Aashish Phuyal
Founder & Director
Learning Japanese is essential for success as an international student in Japan. This guide provides effective strategies and resources to help you progress from beginner to advanced levels.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has five levels: N5 (beginner) requires about 150-200 study hours, N4 (elementary) needs 300-400 hours, N3 (intermediate) requires 450-600 hours, N2 (upper-intermediate) needs 600-800 hours, and N1 (advanced) requires 900-1200+ hours. Most universities require N2 or N1 for admission.
Japanese uses three writing systems: Hiragana (46 basic characters for Japanese words), Katakana (46 characters for foreign words), and Kanji (Chinese characters). Start by mastering hiragana and katakana in your first 2-4 weeks, then gradually learn kanji using spaced repetition systems like Anki or WaniKani.
Popular textbooks include Genki I & II for beginners and Tobira for intermediate students. Apps like WaniKani for kanji, Bunpro for grammar, and HelloTalk for language exchange are highly effective. Websites like Tofugu and JLPT Sensei offer free resources and practice tests.
Set your phone and apps to Japanese. Watch Japanese TV shows and anime with Japanese subtitles. Listen to Japanese podcasts during commutes. Join conversation groups at your university. Make Japanese friends and practice speaking regularly. Read Japanese news and manga appropriate for your level.
Study consistently for 1-2 hours daily rather than cramming. Morning study improves retention. Review with spaced repetition. Focus on one skill at a time. Use dead time (commute) for listening practice. Take JLPT practice tests regularly to track progress.
Learning Japanese requires consistent effort and the right strategies. Start early, use quality resources, immerse yourself in the language, and practice regularly. With dedication, you can achieve fluency and succeed in your Japanese studies.
Planning to study in Japan? Aspira Educational Consultancy offers comprehensive pre-departure Japanese language guidance and resource recommendations. Contact us to prepare for your language learning journey!
Founder & Director
Experienced education consultant helping students successfully learn Japanese and prepare for JLPT.
