If you’re interested in moving to Japan and joining the workforce, it’s important to give yourself the proper foundation for becoming a productive worker. That starts with language. No matter what line of work you’re in or where you’re at in your career, it’s important to have a working knowledge of Japanese to secure employment in Japan.
Language comprehension comes incrementally and, as an expat, you won’t need to have a complete mastery of the language to find work. That said, many companies want proof of passage of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This certification is recognized globally, and there are plenty of employment opportunities that come from obtaining it—especially if you eventually obtain JLPT N1.
Read on to discover what you need to know about the JLPT, its different ranks of language mastery and why it’s essential for foreign workers looking for a great job in Japan.
An overview of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test
The JLPT is split into five levels, with N5 corresponding to the most basic level and N1 to the most advanced. In general, N4 and N5 reflect a very basic understanding of both written and verbal Japanese. N1 and N2 are the most advanced, with N3 serving as an intermediary bridge.
JLPT tests linguistic competence in terms of language activities, including reading and listening. There’s also a vocabulary and grammar component built in to the test. The breakdown of individual levels is as follows:
N5: The most basic level of the JLPT, people who hold N5 certification have a basic understanding of simple Japanese. They should read and understand common phrases and sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji. They should also be able to listen and comprehend Japanese conversation on basic topics, spoken at a slow speed.
N4: People who hold N4 certification have a slightly-better grasp of the Japanese language than those at the N5 level. They can read and understand simple sentences on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. They also have a better understanding of conversational Japanese, especially conversations about daily topics, spoken slowly.
N3: This intermediate level indicates a basic comprehension of Japanese used in everyday situations. N3-holders understand and grasp written information, including things like newspaper headlines and slightly difficult writings. Verbal comprehension at the N3 level requires an understanding of coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed.
N2: N2-holders can understand Japanese in everyday situations, in a wider variety of circumstances. They can read and understand written materials in newspapers and magazines, including a full grasp of the writers’ intent. They also must comprehend verbal materials like news reports, with a full understanding of the relationships among people and content—all spoken at near-natural speed. This is typically the lowest threshold for “business Japanese” required by office jobs.
N1: The highest level of Japanese proficiency, people who hold N1 certification have a complete ability to understand Japanese in a broad range of circumstances. They can read complex, abstract writings on a full range of topics, and can comprehend orally presented materials spoken at natural speed.This is what many large white-collar companies refer to as “business Japanese” when they post jobs that are open to expats and foreign applicants.
Do you need JLPT N1 to get a job in Japan?
Many foreign job-seekers are relieved to learn that they don’t need JLPT N1 to get a job in Japan. In fact, you can often get by with N5 or N4 for entry-level or primarily English-speaking positions, such as teaching English. Remember, the JLPT isn’t required for employment—it’s merely used as a benchmark for gauging your ability to communicate in the position you’re qualified for. That’s why English teachers typically don’t require anything higher than JLPT N5.
In jobs where you’re working with native speakers, N3 certification is often enough to get you in the door. A good example of this would be a trade or skill position, or tech and IT positions. While the emphasis is on the hard skills involved in actually doing the work, you’ll want the ability to communicate with coworkers and customers with a degree of fluidity.
Typically, jobs requiring mastery of the language are those in the business sector. Many white-collar positions available to non-Japanese speakers require applicants to pass the JLPT N2 or N1. They’re looking for workers who are conversationally fluent in Japanese, so they can hit the ground running on their first day on the job. In fact, JLPT N2 is often considered the threshold for “business level” Japanese, with many companies preferring N1.
The short answer is that if you’re seeking white-collar employment in Japan, plan to have your JLPT N1 mastery. If you’re seeking to teach English or work in tech, lower-level masteries are usually sufficient.
How to earn JLPT N1: study and testing
Earning the JLPT N1 is an impressive achievement, and it’s one you can earn in as little as a year if you’re very dedicated and study every day. You’ll need to know about 2,000 kanji and about 10,000 vocabulary words to pass the N1, and with that knowledge you’ll be able to read most Japanese books, newspapers, subtitles and any other written information you come across.
If you’re able to obtain N1 certification, the only difference in terms of language proficiency you’ll have from a native Japanese person is likely vocabulary—very specialized vocabulary. In other words, you’ll read and talk like a local when you achieve N1 certification!
Preparing for the test can be daunting. There’s a lot of content to cover, and once you’ve passed the preceding levels of the test, you might find there are few textbook resources to use. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the N1 exam:
Find resources. Advanced textbooks like those published by the Japan Times are your best resource to study for the N1. You can also brush up on kanji and vocabulary by reading Japanese newspapers—they contain articles on all sorts of unexpected topics.
Memorize kanji. While you can learn vocabulary gradually through reading, kanji often must be memorized. Try to memorize kanji based on usage, instead of the individual characters. Link kanji to specific words and become familiar with what each part of kanji means.
Listen carefully. The listening portion of the JLPT N1 is often easier than the written one, but there are some things you should do to make sure you’re well-prepared. Watch movies and television in Japanese with no subtitles, and watch the same parts multiple times—it helps your ear pick out and understand the words and grammar patterns you hear. Live TV is especially helpful at practicing conversational listening comprehension, allowing you to interpret interpersonal interaction.
Above all, the best way to qualify yourself for JLPT N1 mastery is through practice and practical use. If you already live in Japan, get out there and use the language you’re learning! If you don’t live in the country yet, find opportunities to speak, read and write with others who’ve mastered the language or who are also learning it.
How to get your JLPT N1 Certificate
Did you know that you can get your JLPT N1 certificate before ever stepping foot in Japan? Most JLPT examinations in the United States take place at accredited universities and colleges. It’s possible to take the test in your home country and send passing results in to the JLPT Application Center online. This is often the simplest way to ensure you’re well-equipped for job hunting once you begin your relocation to Japan.
If you’re not quite ready to test for N1 certification but still want to move to Japan, it’s a great way to get some extra practice in by immersion. Once you’re ready, you can visit any number of testing sites in major cities in Japan to sit for the JLPT N1. Once you pass, your certificate will be available online or can be mailed to you locally.
When it comes to showcasing your knowledge of the Japanese language for employment purposes, you don’t actually need to show employers your certificate. Simply list JLPT N1 on your résumé and be prepared to demonstrate your abilities through your in-person interactions. An interviewer will quickly be able to recognize your mastery.
Should you get your JLPT N1?
Wondering if it’s worth the time and effort to get your JLPT N1? If you’re eager to move to Japan and further your career in a white-collar position with upward mobility, passage of the N1 is almost essential. It’s well worth the effort—not only will it make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers, it will also help you make the most of your stay in the country.
By learning fluent Japanese, you’ll live more like a local and enjoy seamless communication as you earn a living—all while exploring everything Japan has to offer. And, if you have aspirations to further your career by climbing the ladder, your mastery of the Japanese language will be an invaluable tool in helping you succeed. It all starts with the JLPT, with N1 Certification representing the pinnacle of understanding.
