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 I speak to Japanese learners and ask, “What is the most difficult part of learning Japanese?” most of them say, “Keigo.” Interestingly, it’s not just Japanese learners who find honorifics challenging—even native speakers struggle with it. In fact, there are specialized textbooks on keigo specifically designed for business professionals. That’s why understanding how keigo works can give you a huge advantage in mastering Japanese. Let’s dive into the world of Japanese honorifics!

You will come across many opportunities to introduce yourself—whether meeting someone for the first time, at work, school, or your child’s school or daycare. I believe you would want to at least handle your first introduction in Japanese. Self-introductions can be simple if you remember a few key phrases. Challenge yourself to introduce yourself in Japanese!

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!

The ultimate purpose of business is bringing benefits to yourself or your company. By using correct Japanese, let’s do delightful communication and think of nice ways to make a successful business.