Mar 28, 2026
Such a short break between school years
The elementary school year ended on Thursday, March 26th 2026, for many elementary school children around Japan. They now have just under two weeks off, until April 7th (back to school on the 8th).
It is a very short break, especially considering that this is not a "spring break", it's an end of school year break before they start a new grade. They had their last day of their current grade on the morning of the 26th and they will have their first day of their new grade on April 8th. So the holiday is counted from March 27th to April 7th. That's just twelve days. Moreover, four of those are weekend days, so it's really only eight days "holiday".
There is probably good in such a short break for some, especially children that may not have anybody else at home on those 8 days. But for me, it's way too short a period to have off between school years. What do you think?
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
Lyssays
9 hours ago
I find it a bit short, and just plain awkward with this year’s midweek start and finish. On top of that, they had a bunch of half days at school toward the end of term which just seemed rather pointless. Yes, caring arrangements can be tough. I had a break from work, but it hasn’t overlapped very well this year and that has made making plans tricky. Even with the difficulty it causes me (and my husband), however, I still think my kids deserve a longer, proper break to mark the end of a school year.
BigfamJapan
9 hours ago
@Lyssays that's a very good point about the half days too. The kids back home get longer off for just spring break! Two full weeks. And that's coming about 5/6 weeks after a one weeklong "midterm break"!! I feel kids here just don't get enough free time. I think there are benefits, mainly they don't have time to get up to mischief, but I would prefer them have more time just to be kids.