Learning a foreign language has become an essential skill in an increasingly interconnected world. Among the many languages available, why learn Japanese? Well, Japanese is particularly unique and intriguing and there are many benefits to learning Japanese.
There has been a significant increase in the number of people eager to learn Japanese. This growing interest is reflected in the increasing number of people attracted to its distinctive culture, engaging entertainment, and flourishing business prospects.
We strongly believe that learning a new language provides countless benefits that can be applied to different areas of your life.? We've listed five great reasons why it's worth your time.
Increase in Career & Business Opportunities
In today's globalised world, it totally makes sense to learn different languages to boost your personal and professional growth. Learning another language can boost your resume, and learning Japanese is even better because it can enhance your career and business prospects.
As the third-largest economy in the world, Japan has many businesses that are global leaders in technology, automotive, and manufacturing.
We are sure you have heard of well-known business names such as Sony, Nintendo, Honda, and Panasonic. Learning Japanese and obtaining the required certifications gives you a competitive edge that others won’t have if you are interested in working for these organisations.
Stand Out in the Job Market
The ability to communicate directly in Japanese with colleagues, managers, partners, and clients is highly demanded, especially in international business, finance, marketing, or technology. While many Japanese companies operate globally, they prefer hiring people who understand their language and work culture. In Japanese business, building strong relationships is vital. Knowing the language can help you out in complex negotiations, build trust, and create long-lasting partnerships.
Even if you are not working in Japan or for a Japanese company, many multinational companies (MNCs) have business dealings with Japanese organisations. Therefore, being proficient in Japanese can make your resume stand out.
Widen Entrepreneurial Prospects
If you are an entrepreneur, learning Japanese will help you network and expand your business to Japan. There is no better way to understand the Japanese market and its consumers than learning the Japanese language. The Japanese consumer market is renowned for its sophistication, and catering to the needs of Japanese consumers necessitates cultural awareness, which can be best achieved through a deep understanding of the language.
Gain Understanding of Japanese Culture & Values
Language is more than just a bunch of words; it's key to understanding a culture—its beliefs, values, and way of life. When you learn Japanese, you get to explore the many aspects of Japanese customs, traditions, and ways of thinking, which can broaden your view of life and society.
Japanese Philosophy and History
Exploring Japanese culture offers a profound insight into its rich history and distinctive philosophies, including Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. Learning the language grants access to original texts, literature, and teachings that have profoundly influenced the Japanese mindset over centuries. Delving into the works of renowned Japanese philosophers like Dōgen or the haiku of Matsuo Bashō in their original language provides a more profound understanding of their thoughts and ideas.
Learning Japanese opens the door to appreciating Japan's beautiful traditional arts, like tea ceremonies, flower arranging (ikebana), and Noh theatre. These cultural practices carry deep symbolic meanings that are best understood in their original language. For instance, the concept of "wabi-sabi" (the beauty of imperfection) is a uniquely Japanese aesthetic that truly comes to life when you understand the language and culture behind it.
Improve your Communication Experience with Japanese People
When you can speak Japanese, you have the opportunity to communicate directly with Japanese people using both words and nonverbal cues. Nonverbal communication is a crucial aspect of Japanese culture, where gestures, tones, and levels of formality play a significant role in interactions with Japanese individuals.
For example, the different levels of politeness in the language reflect how the Japanese culture emphasises and embodies the principles of humility and respect.
Using Keigo, or honorific language, in formal and business contexts highlights the significance of hierarchy within Japanese society. You might notice that Japanese expressions are often vague or indirect. It's because, in their culture, they prefer not to be too direct and avoid being blunt or aggressive. As you immerse yourself further in the language, you'll start to understand Japanese customs and lifestyle better and how they're connected to a rich history, traditions, and cuisine.
Ease of Travel in Japan
Visiting Japan is one of the most thrilling aspects of learning the Japanese language. English speakers are relatively rare in Japan, particularly in areas outside the major cities. Therefore, if you wish to explore Japan and uncover its hidden gems, being proficient in the language will greatly enhance your experience compared to relying solely on English.
Moving Around in Japan
Japan has one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world. As much as this will ease your travels within Japan, smaller cities may lack English signage, which may overwhelm you as a tourist. Learning Japanese will help you move around Japan freely without stress, as you can understand the bus and train schedules and ask the locals for directions like a pro.
Picture yourself uncovering hidden gems and savouring exquisite Japanese cuisine by effectively communicating with locals. Mastering the Japanese language demonstrates respect for the culture, allowing you to be perceived in a different light than the typical tourist.
Understanding and Engaging with Local Cultures
You will have a better experience in Japan if you can speak Japanese. You will be able to communicate with others in their native tongue to order food you want from restaurants or shopping malls or ask for directions to a certain landmark with ease. You'll also enjoy more authentic and unique experiences off the beaten path, as locals are often more eager to share their insights and stories with someone who speaks their language.
The ability to read Japanese will help you understand signs, menus, and historical plaques, giving you a deeper appreciation of Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Exposure to the Japanese Entertainment Industry
When you learn Japanese, you have access to many movies, music, TV shows, manga, video games, and anime. Don't forget this: Learning the language lets you fully enjoy and understand these forms of entertainment in their original format.
Japanese Music, Film, and Literature
J-pop is more than just a passing trend. It has a big global fanbase. Additionally, listening to Japanese popular music can help you learn Japanese, as it incorporates casual yet functional language suitable for everyday conversations. YOASOBI, Aimyon and Yonezu Kenshi are among the many well-known names in the J-pop industry.
On the other hand, Japanese films and TV series will enhance your understanding of the vibrant Japanese culture as a component of your language learning process. These movies provide an opportunity for Japanese learners to hear and understand the language as it is used in real-life situations. This experience also helps you grasp the nuances of body language. Films and series such as True Mothers, Happy Hour, Shogun and Alice in Borderland are interesting to watch.
Plus, when you read Japanese literature in its original form, like Haruki Murakami's novels or ancient poetry, you get a feel for the language's rhythm, tone, and subtleties that can't be fully expressed in translation.
Anime, Manga, and Video Games
We are sure that you have heard of anime and manga, two of Japan's most famous cultural exports with a large following worldwide. Of course, this content is available with English subtitles or translations, but you will get a truly immersive experience if you can understand the dialogues in their original language. Humour, cultural references, and nuances in speech are often lost in translation, which is why learning Japanese is beneficial. Some popular anime movies are Spirited Away, Akira and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Japan stands at the forefront of the video game industry, housing legendary names such as Nintendo, Sony, and Sega. With many games debuting in Japanese, mastering the language grants you early access to immersive gameplay experiences, exclusive storylines, and cultural insights seamlessly integrated into the games.
Study in Japan
Japan's exceptional educational institutions make it an appealing destination for international students. Tohoku University, The University of Tokyo and Osaka University are renowned for their research excellence and academic rigour. Mastering Japanese can unlock the opportunity to study in Japan, whether for a degree program or as part of an exchange.
Scholarships and Academic Programs
Japanese universities offer scholarships to international students but often require Japanese language proficiency. Learning Japanese can improve your chances of getting a scholarship and accessing programs not open to non-Japanese speakers.
Furthermore, knowing Japanese is crucial for fully participating in academic programs in Japan, especially at the undergraduate level. It allows engagement in lectures, interaction with professors, and completing assignments without relying on translations, leading to a richer academic experience and access to more resources and opportunities.
Immersion in Japanese Society
Studying in Japan is not just about academics; it's a chance to fully experience the country's daily life and culture. Taking Japanese courses and learning the language will help you navigate everything outside of class, from finding an apartment to joining clubs and taking part in local events. It also makes it easier to make friends with Japanese students, giving you a more integrated and rewarding experience.
While there are plenty of resources to learn Japanese, getting private tutoring can really help you out. Finding the right tutor is important, and Superprof makes that easy.
You can use the Superprof website to find Japanese tutors near you in Singapore. Since it's a global platform, you also have the opportunity to connect with an online tutor from anywhere in the world. Online tutoring can also save you money on travel expenses for tutors, so you can schedule more sessions each week.
Don't forget that Superprof tutors give a free first lesson. It's a great way to see if you and the tutor click, and you can also talk about your Japanese learning goals.
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