A Year in Japan

The basic outline of the school year will be the same throughout Japan, although details will vary from school to school and region to region. When an activity refers to a particular year group, every student in that year is usually involved. Activities usually involve the whole student body.

April	Ceremonies to mark the start of the academic year (around 5 April). Outing (sometimes 1-2 day residential) for new intake (sometimes also with other year groups to help students get to know each other). Home visits: form teachers are required to visit the homes of each of the students in their class. Level assessment tests for 3rd grade (junior & senior high) students, to help decide which school / university they should apply for. These are held periodically through the year. Golden week holiday (a number of days off between 29 April – 5 May).
May	Mid-term tests. School trip: usually 3 – 4 days, for 6th grade elementary, 3rd grade junior high and 2nd grade senior high students. Timing varies eg some senior high schools have ski trips in winter instead.
June	Inter school sports tournaments.
July	Inter school sports tournaments. Choir concert (each class performing). Term one end tests. End of term (around 19 July).
August	Summer holiday. Staff still attend school regularly. Club activities continue. Some school trips.
Sept	Beginning of term two ceremony (1 September). Level assessment tests (most high schools). Sports day (May in some regions).
Oct	Mid-term tests. Discussion with students / parents about senior high school or university choices. Culture festival (June in some schools).
Nov
Dec	Term two end tests. end of term ceremony (around 23 December).
Jan	Beginning of term three ceremony (around 8 January). University entrance exams.
Feb	End of year tests (except 3rd grade junior & senior high). University entrance exams. Entrance exams for private senior and junior high schools.
March	State senior high school entrance exams. Graduation ceremony (6th grade elementary, 3rd grade junior high and 3rd grade senior high). End of year ceremony (around 25 March).