A. Educational Counseling in School (Junior High School)

In Japanese schools, there are opportunities for educational counseling in which parents/guardians and teachers exchange information about children’s issues. Topics such as bullying, refusal to go to school, career guidance, etc., can be discussed.

1. Home Visitation (Katei houmon)

The class teacher visits the child’s home and discusses the child’s life at school and at home with the parent. This is not done at all schools.

2. Parent/Teacher Meeting (Hogosha kai)

Parents/guardians go to school to listen to the principal and/or talk with the class teacher. Topics often relate to study and school life issues common to all the children as a group rather than those of individual children.

3. Three person interviews (Student, Parent, and Class Teacher) （Sansha-mendan）

In most of the Hamamatsu junior high schools, the tri-partite interview is held in July, December, and February (for 7th and 8th graders only).
The tri-partite interview is held among student, parent, and teacher, and they exchange their thoughts, in order to understand the student’s future, clarify current objectives, and reach a consensus.
For 9th graders, the content of the interview is mainly about the plan after graduating junior high. Student will also obtain information on the high school they plan to apply, and what they should do for high school examinations.
If the parent/guardian wishes to be consulted on any day besides the tri-partite interview, they may be consulted on an appointment basis. When necessary, an interpreter will be made available.

4. Individual Interview (Kojin mendan)

This meeting normally takes place between the class teacher and either the child or the parent/guardian. This is a good opportunity to talk about personal problems and concerns. The date is arranged in advance and advised by the class teacher. At some schools, the dates may be adjustable, and an interpreter may be available for such meetings.

B. Educational Counseling Outside of School

There are other opportunities for educational counseling. Prefecture, municipal, and town boards of education “Kyoiku Iinkai” provide opportunities to consult about children’s education on topics such as special support education for children with disabilities, bullying, refusal to go to school, etc..
Usually, the municipal or town board of education supervises public elementary and junior high schools. Likewise, the prefectural board of education supervises most public high schools and schools for children with disabilities. So, please go to the respective board of education to consult about such topics.
Some Prefectural / Municipal / Town governments may have special consultations for foreigners, including a child’s educational issues as well as general issues. English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish and other languages may possibly be used in such consultations if it is requested ahead of time.

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