インター校こうに通かよう日本にっぽん国籍こくせきの子こどもが増加ぞうか 自治体じちたいは対応たいおうに苦慮くりょ

It has been revealed that at least about 4,800 Japanese children who do not attend compulsory education schools but go to international schools are in Tokyo’s 23 wards.

Each municipality is facing difficult challenges during this period due to the increase in the number of children attending these facilities.

This is the Board of Education of Edogawa Ward, Tokyo.

At this time of the new school year, local governments check on the whereabouts and school enrollment status of children.

The documents being prepared by the staff concern children who did not attend the entrance ceremonies at municipal elementary and junior high schools this spring.

There, next to the names of two out of the nine relevant children, it said attending international school.

Last year in Edogawa Ward, 263 children living in the ward attended international schools in Tokyo and other areas.

According to the section manager in charge, it is said that the number is increasing by about 10% every year.

International schools where classes are conducted in English and other languages are in high demand among wealthy people and others, and their numbers are increasing in urban areas such as Tokyo, with some saying there are over 100 schools.

NHKs investigation has revealed that in Tokyos 23 wards, at least about 4,800 Japanese children attend such facilities.

What worries local government officials is that many of these are not recognized by the national government as compulsory education schools.

If you send your child there, it may be considered that you are not fulfilling the compulsory education obligation.

In Edogawa Ward, in order to prevent such disadvantages, if the guardian agrees, a student record can be created at a municipal school, the student will be marked as having a long-term absence, and after an interview with the principal and other steps, graduation qualifications may be granted.

On the other hand, if consent cannot be obtained, it is said that a notice is sent twice a year encouraging enrollment in municipal schools.

Section Chief Miyuki Kimura said, Its something that guardians and children are choosing, but if you havent completed elementary school, there will be cases where you cant enter junior high school.

I want to avoid any situation where the children are put at a disadvantage, he said.