義務教育

• Reading: ぎむきょういく
• Romaji: gimu kyoiku
• Kanji breakdown: 義 (gi) — duty, righteousness; 務 (mu/tsutome) — duty, service; 教 (kyō) — teach; 育 (iku) — raise, nurture
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.mɯ.kʲoː.i.kɯ/

Meaning

Compulsory education; the legally mandated period of schooling that all children must attend, comprising elementary and middle school in Japan.

In Japan, 義務教育 covers nine years: six years of elementary school (小学校) and three years of middle school (中学校), as stipulated by Article 26 of the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Education. The obligation falls on parents and guardians, not children themselves. Tuition is free at public schools. Completion of 義務教育 is a social baseline, and failure to complete it can significantly disadvantage adults in employment and civic participation.

Examples

1. 日本では六年間の小学校と三年間の中学校が義務教育として定められている。 In Japan, six years of elementary school and three years of middle school are stipulated as compulsory education.
2. 義務教育を修了していない成人を対象とした夜間中学の重要性が見直されている。 The importance of evening middle schools for adults who did not complete compulsory education is being reassessed.
3. 不登校の問題を解決するためには、義務教育の概念そのものを問い直す必要があるかもしれない。 To solve the problem of school refusal, it may be necessary to reconsider the very concept of compulsory education.

Usage Guide

Context: education, law, social policy, government

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 義務 (duty/obligation) and 教育 (education). A modern legal term established by Japan's postwar constitution and education law, following Western models of state-mandated compulsory schooling introduced across industrialised nations in the 19th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal