like supporting the instructor, preparing for a performance event, or accompanying their group. Costs will vary depending on the activity, ranging from a couple of thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen per month. In general, many activities fall into the range of 5,000 – 10,000 yen per month. Each family should choose the activities based on their child’s age, how many children they have, and their financial situation.
What Kind of After School Activities are Available?
There are mainly three different types of activities: sports, arts, and academics.
- Sport Practices/Classes
Baseball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, dance, ballet, martial arts (judo, karate, kendo, etc.)
- Art Lessons/Classes
Piano, violin, painting, crafts, calligraphy
- Academic Lessons/Classes
English conversation, online classes/private tutoring classes, programing/robotics classes
There are also some experience-based learning activities available, such as boy scouts and girl scouts.
How to Choose the Activity for Your Child
There are many different types of after school activities available, including some that are unique to your region. Available activities can be found online and on bulletin boards at school, community bulletin boards, and at public spaces like super markets. Getting information from your child’s classmates and their parents may be helpful.
Cost and time vary depending on the activity. There is no need to force your child to do afterschool activities. Choose the ones that fit your child’s interests and personal characteristics, as well as your family circumstances.
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Students eat school lunch in the class room at Japanese elementary schools. There may be times when students individually bring homemade bento on special occasions such as Field trips/Excursions and Sports day. What kind of bento do Japanese families prepare? Below is some information about typical bento and where to find some items for packing bento.
What Kind of Bento Do Students Bring to School?
A typical Japanese bento has rice, a main dish, and side dishes. Rice is sometimes formed into onigiri (rice balls in triangular or bale shapes that may contain different fillings or wrapped with seaweed). This type of bento provides your child with nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and minerals. Fruits are often included as desserts. Besides rice, sandwiches or noodles are also common in bento.
Bento is normally eaten cold, so it is made with the foods that taste good when eaten cold. It is important to heat the ingredients well and let it cool down before packing the bento to prevent food poisoning. Food that will spoil easily including raw food should not be used for bento.
Notes about Bento for Elementary Schools
Be aware that snacks such as packed juice, jelly, potato chips, and crackers are not allowed to be included in bento for school.
What is “Kyaraben”?
“Kyaraben” comes from character (kyara) and bento (ben), and is unique to Japanese culture. It is a type of bento containing food decorated to look like cute characters (from anime, etc.). There are various recipes for “kyaraben” available on the internet. Although “kyaraben” is a fun to look at, there are some concerns about it, including sanitary concern, due to its materials being touched by hands a lot during preparation. It is also time consuming to prepare. It is not necessary to make it.
How Do You Bring Bento to School? Where Can You Buy Bento Items?
Bento is prepared in a bento box to take to school. It is common to use a reusable bento box made of plastic, aluminum, wood, or bamboo. These reusable bento boxes can be found at 100-yen stores like DAISO, shopping malls like AEON, or online stores (Amazon, Yahoo! and Rakuten).
The other bento items such as divider cups and food picks to use in bento boxes are also available at 100-yen stores like DAISO and supermarkets.
Utensil sets including chopsticks and forks can also be found at these stores, as well as hand towels and bento carrying bags. Shop according to your needs.
The information above is based on the typical bento prepared in Japan. What matters most is to make a bento that your child enjoys, and that it can be prepared without taking too much effort, like by using leftovers.
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Japanese school children receive various handouts at school. There are many different topics and it may be confusing until you get the hang of it. Here are some tips on how to differentiate what is necessary from what is unnecessary, and how to sort the information you receive.
○The Contents of Handouts from Elementary School
Though it may vary depending on the school, there are mainly four different types of content among the handouts from elementary schools.
１．Yearly School Schedule, Class List, and Tablet Device Information
Handouts with important information including the yearly school schedule and a list of your child’s classmates are distributed at the beginning of the school year. In recent years, many schools provide a tablet computer to each student. In that case, a handout with the log-in information for the tablet is also provided at the entrance ceremony or the beginning of the school year. As each of these handouts includes very important information, make sure to put them in a file and keep them in a safe place. It is also a good idea to take a photo of the information and store it as data.
２．Grade News and Class News
Handouts like grade news and class news provide you with some important information such as your child’s schedule and what to bring for classes. Make sure to read through them. Also, keep in mind that information about what to bring may be provided in more than one handout. Japanese schools require students to bring various things to school. Make sure to check out what is needed and make a note on the calendar so you don’t have to panic by realizing the needs later.
３．Documents Required to be Submitted
Parents are often required to respond to questions from the school. This type of handout is expected to be sent back to school with students after the space to enter the response is filled. Important questions relating to group purchases of school supplies and school event attendance may be asked on these handouts. As most of them have a deadline for responses, make sure to submit the response by the deadline.
４．Event Information and Report Documents
Some handouts provide you with service information of local facilities and private enterprises. These can be disposed after being read. Some report documents regarding PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) can be stored if needed, and the rest can be disposed. Some of the PTA reports may include financial information such as account settlement, and shredding them might be a good way to dispose of them.
○How to Organize Handouts
As there are many handouts from elementary school, the best way to organize them is to separate them for each child and store them in folders located in a specific place. It is also important to make a habit of disposing unnecessary documents. For important information that may be useful in the future, it is recommended to either write it down on your calendar or take a photo to store as data.
Certain information such as what to bring may be provided in multiple handouts. Make sure to check the information again when organizing the handouts so as not to miss anything.
The most important thing regarding handouts is to make sure your child brings them home and shows them to you. As a parent, it is important for you to make a habit of asking them if they received any handouts to avoid missing an important one, as your child may not manage them very well.
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The same randoseru (school bag) is normally used throughout your child’s 6 years of elementary school. Parents often wonder which one to choose and where to buy one. It can be purchased at a physical store or ordered online. Below are more details on how to buy a randoseru in Japan.
Randoseru can be Purchased at a Physical Store or an Online Store
There are two general ways to shop randosedru, at physical stores or online stores, and each provides you with some options of where to purchase.
◯ Physical Stores
There are some advantages of purchasing randoseru at a physical store. It allows you to see and feel the actual one and have your child try it on. You can also ask questions to the store clerk which may help you feel more comfortable about your decision. The disadvantages of purchasing it at a physical store are that the number of products is limited and that the price may be slightly more expensive. Children’s requests tend to be fulfilled more than the parents’ opinion in this case.
・Manufacturer’s Retail Store
Randoseru can be purchased at retail stores directly run by a manufacturer. This is recommended if you have a specific brand in mind. You can take detailed advice from specialists and your child can try on some different options.
・Department Stores and Mass Retailers
Department stores have some randoseru with limited-edition designs or brands available. Mass retailers also have some products with limited-edition designs. Products of various brands are available at both types of stores and your child can try some on. Please note that the randoseru section may only be open for a limited time.
Randoseru may also be available at some other stores such as luggage stores, furniture stores, and home improvement stores.
○Online Shops
The internet offers various options for shopping, such as manufacturers’ official online stores, Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo!, and other major online stores. These options allow you to easily compare different products and search within your preferred price range. Being able to order the newest design immediately is one of the advantages of shopping online. In addition, the old designs from the previous year and products on sale can be purchased at comparatively reasonable prices. On the other hand, the usability and size cannot be checked until the actual product is delivered.
・Manufacturers’ Official Online Stores
Details of the products can be confirmed by shopping at the manufacturers’ official online stores. Online store exclusive discounts and/or outlet products may be available. Above all, using the manufacturers’ official online stores secures you against purchasing a fake product.
・Major Online Stores
Using major online stores such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! gives you the opportunity to compare between various products. It is recommended especially when you wish to set your own budget. It is often the case that repair services and problem handling are not provided through major online stores. Make sure to confirm that the store’s conditions suit your expectations before placing an order.
When to Purchase Randoseru
The manufacturers release new designs starting in January of the year prior to entering school and they can be checked out at manufacturers’ retail stores or official online stores. Pre-ordering reaches its peak around the Golden Week Holidays in May and popular ones start going out of stock. Discount offers start around December. Randoseru can be purchased any time before the entrance ceremony unless you are particular about the design.
Shopping at Second-Hand Stores to Keep the Cost Down
Check out the second-hand stores if you are not particular about the design and wish to keep the cost down. Randoseru may be available at a very low price. Check the condition well before purchasing as it could have been used for a full six years.
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There are several school supplies needed to attend Japanese elementary school. Make sure you participate in a School Information Session as the list of school supplies varies among schools.Students are in charge of taking care of their own supplies at school. It is recommended that students are involved when preparing the school supplies. Please refer to the information below to get ready for your child to attend elementary school:
○Overall Flow before Entering Elementary School
Check below for the overall schedule before entering elementary school:
In May, about 11 months before the school year starts - :
The new designs of “randoseru” (School Bag) comes to the market around May (about 11 months before the school year starts). Remember to check out the options early on if you are particular about the design.
October – November, the year prior to entering school: Physical Examination for Preschool Age Children
There will be a physical examination for preschool age children before starting elementary school in accordance with the School Health and Safety Act. Make sure to have your child receive this examination.
January – February, enrolling year: School Orientation Meeting
School Orientation is an important meeting to obtain information about school life and preparations, including school supplies. Make sure to attend this meeting as it is also an opportunity for you to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand.
Supplies that Need to be Prepared Before and After Entering School
There are school supplies that need to be prepared before the entrance ceremony and others that can be purchased after entering school. First, make sure to prepare the supplies that are needed immediately.
・School Supplies to be Prepared before the Entrance Ceremony
・Randoseru (School Bag) (New)Average 55,000 yen〜 (Used)1,000 yen〜
・School Hat (New)900 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Indoor Shoes (New)1,000 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Indoor Shoes Bag (New)100 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Pencil Case (New)1,500 yen〜 (Used)200 yen〜
・Writing Materials (pencils, erasers, etc.) (New)100 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Tool Box (New)100 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Red and White Reversible Cap (New)500 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Gym Uniform (top and bottom) (New)2,500 yen〜 (Used)200 yen〜
・School Lunch Bag,Table Napkins/Luncheon Mats (New)100 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Handbag (New)100 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Protective Hood (New)1,500 yen〜 (Used)100 yen〜
・Clothes for Entrance Ceremony (New)5,０００ yen〜 (Used)1,000 yen〜
Randoseru (School Bag)
The color, design, material, weight, capacity, and price of randoseru vary depending on the brand and model. Prices, especially, vary widely from a few tens of thousands of yen to over a hundred thousand yen. Look for the one that fits your child’s body frame and preference, as well as your budget. New ones are available at specialized stores, mass retailers, and online. The old models from the previous year can be found relatively low in cost as new designs come to the market every year. Used ones may be found free at online flea markets or at a local bazaar/school fair.
School Hat, Indoor Shoes, Gym Uniform
The listed price for these supplies can be high if designated by the school. However, they can be found used at a low price or free at the hand-me-down fair or bazaar at school. Used ones may be found at online flea markets or a local bazaar/school fair.
・ School Supplies to be Purchased after Entrance Ceremony
・Mathematics set (New)2,500 yen〜 (Used)500 yen〜
・Keyboard harmonica (New)3,000 yen〜 (Used)500 yen〜
・Graver (New)1,500 yen〜 (Used)500 yen〜
・Recorder (New)1,500 yen〜 (Used)300 yen〜
・Water Color Set (New)2,500 yen〜 (Used)500 yen〜
・Calligraphy Set (New)3,000 yen〜 (Used)500 yen〜
Check with your school to find out if there are any supplies that the school plans to purchase together for all the students. Other supplies can be found at stationary stores, mass retailers, and online. Designs and prices vary widely. Check with your school to see if there are any supplies that the school is specific about. For the supplies not specified by the school, purchase the ones based on your preferences and budget. Some supplies that are only used in lower grades may be found used at a low price or free at the hand-me-down fair or bazaar at school. Check out online flea markets or a local bazaar/school fair.
Work with Your Child to Put the Name on Each of the Supplies
Your child will be in charge of taking care of their school supplies once school starts. Make sure to help your child recognize their belongings in another way such as applying a sticker if they have not learned to read their own name. All supplies should have the student’s name on it and it is recommended to work with your child when putting the name on each supply.
Preparation Cost before Entering School and Annual Cost
The total cost for preparations before entering elementary school is around 60,0000 – 100,000 yen. This cost can be reduced by purchasing items used at flea markets and/or school fairs/bazaars as needed. Some school supplies are not frequently used, so the used ones may be sufficient.
There will be some expenses that need to be paid after school starts, including lunch fee and text book fee. The total cost per year to attend elementary school is estimated to be approximately 321,000 yen for public schools and 1,600,000 yen for private schools. For those who have financial concerns, there are some wayse to receive financial assistance such as Financial Aid for Schooling, and Welfare Loan Funds for Single Parents are availabl. Please contact the local board of education if you need assistance.
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You can borrow a part of the money you need to raise your child from your country or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
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Children will learn how to swim at school every summer. You need to prepare swim wear and a swim cap. If the swimming pool is in the premises of the school, the class will be held there. If not, children go to take a swim lesson at a swimming pool operated by the state or local government. There are some schools where you will not take a swimming lesson.
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There are some other activities besides usual lessons at a primary school in Japan. A weekly plan varies depending on each grade each week. Please ask school staff if you have any questions.
Arrival and departure from school
Meeting
Classes
Recess timeActivities
Teacher Activities
Parent activities
Other