Necessity of Learning Japanese in Japan: Study, Work and Living

When considering studying, working or living in Japan, the question often arises: is it absolutely necessary to learn Japanese? In this article, we will explore the need for fluent Japanese language skills in various aspects of life in Japan, including education, employment, and daily living.

Studying in Japan

The answer to this question largely depends on the type of school you choose to attend in Japan. International schools often offer courses and instruction materials in English, but even in such institutions, there are limitations:

International Schools

At international schools, you may not need to have much proficiency in Japanese. However, understanding the language can still provide significant advantages, such as better integration into the local academic and social environment.

Japanese-Focused Institutions

If you decide to study at a school that is primarily Japanese-focused, you will need to have a strong foundation in Japanese, as courses are typically not available in English. Additionally, many schools may offer English classes for international students, but thorough research is required to ensure these options meet your needs.

Course Availability in English

While some universities in Japan offer courses taught in English, the number of international students in Japan is significantly lower compared to similarly developed countries in Europe and North America. This means that faculty and students are often not highly competent in English, potentially making it more challenging to study in a non-Japanese environment.

Working in Japan

The demand for fluency in Japanese when working in Japan has decreased over the years, but certain sectors still require native-level skills. Here’s a breakdown of various employment areas:

General Work

The era of foreign companies eagerly entering Japan’s booming economy is long gone, with minimal economic growth over two and a half decades. As a result, the demand for non-Japanese workers in fields like law, finance and trading has seen a decline.

Common Skilled Sectors

The exceptions include programming and coding jobs. While the demand for absolute Japanese fluency has diminished in the last decade, the skill shortage in this area is far less pronounced now.

Other common areas where foreigners can find employment in Japan include:

Teaching

While teaching at international schools or even private academies can be easier, working as a teacher at English-language kindergartens (Eikaiwas) requires a teaching degree and is highly competitive. Even at institutions without native speaker requirements, Japanese proficiency is still necessary for success.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering companies may sponsor a visa for qualified foreign engineers, but even in this field, daily conversational Japanese is often required.

Systems and Software Engineering

These roles may have similar requirements as civil engineering, with the need for daily conversational Japanese.

International Finance, Law and Consulting

Consulting firms and international finance institutions may require some level of Japanese, depending on the clients they serve. These roles are highly competitive and typically require previous experience.

Healthcare

While there are many foreign healthcare professionals, particularly from Southeast Asia, like healthcare assistants in care homes, and some clinics, they often do not pass the Japanese nursing exam and instead work through the qualification of 'healthcare assistants.' Due to the exam’s difficult depth in the Japanese language, it poses a significant challenge.

Living in Japan

Even beyond academia and employment, living in Japan without fluency in Japanese can significantly limit your interactions and access to essential services. Here are a few key areas where Japanese language skills are crucial:

Daily Interactions

Most Japanese cannot speak English beyond very basic levels, making social interaction difficult. Even rental agreements, utility bills, and social security issues are conducted in Japanese. While some international services exist, thorough communication in Japanese is more convenient.

Legal and Administrative Procedures

Registering with local government offices, opening bank accounts, and other administrative tasks require fluency in Japanese. While some translation services may be available, having a Japanese friend for assistance is often a cost-effective solution. However, relying on a friend entirely may not always be feasible.

Healthcare

Navigating the healthcare system in Japan, particularly if you do not have a formal qualification, can be challenging, as many roles require passing the Japanese exam.

In conclusion, while the necessity of Japanese fluency can vary based on context, it is highly recommended, especially for students and professionals looking to ease into daily life and maximize their opportunities in Japan. Investing in learning Japanese can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life in the Land of the Rising Sun.