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TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

TOKYO CAREER GUIDE

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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Working & Living

LIVING
JAPANESE 日本語

Q. What level of Japanese language ability is required?

A.The level of Japanese language proficiency required of foreigners for work is different depending on the company, and varies from "a level at which you can prepare reports and documents," "a level at which you can communicate in business," "a level at which you can have simple daily conversations," etc., but many companies do require Japanese language proficiency. Recently, however, there are an increasing number of jobs that do not require Japanese language skills, such as IT engineers. In addition, by utilizing Japanese language study support provided by public institutions and volunteers, you can acquire Japanese language skills without spending a lot of money.

We asked 100
non-Japanese
people working in Tokyo

How proficient are you
at Japanese?

(Answers are based on the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Levels N1–N5
(with N1 being most difficult and N5 easiest)

Level N1

Level N2

Level N3

Level N4

Level N5

graph

What level of Japanese
do you think is
required for your job?

Ability to prepare reports and documents

Ability to interact in a business context

Ability to carry on simple daily conversations

Japanese rarely needed

Other

仕事で求められる日本語のレベルは

Are you taking steps or making
efforts to
improve your
Japanese language ability?

I socialize with Japanese friends, such as going to dinner or karaoke, and I try to create a lot of opportunities to speak Japanese. I also recommend you try attending international exchange events in your area. Taiwan Age 28
Service industry
If I hear an unfamiliar word or phrase when I'm speaking with more senior employees, I make a note immediately and I look it up later. I also try to commit to memory emails and documents created by my Japanese customers or colleagues. The thing to keep in mind is that if you learn new words and speak without fear of making mistakes, you can learn while using the language for real and while doing what you like. Malaysia Age 23
Commercial company
When I watch the news on TV, I listen closely to what the announcer is saying. I also watch Japanese drama programs about 1hour daily, and I read the newspaper every day. Reading Japanese text is quite effective. Indonesia Age 34
IT & Communications
There are many organizations in Tokyo that offer volunteer Japanese language instruction, which I participate in after work. The teachers are very kind, and you can learn real Japanese that you would not hear in business situations. In addition, seasonal events such as rice-cake pounding are held, allowing students to learn about Japanese culture as well. I am going to try to join a local club that meets on the weekends. Indonesia Age 32
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WOKING
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