The Student Room Group

I don't know if I should learn Japanese

So I've been wanting to learn Japanese properly for some time now but I've always got this nagging feeling.
My mother says I shouldn't learn it because most Japanese people know English, so it wouldn't be useful for me career/business-wise.
Secondly, it seems really challenging to self-teach myself. I can do hiragana and katakana, but when it comes to Kanji I get confused. What's the "on" and "kun" readings? I have no idea when to use them.
I'd like to ask if anyone has a great website for the full grammar too?
But also learning a language, especially if it's as complex as Japanese requires effort and time - and I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that since after summer I'm starting A-Levels with 4 subjects.
Could someone perhaps give me advice on if I should do Japanese, and if so how I'd dedicate time to it during the school years? Any grammar websites would be fantastic as well :smile:
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by liaente
So I've been wanting to learn Japanese properly for some time now but I've always got this nagging feeling.
My mother says I shouldn't learn it because most Japanese people know English, so it wouldn't be useful for me career/business-wise.
Secondly, it seems really challenging to self-teach myself. I can do hiragana and katakana, but when it comes to Kanji I get confused. What's the "on" and "kun" readings? I have no idea when to use them.
I'd like to ask if anyone has a great website for the full grammar too?
But also learning a language, especially if it's as complex as Japanese requires effort and time - and I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that since after summer I'm starting A-Levels with 4 subjects.
Could someone perhaps give me advice on if I should do Japanese, and if so how I'd dedicate time to it during the school years? Any grammar websites would be fantastic as well :smile:


First of all, most Japanese people don't know English. In fact, their level of English, in my opinion, is probably one of the worst in the developed/developing world... They can't produce English at all. They can perhaps read and understand certain things but their speaking level is next to non-existent.

Secondly, Japanese (and languages in general) are highly employable. At university, I did French, Spanish and Japanese. After graduating, I did some freelance interpreting in Japan while working at a private firm assisting medical and business clients with English translation. I'm actually thinking about applying for the diplomatic service and CIR JET position (http://jetprogramme.org/en/positions/) this year.

My friends who did a Japanese degree have gone onto the following jobs: working in immigration offices in Japan, working in local Japanese governments such as Fukushima, Beppu and Kyoto as the Coordinator for International Relations (one such example: https://rediscoverfukushima.com/), working at the consulate general (embassy) in Edinburgh, working for the NHK (Japan's version of BBC) in both Tokyo and London, investment banking, working in Japanese translation (environmental and video games), practicing Law in Japan, working at a local sake brewery in Okayama (https://www.originsake.com/?fbclid=I...0neClapyuUuqyY), lecturing at universities in Japan and the UK and so on and so forth.

My university friends who studied French and Spanish have gone onto working at the European Parliament, investment banking, tourism and so on.

When you study a languages degree, you don't just study the language. For example, during my undergraduate degree I took various modules on Japan-China foreign policy, international relations, politics, Japanese society, classical literature, modern Chinese and Japanese history from 1600s to the current day, French immigration laws, Spanish journalism writing etc. What's more, regarding the language component of our degrees, there were modules consisting of translations of dense political documents, medical documents, historical religious documents, both classical and contemporary literary texts as well as journalistic articles among many others.

Thirdly, if you're wanting to learn Japanese, I highly recommend getting some good textbooks and not relying on sub-par websites or apps. You really need something of high quality to guide you when you first learn a foreign language like Japanese and I'm afraid that most of the free resources won't cut it (if you're serious about learning the language to a good level). These are the ones that I personally recommend:

Genki 1 -> Genki 2 -> Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese -> Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese

I used these textbooks when I first started Japanese at university and they explain grammar extremely well and introduce hundreds of key vocabulary. I can't recommend these enough because they're absolutely fantastic. You could work through each textbook by doing an hour a night or something and it wouldn't even feel like 'work' as the textbooks are well written and allow you to enjoy learning Japanese.

Even though the first 3 above textbooks were originally made for classroom use, they're still excellent for self-studying Japanese. There are also additional Genki 1 and 2 kanji and workbook books that you could buy to supplement the main textbooks and get some extra practice in but they're not essential.
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 2
This is a brilliant answer!
You're probably right, but wouldn't my chances slim down in employment? For example, if a Japanese person wanted to work in a Japanese foreign office or something and I would as well (I'm European), wouldn't they pick the native guy? I'm not trying to label all Japanese people of course, but the reason why I'm sometimes scared to go to Japan is because of the judgment I may receive as a European. It's a homogeneous country, so it'll be hard for people like me to fit in...?
If I were Asian, I think I'd be able to do it nicely.
And for Genki 1 - is it this one? : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Integrated-Course-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789009637
Also if I'm not doing a Japanese degree in University, could I somehow do like a "fluency test" and put it on my application (CV)??
Brilliant advice, thank you!
Original post by Quick-use
First of all, most Japanese people don't know English. In fact, their level of English, in my opinion, is probably one of the worst in the developed/developing world... They can't produce English at all. They can perhaps read and understand certain things but their speaking level is next to non-existent.

Secondly, Japanese (and languages in general) are highly employable. At university, I did French, Spanish and Japanese. After graduating, I did some freelance interpreting in Japan while working at a private firm assisting medical and business clients with English translation. I'm actually thinking about applying for the diplomatic service and CIR JET position (http://jetprogramme.org/en/positions/) this year.

My friends who did a Japanese degree have gone onto the following jobs: working in immigration offices in Japan, working in local Japanese governments such as Fukushima, Beppu and Kyoto as the Coordinator for International Relations (one such example: https://rediscoverfukushima.com/), working at the consulate general (embassy) in Edinburgh, working for the NHK (Japan's version of BBC) in both Tokyo and London, investment banking, working in Japanese translation (environmental and video games), practicing Law in Japan, working at a local sake brewery in Okayama (https://www.originsake.com/?fbclid=I...0neClapyuUuqyY), lecturing at universities in Japan and the UK and so on and so forth.

My university friends who studied French and Spanish have gone onto working at the European Parliament, investment banking, tourism and so on.

When you study a languages degree, you don't just study the language. For example, during my undergraduate degree I took various modules on Japan-China foreign policy, international relations, politics, Japanese society, classical literature, modern Chinese and Japanese history from 1600s to the current day, French immigration laws, Spanish journalism writing etc. What's more, regarding the language component of our degrees, there were modules consisting of translations of dense political documents, medical documents, historical religious documents, both classical and contemporary literary texts as well as journalistic articles among many others.

Thirdly, if you're wanting to learn Japanese, I highly recommend getting some good textbooks and not relying on sub-par websites or apps. You really need something of high quaoity to guide you when you first learn a foreign language like Japanese and I'm afraid that most of the free resources won't cut it (if you're serious about learning the language to a good level). These are the ones that I personally recommend:

Genki 1 -> Genki 2 -> Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese -> Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese

I used these textbooks when I first started Japanese at university and they explain grammar extremely well and introduce hundreds of key vocabulary. I can't recommend these enough because they're absolutely fantastic. You could work through each textbook by doing an hour a night or something and it wouldn't even feel like 'work' as the textbooks are well written and allow you to enjoy learning Japanese.

Even though the first 3 above textbooks were originally made for classroom use, they're still excellent for self-studying Japanese. There are also additional Genki 1 and 2 kanji and workbook books that you could buy to supplement the main textbooks and get some extra practice in but they're not essential.
Original post by liaente
This is a brilliant answer!
You're probably right, but wouldn't my chances slim down in employment? For example, if a Japanese person wanted to work in a Japanese foreign office or something and I would as well (I'm European), wouldn't they pick the native guy? I'm not trying to label all Japanese people of course, but the reason why I'm sometimes scared to go to Japan is because of the judgment I may receive as a European. It's a homogeneous country, so it'll be hard for people like me to fit in...?
If I were Asian, I think I'd be able to do it nicely.
And for Genki 1 - is it this one? : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Integrated-Course-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789009637
Also if I'm not doing a Japanese degree in University, could I somehow do like a "fluency test" and put it on my application (CV)??
Brilliant advice, thank you!


I don't think your chances will decrease at all. If you're highly competent in Japanese then I don't see why you'd be passed over for a job. Honestly, though - foreign language education in Japan is truly one of the worst and I believe that they will, for a very long period, always need people who are able to speak Japanese as well as other languages. Moreover, the Japanese population is declining, so they're in more of a need than ever before for foreigners.

And, really don't worry about the judgement you'll receive as a European - the Japanese people, although sometimes a little reserved, will never openly discriminate against Europeans. That said, the perception is "we're Japanese" and "they're not" so it doesn't matter if you're European, American or otherwise - we're all foreigners in their eyes. But, one thing is for certain - you won't face any problems in Japan. The society is still learning to adapt to an increasingly globalised society - it's not perfect just yet, but there's definitely no reason for you to worry. I've studied and worked there and had no problems and have many British, European, American and African friends who have had very positive experiences as well.

Here are the materials that I recommend in order from beginner to upper-intermediate. The ones in bold are essential in my opinion. All other ones are extra and although they're great, you don't need them (especially if you're wanting to save money).

Genki 1 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014401/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
Genki 1 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/478901441X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=478901441X&pd_rd_r=e556c0ce-943b-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=J3mXU&pd_rd_wg=jy6TJ&pf_rd_p=07e3e597-b71b-4701-a3fd-d79c50f48406&pf_rd_r=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY&psc=1&refRID=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY

Genki 2 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014436/ref=pd_sbs_14_4/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014436&pd_rd_r=48bd95be-9441-11e9-b4ac-8d1ae87ce1fe&pd_rd_w=ldAaH&pd_rd_wg=Qhago&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH&psc=1&refRID=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH
Genki 2 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Paperback/dp/4789014444/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014444&pd_rd_r=5740a464-9441-11e9-9bc8-e12605d961e0&pd_rd_w=QIWyG&pd_rd_wg=ZCy9f&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G&psc=1&refRID=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G

Genki kanji textbook (not essential but handy for kanji learning): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Look-Learn/dp/4789013499/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=genki+kanji&qid=1561134472&s=books&sr=1-1
Genki kanji workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Learn-Workbook/dp/4789013502/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789013502&pd_rd_r=91b209db-9441-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=qjkxt&pd_rd_wg=ombuV&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9&psc=1&refRID=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9

Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Revised/dp/4789013073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134620&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-1
Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Workbook/dp/4789013081/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134688&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-2

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Advanced-Japanese-Learning-Multimedia/dp/4874244475/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8A4MJ904ZCT&keywords=tobira+gateway+to+advanced+japanese&qid=1561136163&s=books&sprefix=tobira%2Cstripbooks%2C156&sr=1-1
Tobira grammar workbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gateway-Tsutsui-Yoshiro%C3%83%C2%8C-Ishikawa-Kondo%C3%83%C2%8C/dp/4874245706/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874245706&pd_rd_r=7bc604f9-9445-11e9-a464-f91577e37e89&pd_rd_w=c4CPe&pd_rd_wg=Acr1a&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN&psc=1&refRID=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN
Tobira kanji book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Power-Up-Your-Kanji/dp/4874244874/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874244874&pd_rd_r=96165129-9445-11e9-9696-83bafaaed3b7&pd_rd_w=9WpDk&pd_rd_wg=LUEsp&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD&psc=1&refRID=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD

I think this website has the cheapest offers: https://www.japancentre.com/en/categories/10501-japanese-language-books

There is a fluency test, yes. I'd argue that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is more important than a Japanese degree. That said, the Japanese degree helps you become extremely advanced in all aspects of the Japanese language (speaking, writing, reading and listening) as well as providing you with an advanced knowledge of Japanese society and its issues (contemporary or otherwise).

Regarding the JLPT, there are 5 levels (N1 - N5) and it only covers reading and listening. N1 is the highest and N5 is the lowest. If you do all of the textbooks that I've linked you above, you could be at a borderline N2 level which in itself is exceptional. Most jobs needing Japanese proficiency will ask you for N2 or above.
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 4
Yet again another spectacular advice, this is the reason why I go on TSR.
Literally, thank you so much. Hearing that relieves me because I've seen some videos about some kind of I'm not sure how to say it...ignorance regarding foreigners? One of my teachers went to China or Japan and his friend (who was black) basically an elderly woman came up to him and started patting him with some powder because she was confused why he was black and not white. Idk but I'm glad it's all changing because I really, really love the culture - I don't want to be called a weeabo or otaku even though I really also like their anime and manga.
Hearing that they're in need of Japanese speakers comforts me :biggrin: I can do something I enjoy AND get paid for it at the same time!!
Thanks for spending the time to comment on this and also the explanation for the proficiency tests <3 Tyyysmmm!!
Original post by Quick-use
I don't think your chances will decrease at all. If you're highly competent in Japanese then I don't see why you'd be passed over for a job. Honestly, though - foreign language education in Japan is truly one of the worst and I believe that they will, for a very long period, always need people who are able to speak Japanese as well as other languages. Moreover, the Japanese population is declining, so they're in more of a need than ever before for foreigners.

And, really don't worry about the judgement you'll receive as a European - the Japanese people, although sometimes a little reserved, will never openly discriminate against Europeans. That said, the perception is "we're Japanese" and "they're not" so it doesn't matter if you're European, American or otherwise - we're all foreigners in their eyes. But, one thing is for certain - you won't face any problems in Japan. The society is still learning to adapt to an increasingly globalised society - it's not perfect just yet, but there's definitely no reason for you to worry. I've studied and worked there and had no problems and have many British, European, American and African friends who have had very positive experiences as well.

Here are the materials that I recommend in order from beginner to upper-intermediate. The ones in bold are essential in my opinion. All other ones are extra and although they're great, you don't need them (especially if you're wanting to save money).

Genki 1 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014401/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
Genki 1 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/478901441X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=478901441X&pd_rd_r=e556c0ce-943b-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=J3mXU&pd_rd_wg=jy6TJ&pf_rd_p=07e3e597-b71b-4701-a3fd-d79c50f48406&pf_rd_r=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY&psc=1&refRID=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY

Genki 2 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014436/ref=pd_sbs_14_4/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014436&pd_rd_r=48bd95be-9441-11e9-b4ac-8d1ae87ce1fe&pd_rd_w=ldAaH&pd_rd_wg=Qhago&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH&psc=1&refRID=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH
Genki 2 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Paperback/dp/4789014444/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014444&pd_rd_r=5740a464-9441-11e9-9bc8-e12605d961e0&pd_rd_w=QIWyG&pd_rd_wg=ZCy9f&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G&psc=1&refRID=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G

Genki kanji textbook (not essential but handy for kanji learning): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Look-Learn/dp/4789013499/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=genki+kanji&qid=1561134472&s=books&sr=1-1
Genki kanji workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Learn-Workbook/dp/4789013502/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789013502&pd_rd_r=91b209db-9441-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=qjkxt&pd_rd_wg=ombuV&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9&psc=1&refRID=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9

Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Revised/dp/4789013073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134620&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-1
Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Workbook/dp/4789013081/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134688&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-2

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Advanced-Japanese-Learning-Multimedia/dp/4874244475/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8A4MJ904ZCT&keywords=tobira+gateway+to+advanced+japanese&qid=1561136163&s=books&sprefix=tobira%2Cstripbooks%2C156&sr=1-1
Tobira grammar workbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gateway-Tsutsui-Yoshiro%C3%83%C2%8C-Ishikawa-Kondo%C3%83%C2%8C/dp/4874245706/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874245706&pd_rd_r=7bc604f9-9445-11e9-a464-f91577e37e89&pd_rd_w=c4CPe&pd_rd_wg=Acr1a&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN&psc=1&refRID=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN
Tobira kanji book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Power-Up-Your-Kanji/dp/4874244874/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874244874&pd_rd_r=96165129-9445-11e9-9696-83bafaaed3b7&pd_rd_w=9WpDk&pd_rd_wg=LUEsp&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD&psc=1&refRID=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD

I think this website has the cheapest offers: https://www.japancentre.com/en/categories/10501-japanese-language-books

There is a fluency test, yes. I'd argue that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is more important than a Japanese degree. That said, the Japanese degree helps you become extremely advanced in all aspects of the Japanese language (speaking, writing, reading and listening) as well as providing you with an advanced knowledge of Japanese society and its issues (contemporary or otherwise).

Regarding the JLPT, there are 5 levels (N1 - N5) and it only covers reading and listening. N1 is the highest and N5 is the lowest. If you do all of the textbooks that I've linked you above, you could be at a borderline N2 level which in itself is exceptional. Most jobs needing Japanese proficiency will ask you for N2 or above.
Go for it it's a cool skill to have. even if you never use it professionally, it's a unique talking point. not many can say they know Japanese
Reply 6
Most Japanese people DO NOT speak English (to any workable level). People living on the continent speak English MUCH BETTER than most Japanese people, but we don't let this discourage us from studying French, German or Italian, so certainly don't let it discourage you.
Original post by liaente
So I've been wanting to learn Japanese properly for some time now but I've always got this nagging feeling.
My mother says I shouldn't learn it because most Japanese people know English, so it wouldn't be useful for me career/business-wise.
Secondly, it seems really challenging to self-teach myself. I can do hiragana and katakana, but when it comes to Kanji I get confused. What's the "on" and "kun" readings? I have no idea when to use them.
I'd like to ask if anyone has a great website for the full grammar too?
But also learning a language, especially if it's as complex as Japanese requires effort and time - and I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that since after summer I'm starting A-Levels with 4 subjects.
Could someone perhaps give me advice on if I should do Japanese, and if so how I'd dedicate time to it during the school years? Any grammar websites would be fantastic as well :smile:
Reply 7
Adding to this list, tae kim's guide is an excellent free resource, it's only a google search away.
Original post by Quick-use
I don't think your chances will decrease at all. If you're highly competent in Japanese then I don't see why you'd be passed over for a job. Honestly, though - foreign language education in Japan is truly one of the worst and I believe that they will, for a very long period, always need people who are able to speak Japanese as well as other languages. Moreover, the Japanese population is declining, so they're in more of a need than ever before for foreigners.

And, really don't worry about the judgement you'll receive as a European - the Japanese people, although sometimes a little reserved, will never openly discriminate against Europeans. That said, the perception is "we're Japanese" and "they're not" so it doesn't matter if you're European, American or otherwise - we're all foreigners in their eyes. But, one thing is for certain - you won't face any problems in Japan. The society is still learning to adapt to an increasingly globalised society - it's not perfect just yet, but there's definitely no reason for you to worry. I've studied and worked there and had no problems and have many British, European, American and African friends who have had very positive experiences as well.

Here are the materials that I recommend in order from beginner to upper-intermediate. The ones in bold are essential in my opinion. All other ones are extra and although they're great, you don't need them (especially if you're wanting to save money).

Genki 1 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014401/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
Genki 1 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/478901441X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=478901441X&pd_rd_r=e556c0ce-943b-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=J3mXU&pd_rd_wg=jy6TJ&pf_rd_p=07e3e597-b71b-4701-a3fd-d79c50f48406&pf_rd_r=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY&psc=1&refRID=C34TRE1QF87JZHETXRRY

Genki 2 textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789014436/ref=pd_sbs_14_4/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014436&pd_rd_r=48bd95be-9441-11e9-b4ac-8d1ae87ce1fe&pd_rd_w=ldAaH&pd_rd_wg=Qhago&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH&psc=1&refRID=RMF60VYYFYX7JGS659NH
Genki 2 workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Second-Integrated-Elementary-Paperback/dp/4789014444/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789014444&pd_rd_r=5740a464-9441-11e9-9bc8-e12605d961e0&pd_rd_w=QIWyG&pd_rd_wg=ZCy9f&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G&psc=1&refRID=KQG22B94T78Z3Q9X5A9G

Genki kanji textbook (not essential but handy for kanji learning): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Look-Learn/dp/4789013499/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=genki+kanji&qid=1561134472&s=books&sr=1-1
Genki kanji workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genki-Plus-Kanji-Learn-Workbook/dp/4789013502/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4789013502&pd_rd_r=91b209db-9441-11e9-9a86-fd1d76ac1287&pd_rd_w=qjkxt&pd_rd_wg=ombuV&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9&psc=1&refRID=SKMMD156JY7B9XMF9VH9

Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese textbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Revised/dp/4789013073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134620&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-1
Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese workbook (not essential but has a lot of practice questions to do): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integrated-Approach-Intermediate-Japanese-Workbook/dp/4789013081/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3IWKTHC9PS877&keywords=integrated+approach+to+intermediate+japanese&qid=1561134688&s=books&sprefix=integrated+approach%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-2

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Advanced-Japanese-Learning-Multimedia/dp/4874244475/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8A4MJ904ZCT&keywords=tobira+gateway+to+advanced+japanese&qid=1561136163&s=books&sprefix=tobira%2Cstripbooks%2C156&sr=1-1
Tobira grammar workbook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gateway-Tsutsui-Yoshiro%C3%83%C2%8C-Ishikawa-Kondo%C3%83%C2%8C/dp/4874245706/ref=pd_sbs_14_5/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874245706&pd_rd_r=7bc604f9-9445-11e9-a464-f91577e37e89&pd_rd_w=c4CPe&pd_rd_wg=Acr1a&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN&psc=1&refRID=09HYERVD9H44GJR027ZN
Tobira kanji book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobira-Power-Up-Your-Kanji/dp/4874244874/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/257-5069575-2070744?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=4874244874&pd_rd_r=96165129-9445-11e9-9696-83bafaaed3b7&pd_rd_w=9WpDk&pd_rd_wg=LUEsp&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD&psc=1&refRID=E1Y2T5AEJ4XNB6A1V9DD

I think this website has the cheapest offers: https://www.japancentre.com/en/categories/10501-japanese-language-books

There is a fluency test, yes. I'd argue that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is more important than a Japanese degree. That said, the Japanese degree helps you become extremely advanced in all aspects of the Japanese language (speaking, writing, reading and listening) as well as providing you with an advanced knowledge of Japanese society and its issues (contemporary or otherwise).

Regarding the JLPT, there are 5 levels (N1 - N5) and it only covers reading and listening. N1 is the highest and N5 is the lowest. If you do all of the textbooks that I've linked you above, you could be at a borderline N2 level which in itself is exceptional. Most jobs needing Japanese proficiency will ask you for N2 or above.
Reply 8
Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this makes me happy :biggrin:
Original post by Ryanzmw
Most Japanese people DO NOT speak English (to any workable level). People living on the continent speak English MUCH BETTER than most Japanese people, but we don't let this discourage us from studying French, German or Italian, so certainly don't let it discourage you.
Reply 9
Thank you!!! :biggrin:
Original post by Prussianxo
Go for it it's a cool skill to have. even if you never use it professionally, it's a unique talking point. not many can say they know Japanese
I advise you to learn Chinese other than Japanese, because much more people speak Chinese.
Do you want to learn Chinese?
Reply 11
Original post by 江山此刻波澜壮阔
I advise you to learn Chinese other than Japanese, because much more people speak Chinese.
Do you want to learn Chinese?


No, I don't. It's much harder and I prefer the pronouniation of Japanese

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