Learning Japanese for a Working or Student Visa — Brief Guide

Going to Japan on a working or student visa is an exciting journey — and learning Japanese will make your life, work, and studies much smoother.

1. Set clear goals

If you’re going on a working visa, focus on practical workplace Japanese — polite speech (keigo), basic business phrases, and communication at work or with customers.

If you’re going on a student visa, focus more on classroom Japanese — grammar, listening, and reading comprehension. Aim to pass JLPT levels step-by-step (N5 → N4 → N3).

2. Build a consistent study routine

Study every day for 30–90 minutes. Short, regular sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones.

3. Study structure

• Vocabulary: Use flashcards or apps like Anki or Memrise.

• Grammar: Use textbooks such as Minna no Nihongo or Genki, and practice making your own sentences.

• Listening: Practice with shadowing (repeat what you hear immediately), podcasts, or YouTube videos.

• Speaking: Find a language partner, tutor, or record yourself speaking weekly.

• Kanji: Learn the most common 300–500 first. Use mnemonics and daily writing.

4. Learn useful daily expressions

Start with greetings, self-introduction (じこしょうかい), workplace phrases, asking for help, and how to give and ask for directions.

5. Master politeness

Learn です/ます forms first, then gradually move to keigo (respectful language) if your work requires it.

6. Improve speaking confidence

Shadow audio clips and record yourself. Listening and speaking together helps build natural rhythm.

7. Use real-life Japanese

Watch NHK Easy News, short Japanese dramas, or YouTube lessons. Real, everyday Japanese helps you understand faster.

8. Prepare for life in Japan

Learn Japanese words for transportation, housing, banking, and at the post office. Also, practice explaining your visa or status in Japanese.

9. Understand culture

Learn basic etiquette: bowing, being punctual, exchanging business cards (めいし), and showing respect to others.

Language and culture go hand in hand — mastering both will open more opportunities.

10. Stay consistent

Take small but steady steps. Adapt your study style based on your goal — whether it’s job success or academic growth.