october
-
In preparation
-
Japanese elementary school children need to prepare their own supplies to use in class. Please check our past article about school supplies needed when entering elementary school(Click here). Let’s look at the supplies needed as the school year goes on.
Supplies Needed in 1st - 4th Grade in Elementary School
Supplies needed in early grades include a mathematics set, keyboard harmonica, recorder, water color set and calligraphy set. Some schools plan to purchase these supplies together for all the students. If that is not the case, each family can purchase the supplies at mass retailers (such as AEON) or online (such as Amazon, Yahoo!, Rakuten). Check handouts from your child’s school as there may be specific information on what needs to be purchased. You can also ask your child’s homeroom teacher.
Supplies Needed in 5th – 6th Grade in Elementary School
As your child goes into late elementary grades, supplies needed include a protractor, compass, sewing set, graver and apron. Similar to early elementary supplies, some schools may purchase these supplies together for all the students. Students also go on a school trip in 6th grade and a large backpack may be needed for the trip.
Most of these supplies can be found used, on online sites and flea markets. Some supplies can be passed onto younger siblings. Make sure to purchase supplies while keeping in mind your family’s needs and budget.
-
Japanese elementary schools do not have uniforms. Students can wear whatever clothes they like to go to school. Clothes that allow children to move easily and stay safe are recommended. It is convenient to use materials and designs that are easy to wash and easy for children to handle.
Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
1.Clothes that are easy to move in:
As elementary school students move a lot, you may want to choose materials that stretch and allow them to move easily. If choosing a skirt, you may want to choose one that is neither too short nor too long, and overpants (pants worn under a skirt and hide underwear) can be worn if necessary.
2.Clothes that are easy to change into:
At elementary schools, students change into gym clothes and swimsuits during physical education class. Try to choose clothes that have fewer buttons and fasteners to allow children to change easily by themselves.3.Clothes that hide stains:
Paints, ink, etc. are used in classes at elementary schools, and students’ clothes may get dirty. Sometimes food may be spilled during school lunches. It is best to choose clothes with colors that make stains less noticeable, so that children can spend their time at ease without worrying too much about dirtying their clothes.4.Clothes with pockets:
Elementary school children are encouraged to bring handkerchiefs and tissues. Children can put them in their pockets if they have them. It is also recommended to use mobile pockets. Mobile pockets are pockets that can be attached to clothes with clips. You can purchase them at the store or make them yourself.5.Clothes that are easy to wash:
When children spend the day energetically, their clothes get dirty. You may want to have your child wear clothes that are easy to wash. Clothes that do not get damaged even when washed in a washing machine, that dry easily and that do not wrinkle easily are recommended. As winter clothing like jackets can also get dirty, you may want to choose the materials that can be washed at home.
How Many Changes of Clothes Should Be Prepared?
Children sweat and get dirty. As sometimes they need to change clothes during the day, having about 5 sets of tops and bottoms each for spring/summer and fall/winter may be ideal. In addition, it is recommended to prepare underwear, socks, warm clothes and hats, according to the season.
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
You need to keep their safety in mind when choosing clothes for elementary school children. Injuries and accidents have been caused by hoods and strings attached to clothes. Hoods and strings getting caught on playground equipment, bicycles, escalators, doorknobs, etc. can sometimes lead to life-threatening accidents, such as falling or tightening children’s neck. Keep these points in mind when choosing clothes for your child.
Elementary school students spend a long time at school and have many opportunities to change their clothes at school. Make sure to write their name on clothes, underwear and socks. As children grow, their clothes preferences change. You may want to talk to your child about it and choose their clothes so that they can spend their time safely and comfortably at school.
-
Japanese elementary school students may have an opportunity to go on a workplace tour during their comprehensive learning period. The purpose of the workplace tour is to help children understand the importance of working, and to increase children’s interest in the future and their awareness of issues, by visiting the places where adults work.
When Does a Workplace Tour Happen?
It often happens during students’ comprehensive learning period. The grade level for which the tour is given varies depending on the area you live in. It is often the case that a class will go on a tour to a company in the town where they live.
What Happens During a Workplace Tour?
Students will receive an explanation about the work being done at the workplace and observe how the work is done. In some cases, they may be able to experience part of the work or participate in a meeting. Students ask questions about the work to better understand what is going on.
What Can Students Learn From a Workplace Tour?
Workplace tours help students improve their view of their future. It is also expected to teach children how to take proactive steps toward their dreams for their futures.
The elementary school workplace tours will lead to workplace experiences that happen during junior high school. During the workplace experiences, children will be divided into small groups and work in various workplaces for a certain period of time. This is an opportunity for children to have good experiences in preparation for their future.
-
Japanese elementary school club activities start when children are in 4th grade. Club activities happen after school on a specific day of the week or a couple of times a month. 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will do it together. Types of club activities include sports and cultural activities.
What Are the Club Activities For?
Club activities help children‘s development as they work with other grades and are given their own roles. It is also an opportunity for them to experience things that they might not experience at home or in class.
What Types of Club Activities Are There?
Club activities can be divided into sports and cultural activities. Sport clubs increase opportunities for children to exercise and help them build physical strength. They can also learn the rules of sports and how to cooperate with other club members through competition. Through cultural clubs, children can add to their experience and knowledge about what they are good at or what they like. They can also experience the joy of creation and discovery. Both types of club activities give children a chance to do things that they would not do in regular classes.
Here are specific types of club activities:Sports Activity Clubs:
- Track and field (mainly short-distance sprints and relay)
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Soccer
- Dance
- Gymnastics
Cultural Activity Clubs:
- Computers
- English
- Science
- Calligraphy
- Homemaking
- Choir
- Tea Ceremony (Japanese traditional tea ceremony – children will learn how to brew and drink tea)
Will Parents Help With Club Activities?
Club activities are held in elementary schools in order to help improve the independence of children. Therefore, children will make their own decisions on which club to join. It is also an opportunity for children to work together across grades and help their development. Parents are encouraged to support their children so that they can enjoy their club activities.
-
Children’s cafeteria, (“kodomo-shokudou” in Japanese), are places that children can visit on their own to eat. Their meals are provided for free or at a low price.
What Are Kodomo-Shokudou Like?
Kodomo-shokudou are led by local volunteers and/or local governments and provide free or inexpensive meals to children in the community. Children can use this service on their own. The purpose of kodomo-shokudou is to help all children to get enough nutrition through their meals, as well as to provide a place where they can be supported by their community instead of staying home alone. In some communities, kodomo-shokudou also provide services that support families with foreign roots, including Japanese language classes.
Who Can Use Kodomo-Shokudou?
Kodomo-shokudou are available to children living in the community and their guardians. Some kodomo-shokudou may have different fees for children and adults. There are also some communities that offer the services for adults living in the community even if they have no children.
Where Are Kodomo-Shokudou Located?
Kodomo-shokudou are located in many different locations. Check your local government’s website to find the information. There is also a website where you can search for a kodomo-shokudou in your area:
Gaccom x Musubie Kodomo-Shokudou MAP
Kodomo-shokudou are also places where children can get to know people in their community. It may be a good idea to try using the service with your children if there is one in the community where you live.
-
"Kotokoto", the information support service for families with foreign roots, now has accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow us:
-
Libraries are places where a lot of resources are kept, including books, newspapers, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s. Most areas in Japan have a library that anyone can use for free. You can do research with the resources you find. There are many events held at the library, such as story time for children, and study sessions for adults.
How Do You Use The Library?
Public libraries can be used by anyone, and most resources can be checked out. However, the ability to check out books is limited to those who live, go to school, or work in that area. To be able to check out books, you need a library card, which you can get at the front desk. Some form of identification that shows your address will be required to apply for a library card.
When Is the Library Open?
In most cases, public libraries are open 10:00 – 18:00, Tuesday through Sunday. You might be able to return the book you checked out by dropping it off at the dedicated return window, even if the library is closed. Check with the library to see if such a system exists. Libraries are closed on Mondays and New Year’s holidays.
How Can You Find the Book You Want to Read?
If there is a book you would like to read, you can search for it on the library’s website or by using the dedicated device in the library. You can also put a book on hold online. In addition, some libraries give book recommendations according to the season and theme.
Libraries also have children’s books and picture-story materials available. It may be fun to visit a library with your child.
-
In Japan, some children’s medical expenses are refundable. If your child does not have the “medical certificate issued under children’s medical expenses subsidy system, maru-nyu, maru-ko, or maru-a-o”, apply for it before claiming a refund.
Reimbursement can be claimed when your child goes to see a doctor outside the area where you live, or when you pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment without presenting your child’s medical certificate. Whether standard meal cost for hospitalization is eligible for a refund or not varies by local government.
Examples of Medical Expenses That Can Be Refunded (Claimed for Refund)
1. If you visit a medical institution outside Tokyo, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
2. If you visit a medical institution that does not handle medical certificates, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
3. If you visit a doctor without a medical certificate, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
4. If your child’s registration for National Health Insurance/National Health Insurance Association is outside Tokyo, and you pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
5. If you visit a doctor without your child’s health insurance card, and there is coverage from the health insurance
6. If you purchase an assistive device (glasses for pediatric amblyopia, corset, insoles/sole braces, etc.), and there is coverage from the health insurance
7. If you receive treatment abroad, and there is coverage from the health insurance
Eligible medical expenses are the co-payment amount for health insurance treatment. Medical treatment not covered by health insurance (free medical treatment) is not subsidized.
Examples of Non-eligible Medical Expenses
Some medical expenses are not covered by the subsidy.
-Expenses for dietary treatment for inpatients (for maru-nyu)
-Expenses not covered by health insurance
(vaccination, health check, extra bed charge, medicine container fee, first visit fee for large hospitals without a referral letter from another medical institution, etc.)
-Expenses for treatment covered by Japan Sport Council Injury and Accident Mutual Aid Benefit System
-High-cost medical expenses and additional benefits, paid by health insurance
-Medical expenses in case of injury due to the actions of a third party, such as a traffic accident
-Medical expenses applicable to the other publicly-funded subsidies
What You Need for Your Application
When applying for medical expense subsidies, you will need the following materials:
-Child medical subsidy payment application form
-Receipt (original)
* with patient’s name, insurance score, date of medical treatment, medical institution name, receipt amount (if these items are not listed, have it filled out at the medical institution where you had a medical examination). You can also apply with a copy of the receipt, only if the original was submitted for health insurance procedures.
-Copy of identity verification documents with a photo of the guardian listed on the medical certificate (driver’s license, my number card, etc.)
-Copy of child health insurance card
* when applying for the first time or when there are changes from previous applications.
-Copy of passbook or cash card of your banking facility
* when applying for the first time or when there are changes from previous applications.
** parent’s name listed on the medical certificate. Payment will not be made to an account other than the parent’s account listed on the medical certificate.
-Payment decision notice from health insurance (only those who are applicable to item 5, 6 or 7 above. Original required if applicable)
-Copy of credit limit certificate (if applicable)
-Copy of recipient certificate for pediatric chronic specified disease medical expenses subsidy/monthly management slip (if applicable)
There may be other items required if you fall under 5, 6 or 7 of “Example of Medical Expenses That Can Be Refunded (Claimed for Refund)”. Check with your local government office.
High-cost medical expenses payment decision notice is only required for those who are members of the National Health Insurance or National Health Insurance Association, and have a receipt corresponding to high-cost medical expenses. High-cost medical expenses complies with regulations when medical expenses for National Health Insurance benefits become high (High-cost medical care benefit payment decision notification is not required, if you are a member of a social insurance/mutual aid association)
A qualified recipient can make a refund claim for multiple receipts, which may include receipts from different medical facilities or receipts for different months.
Note that claims for more than one child need to be made separately. Claim deadline is 5 years from the day after the day of medical payment.
Claim Application Location and Refund Money Transfer
Applications should be made at the local government office in the area where you live. If there are no defects in the application, the refund will be made to the designated account. Although the procedure may seem time consuming, be sure to apply if you are eligible.
-
There are many art galleries, museums and libraries run by Japanese local governments. These places can help enrich children’s spirits, and we recommend that you take advantage of them.
What are the Art Galleries and Museums Like?
The art galleries are places where various types of artwork, such as paintings and sculptures, are exhibited. At the museums, you will see many types of items related to history, culture, nature and industries of the region that have been collected for exhibition. There are different types of art galleries and museums, including galleries that display artwork created by an artist with some connection to the region, and museums with exhibits related to the nature and industries specific to the region. Some places offer workshops and study sessions in addition to exhibits. Check their website for information. An entrance fee is usually required to visit any art galleries and museums.
What are the Libraries Like?
At the libraries, you can find various types of informational materials, such as books, magazines, DVD’s, and CD’s. Children’s books and picture books are also available. You can also check out these materials by following necessary procedure. Some libraries offer story time for children. The public libraries are usually free of charge.
Use the Facilities in Your Region
Places like art galleries, museums and libraries stimulate children’s intellectual curiosity. Visiting these places is also an opportunity for children to get to know the area they live in. Consider visiting the facilities in your area with your children.
Chiyoda-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Chuou-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Minato-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Shinjyuku-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Bunkyo-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Taito-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Sumida-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Koutou-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Shinagawa-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Meguro-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Ota-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Setagaya-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Shibuya-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Nakano-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Suginami-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Toshima-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Kita-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Arakawa-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Itabashi-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Nerima-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Adachi-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Katsushika-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Edogawa-ku Museums and art Galleries Library
Hachiouji-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Tachikawa-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Musahino-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Mitaka-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Oume-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Fucyu-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Akishima-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Chofu-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Machida-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Koganei-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Kodaira-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Hino-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Higashimurayama-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Kokubunji-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Kunitachi-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Fussa-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Komae-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Higashiyamamto-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Kiyose-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Higashikurume-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Musashimurayama-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Tama-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Inagi-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Hamura-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Akiruno-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Nishitokyo-shi Museums and art Galleries Library
Mizuho-machi Museums and art Galleries Library
Hinode-machi Museums and art Galleries Library
Hinohara-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Okutama-machi Museums and art Galleries Library
Oshima-machi Museums and art Galleries Library
Toshima-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Niijima-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Kouzushima-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Miyake-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Mikurajima-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Hachijyo-machi Museums and art Galleries Library
Aogashima-mura Museums and art Galleries Library
Ogasawara-mura Museums and art Galleries Library1 Library2