入学式(にゅうがくしき)

A compound of 入学(にゅうがく) (entering school) + 式(しき) (ceremony). A formal event marking the start of a student's time at a new school.

TIMING:
Held in April at the start of the Japanese academic year. Often coincides with 桜(さくら) (cherry blossom) season, making it an iconic spring event.

ATTIRE:
Students wear formal attire or school uniforms. 親(おや) (parents) typically attend and also dress formally.

CONTRAST:

• 入学式(にゅうがくしき): entrance ceremony (beginning)
• 卒業式(そつぎょうしき): graduation ceremony (ending)

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 入学式(にゅうがくしき)に出席(しゅっせき)する: to attend the entrance ceremony
• 入学式(にゅうがくしき)が行(おこな)われる: the entrance ceremony is held