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Getting an education in Tokyo; from kindergarten to college, the opportunities for an English-language education in Tokyo have never been better. But how do you make the right choice? - International Education
Japan, Inc., Jan, 2004 by John Dodd
WE SURVEYED TEN LOCAL international schools and learned that while today's plethora of English-language schools in Japan aren't cheap, quality is absolutely world class. You can now combine an education received in Japan with study at many other international institutions, many of which will accept the transferred credits. The real challenge is finding the right Japan-based institution for your needs and goals.
The market
There are probably about 80,000 to 100,000 English-speaking foreign businesspeople and teachers and their families living in Japan--most of whom are in Tokyo. That's about the same as the population of a small city in the midwestern US. But unlike a hypothetical small city back home, the demographics of Japan's foreign population is tipped toward those between 5 and 50 years old--prime years for personal and academic development.
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English-language education in Japan has a surprisingly long history, starting with the establishment of the Saint Maur School in Yokohama in 1872. St. Maur's is still alive and well and taking in children located in Kanagawa.
Since then, the development of international schools in Japan has occurred in waves. The first wave was from the turn of the 20th century through to the 20s, when the concept of international schooling was officially recognized in Switzerland.
The next wave came after World War II, with the influx of foreign servicemen.
The third was during the bubble years in the late 80s and early 90s.
Government regulation
According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), there are 121 registered foreign schools in Japan--not including kindergartens, special vocational schools, language centers and others. Estimates are that about 50,000 to 60,000 children attend these schools, with approximately 40 percent being expat kids and 60 percent local children who are either returnees or the offspring of international marriages.
A minimum nine years of education for children between the ages of 6 and 15 is compulsory for all Japanese nationals. Primary school is usually from age 6 to 11 (six years), junior high is from 12 to 14 (three years), and high school is from 15 to 17 (three years). The children of Japanese parents who are not returnees are supposed to attend regular Japanese schools. But there is a some confusion about just who is considered a "returnee," and a growing number of internationally-minded Japanese parents are sending their children to international schools instead.
For some reason, the children of expats and international marriages have not been brought under the regulatory umbrella and are therefore able to attend international schools if they choose to (although they can also attend a regular Japanese school or even do home schooling).
International schools are typically registered but not regulated by the government. Instead, these schools are privately run and cater to a rather exclusive clientele of expat and mixed race households, in which demand for a quality education tends to be high. To some degree, the market ensures that they are self-regulating.
Preschool
Schooling for many Japanese families starts early. Because foreigners pay the same tax rate as citizens, they can send their children to a Japanese preschool if they like. They can choose from Japanese day care centers (hoikuen) and kindergartens (yochien), which can accept children of working mothers from as young as 3 months old. Inner city Japanese preschools are surprisingly accessible to foreign parents, and if you want your children to learn some Japanese, they'll be speaking fluently within three months. (Personal experience of the author.)
However, if you're like most foreign parents, you probably prefer to have your children educated in English--the world's lingua franca--in which case there is a good choice of international preschools and kindergartens. These normally take children from the ages of 2 to 3 years old.
Just remember, though, that although your children may look little, don't imagine that it's somehow easier or cheaper to get them in. It isn't. Prices are basically the same for a 2-year-old in an all day international preschool as they are for a 12-year-old attending junior high schools.
Furthermore, the waiting lists at the most central preschools are long, and we recommend that you reserve a place at least 12 months before you plan to have your child enroll.
Among our survey respondents, there are also a number of preschools attached to regular schools. These include: the American School in Japan (ASIJ), whose preschool is in Meguro, with the main school in Chofu; K. International School (KIST) in Arakawa-ku; and Yokohama International School (YIS). The two preschools that focus solely on "littlies" are PAL in Nishi-Azabu and Yoyogi International Preschool.
PAL Preschool and Kindergarten (PAL)
PAL was established in 1998 and is located in safe, secure house. The preschool has four classes, each suited to the learning ages of the students. These are: Rocking Horse, for 18-month to 2.5-year-olds; Trike for 2.5-to 3-year-olds; Bike for 3 to 4-year-olds and Unicycle for 4- to 6-year-olds.
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