Japanese School Curriculum: Compulsory and Elective Subjects

Compulsory (Primary through High School)

• Japanese (kokugo)
• Mathematics (suugaku)
• Science (rika)
• Social Studies (shakai)
• Physical Education (taiku)
• Music (ongaku)
• Art (bijutsu)
• Home Economics (katei)

Common Electives

• Foreign Languages (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.)
• Computer Science / IT
• Business Studies
• Vocational Skills (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, auto)

Structure

6 years primary → 3 years junior high → 3 years high school → many continue to university.