The school year in Japan begins at the start of April, which means that the end of the year falls in March. The two biggest transitions in a child’s education are often when they leave elementary school for middle school, and when they leave middle school after three years for high school. Elaborate graduation ceremonies are held, and many tears are shed between friends, family, and beloved teachers. At the end, each student receives a diploma, which is then rolled up and placed in its special case to be kept somewhere safe.