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Enrollment Procedures for Foreign Children at Public Schools

July 16, 2026
This article provides easy-to-understand information for foreign children who wish to enroll in a public school in Japan. It covers the required documents, the steps to follow, and support available for those who do not speak Japanese.
Here is information about the procedures for foreign children who have just arrived in Japan to enroll in a public school. **■ First, check the following** - Start by contacting the Board of Education (教育委員会) in the city, ward, town, or village where you live. - They will tell you about school availability and the procedures you need to follow. **■ Required documents** - Residence Card or passport - Resident registration certificate (juuminhyou) — a document proving that your child lives at your address - Academic transcript from the previous school (if available) **■ Steps in the procedure** 1. First, consult with the Board of Education and confirm which documents are required. 2. Once a school has been decided, there will be an interview at that school. 3. Submit the required documents, and enrollment will be confirmed. 4. After receiving an explanation about school life, your child can start attending. **■ If you do not understand Japanese** - Schools and Boards of Education may be able to arrange an interpreter. Please consult them in advance. Let's work together with the Board of Education to help foreign children start their school life smoothly. --- Source: 文部科学省 "外国人児童生徒の就学案内" https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/clarinet/003_00004.htm This article was reorganized by SIAデジタルテクノロジー株式会社 based on the above source. ※This language version is a machine translation from the Japanese version (SIAデジタルテクノロジー株式会社).

This information is reference material based on official announcements. Always verify accurate information on official websites or with relevant authorities.