Yochien: How to Survive the First Year of Kindergarten in Japan

With April just around the corner, you may feel jittery about your kid entering kindergarten for the first time. If that's the case, here are some tips on what to expect and how to cope.

Congratulations! Your little one is three! You have both survived those tough early years. Now what? The good news is your kiddo can finally enter yochien (kindergarten) in Japan. Some mothers dread this moment while others can’t wait to send their baby into the wide world. Whatever your feelings are, here’s our tried and tested guide on how to survive the first year of yochien.

Letting Go

© Photo by iStock: maroke

While you may be ready to see your kid off, your child may not. Separation anxiety is normal, especially if you have been your tot’s lifeline since birth. Now is the time to develop an easy and consistent morning routine. Use a visual schedule to help your little one understand what comes next. To avoid rushing out the door and amping up anxiety levels, leave at least two hours in the morning to get ready!

During that first week or even the first month, expect major tears and tantrums during drop-off. Hang in there, mama. In the genkan (entrance), reassure your child with a big hug and a sincere “I love you. I’ll miss you but I’ll come back soon.” With time, your baby will learn that you don’t disappear forever. Most importantly, stay calm and cheerful and your little one will soon begin to mirror your emotions.

Staying On Top

© Photo by iStock: FG Trade Latin

One thing that surprised me about entering yochien was the paperwork at the start of the school year. In fact, after the entrance ceremony, I spent the rest of the day reading and filling out forms. To say the least, I was overwhelmed. If your Japanese isn’t great, ask for help. If you don’t have anyone to call on, ChatGPT, Google Translate and DeepL Translate are your new best friends. Don’t be afraid to ask the teachers, the PTA class rep or the other moms about anything you don’t understand. Write your concerns in the renraku nōto (contact notebook) or email the school if it’s allowed.

It also helps to write all school events on a calendar or two. Leave reminders on your phone. Whenever you receive a school announcement, highlight the most important parts: the place, time, cost and what to wear or bring. Also, make copies of important kindergarten documents you have already filled out so you won’t have to reinvent the wheel when the next school year rolls around.

Bento Prep 101

© Photo by iStock: usako123

When my boys first started, bento prep was a nightmare. I had bought every cutesy onigiri mold and food cutter I could find. Soon, I realized that my kids didn’t care if their bentos were Instagrammable or not. After that, I kept it simple, healthy and yummy.

Serve food that is easy to eat and fuss-free. Think mini everything: mini pizzas, mini meatballs, mini onigiri, mini sandwiches. Pack items that don’t need to be refrigerated or can get by with a cooler pack until lunchtime. Add color with fresh fruit and veggies your kid gobbles up at home. Insider tip: don’t include any “unhealthy” snacks, sweets or prepackaged foods. If you do want to send something nutritious but prepackaged, slip it in the bento without the wrapper. That way, you can avoid a scolding and everyone wins!

What To Wear

© Photo by iStock: shih-wei

Since yochien is all about making kids more independent, clothes become a huge deal. Unless the kindergarten has a designated uniform, dress your tot in tops and bottoms that are easy to put on and take off. You especially don’t want your little one fiddling with zips and buttons if they really need to go! Think stretchy and breathable joggers, tights, sweatshirts and tee shirts.

Also, label everything! A name stamp is convenient but in a pinch, a trusty waterproof name pen will do. Even if there isn’t a premade label on something, you can buy iron-on labels at any 100 yen shop. Another top tip: buy clothes in colors and designs your kid loves. It will make your morning routine and the teachers’ life at school so much easier!

If your kid walks to yochien, invest in a strong umbrella, raincoat and rain boots. And don’t forget to buy a raincoat that fits over the backpack. I learned that the hard way when my boys’ backpacks got soaked one particularly rainy morning.

At yochien, expect that your kid will get very dirty. Buy clothes and shoes that can take a pounding on the playground and in the classroom. For difficult stains, soak stuff in an oxygen bleach/hot water solution or scrub well with Utamaro soap. Consider buying socks in dark colors. White ones tend to get grimy fast! Also, if your kid has to wear a pin badge at school, ask the teacher to use a sticker badge instead to avoid your kid ripping a hole in a favorite shirt.

Useful Phrases For Kindergarten Kids

© Photo by iStock: FatCamera

One thing you may overlook when preparing for yochien is your kid’s Japanese language proficiency. I’m not saying your child needs to be fluent by age three, but it does help if you can teach him or her some simple key phrases. Here are a few that can help minimize fights and miscommunication at school.

Watch Japanese kids’ TV and listen to Japanese nursery rhymes at home to level up language exposure. And don’t worry if your child is not getting it yet. It takes time to acquire a second language if Japanese is not your baby’s mother tongue. Bilingualism will come with time.  

Entering yochien for the first time is not for the faint-hearted. Stick to this guide, and you and your little one should be able to breeze through this milestone. After the first year, the second and third years should be a cinch. You’ve got this, mama!