Japanese School Culture: What Every New Teacher Should Know
Teaching in Japan can be both rewarding and challenging. Beyond lesson planning, the biggest adjustment for many foreign teachers is understanding the unique culture of Japanese schools. From daily cleaning routines to after-school clubs, here’s what every new teacher should know before stepping into the classroom.
1. Teamwork Over Individuality
Japanese schools emphasize the group over the individual, reflecting the cultural value of harmony (wa). Teachers and students are expected to cooperate and work collectively, not just stand out individually. For foreign teachers, success often comes from showing willingness to adapt and collaborate with staff.
Keyword variations: teaching English in Japan teamwork, ALT culture shock
2. Homeroom as the Heart of School Life
Every student belongs to a homeroom (学級, gakkyū), led by a homeroom teacher (担任, tannin). This teacher acts as a mentor, counselor, and administrator, guiding both academics and personal growth. For new teachers, maintaining close communication with homeroom teachers is essential.
🔗 Reference: MEXT – School Education in Japan
3. Rituals and Daily Routines
Japanese schools run on well-established routines that build discipline and unity. Common examples include:
- Morning greetings (ohayou gozaimasu).
- Opening and closing ceremonies at each term.
- Daily cleaning time (掃除, souji), where students clean classrooms and hallways themselves.
These practices are designed to teach responsibility and community spirit【MEXT】.
Image suggestion: Students cleaning classroom floors (alt text: Japanese students doing souji cleaning time).
4. Respect and Hierarchy
Schools follow the senpai–kohai (senior–junior) system, where younger or newer staff defer to experienced teachers. Always greet colleagues with a bow, use honorific titles (e.g., Tanaka-sensei), and pay attention to formal etiquette.
Keyword variation: Japanese staffroom etiquette, ALT respect hierarchy
5. Student Responsibility
Students play an active role in school life:
- Serving lunch in classrooms.
- Rotating chore duties.
- Managing classroom activities.
This responsibility helps develop independence and teamwork, so teachers supervise rather than take over.
6. Club Activities (Bukatsu)
Club activities (部活動, bukatsu) are a cornerstone of Japanese school culture. Students often dedicate hours after school to sports teams, music clubs, or cultural groups. Teachers, including ALTs, may be asked to observe or support.
🔗 Reference: Japan Guide – School Clubs in Japan
Image suggestion: Students practicing baseball at school (alt text: Japanese bukatsu baseball club practice).
7. Communication with Colleagues
Most updates are shared in the teachers’ room (職員室, shokuin-shitsu) via notices, staff meetings, or quick conversations. Important information may not always be delivered directly—so checking memos and being observant is key.
8. Events and Ceremonies
Annual highlights include:
- Sports festivals (運動会, undōkai).
- Cultural festivals (文化祭, bunkasai).
- Graduation and entrance ceremonies.
Teachers are expected to participate fully, not just observe.
Image suggestion: Students running relay at undokai (alt text: Japanese undokai sports festival relay race).
9. Balancing Professionalism and Approachability
Formality matters in the classroom, but students appreciate teachers who are approachable. Being strict during lessons while showing warmth in casual settings helps foreign teachers earn respect and trust.
10. Adaptability Is Key
Each school has its own atmosphere and unwritten rules. What’s acceptable at one school may not apply at another. Staying flexible, observing carefully, and asking questions when in doubt will help you adjust.
Quick FAQ: Japanese School Culture
Do Japanese students clean classrooms?
Yes. During souji, students clean their own classrooms and school areas. This is part of character education promoted by MEXT.
What is bukatsu?
Bukatsu refers to after-school clubs like sports teams, music groups, or art clubs. They play a major role in student identity and discipline【Japan Guide】.
Do foreign teachers need to join bukatsu?
Not always. Some schools may invite ALTs to participate casually. Even light involvement builds rapport with students.
How strict are Japanese schools with uniforms?
Most junior and senior high schools enforce strict dress codes, while elementary schools are often more flexible.
Do teachers eat with students?
Yes, especially in elementary and junior high schools. Teachers share lunch with their homeroom class to strengthen bonds.
Final Thoughts
Adapting to Japanese school culture is as important as preparing lesson plans. By respecting traditions, engaging in daily routines, and staying flexible, foreign teachers can thrive in the classroom and build lasting connections with students.
👉 Related Guides on Senseijob:
- ALT Lesson Planning Tips for Japan
- How to Adapt to Japanese Staffroom Etiquette