- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,050
- 18,903
Shinagawa Ward in Tokyo has announced that starting in the 2026 academic year, all students entering ward-run junior high schools will receive free uniforms. This initiative, reportedly the first among Tokyo's 23 wards, will have no income restrictions, ensuring support for all households. Public schools in Shinagawa Ward already provide free school lunches and supplies, including supplementary materials. By covering the cost of uniforms, the ward government will effectively shoulder all major expenses associated with compulsory education.
Also, starting in fiscal 2025, the ward will free school trip fees for local public junior high school students without income restrictions. Third-year students of public junior high schools in the 2025 academic year and third-year students of special education schools who live in the ward will be eligible.
mainichi.jp
According to the ward, 1,900 new students are expected at local public junior high schools and 30 at special education schools for the 2026 academic year. The free items include jackets and blazers for winter, as well as pants and skirts for summer and winter. A survey conducted in fiscal 2023 showed that the price of uniforms at the 15 junior high schools and compulsory education schools in the ward ranged from about 33,000 yen to 52,000 yen (roughly $220 to $340). Starting with new students in the 2026 school year, the ward office or the school will purchase the uniforms collectively upon notification of the student's uniform size. The ward government plans to earmark approximately 100 million yen ($658,000) for related expenses in the initial budget draft for fiscal 2025, which starts this April.
Also, starting in fiscal 2025, the ward will free school trip fees for local public junior high school students without income restrictions. Third-year students of public junior high schools in the 2025 academic year and third-year students of special education schools who live in the ward will be eligible.
Shinagawa 1st Tokyo ward to make junior high school uniforms free for all students - The Mainichi
TOKYO -- The capital's Shinagawa Ward has announced it will offer free uniforms for all students entering ward-run junior high schools from the 2026 a