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)

The Paris Olympics and the best drama at TV's Emmy Awards “SHOGUN” have brought renewed global attention to Japanese martial arts. This is because they are not merely acts of brute conflict relying on sheer power, but disciplines rooted in profound spirituality, supported by etiquette, respect, and relentless training. Today, we introduce Japanese words commonly used in daily conversations that have been cherished by the Japanese people for generations.

Do you enjoy anime? While studying with textbooks is an effective and essential method for learning Japanese, when you start to feel tired, watching anime can offer a pleasant and enjoyable way to continue your studies. Today, we’ll explore three anime that are perfect for learning Japanese. Improve your Japanese skills while enjoying these must-watch shows!

For many learners, listening is one of the most difficult parts of learning Japanese. Even if you’ve mastered reading, it can still be challenging to keep up with the natural speed of native speakers in daily conversations. Whether you plan to live or work in Japan, strong listening skills are essential. Even those studying Japanese as a hobby often wish they could enjoy anime or TV shows without subtitles. Today, we’ll explain some effective methods for improving your Japanese listening skills in a clear and easy way.

The way Japanese uses “yes” (hai) and “no” (iie) is quite unique. For example, to the question “Have you finished your meal?” the answer would be “Hai, I’ve finished.” But even to the opposite question, “Haven’t you finished your meal?” the reply is still “Hai, I haven’t finished yet.” In Japanese, “hai” can be used to answer both types of questions, even though their meanings are completely opposite.