Foreign families moving to Japan with school-age children in 2026 can access official educational guidance directly through resources provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). MEXT publishes comprehensive school entry materials in seven foreign languages to assist international parents in navigating public elementary and secondary education. Parents should always confirm specific entry requirements with official government sources and local educational authorities upon arrival.
What official guidance does MEXT provide for foreign students in Japan?
When international families arrive in Japan, understanding how the public school system handles student placement is essential. MEXT serves as the primary government body overseeing elementary and secondary education policy. Through its Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau and International Education Division, MEXT publishes official documentation designed to explain school registration procedures to foreign residents.
The ministry offers two key publications for non-Japanese families:
- Outline of the Guidebook for Starting School
- Guidebook for Starting School
These resources provide essential background on how public schooling operates in Japan and outline the basic framework for integrating foreign national children into local schools. You can access these official documents on the MEXT Guide for foreign students to start school page.
In which languages is the MEXT starting school guidebook available?
To ensure that international parents can fully comprehend enrollment procedures and educational expectations in 2026, MEXT provides its official guides in multiple foreign languages. Both the concise outline and the complete guidebook are available for download in the following seven languages:
- English
- Korean
- Vietnamese
- Filipino
- Chinese
- Portuguese
- Spanish
Having access to translated documentation helps parents understand official requirements and reduces communication barriers when discussing school enrollment with administrative offices.
How can families contact MEXT and education authorities in 2026?
Families seeking general policy information regarding secondary education and international student placement can refer to MEXT's official headquarters in Tokyo. The ministry operates under the following contact details:
- Organization: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- Division: Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau, International Education Division
- Address: 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959, Japan
- Telephone: +81-(0)3-5253-4111 (Reception)
While MEXT sets national educational policies and provides translated orientation guidebooks, specific enrollment procedures are executed at the local municipality level. Parents preparing for arrival in 2026 should consult official municipal offices to confirm local requirements.
Finding a place to stay
When moving to Tokyo with family in 2026, securing suitable temporary housing is an important first step before finalizing municipal school registration. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing initial paperwork and exploring local neighborhoods. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). Booking is completed online with a passport or ID and a credit card, requiring no guarantor, key money, or agency fee. Groups, longer stays, and students can ask for a quote, and a special price is often possible.