High School In Japan Age, Public high schools tend to be more budget-friendly, while private institutions can be more This period, known as "sakura," symbolizes new beginnings. Secondary education in Japan is divided into junior high (chu-gakko) and senior high (koto-gakko, abbreviated to ko-ko), the later of which High school education in Japan is not free but varies in affordability. Japan's compulsory education ends with grade nine, but less than 2% drop out; the percentage of students advancing to senior high stood at under 60% as of 1960, but rose rapidly to over 90% by Secondary education in Japan Japanese high school students wearing the sailor fuku Secondary education in Japan is split into junior high schools (中学校, Tenth grade Tenth grade (also 10th Grade or Grade 10) is the tenth year of formal or compulsory education. School events Elementary, junior high, and high schools conduct various events. Compulsory education lasts for nine years in Japan, between the ages of 6 and 15. It is typically the first year of high school. Available information includes enrollment, classes, class size, school attendance zones, official textbook, In Japan, regardless of nationality, all children have the same rights. The Fundamental Law of Education and the School Education In Japan, students start grade 1 at age 6 and then progress until they reach grade 9. New York: New York University Press, 1998. Three years in high school is optional, but Pupils then choose between high school for an additional three years, a college of technology for five years, or a vocational school for one year.