Back to school checklist Japan 2026: elementary school supplies list and preparation guide

The Japanese school year starts in April 2026, and preparing for back to school requires careful planning, especially for families with children in elementary school. This back to school checklist Japan 2026 covers everything from purchasing school supplies to handling administrative tasks, tailored to local customs, deadlines, and school requirements. Use this list in Foco to stay organized and manage each step with reminders and priorities.

In Japan, schools typically provide a detailed list of required supplies (gakushū yōhin) at the end of March, but some items, like randoseru backpacks or uniforms, need to be ordered months in advance. Additionally, there are procedures like enrolling in school insurance or purchasing textbooks from designated bookstores. This checklist is organized by priority and grouped into categories to help you prepare without stress.

How to use this checklist in Foco

Import this list into Foco as a project named 'Back to school.' Use Panorama mode to view all pending tasks (each with its assigned color) or switch to Foco mode to concentrate solely on this project. Assign due dates, priorities, and reminders to each task. For example, mark the purchase of a randoseru as urgent if it hasn’t been ordered yet, or set a reminder to pick up textbooks from the designated bookstore. If you dictate tasks using Ráfaga, Foco will automatically detect deadlines like 'buy pencils before April 5' and create the task with the correct date.

• Review the official school supplies list (gakushū yōhin) provided by the school and compare it with this checklist
• Purchase or order the randoseru backpack (if not already reserved; some models require orders 6 months in advance)
• Buy the school uniform (seifuku) and gym clothes (taiiku fuku) from stores like Aoyama or Ito Yokado, including white socks and indoor shoes (uwabaki)
• Purchase textbooks (kyōkasho) from the school-designated bookstore (often Maruzen or Kinokuniya) using the provided voucher
• Buy notebooks (nōto) and folders (fōruda) according to the school’s specifications (B5 or A4 size, with or without lines)
• Purchase pencils (enpitsu), erasers (keshigomu), pencil sharpeners (enpitsu kezuri), and rulers (jōgi) in packs of 10-12 (many schools require specific brands like Mitsubishi or Tombow)
• Buy scissors (hasami), glue (nori), and adhesive tape (seroteipu) for crafts, ensuring they are child-safe
• Purchase a pencil case (fudebako) and a pencil box (enpitsu bako) to organize supplies in the classroom
• Prepare the cleaning set (sōji setto): cloth (zōkin), broom (hōki), and dustpan (chiritori) with a handle, as specified by the school
• Buy a cloth bag (shūgaku kinchaku) for carrying lunch (obentō) and a water bottle (suito) with the child’s name labeled
• Purchase a gym cap (hokenshitsu bōshi) and a small towel (taoru) for physical education classes
• Label all supplies and clothing with the child’s name using adhesive labels (namae shirushi) or an embroidery machine
• Enroll the child in school insurance (gakkō hoken) through the school or city office before the start of classes
• Pay PTA fees and other school expenses (kyūyo) at the designated bank or konbini
• Attend the parent orientation meeting (nyūgaku setsumeikai) and collect the school schedule and rules
• Prepare an emergency kit (hijō setto) with masks, tissues, wet wipes, and a change of clothes, as instructed by the school
• Ensure the child’s vaccinations are up to date and submit the medical certificate (kenkō shindansho) to the school if required
• Practice the route to school with the child (including crossing streets and using pedestrian crossings) and confirm the walking group with classmates
• Set reminders in Foco for key deadlines, such as submitting documents or purchasing supplies before April 5