How to Become Fluent in Japanese in 2025

It's perfectly fine to use Japanese entirely. Of course. How was the level? It wasn't very much. That's why thanks to Japanese I've ended up in another world, another Japan I think that was the best. The way I study and Japanese language for myself Hello, I'm Takashi. Today, I will interview foreigners in Japan. Someone who can speak Japanese well I will interview someone who is studying Japanese. Let's begin. Can you speak Japanese? Just a little bit How did you study? Alone Talk to someone and imitate them a little. Well, it turned out that way. Thanks to our conversations, my Japanese has become a little better. I came to Japan 8 years ago from France. What was the level at that time? No way, really terrible I was bad at it. Well, but if you live in Japan I feel like talking to someone a bit. When I go to the countryside, nobody can speak English at all. I thought it was a bit disappointing. I really tried hard studying Japanese. But thanks to YouTube nowadays, you know Because there are many ways to study Find a way to study I think it'll become easy to handle over time. Having studied and obtained proficiency in Japanese How has life in Japan changed? My own There were more opportunities. If you couldn't speak Japanese I really think life is completely different now. That's why thanks to Japanese It's really become another world now. Another Japanese access is available Just being good at Japanese, that's all That's not all. No, it's not that. It's really getting deep now, isn't it? Being able to share and experience such cultures and things like that I think it would be even more fun. Well, of course I studied when I was a child, but I worked at a soba shop while living in America. None of my colleagues around me could speak English at all. That's right Where in America? California There are so many Japanese people in California, aren't there? It is many. Studying for ten years Which one do you think was the best? The way I study and Japanese language for myself Anyway, Tokyo is very well developed. Board Game Night Participating will be extremely helpful. I like games. Another bluffing game Games like Jindou or Jindou-type games Werewolves make for an excellent study. Why is that Japanese language schools, etc. Lying to people You never want to teach me, do you? That's why that deception How do you do it in Japanese? It's really great that I can learn this. Did you pass the N1 before coming to Japan? That's right How did you get it? Please teach me in Japanese. Yes Then I'll do my best. Getting N1 before going to Japan? It's a bit of a rare case, you know. I think it's incredibly amazing. That's seriously real. You've never heard of it? I've never heard of it. I studied almost entirely on my own. That study method is quite rough. Find word lists online Using memorization as well You can read grammar guides online, for example The university I attended was Why are Japanese universities sisters? That's why there are many international students. And I made friends. I managed to do a little conversation practice too. My followers and stuff like that People who are watching right now, for example There are a lot of people who aren't in Japan. I can't come to Japan, but For those who want to learn Japanese Do you have any advice? Once you move to Japan, it naturally comes in. Don't think about it You should build a proper foundation first. The languages actually spoken in Europe and America are Because it's completely different from Japanese It doesn't come naturally. That's why, to some extent, before moving Studying grammar and such And the word Even just the basics are fine Practice a little every single day Build a certain foundation The town I live in When there are few Japanese people I think there are quite a lot. If that were the case The online one Language apps, etc. Hire a tutor living in Japan You can also practice conversations. Is that big? Living in Japan is natural. It doesn't mean being able to speak Japanese. Many people think that way. That is the most significant method. People Don't study. Living here Japanese people are coming around. When buying bread from a convenience store Speak Japanese every day No, that's not it. The bare minimum Intermediate level So Naturally All Japanese Thank you, Yuta-san. Thank you, Mr. Yuta Who? The person living in my shared house When I first came to Japan I can speak only a little. But now, more and more, more and more More communication I made a friend in Japan. The reason I came to Japan is First, go to the Japanese Linguistics department. About one year Study at school Graduated Then get a job. I am currently working in Japan. Is it a Japanese company? Or an international company? It's a company at the International Hall, isn't it? About half, half Japanese people and foreigners Do you use Japanese at work or anything like that? Occasionally About half When I came to Japan The level of Japanese is How much was it? Simple Shows, etc. It's completely impossible. Various forms of communication I couldn't do it at all. Osaka dialect? Osaka dialect Why? Always Osaka Having lived in Osaka for two years already A commonly heard remark is What's this foreigner's Osaka dialect? Go to Tokyo Indeed, if a foreigner were speaking Osaka dialect in Tokyo Everyone might be a bit startled. That might be possible. Can you also speak standard Japanese? He talks, though. Probably a very central feeling or something like that. If you drink alcohol or something like that Always Osaka dialect Studying Japanese at university 越来越不怎么 I didn't gain much knowledge from university. I started self-studying by myself Therefore, rather than Japanese textbooks I went to play with the Japanese person. Natural expression More natural expression rather than stiff wording I have been using it Since I was in Egypt You were studying Japanese, right? Yes, yes, that's right. When I actually came to Japan How high was the level? It wasn't very many, was it? It was around N4 or N5, I guess. I'm working hard to keep improving all the time. From my Japanese friend You taught me so much. Studying Japanese in Japan What was the best part? For myself Communication, having a conversation More than textbooks Speaking for oneself I think it's necessary, though People who speak Arabic Is it easy to study Japanese? Is it difficult? I don't think it's entirely easy. Reverse! Grammar, etc. The writing direction is also from right to left. Arabic is written from right to left. I was shocked when I heard it Japanese and Korean and I can speak a little English. Why are you speaking Korean? Why are you Korean? I'm Korean. I thought you were Japanese. I am Korean. You're really good at Japanese. Thank you very much. I'm a first-class holder, so Seriously? Why can you speak Japanese? Japanese is Made a friend I called you a lot. As if it had learned to talk Even while being in one's own country For those who want to learn Japanese Do you have any advice or suggestions? Myself, Japanese in a situation where I have to speak Being placed I think that's the best. Even while being in one's own country How do you create such a situation? But recently On SNS Making friends with people from other countries It's easy, you know. Apps and the like It seems there are plenty of them. I think it's good if you find it there. Your pronunciation is incredibly beautiful. When approached On the street I thought you were actually Japanese. They're saying I'm Korean now I'm surprised. Clothing and such More aligned with Japan A Japanese girl recently There are also many people who wear clothing that looks Korean. You're right. When I came for the first time I studied at a Japanese language school. About 2 years But it's because of COVID-19. Nobody was there. The Japanese language was important. I learned it right away. Compared to when I came to Japan five years ago Has your Japanese level improved? When I came here for the first time I couldn't speak at all. I didn't understand it at all. I truly learned from scratch. Now, probably Level 3.2 What was the best part? Studying Japanese Probably Chinese characters I quickly learned Chinese characters. And the way it's written and read It's a bit fun, that's all. I learned it right away. As a reason for not studying Chinese characters I want to practice that conversation. You know, there are people like that, right? What do you think about that? I think that's not good. Actually Anywhere There are various kanji characters. When I want to live in Tokyo for a long time Of course, kanji It is necessary. In the interview Studying Chinese characters is important, but To be honest, Studying Chinese characters is The most difficult part of studying Japanese. Even for Japanese people Studying Chinese characters is It will take more than six years. Because Because there are so many Chinese characters. About ideas More than Pokémon There are too many kanji. And then To the next generation as well Japanese people The secret to studying Chinese characters Write a Chinese character To make you remember In fact, researchers from the University of Tokyo By drawing figures Remembering information It will get better. And then In 2025 The notebook is I think it will be convenient everywhere. And then On a notebook Understanding mistakes is It's not easy. In exchange Perfume-like iPad Screen Protector really It looks like paper. NanoDazzle Technology Microbeat is On real paper As written on the paper Remembering Chinese characters It will become faster. Perfume-like To learn Japanese And then I don't like the screen having no gray due to NanoDots, and I'm bothered by fingerprints and smudges. We also offer a 100-day satisfaction guarantee. Rifan and replays are possible within 100 days. Please check the link in the summary section for details. Can you speak Japanese? Yes, it's completely fine to use Japanese. Hey, why? How did you study Japanese? Eh, I first studied abroad, and then I've been living in Japan for about 10 years, so from there... Which one was the best? It's about talking to people. I'm quite shy, but I think I won't get anywhere unless I start talking. Of course, I often watched anime and listened to music, among other things. A word with you, and just to say hello for now Aren't there a lot of shy Japanese people? How do you handle it? Sometimes, you know, when I see a cute girl, Eh, it's so cute, right? Ah, isn't this a lovely outfit? Nobody dislikes being praised normally, right? You're right, and also, I'm a bit of a nerd, so... people who might be interested in things like board bags or similar items I think they'd be really easy to talk to. I've been studying at school since my first year of high school, but Studying on my own, using flashcards and stuff like that. Talk to your Japanese friend and, if you want to learn it yourself, I think we really need a very proactive mindset. Arrived two months ago After studying by myself for six years, I couldn't speak Japanese, so when I came to Japan Um, of course I can learn to speak it. Once you've studied on your own and can speak Japanese to some extent Since you can start using it immediately, I think you'll gradually get better and better. Your experience is particularly different, isn't it? Because it can interact with people You're right, especially a Japanese friend here who can't speak. Just being with other foreigners alone When I come outside, there's a slight sense of discomfort. It doesn't feel like I'm actually in the country. But go outside and speak Japanese - Talk with people, talk with local residents It really feels rich in culture. That's why I absolutely must study. - I guess, anime and stuff like that, after all N has been almost constantly watching One Piece. No text, just Japanese, as expected. - It's gradually becoming something one gets used to. N2 is still quite difficult, after all. Dramas, or everyday conversations seen while watching them - Well, isn't it a bit difficult when it's a first-class level? - It's a bit like news or newspapers, you know - Also, when I was attending university myself Professor Structure, papers, and also articles Because I was told something like "please read this briefly" - Therefore, my Japanese skills are a bit I think it must have increased. Having come to Japan from high school So, from Taiwan, huh? - Just a baseball recommendation for a moment At the time, I was in a situation where I didn't understand anything at all. I want to go to the bathroom, but how should I say it? - About that level, more or less Ah, I see, I see. How long will it take to reach the current level? How long did it take? It might take about a year and a half, honestly. Of course, one's own motivation and so on I think there's certainly motivation to study, of course. If you do it properly, honestly, it'll take at least around one year, the shortest possible time. I think it's likely that they can speak freely without any hesitation. I studied by myself. I studied internet-related topics and grammar, among other things. - Things like talking with friends afterward, and so on You did your best, even with your ears, or something like that I've always wanted to ask you about Japanese. Something like you were studying Japanese really hard while you were in France? Ah, that's right, but it's because of myself, after all. Only about writing - About the matter of conversation, well, okay No, I don't study much. I've only ever gone to Japan to hang out with friends, stuff like that. That's why I recommend foreigners the most. Drunk Japanese person When I worked for a Japanese company for one year I did study Japanese, even if only a little. Do you still use Japanese quite a bit in your current job? Yes, I'm currently running my own company. - Nevertheless, most of our customers are still Japanese companies. Of course, Japanese honorifics and email writing styles as well. You're really putting in effort every single day, practicing consistently, aren't you? Is Daily Covernation really different from Business Japanese? They're completely different, then. - Talking to friends, after all Business Japanese When using polite language, it's completely different. I have to use a different kind of Japanese, one that's not business-related. - Having run a business or worked in a company in Japan for more than 5 years - I suppose I'll just read the contract normally after all. What is the most difficult thing about working in Japan? - It's always a slightly different story, after all I see, I have to use Japanese, don't I? - Indeed, my superior, and also the president - Then there's also the customer. - I still have to use a completely different Japanese for everyone Not only using polite language correctly, but also because how they move and their gestures are also very important I think you need a bit of practice to use them simultaneously. During the coronavirus period, I bought books from Amazon and stayed in my room. I heard that your Japanese girlfriend has a girlfriend. You're right. I met my girlfriend around April or later. She can speak only Japanese. That's why it's perfect for me. Is all the communication in Japanese? Almost all in Japanese But start by studying Spanish Like - Really - I was truly lucky. I specialized in Japanese language during my university years. Continue studying Japanese at International Christian University. Does your level in Japanese keep improving? Or maybe it just stops somewhere? I think it will stop somewhere. I can get a second-level certification, but... But it's the Japanese Language Proficiency Test I tried taking the first-level exam, but... - Cannot read anything It completely fell off. Isn't talking irrelevant? Not really. Yes, yes, yes - Stuff like this kind of writing, you know Yes, yes, yes There's no speaking section in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Interviews and things like that Maybe it would be nice if there were some? I think it'll work out. Is that level of ability really necessary for living in Japan? You're right, huh. I think our current level is fine for now. Are you married to a Japanese person? That's right Hi, B.B. Does your husband speak English? Yeah, exactly, exactly I could speak English even back then. - When I'm speaking English Even at native speed, it's completely understandable. Because he can speak Japanese, and he can also speak English. Structural communication fun? It's fun. Japanese English, or Japanese-style English, and so on Looks good? It feels good. I studied at a university in Italy for about four years. I came to Japan for the first time in September of last year. I have been studying Japanese at a university in Japan for a long time. When did you come to Japan? One year ago? What level was it at the time? When I came to Japan, I couldn't do it at all back then, but - Everyday life words and expressions - Plus, I've been studying every day at university. I have a lot of homework, so I heard you said you're studying Japanese at university. Is all of that in Japanese? Do you also conduct classes and everything else entirely in Japanese? Yes, yes, yes You are also Japanese. Isn't it extremely serious? - That must be really difficult, huh? - But you're getting better at it, that's for sure. - All in Japanese I think it will gradually become more and more educational. Did you make lots of friends in Japan? Japanese people? How about it? Actually, I don't have many Japanese friends. - Everyone's embarrassed, that's why But I'm also embarrassed. That's why it's a bit difficult. I came to Japan to play beach soccer. I studied soccer-related words with my teammates. Did you go to a Japanese language school or anything like that? - Although I started attending Japanese language classes somewhere along the way, Just going there wouldn't have meant much anyway. Because you taught me polite Japanese and formal expressions Start studying from the words you use in everyday life. I thought I could have memorized it sooner. - First, come to Japan and make lots of Japanese friends. I think it's probably the fastest one. - That's right, because they study using the words they normally use in daily life Have you ever done something that you ended up realizing wasn't necessary? Polite Japanese is not really necessary. - At first, you see I've been studying structures. - In the end, when I talk with my teammate Because I was told I was speaking in honorifics. - But right now is the time to use it for work I really feel that it was worthwhile to have studied honorific language. - I mostly understand Japanese, so I think it would be easier to connect if we moved toward polite language from there. Is there anything you'd like to express regarding Japanese language learning? Anything else? Just speak without worrying about it. Talking really excessively like an American, huh? - Because if you worry about it too much, you won't be able to do anything. - Rather than that, just Isn't it enough just to communicate properly? - I'm probably - For example, about philosophy, or religion, or politicians - I can have such a conversation To convey what I want to say - But I can't speak like a Japanese person It'll end up that Americans will keep speaking Japanese forever. - That's fine, no problem at all, isn't it? I'm American too, so it should be fine, right? - So then that's it Becoming a germophobe There are probably a lot of people who end up becoming immobile. Indeed, indeed, that is I feel the same. If you become a perfectionist, you can't learn a language, can you? I can speak English too, but my English has a Japanese accent. I find it interesting because it's so Japanese-like. - Certainly rather than natural Japanese - A bit more foreign accent, please Surprisingly, locals sometimes view it as a bit special. Yes, yes, yes Everyone says so, but when I'm told I'm good at it, - It actually means "not very good at all." - Because if you really speak just like a Japanese person - Everyone felt uneasy Wow, what should I do? Kind of looks like a person from Japan, you know? - It ends up feeling like "What's that?" - But indeed, exactly It might become more familiar in structure, wouldn't it? Those who are as good as foreigners - Foreigners who can't speak Japanese Do you think Japanese people are kind? In America, it's quite difficult if you can't speak English well. Structure? Well, it's definitely tough. It's tough, but then again, it's to be expected. - Even foreigners can speak English now What do you think of Japan? I think Japan is kind. - Conversely, tourists are running minpaku businesses. - I've done a lot of sightseeing, and I've also been a guide, so I meet all kinds of people. I think it's really great. The exact opposite of America If you live in America, English will be essential. English or Spanish might be important, don't you think?