TCJ BLOG

In April 2026, the Japanese government announced a policy regarding the eligibility requirements for the “Technical, Humanitarian, and International Services” (Gijinkokku) residence status—a visa category for professions requiring specialized knowledge—stating that, as a general rule, proof of Japanese language proficiency will be required for those engaged in work that involves the use of Japanese. This corresponds to the JLPT N2 level. Many companies use JLPT levels as a benchmark for pay raises and promotions. In this article, we will explain why obtaining the N2 level can lead to career advancement and opportunities for living in Japan, as well as discuss study methods and exam trends for the N2. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

When speaking Japanese, honorifics (敬称, keishō) are placed after names, such as -san, -sama, -kun, and -chan. Some of you may wonder, “Is this usage really correct?” There is a wide variety of honorifics, and using them properly is important. Today, we will explore some common Japanese honorifics and their usage—especially in business settings—in an easy and practical way!

Preparing for the JLPT can be stressful, especially if you don’t know where to start. We interviewed our own students to get insider tips on how best to study.

Various slangs exist in Japanese, but you need to be careful how you use them. It is not appropriate for business situations, formal places, or when speaking with superiors. In this article, we will introduce words that mean “very much” and verb words with “る ru” added to katakana.

There are many differences between Japan and other countries when it comes to cultural norms. We give foreign residents tips on what to look out for.

Is career advancement one of your motivators for learning Japanese? We go over seven reasons why it’s a good idea to make learning Japanese a priority.

It is said that 2,136 kanji characters are used in daily life. Today, we introduce kanji that are especially popular among foreigners—ones they find cool.

What are the most commonly used names in your country? Today, we introduce popular names in Japan. Many of you might already have some Japanese names in mind if you’re learning Japanese or are an anime enthusiast. However, it seems that not many people know why these names are so commonly used and popular. Let’s delve into the most common names in Japan and the reasons behind their popularity.

Learning keigo is critical for anyone looking to work in Japan. We go over what it is, important points, and useful words to use at the office.

Learning to write emails is an important part of Japanese business culture in Japan. We teach you the most useful business phrases and their nuances.