Recommended materials and tips for “Japanese learning” for foreigners working with specific skills

When you start working as a specific skilled worker in Japan, you will get used to the daily work, and at the same time you will start thinking, “I want to have more fun chatting with Japanese employees” and “I want to be able to understand work instructions at once.” Improving your Japanese language skills will not only reduce the number of mistakes you make during work, but also increase your confidence in the workplace, increasing your chances of success in the future by increasing your salary and passing the Specified Skills Level 2 exam. This time, I will teach you some study tips to rapidly improve your Japanese language skills while balancing a busy job.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The biggest tip for balancing work and study is to not try to study for long hours. Opening a textbook for an hour or two at home after work every day doesn’t last long, both physically and mentally. Instead, use your 5- to 10-minute free time, such as on the commuter train, right after you wake up in the morning, or during your breaks. Creating a habit of using vocabulary cards and smartphone apps (Japanese learning apps such as Duolingo and NHK World) to interact with Japanese even just a little bit every day is a shortcut to long-term improvement.

Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth

• First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
• Second feature (required language skills and educational system): In order to obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language education on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smoothly communicating instructions on site.
• Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.

2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance

The next step is to “jot down all the Japanese at work.” Every day at work, if you come across a word that your Japanese boss or colleague often uses but you don’t understand, write it down in hiragana in your pocket memo pad right then and there. Then, during breaks, ask the person or the person in charge of support, “What does this mean?” Real words from the field that you hear and memorize will stick in your brain many times faster than words from a textbook, and you will be able to use them yourself right away.

Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring

1. [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
2. [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
3. [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.

3. Specific practical points and solutions

Also, watching Japanese dramas, YouTube anime, and TV news little by little every day is very effective for getting your ears used to Japanese. It’s okay if you don’t understand everything at first. By practicing imitating (shadowing) the rhythms and nuances of your words, such as, “Do you speak with this intonation in these situations?”, your pronunciation will become very clear, and you will acquire natural Japanese that is easy for Japanese people to understand.

For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“FAQ”Please take a look at this page and use it to create an appropriate plan.

4. Summary and future prospects

When learning Japanese, you don’t have to aim for perfection. If you have the desire to communicate and the courage to talk without fear of making mistakes, the Japanese employees around you will be happy to be your conversation partner. Let’s enjoy daily communication, grow little by little, and make your life in Japan richer and more enjoyable!