Learn the Lingo: Japan
The Language Situation in Japan
Whether you’re moving for a few days or a few years, a big source of anxiety for many expats is language. From ordering drinks & buying food to chatting round the office water cooler, many expats find that a solid understanding of the local linguistic situation helps them feel instantly more at ease in their new home.
This guide will answer some of the questions many expats have: what the official language of Japan is, what other languages Japanese people speak, and whether it’s necessary to learn a new foreign language in depth. As a bonus, we’ll even chuck in some resources for learning Japanese and a few handy first phrases!
Official Language(s)
The official language of Japan is Japanese, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. As an official language, it is used in all state government, education, and media contexts. For sign language users, Japan has its own Japanese Sign Language (JSL) which is widely used, with its own unique grammar and expressions, and has been gaining increased recognition and support. In addition to Japanese, Japan is home to several minoritized languages spoken by indigenous groups and regional communities, such as Ainu in Hokkaido and Ryukyuan languages in Okinawa.
Japanese is part of the Japonic language family, which includes the Ryukyuan languages spoken in the Okinawa and Amami Islands. It is not closely related to any major language families, making it unique in its structure and vocabulary. Some linguists propose distant connections to the Korean language due to grammatical similarities, though this relationship is not definitively proven. Unlike most East Asian languages, Japanese does not share roots with Chinese, although it has borrowed a large number of Chinese characters and loanwords, influencing its writing system and vocabulary significantly over centuries.
Japanese is written using three different scripts: hiragana and katakana (phonetic syllabaries) and kanji (characters borrowed from Chinese that represent meanings and sounds). Its grammar is built around placing the main verb at the end of the sentence and using markers, called particles, to show the roles of words, like who is doing what. Japanese is well known for making use of different levels of grammatical politeness, such as casual, polite, and honorific forms, to show respect and reflect the relationship between the speaker and listener.
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Japanese is classified as a Category IV language, making it one of the most challenging languages for native English speakers to learn. The FSI estimates that achieving professional proficiency in Japanese typically requires around 2,200 class hours or approximately 88 weeks of intensive study due to its complex grammar, unique writing system, and significant cultural differences. However, the actual time varies depending on the learner’s dedication and study methods.
How Good Are They At Foreign Languages?
Traditionally, Japanese people primarily learn English as a second language, beginning in elementary or junior high school and continuing through high school. English is considered the most important foreign language for academic and professional purposes. In recent years, some schools have also introduced Chinese and Korean due to Japan's proximity and trade relations with these countries. While other languages like German, French, and Spanish are occasionally offered as electives in universities, English remains the dominant foreign language studied in Japan.
But while English is taught in Japanese schools, fluency levels can vary widely, and many Japanese people may feel hesitant to use it in conversation. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, younger generations and those working in international settings are more likely to have basic English skills. Outside urban areas, however, foreign language proficiency tends to be lower, and, in general, most Japanese people prefer communicating in their native language.
Do I Need Japanese?
Expats should be prepared to use basic Japanese phrases and non-verbal communication to navigate daily interactions more smoothly.
Where you live will impact your need to speak Japanese to the greatest extent (i.e. in a city or in a rural area), although all expats benefit from even intermediate Japanese since English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. Knowing some Japanese is essential for navigating local services, communicating in shops and restaurants, and building connections with locals, even if it’s a few phrases.
Japanese language skills are not required for most visa types, but can be beneficial and may even help strengthen your application for specific long-term residency options, like Permanent Residency or Highly Skilled Professional visas.
A basic understanding of Japanese is necessary for gaining citizenship via naturalization.
Your First Japanese Words
Whether you’re moving to Japan permanently or only visiting for a short few days, there are some useful phrases that will help you navigate daily life and connect with locals more effectively.
Getting creative with the following list of words should help you to face the vast majority of simple, every-day situations!
Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Goodbye: さようなら (Sayonara)
Please: お願いします (Onegaishimasu)
Thank you: ありがとう / ありがとうございます (Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu)
Yes: はい (Hai)
No: いいえ (Iie)
I want/I would like: 欲しいです (Hoshii desu)
That (one): それ (Sore - used when something is close to the listener)
Stringing these words together should allow you to say simple sentences and successfully - with pointing! - manage things like ordering food off a menu or buying something in a market.
Where Can I Learn Japanese?
Japanese is quite a widely studied language, particularly among students with an interest in Japanese culture, such as anime, manga, and traditional arts. In fact, according to the Japan Foundation, over 4 million learners study this language worldwide. It is commonly taught in universities and language schools, and it has a significant following in many countries worldwide. The demand for Japanese studies has also grown due to Japan’s strong economic presence and cultural influence, making it a popular language choice despite its complexity. This all means that finding Japanese language classes is relatively easy for expats, both before and after moving to Japan.
Before arriving, expats can choose from a wide range of online resources like language learning platforms, virtual tutors, and online courses offered by organizations such as the Japan Foundation. Many cities around the world also have local community centers, universities, or Japanese cultural associations that offer in-person classes. It is worth checking those that are close to you.
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Duolingo offers a Japanese course for free, and is widely and popularly available. However, many learners may find that this is most effective as part of a wider, more varied language-learning routine and not as their only source.
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This paid audio-only language-learning system is based on scientific studies into how we memorise things. Pimsleur prioritises practical phrases, and claims to get you speaking within 30 days!
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Combining a conversation-focused curriculum, speech recognition, and bite-sized lessons, Mondly offers to help you study a little bit every day for free.
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If you're looking for something produced by a more traditional organisation, the Japan Foundation offers a wide selection of both self-study and taught courses for expats to choose from.
After moving to Japan, options expand significantly, with numerous language schools and university courses in major cities, affordable classes at local community centers, and language cafes where you can practice in a relaxed setting. Additionally, some municipalities offer free or low-cost classes specifically for foreigners, making it convenient for expats to continue their studies and improve their proficiency once they’re settled.
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Coto Academy is a well-known Japanese language school in Tokyo, offering tailored courses for expats and professionals looking to improve their Japanese skills.
With small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and a focus on conversational Japanese, Coto Academy provides a welcoming environment for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
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KAI Japanese Language School, located in Tokyo, is a well-regarded institution offering a variety of Japanese language programs for international students and expats.
Known for its flexible courses, small class sizes, and focus on practical communication skills, KAI attracts learners from around the world, providing both intensive programs and specialized classes tailored to different proficiency levels and learning goals.
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The Genki Japanese and Culture School (GenkiJACS) in Kyoto is a well-known language school offering immersive Japanese language courses with a focus on cultural understanding.
It provides small class sizes, flexible learning options, and cultural activities like tea ceremonies and calligraphy to enhance the learning experience for students of all levels.
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The Fukuoka Foreign Language School is a well-established language institute in Fukuoka, Japan, offering Japanese courses tailored to international students and expats.
It provides a variety of programs, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, with a focus on language skills and cultural understanding to help students integrate into Japanese society more smoothly.
