A Guide to Preparing for Elementary School in Japan: Randoseru, School Supplies, and Name Labeling
When a child starts elementary school, there are many things to prepare in any country. Uniforms, shoes, notebooks and stationery, and a bag for commuting to school—what families need to get ready varies from household to household.
In this article, we introduce part of what is commonly prepared for starting elementary school in Japan, and what parents and guardians typically need to do.
What You Need to Prepare for Elementary School in Japan (1): Randoseru
When people think about preparing for elementary school in Japan, one of the first things that comes to mind is the randoseru. In fact, in most regions and schools, there is not necessarily a strict rule that says a child must use a randoseru.
Still, the reason many people choose a randoseru is very simple.
It is easy to use, durable, and made to last for a long time as a school bag used every day. It keeps its shape well even when filled with textbooks and notebooks, and it is also easy to care for.
Not only its function, but also its look can become something children admire.
Some children look forward to the day they can have their own randoseru after seeing older siblings or older children in the neighborhood carrying one.
How do people choose a randoseru, and which colors are popular?
For that, please see our separate article:
Popular Randoseru Colors in Japan and How They Have Changed
What You Need to Prepare for Elementary School in Japan (2): Stationery and Other School Supplies
Preparing school supplies can be very demanding.
From many textbooks and writing tools to craft materials, gym clothes, and cutlery used for school lunch, there are many items that are needed. Parents and guardians do a lot of shopping while checking the “school orientation materials” and the “items list” provided by the school.
The Hardest Part of Preparing for School: Name Labeling
In preparing for elementary school in Japan, one task that almost always comes up is name labeling.
You are expected to write a child’s name on almost every belonging—each pencil, eraser, notebook, gym clothes, bags, indoor shoes, and more.
Because writing everything by hand is time-consuming, many families order name stickers and put them on instead. Some sets include stickers in various sizes, which makes it an easier way to reduce the burden of preparation.
At Ikedaya as well, there are several parents with children who will start elementary school this April.
Small exchanges of information—such as “What have you prepared so far?” or “When will you do the name labeling?”—have increased, and everyone seems busy.
We Hope Ikedaya Randoseru Can Be a Good Partner
I also remember that, before entering elementary school, I suddenly had many more belongings of my own.
I looked at my new pencil case and neatly arranged pencils and felt excited, thinking, “School is about to start.”
Preparing for school keeps parents and guardians busy, but for children, it is also a sign that a new daily life is about to begin.
Soon, we will start seeing new first-grade students walking around town with their randoseru.
We hope they have a safe and enjoyable elementary school life.
We would be happy if an Ikedaya randoseru could be a partner for them every day.
About IKEDAYA
Founded in 1950, Ikedaya is a Japanese brand best known for its signature Ikedaya Randoseru. We create high-quality, Japan-made bags beyond randoseru, including exclusive Ikedaya designs.
