This is a typical Japanese elementary school. Children enter it from the age of 6 and study there until the age of 12. After that, it is 3 years in middle school and 3 years in high school. Education in primary and secondary schools is free of charge.
In elementary school, classes start at 8:30 am. Most elementary school do not have uniforms. But they do have colorful panamas. Each class has a different color. Backpacks are usually the same color. In some schools, girls' backpacks are red and boys' backpacks are black.
The children walk to the nearest school in groups along a route agreed in advance with the school authorities, accompanied by their 12-year-old companions. The youngest ones are escorted to school by their parents for some time. No one is given a ride by car.
Lessons last 45 minutes. There are short breaks of 5-10 minutes between lessons. After the fourth lesson (at about 12:30) there is a big break of 40-60 minutes for lunch, which is provided by the school. The children take turns serving food and cleaning up the cafeteria after lunch. They also keep their classrooms, corridors and even toilets clean.
On days of sports and other events the school may not provide meals. In this case, the children are informed in advance and they bring their own obento (a set of food in a box).
In the lower grades of such schools, they teach the mother tongue (Japanese), arithmetic, everyday life, music, drawing and handicrafts. They also teach physical education and ethics. The older a pupil is, the more academic disciplines he has. But no one has homework.
Every school is sure to have a large sports field, a swimming pool and specially equipped classrooms.
