Age Calculator & Japanese School Year
Enter a date of birth to get the exact age, the traditional Japanese counted age (kazoedoshi) and the Japanese school grade, with school entry and graduation years for a Japanese résumé (rirekisho).
How the Japanese school year works
- The school year runs from April 1 to March 31.
- Elementary school (6 years) starts in the April after a child turns 6, then junior high (3 years), high school (3 years), university (4 years).
- Birthdays from April 2 to April 1 of the next year form one grade (School Education Act, Article 17; Act on Calculation of Age).
FAQ
When does the Japanese school year start?
April 1. Children who have turned 6 by April 1 start elementary school that April. Because Japanese law counts a birthday as reached on the day before it, children born on April 1 are in the same grade as those born the previous April 2 or later.
What is kazoedoshi (counted age)?
The traditional way of counting age in Japan: you are 1 at birth and gain a year every January 1. It is still used for yakudoshi (unlucky years) and some celebrations.
Who are "hayaumare"?
Children born between January 1 and April 1. They are in the same school grade as children born in the previous calendar year.