About public schools in japan

Member since 03 April 2024

germanywifeyMember03 April 2024 05:25:15

Hello, I'm looking at a job offer of 10m yen a year ( prior tax) but I will be moving with my family including two young children - 2&5. My concerns are school fees and other costs. I have a rough idea as to how rent would be and I believe I can ask for a small subsidy on that. But I have no idea about cost of schools or children activies. I have been living in HK prior marriage and since a year before COVID I have been living In Germany where health insurance and daycare fees are all taken care of by government ( we only pay very little).

I wonder whether with 10m salary I will be able to have a relatively comfortable life since my husband will likely not work and take care of the kids. That'd 10m will likely be our only source of income.

Any answers/ feedback will be appreciated 🙏🏻

Umar Asghar New member

Member since 28 January 2023

Umar AsgharNew member03 April 2024 06:59:08

It depends upon your lifestyle, the city where you gonna plan to move as Tokyo is very expensive in terms of making apartment contracts. You need to have a Japanese guarantor (either an individual or a Japanese company) who takes responsibility for your financial problems. International schools are expensive as well. You could expect at least 100000 JPY for one kid at the elementary level.

For a moderate life, it's enough but if you prefer brands, it would not be enough.

For health insurance and other stuff, I think you have to pay by yourself for every individual monthly unless your company doesn't provide family support.

Umar Asghar New member

Member since 28 January 2023

Umar AsgharNew member03 April 2024 07:02:01

You need to also have the Japanese language to have a better life here. Without Japanese it's quite challenging to survive here as you can't easily find a replacement job as most of the companies will require you to speak Japanese.

hjains New member

Member since 20 December 2022

hjainsNew member03 April 2024 09:48:42

@germanywifey

@germanywifey,

I too, have lived in Germany and a very long time in Japan (settled down here).

A couple of points:

Which city in Japan?

How old are the kids?

If you plan to send your kids to a Japanese school, then it's a piece of cake.

International schools are expensive, but I would say manageable if you target the quality of education and not just fancy names.

I am not sure if it is allowed to share personal details, but I would be happy to help you out as a fellow expat with a long experience in Japan, and as my daughter started her school (1st grade) just two days back. So, if you wish, you can google EJable and send a contact message; I will ensure that my team forwards it to me.

Best wishes and best regards

-Himanshu