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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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In bicycle class children learn how to ride a bicycle this is taught by police.
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With a physical fitness check-up children are examined on how well they can exercise. It is checked throughout Japan to investigate whether the children grow up without issue.
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A sports day is held once a year and all the school children participate in this event. There are running races and dance sessions. Sometimes the activities are scored for each team. It is a good opportunity for their parents to observe their activities.
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In a traffic safety class children are told how to cross roads or ride a bicycle, and they learn what kind of traffic rules they should follow. In Japan some children go to school on their own. Therefore, it is necessary for them to learn these things for their safety.
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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
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In Japan, elementary school classes include Kokugo (Japanese Language) , Mathematics , Science , Social Studies , Social-environmental Studies , Music , Arts and Crafts , Home Economics , Physical Education , Moral Education , Foreign Language Activities , Hours for Comprehensive Studies , and Special Activities .
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You may receive a portion of the money needed to raise your child from the state or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
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On the second Sunday of every May, we celebrate our mothers and show our gratitude. In Japan it is common that we give carnation flowers to them.