Japan is a country bursting with a rich cultural heritage while at the same time state of the art technology. It is a mix of the traditional and modern fused to give visitors a unique experience. If you and your family have relocated to this beautiful country, it will be an exciting experience for your children to study here.
When it comes to education, Japan ranks quite highly worldwide. In the capital, Tokyo, you will find some of the best international schools that offer your child the perfect environment. A new report released recently states that children from Japan lead the world in numeracy and literacy skills.
1. High educational standards
If you are thinking of taking your child to study in Tokyo, it is worth noting that education is highly regarded in this country. Whether you enrol your little one in a public or private school, the quality of education they will receive is unparalleled.
Education in Japan will involve your child in classroom learning and from the environment and interaction with the people around them to produce a well-rounded child. One unique feature you will find interesting is that it is common for students to have lunch in their classroom with their teacher. They do this to build a strong rapport between the teacher and the students. There are no examinations for students up till they reach Grade 5. Between Grade 1 to 5, they only write small tests.
Additionally, the Japanese incorporate cultural teaching in classroom learning. Students take formal courses in Haiku and Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) as part of the coursework. Japan also lays a strong emphasis on communal learning, morality, and social development. These morals and ethics are taught as a course subject with a textbook and allocated class time. This foundation is learned right from elementary school through to higher education.
2. Variety in curricula
While most international schools in Tokyo use the International Baccalaureate curriculum, you will also find the British curriculum used in elementary and secondary school education. Some institutions offer an American-based curriculum, while others teach the Canadian and CBSE (Indian) curriculum.
It depends on the needs of your child. As a parent, you can choose the curriculum that fits your budget and child’s interests. If you are religiously inclined, you can find schools that incorporate a religious-based curriculum, which is typically Christian based. You can also find Islamic schools in Tokyo.
Most international schools have embraced the Montessori or Waldorf approach as their primary curriculum at preschool or kindergarten level.
3. Your child will acquire Japanese language skills
This is probably one of the most significant advantages your child will have when attending a Japanese school. Even when a dual-culture exists at your child’s school, the other natives will almost certainly speak Japanese. Your little one at the elementary school age is at the phase where they adapt quickly. They will likely take a short time to pick up this new language.
However, it is essential to note that international schools in Japan teach their children in English. Still, you will find schools teaching in other native languages such as German or French, to cater to expatriate students.
In a world that has become a global village, acquiring additional languages besides your native language will be a highly valuable skill. Research shows that children who learn a second language gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and listening skills.
Also, children proficient in other languages exhibit an advanced level of creativity and mental flexibility, all of which are necessary skills to boost their academic performance. Want to raise an empathetic child? Encourage them to learn a second language. They learn to appreciate other cultures while nurturing their curiosity, empathy, and tolerance.
4. Variety of cultural experiences
From learning how to accompany your “Konichiwa” with a bow to enjoying the delectable Japanese cuisine with chopsticks, and the numerous festivals that celebrate Japanese culture, Tokyo is a buzz of activity. As an international student, your child will get to immerse themselves in this unique culture.
Additionally, in Japanese schools, there is something called Bunkasai, which translates to the Culture Festival. There are many festivals which your child will also enjoy while in school. There are sports festivals, cultural festivals, exhibitions, song celebrations, and plays which happen after school hours. This makes school life enjoyable and fun for your child.
Studying in Tokyo will give your child a different perspective of life thanks to the students from various cultures they interact with at the school. They will develop social skills and learn how to appreciate other people’s cultures and beliefs. As a person, they will become independent, and grow to become responsible, all of which are beneficial in the long run as all these elements are instrumental in the future.
Also Read: Which Nursery School to Choose?
5. Focus on hygiene and responsibility
Your child will also get to experience a different way of doing things in school like wearing Uwabaki, which are canvas shoes worn indoors. Children are not allowed to get into their classes with their outdoor shoes. In Japan, unlike other parts of the world, schools don’t employ janitors. The students do the cleaning of the classrooms and toilets after school hours. This teaches them responsibility from an early age. However, this may not be true for the many international schools where children from different cultures come together to study.
Also, to maintain high personal hygiene levels, Japanese schools require students to carry clean handkerchiefs or pocket tissues, and the teachers carry out a weekly check. Who wouldn’t want a school that upholds such levels of hygiene?
Another exciting element your child will find attractive depending on their love for physical fitness is riding a unicycle to school. So common is this practice in Japan that many elementary schools have built racks for their students to park. Japan is a safe country, so children can use this mode of transport to and from school.
6. Quick adaptation to technology
Most of these learning approaches include the integration of technology in learning. A crucial feature you will find in international schools in the city is the world-class facilities.
You will find state-of-the-art technology available to teachers and students. The schools boast of high connectivity within the school facilities with high-speed internet to have a seamless learning experience. Classrooms come fitted with smart boards, while students learn through laptops, iPads, educational apps, and more, which is part of their day-to-day learning.
Your child will enjoy their learning experience as the class isn’t about having the teacher deliver a lecture in front of the class while the students take notes. Instead, it is an engaging environment that encourages active participation. Your child will learn how to work as a team and collaborate with their peers in classwork. Acquiring digital skills at an early age will set up your child for a better future where digital demands will be on the rise.
7. Smaller class sizes
When you enrol your child in a school with smaller class sizes, they are bound to receive personalized attention from the teacher. Overall, research shows that children who learn from smaller sized classes perform better in all subjects and assessments than their peers in larger class sizes.
Your child will greatly benefit from a one-on-one relationship with their teachers. The teachers can identify their strengths and work towards enhancing them or areas of weakness that need improvement. Your child will also form strong and lasting relationships while in a small-sized class as they all know each other on a personal level.
Your child will also benefit from a Japanese international school because the teachers can tailor the instruction to your child’s level. The teacher will work according to your child’s learning capabilities so that their individual academic needs are met. Students with special needs stay with the student body while receiving individualized care.
Summing up the reasons for studying in Tokyo!
Japan’s culture of respect and social contribution, which is taught from kindergarten through to high school, are aspects that will stay with your child for life. Such a foundation will help your child grow up to be a responsible and morally upstanding global citizen, which we all want as parents. However, the search for the right school will require thorough research, including speaking with other parents.
