Where to purchase your child's BYOD iPad or Macbook device?

To support your child’s learning through our technology-integrated curriculum, all students are required to have a personal MacBook and/or iPad, depending on their grade level. This guide will help you choose the right device, whether you prefer to shop in-person or online.

Device Requirements by Grade Level

Grades 1 - 3

Grades 4 - 12

Any of the following models, version 2022 or later:

iPad Pro 12.9” (6th Generation or Later)
iPad Pro 11” (4th Generation or Later)
iPad Air (5th Generation or Later)
iPad (10th Generation or Later)
iPad Mini (6th Generation or Later)

Any of the following models, version 2022 or later:

MacBook Pro (M2, M3, M4, M5)
MacBook Air (M2, M3, M4, M5)

Additional suggestions:

Storage Space: 128 GB minimum, 64 GB minimum for iPad Mini
Wi-Fi Model

Additional suggestions:

Memory (RAM): 8 GB or more
Storage Space: 256 GB or more

Recommended Purchase Locations

Apple Store (In-Person): Best for requesting an English (US) Keyboard and getting English-speaking support.
Retailers: Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera (English keyboards may be limited).
Avoid: Second-hand marketplaces (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions) are not recommended due to lack of warranty and quality guarantees.

Key Requirements

Keyboard: An English (US) layout is strongly recommended for school consistency.
Support: It is highly recommended to add AppleCare+ for repairs and support.
Setup: Devices must be set up before the first day of school.

The school does not recommend purchasing second hand devices from places like Mercari, Rakuma, Yahoo Auctions, or other as the condition of the devices can not be guaranteed and after support, maintenance and warranty services are limited or non-existent.

Keyboard Layout

Most devices sold in Japan come with a Japanese Keyboard (JIS layout).
For easier typing practice and consistency with English instruction, we strongly recommend selecting an English (US) keyboard for your child’s MacBook.

For more information please visit our How to Type in Japanese using an English Keyboard page.

Maintenance and Support

Apple Care: Apple Care is a service provided by Apple that offers extended warranty coverage, technical support, and repairs for their products.

Info about Apple Care (warranty, support programs): https://www.apple.com/jp/support/products/

Apple Support: Apple Support is a service provided by Apple Inc. to assist customers with technical issues related to their Apple products. This service can be accessed through various channels, including phone, email, live chat, and self-service options on the Apple Support website.

Apple Support for iPads: https://support.apple.com/ipad
Apple Support for Mac: https://support.apple.com/mac

First Set-up for new devices: For those who have just purchased new devices, we require all new devices to be set up before the first day of school.

Set-up basics for iPads: https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/setup-basics-ipadad6ac8d3/16.0/ipados/16.0
Set-up basics for MacBook Air: https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/set-up-your-mac-apd831707cb3/2023/mac/13.4
Set-up basics for MacBook Pro: https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-pro/set-up-your-mac-apd831707cb3/2023/mac/13

Additional Information and Tips

Trade-in-program: Apple offers a trade-in program whereby you can receive credit towards your next purchase by trading in an older device, as well as variable discounts for education related purchases which you can attempt to receive (these are subject to change, and you will need to confirm details with Apple). https://www.apple.com/jp/trade-in/

Apple Education Discounts: Apple occasionally offers discounts and seasonal promotions. Please inquire directly with Apple for details. Aoba does NOT provide access to educational discounts on Apple products. https://www.apple.com/jp_edu_1460/store