Japan's compulsory education consists of nine years of schooling, beginning at the age of 6 with six years of elementary school and followed by three years of middle school (ages 12-15).
Lesson or school fee are free of charge during compulsory education for public school, but there are many standard required items that you need to prepare for study.
High school attendance is not compulsory, but almost all Japanese students continue on for three years of high school.