Study desks in Japan

A child’s study desk is traditionally purchased when they enter elementary school (around age 6). It marks the beginning of formal learning at home, and many families see it as a symbolic “start of the school journey.” The desk isn’t just a table — it’s usually a full setup with drawers, shelves, a bright LED lamp, and sometimes even a matching chair.

In my experience, the grandparents usually buy the study desk for their grandchild. I heard this before my children entered school. And sure enough, when it was my children's time to enter school, my in-laws bought my children a desk. It’s considered a celebratory gift for school entrance, similar to buying the school bag. Usually one set of grandparents buy the randoseru and the other the desk. And with desks and randoseru being so expensive, it is a huge financial relief for families. 

To be perfectly honest, I feel age six is too young for the desk. Junior High would have been better timing in my humble opinion. Especially in my home where four large desks with a separate shelving unit (that came with the desk) has taken up a lot of room all these years! Given that many families live in apartments or small houses, it is quite surprising to me that the trend of study desks from 6 years old is so common in Japan.