Many people think learning Japanese is complicated when they think about Kanji. But the Japanese language is a tool to improve your job hunting and continue a consistent life in Japan.
Students, and professionals who are going to kickstart their life in Japan, if you need clarification about the test dates and parts to concentrate on for the JLPT examination. Do not feel you are stuck! We will provide practical ways to improve your language skills for those who are in the process of studying Japanese for their future career.
What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a robust certification in Japan to acquire a job position and apply for degree programs. The level varies from N5 – N1 depending on the difficulty. The application period begins in early March to April and late August to mid-September whereas tests are conducted in July and December.
What kind of books to read to improve?
Read Japanese books: start with kids’ books with simple phrases and easily readable contents that help you in your reading ability and identification of kanji. Then, shift your level to intermediate novels which will help you learn advanced kanjis and new vocabulary daily. Pick your favorite choice of the story as an option. Here are the books that help you refine your reading skills
- N5 – 指定席〜ショートショート王国 by 赤川次郎
- N4 – ブランコの向こうで by 星新一
- N3 – 「神の子どもたちはみな踊る」(かみの こどもたちは みな おどる) by 村上春樹 (むらかみ はるき) “After The Quake” by Haruki Murakami
- N2 – よつばと！ (YOTSUBA&!)
- N1 – 魔女の宅急便 (Kiki's Delivery Service)
What other ways to improve?
Use online learning tools: There are tons of resources available on the internet which quality information and tests on the daily basics. Facebook pages of language communities and language partners are another way to practice your conversation and listening skills.
Try finding opportunities to talk to people when you are in Japan. Frame a simple sentence to speak. Don’t be demotivated, native Japanese will surely understand your message.
There are other ways to learn with fun like singing. Try karaoke where you can learn Japanese through lyrics. Watch anime in the Japanese version where you can have fun and also learn. But remember all anime do not portray polite slang. So, be selective in choosing it!
We know you feel frustrated when you go to the Kanji part. Listen to Japanese podcasts every day, and you will start to feel, listening is the easy part to score if you are preparing for JLPT. Try reading the Kanji that helps your reading speed during your writing part in JLPT.
Advanced-level skills are a bigger step in coming closer to native Japanese and an easy way to acquire jobs. If you are already at an upper-intermediate level and looking for a business-level communication practice, jimomin.work has guidance for you. Participate in our business Japanese seminars and get acquainted with fluency benefits.
Don’t be nervous to talk. Make an effort to start with a little conversation in Japanese and at later times your fluency will develop. Your Japanese proficiency also creates incentives in your pay raise and to find higher paying jobs.
Jimomin.work can support you as well!
jimomin.work offers courses on improving your Japanese required when job hunting as well as after you start working. For instance we have Business Japanese courses where a specialized teacher breaks down and explains the terminologies used in a Japanese corporate culture.
