List of School Supplies and How Much It Costs to Attend Elementary School

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.