How to Improve Your Japanese : Language Skills for Working in Japan

Understanding the Importance of Japanese in the Workplace

If you work in Japan, speaking Japanese is a must.

In most workplaces, Japanese is essential for speaking with co-workers, for familiarizing yourself with the workplace, and for promoting your career.

Whether you are planning to move to Japan or are currently working in a Japanese-speaking environment, it is very important to continuously study Japanese.

This article will show you how to become a better Japanese speaker, which is necessary for the Japanese workplace.

Importance of Language Skills for Working in Japan

Working in a foreign country is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow through cross-cultural experiences.
However, to be successful in the Japanese workplace, it is very important to have good Japanese language skills.
Being fluent in Japanese will not only help you communicate with your co-workers and customers, but will also give you a better understanding of Japanese culture and rules.

English is not acceptable?

In Japan, some international companies use English for work.
However, in most companies, Japanese is the language spoken within the company.
Therefore, Japanese is essential to familiarize yourself with the work environment.
 
In Japan, the better you can speak Japanese, the better your chances of getting a job.　
Many companies highly value people who can speak Japanese fluently.
This is not only because they are easy to work with, but also because they are willing to learn about Japanese culture.
 
Also, some companies may use how well you speak Japanese as a personnel evaluation.
If you continue to study Japanese, your chances of career advancement will increase.

What level of Japanese is required for the job?

The level of Japanese required depends on the company and the type of job.
Here are some examples of jobs available on JOB JOURNEY.
 
Quick Reference for Japanese level skills according to job fields

In addition to language skills, respective work experience and skills may be required.

Understanding of Japanese language and culture

To improve your language skills, it is important to first understand the characteristics of the Japanese language and the cultural context in which it is used.

Characteristics of the Japanese Language　

Japanese is a language with its own unique characters: kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
Without learning these characters, it is impossible to read documents or create e-mails or documents in Japanese.
 
In Japanese, the way of speaking is changed to a polite way depending on the age and relationship with the person you are speaking with.
This is called "keigo(敬語)”. Keigo is a polite way of speaking used to address seniors, superiors, and customers. If you work in Japan, be sure to learn it.

Understanding the Culture

Learning about Japanese culture will make it easier to understand communication in Japanese.
Language and culture are deeply connected.
Japanese manners and social rules affect the way people communicate.
Understanding them will help you understand "good behavior" and "bad behavior," so you can talk about and create topics appropriate for the workplace.

Understanding Business Manners and Workplace Culture

Understanding Japanese business etiquette is also very helpful.
Familiarize yourself with how to bow, exchange business cards, and behave during meetings.
Also, hierarchical relationships are important in the Japanese workplace.
It is not a good idea to interrupt your coworkers or superiors or to argue with them in an argumentative or aggressive manner.
Observing and imitating the behavior of others in the workplace is a shortcut to understanding business manners and workplace culture.

How to improve your Japanese conversation skills

To communicate with Japanese colleagues at work, it is essential to improve your conversational skills.
Here are some tips on how to become a better communicator.

Practice conversation with Japanese people

Practice conversation with Japanese people in an online course or at a local Japanese language class.
By focusing on work-related topics, you can practice conversations that will be useful at work.

Participate in a language exchange program

In a language exchange program (Language exchange), you will study with Japanese people who are learning your native language or a language you are proficient in.
You can practice speaking both languages with a Japanese person.
By finding a conversation partner, you can not only practice regularly, but also encourage each other.

Enjoy Japanese Contents

Watching Japanese TV shows or listening to podcasts is also a good idea.
It is good for learning how to have a conversation and for creating topics of conversation.

Participate in cultural activities, homestays, and other events

Tea ceremony, calligraphy classes, and cooking classes are good ways to use Japanese language while studying Japanese culture.
Homestay is a great way to experience daily life in Japan by living with a Japanese family.
Both allow students to practice their Japanese language skills by placing themselves in an environment where the language is spoken and allow for cross-cultural exchange.
Local governments are accepting applications for these activities.
Look for information on the website of the municipality in which you live!

Writing a Diary in Japanese

Some may think, it has nothing to do with speaking.
However, writing a diary is a great way to practice describing familiar and everyday things.

How to improve your Japanese reading and writing skills

When working in Japan, depending on the job, you may have to read manuals, write e-mails, or prepare documents.
Therefore, reading and writing are also important to become proficient in Japanese.
Here are some tips on how to become a better reader and writer.

Learn Kanji and increase your vocabulary

One of the most difficult things to learn when studying Japanese is kanji.
A good place to start is by learning the N5 to N3 kanji of the JLPT.
 
Memorizing Kanji can be a challenge. Use a vocabulary book or an application for memorization and learn them like a game.
 
For vocabulary, focus on what you need in your daily life and what you use for work.
By reading books and news, you will gradually get used to reading.

Learn grammar and writing

If you do e-mail or writing for work, learn about grammar as well.
If you are not familiar with it, you should ask your seniors or supervisors to check your e-mails and sentences.
Writing short sentences or diary entries daily is also good practice.
 
It takes time and effort to improve your reading and writing, but the effort will pay off in the long run.

What is important for Japanese language study

Learning a language involves a lot of hard work

To get better at it, it is important not to be afraid of making mistakes and to find ways to stay motivated.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes

Language barriers are inevitable.

Making mistakes can be embarrassing, but remember that it is an important part of getting good at it.
Even if you make a few mistakes along the way, that's okay.
People around you will appreciate the effort to keep learning.
 
To reduce the number of mistakes you make, practice listening comprehension and actively participate in conversations.
Praise yourself for even the smallest of accomplishments, such as ordering a meal in Japanese or having a short conversation with a Japanese person!

Set goals and stay motivated!

Maintaining motivation is an important part of learning a language.
The way to stay motivated is to set goals that suit you.
It is recommended that you set specific goals such as passing a language proficiency test, being able to converse with Japanese people, or being able to read Japanese novels.

Find ways to make studying fun!

Incorporate things you enjoy doing, such as watching Japanese anime or reading manga.
Reward yourself when you achieve your goals.
Learning a language should be a fun and rewarding experience!

Conclusion

Clear communication is important in any workplace.
If you do not communicate well, you will not be able to get the job done as well as you would like.
To prevent this from happening, and to ensure that you will enjoy working in Japan, Japanese is very important.
 
The better your Japanese, the more opportunities you will have in Japan.
A solid foundation in Japanese language and an understanding of Japanese culture and business etiquette will also lead to personal growth.
 
Remember that improving your Japanese is a long journey that requires patience and repeated practice!

Actively seek out opportunities to use Japanese and stay motivated

Developing solid Japanese language skills will not only increase your job possibilities, but will also help you understand more about Japanese culture.
Good luck on your language learning journey!