JLPT
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, or JLPT, is a certification examination that verifies the Japanese ability of people whose native language is not Japanese. The JLPT was started in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and the Association of International Education, Japan (currently the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services). A total of approximately 7,000 people from throughout the world took the first-ever JLPT. However, the number of worldwide examines increased to about 770,000 for the 2009 examination, making the JLPT the largest Japanese language examination in the world.
Levels
The JLPT has 5 levels ranging from N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest). Most universities and work places require you to own at least JLPT N2 certification.
Obtaining Certification
Although passing the JLPT is more difficult than you might expect, passing Level N1 will greatly increase your chances of entering a Japanese university or graduate school, or obtaining employment at a Japanese corporation. Passing Level N2 will greatly increase your chances of entering a Japanese technical college.If you are considering using Japanese at your job after returning to your native country, we recommend that you try to pass Level N2 or higher. Nihongo Center will give our utmost support to students who are trying to achieve high goals.
Interviews
Interview: Peter Johansson (Student with N1 Certification)
How long have you been living in Japan?
I have lived in Japan for exactly 2 years.
Why did you decide to come to Japan?
Because I have always had a strong interest in video games and manga, I decided to come here to study Japanese.
How long did you study Japanese before coming to Japan?
I could read hiragana, katakana, and about 50 kanji, and could do a basic self-introduction. Even so, my reading was quite slow, and my grammar was a mess.
What was your Japanese level before coming to Japan?
Please see the previous answer. ☺
What were your thoughts when taking the JLPT?
While I was very nervous during each level I took (N3, N2, and N1), I thought it was a great chance to measure my ability. I was quite nervous and excited while taking the test. (Though probably mostly nervous!)
How did you feel after passing the JLPT?
Of course I was extremely happy. Particularly upon passing N1 and N2, since they are needed to enter university or to get a job. It was the greatest feeling.
What efforts did you make in order to pass the JLPT?
If you can make studying enjoyable, it will make passing much easier. If you’re not enjoying studying, you won’t want to continue, so it is important to make things fun and interesting. If you do this, you will increase your chance of passing the JLPT. I personally recommend video games and reading manga.
What aspect of classes at Nihongo Center were useful for passing the JLPT?
Studying a wide field of topics in Japanese really helped. Reading in particular is especially important for the JLPT, which we practiced a lot in class. Nihongo Center’s teaching style was very helpful to me.
Do you have a message for the teachers at Nihongo Center?
My two years at Nihongo Center were a very important learning experience. I really appreciate all of the awesome teachers who made classes so much fun. I don’t know if we’ll be able to meet again, but I will never forget you. To all my teachers- thank you!
Do you have a message for those who are thinking about studying Japanese?
The beginning and the end of your Japanese studies are the most fun, I think. In the beginning you progress quickly and it’s not so difficult. In the end you can understand most everything, which is a really exciting feeling. However, I have seen many people who have given up half-way, so it’s really important to keep pushing yourself. If you can get through the boring, difficult parts, you can make it to the fun part. Don’t give up!
What are your future plans? (Japanese study, JLPT, work, etc.)
I will likely be returning to Sweden soon to go to university, so for the time I don’t think I can get a job related to Japanese. But in order to maintain my ability, I plan to read in Japanese for 1-4 hours everyday. Since one day I want to do Swedish-Japanese translating, I plan to keep doing my best.
Interview: Gabriella Miranda (Student with N2 Certification)
How long have you been living in Japan?
I lived in Japan for a year and 9 months. (From October 2011-June 2013)
Why did you decide to come to Japan?
To improve my speaking, and to pass the JLPT.
How long did you study Japanese before coming to Japan?
On my own I studied hiragana and katakana, as well as basic greetings.
What was your Japanese level before coming to Japan?
Pretty much nothing.
What were your thoughts when taking the JLPT?
I was glad there were many questions like we had practiced in class.
How did you feel after passing the JLPT?
I thought, “No way!” I was so surprised. （＾▽＾）
What efforts did you make in order to pass the JLPT?
I tried my hardest in class, speaking and listening. Studying every day is very important.
What aspect of classes at Nihongo Center were useful for passing the JLPT?
Listening practice was really helpful! It made the JLPT much easier. And the JLPT practice in class was helpful too.
Do you have a message for the teachers at Nihongo Center?
I want to say thank you so much to all of my teachers! It was because of you that I could pass. I really enjoyed my time here! I will definitely come back to Japan so let’s meet again! (^▽^)
Do you have a message for those who are thinking about studying Japanese?
Please come to Japan. You can learn much more quickly and enjoy learning.
What are your future plans? (Japanese study, JLPT, work, etc.)
I plan to study at university but I’m still deciding my major. For my Japanese, I want to make friends with Japanese people and other Japanese speaker’s at a language cafe in Göteborg, Sweden.
