【2025】Children's Extracurricular Activities in Japan in 2025: Types, Latest Rankings, and How to Choose the Right One

What Is the Best Age to Start Extracurricular Activities for Children? What Should Children Learn? In this article, we introduce the ranking of children's extracurricular activities in Japan. We’ll explain the latest trends in activities such as swimming, English lessons, and piano, and we also spoke with FUN! JAPAN staff who have experience enrolling their children in extracurricular activities or have done so in the past.

We’ll also explain the different types of extracurricular activities for children in Japan, their unique benefits, and how to choose the right one for your child.

Ranking of Children's Extracurricular Activities: A Comparison

First, let’s take a look at the children's lesson rankings published by various companies.

Source:
*1) Benesse Corporation, "Lessons for Elementary School Students" (November 2024. ｎ＝3,096）https://benesse.jp/kosodate/202403/20240329-1.html
*2) PiCRO "Lessons I'm glad I let my children learn" (January 2025. n = about 300) https://picro.jp/media/kids-activity-rankings/
*3) Frankel, "Ranking of Popular Lessons for Children" (January 2025. ｎ＝101）https://frankel.co.jp/column/ranking/
*4) AZWAY "Ranking of Lessons You Want Your Children to Learn" (September 2024. ｎ＝369）https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000070.000111955.html 

Trends in Children's Extracurricular Activities for 2025

Based on the ranking results from various companies, we have selected eight children's lessons that are expected to be popular in Japan in 2025. Additionally, a survey conducted among FUN! JAPAN staff raising children revealed that many families are incorporating these lessons.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each lesson, including actual parent reviews.

Swimming

Swimming is often chosen as a child's first lesson because it helps build basic physical strength, muscle endurance, and cardiovascular function. Moreover, the athletic abilities developed through swimming can be useful in other sports as well.

Some FUN! JAPAN staff members shared their thoughts: "School swimming lessons alone are not enough to learn how to swim," "I want my child to be able to protect themselves in case of a water-related accident," and "Since I enjoy surfing as a hobby, I’d love to enjoy it together in the future."

The monthly fee for swimming lessons is usually around ¥7,000–¥10,000. Since swimming requires minimal equipment beyond a swimsuit and goggles, the cost barrier is relatively low, which could be another reason for its popularity.

Additionally, many swimming schools provide dedicated shuttle buses, making it convenient for parents who do not have to personally drive their children to class.

Piano

Children can typically start learning piano from around the age of three, and it is a lesson that can be continued from childhood into adulthood. By listening to piano sounds and keeping rhythm, children can develop musical sensitivity and a sense of rhythm. Playing the piano while reading sheet music and using hands, ears, and feet also provides good stimulation for brain development.

Furthermore, learning the piano requires regular practice. Preparing for recitals and competitions helps cultivate patience and concentration.

One FUN! JAPAN staff member shared, "Since I play instruments like the violin as a hobby, I thought it would be beneficial for my child to learn piano as a musical foundation. That way, if they decide to try another instrument or singing in the future, they can transition smoothly."

Piano lessons generally cost around ¥7,000–¥12,000 per month. Private lessons tend to be more expensive than group lessons. Apart from tuition fees, there are also additional costs for purchasing a piano and participating in recitals.

English Conversation

In order to develop individuals who can thrive on a global stage, English education became a compulsory subject in elementary schools starting in 2020. However, since it is difficult to become fluent in English through school education alone, many parents consider enrolling their children in English conversation classes. Obtaining certifications such as Eiken or TOEIC can also be beneficial for high school and university entrance exams, as well as future employment, making English an attractive subject to study.

Additionally, exposing children to English from an early age can help their brains and ears get accustomed to the language, which may improve their listening and speaking skills.

Among the internationally minded FUN! JAPAN staff, English was the most popular extracurricular activity for children. Aside from the reasons mentioned above, some also responded that "being able to use English not only benefits academics and work but also expands one's world in personal life, enriching a child's future."

English conversation classes vary widely, from schools that focus on basic pronunciation and simple daily conversations to intensive courses aimed at certification or entrance exams. As a result, tuition fees also differ depending on the school.

For lessons around 30 minutes once a week, tuition starts at a few thousand yen per month. More intensive programs, such as those offering three lessons per week, can cost tens of thousands of yen per month, even for online schools. On the other hand, some services offer unlimited online English conversation lessons for about ¥6,000 per month, so it's best to choose an option that suits your budget and goals.

More and more families are opting for online English lessons due to the convenience of not needing transportation and the cost-effectiveness of these programs.

Calligraphy (Shodo)

Calligraphy not only helps children write beautiful characters but also teaches them the correct posture for writing and helps improve their concentration.

Being able to write neatly often leaves a good impression. Even as adults in professional settings, having good handwriting can be useful in many situations.

Unlike the alphabet, which consists of 26 letters, the Japanese language requires learning 46 hiragana characters, 46 katakana characters, and over 2,000 commonly used kanji. Because of this, it has been common for Japanese parents to tell their children, "At the very least, make sure you can write neatly." Calligraphy has long been a traditional extracurricular activity for children in Japan.

Calligraphy schools also have ranking systems, such as levels and ranks, allowing students to set goals for advancement. This not only builds confidence but also fosters a sense of ambition. Tuition is relatively affordable, ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per month.

Soccer & Futsal

Since soccer is a high-energy sport, it helps develop physical endurance and motor skills. Being a team sport, it also fosters cooperation and teamwork. Another great aspect of soccer is that it’s easy to continue playing as a hobby even into adulthood.

Tuition for general soccer schools is around ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per month, while community sports clubs organized in local areas cost about ¥2,000 per month. However, in these community clubs, parents may be required to help with coaching, preparing equipment, and other support activities.

Cram Schools (Juku)

Cram schools not only improve academic performance but also help children develop consistent study habits.

There are various types of cram schools, including group lessons, one-on-one tutoring, online schools, and correspondence courses. This allows parents to choose an option that best suits their child's personality and academic level.

Similar to English classes, tuition fees vary depending on the school. Most schools charge per subject, with additional fees for extra lessons or remedial classes. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, preparing for junior high school entrance exams at a cram school can cost over ¥1,000,000 per year. On the other hand, online and correspondence-based programs tend to be more affordable.

Dance

Dancing is a great way to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and build endurance. Since it involves moving the body in sync with music, it also enhances rhythm and self-expression.

The average tuition fee ranges from ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per month. Since many dance schools have little to no initial costs, it can be an easy extracurricular activity to start.

There are many different dance styles to choose from, such as hip-hop, cheer, jazz, and ballet. Breaking (breakdancing) has even been included as an official event in the 2024 Paris Olympics, making dance more popular than ever.

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Gymnastics

Gymnastics includes various disciplines such as artistic gymnastics, acrobatics, and trampoline. It helps develop balance and flexibility, as well as basic physical fitness and the fundamental use of the body, which also serve as a foundation for other sports. These aspects contribute to its popularity.

The typical monthly fee ranges from ¥4,000 to ¥10,000. In addition to the monthly fee, a uniform and shoes are required.

Other Children's Extracurricular Activities

We also spoke to parents who have their children enrolled in extracurricular activities other than the ones mentioned above.

Programming

Programming has become one of the most popular extracurricular activities for children in Japan in recent years. Among the FUN! JAPAN staff, three parents have enrolled their children in programming courses.

The influence of parents' strong belief that "IT and engineering skills should be foundational knowledge" is the main factor behind this trend. Many of these courses incorporate games like "Minecraft" or activities where children build and operate robots, making learning fun. Additionally, programming education became compulsory in elementary schools starting in the 2020 school year, and in high schools from the 2022 school year.

Traditional Japanese Extracurricular Activities such as Abacus and Karate

On the other hand, some parents chose traditional extracurricular activities such as the "abacus" and "karate."

The "abacus" not only helps develop calculation skills but also fosters concentration, memory, and logical thinking. As for "karate," it is one of the traditional "do" practices in Japanese culture, alongside tea ceremony and judo. It focuses on improving technique while also emphasizing respect and mental training.

Regarding traditional Japanese extracurricular activities, parents often expressed that they find value in "not only mastering the techniques but also strengthening concentration and mental discipline."

Activities that Combine Various Elements

For example, activities that combine various elements, such as "learning dance and musicals in English," are also popular in Japan. Especially in urban areas, where both children and parents are often busy with transportation, activities that offer multiple benefits in one are particularly attractive.

Points for Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activity for Children

How to Find an Activity That Suits Your Child

When choosing an extracurricular activity, it's important to consider the child's personality and interests, and think about what kind of skills you want them to develop. Specifically...

• If you want them to develop physical strength and abilities... swimming or gymnastics
• If you want them to develop manners and etiquette... karate, kendo, judo, or other martial arts
• If you want them to develop communication skills and teamwork... team sports (soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, etc.)
• If you want them to develop study habits... tutoring or online education
• If you want them to nurture expression and imagination... piano, arts, or fine arts
• If you want them to develop English skills... English conversation
• If you want them to nurture logical thinking... programming

Points Parents Should Be Aware Of

The benefits of enrolling children in extracurricular activities include "building a sense of achievement," "developing skills that will be useful in the future," and "nurturing talents and interests."

On the other hand, the drawbacks of extracurricular activities include "reduced playtime," "potential stress," and "cost." Even if parents have good intentions and enroll their children in many activities, the child’s time for other things will be reduced. The child might feel stressed from not having time to play with friends, or from the difficulty of practice and homework. Parents should carefully monitor whether their child is actively engaged in their activities as well as other aspects of their life.

Solving Doubts and Concerns About Children's Extracurricular Activities

When to Start Extracurricular Activities?

According to the "5th Survey on the Lives of Young Children (2015)" by Benesse Educational Research Institute, the percentage of young children participating in extracurricular activities is:

1-year-olds: 17.0% 
2-year-olds: 25.7%
3-year-olds: 29.8%
4-year-olds: 47.9%
5-year-olds: 71.4%
6-year-olds: 82.7%

By the age of 4, about half of the children are involved in some kind of extracurricular activity. By the time they reach 6 years old, more than 80% are participating in activities. Depending on the type of activity, it may be a good idea to consider starting around the age of 4.

What to Do If a Child Wants to Quit an Activity?

It’s important to understand why your child wants to quit and work together to decide whether to continue or stop the activity.

If the child doesn’t want to participate in an activity, they may not engage with it fully, will not improve, and may experience stress. It's not ideal for parents to force their children to attend.

Setting goals with your child from the start and agreeing that they will not quit until they reach those goals can also be a good approach.

How Many Extracurricular Activities Can a Child Take On?

The average number of extracurricular activities for elementary school students across Japan is 1.92. As children move up in grade levels, the number of activities tends to increase.

Preschool children: 1.62
Early elementary school students: 2.02
Upper elementary school students: 2.14
(According to data from the 2018 parent-child outing information site "Ikoyoi")

If a child is enrolled in far more activities than the average for their grade level, it might be a good idea to reassess.

This article covered everything from popular extracurricular activities for children in Japan, comments from parents who have enrolled their children in them, to the latest trends and how to choose the right activity. With the desire to "enrich their children's lives," parents in Japan continue to busy their children with activities and lessons every day.