Japanese classroom

Students stay in the same classroom and teachers move from class to class. Student desks are in rows and face the front.

The Japanese school uniform traditionally consists of a military style uniform for boys and a sailor outfit for girls. These uniforms are based on formal military dress which were modelled on European-style naval uniforms and were first used in Japan in the late 19th century. Today, school uniforms are common in many of the Japanese public and private school systems.

School uniforms

Shoe box

In Japan, you always take off your ‘outside’ shoes and replace them with ‘inside’ shoes or slippers. This keeps all the dirt outside!

Students usually move their desks into groups and have lunch in their classroom. A lot of schools also have a lunchroom where they all eat the same school prepared lunch. Students help prepare and serve lunch.

Lunch

Most schools get students to clean after lunch. The students move the desks and chairs to one side of the room, then broom and wipe the floor, clean the blackboard, and throw away any rubbish.

Cleaning

All students participate in a club activities after school. Clubs generally revolve around a sport or cultural activities such as baseball, soccer, kendo, volleyball, flower arranging, the tea ceremony, drama, music and so on.

Clubs

Most students attend ‘Juku’ or cram schools after their regular school. These schools train students to pass entrance exams into high schools or universities.

Cram school

Sports festival