How to Learn Japanese Language: Guide for Indian Students
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How to Learn Japanese Language: Guide for Indian Students

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Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on May 30, 2024 18:48 IST

Do you know how to learn Japanese Language fast? Japanese is the 9th most spoken language in the world. More than 120 million people use Japanese language to communicate globally. To live, travel or study in Japan for Indian Students, learning the Japanese language is essential.

How to Learn the Japanese Language?

More than 120 million people around the world use Japanese as their Native language. It is one of the most widespread languages in Asia and the 9th most spoken language in the world. Japanese is the national language of Japan but is also spoken by the people living in the USA, Brazil, Korea and other nations. Indian citizens should learn the Japanese language if they want to visit, live or study in Japan. It will give students an advantage to get selected for admission.

The Japanese government is welcoming international students to study in top universities in Japan. They are offering various benefits, and job opportunities and making easy visa process to attract students globally. Japan is famous for offering quality education and courses related to various streams. The Japanese language will help you to avoid the language barrier and communicate easily. Do you want to know how to learn the Japanese language easily? Well, this article will cover tips to learn Japanese at home, including some helpful books, apps and websites.

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Check: Top 10 Best Foreign Languages to Learn for Students

9 Tips to Learn Japanese Language

Here are the tips to learn the Japanese language.

  1. Set a goal for yourself and divide it into small objectives.
  2. Learn the basics of the Japanese language (Alphabet, basic words, etc)
  3. Practice basic grammar in Japanese.
  4. Learn some Japanese phrases and improve your vocabulary.
  5. Learn Japanese words daily (Use free apps to start)
  6. Communicate in Japanese language (You can make online friends)
  7. Consume Japanese media (Podcasts, anime, etc)

Reasons to Learn Japanese Language

Here are some top reasons to learn the Japanese language as an Indian student.

  1. Being multilingual can make your resume more competitive in the globalized job market.
  2. Learning a new language improves memory power and makes you stand out from the crowd.
  3. Proficiency in the Japanese language will help you to win scholarships to study in Japan offered by universities in Japan to international students.
  4. The medium of teaching in most Japanese universities is the Japanese language. Your proficiency in this language will be helpful to study in Japan.
  5. As a tourist, exploring the history, art, culture, and tradition of Japan will become easier with mastery of the Japanese language.
  6. Learning the Japanese language can open the door to career opportunities. You can explore Japan-based companies that will give priority to your profile.
  7. Other than the above benefits, building a global network, making new friends globally, and enjoying anime, manga, movies, & music become easy with basic knowledge of the Japanese language.

Also read: Building Communication Skills to Study Abroad








How to Learn Japanese in India?

There are two ways to learn the Japanese language in India. Students can either join coaching institutes to learn the basics of Japanese or do self-study to improve their proficiency. Interested students can explore Japanese language certification courses and select the suitable one for them. Here are some popular coaching institutes in India to learn Japanese.







Popular Coaching Institutes About Coachings Address
Mosai Institute of Japanese Languages (MIJL) MIJL Institute has been closely working with the Embassy of Japan in India since 2002.
 
Mosai Institute of Japanese Language 104 (1st Floor) New Delhi House
27, Barakhamba Road New Delhi-110001
Japan Foundation (New Delhi) This organization was established in 1972  under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) A-13, Green Park, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110016

Popular Universities to Learn Japanese

Several popular universities in India offer courses to learn Japanese. Here are the top education institutions that are offering courses related to the Japanese language in India. Also, students can explore Japanese colleges in India and their courses to choose the ideal one for them.

RecommendationView All

Explore MS colleges in Japan

C++Shiksha Grade
Waseda University

Shinjuku, JapanPrivate

1 courses
5.29 L - 5.29 L
B++Shiksha Grade
9 courses
3.49 L - 3.49 L
A++Shiksha Grade
University of Tokyo

Tokyo, JapanPublic

3 courses
1.55 L - 1.55 L
AShiksha Grade
Kyoto University

Yoshida honmachi, JapanPublic

5 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
B++Shiksha Grade
Osaka University

Yamadaoka Suita, JapanPublic

11 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
CShiksha Grade
Yamaguchi University

Yoshida, JapanPrivate

12 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
C+Shiksha Grade
Niigata University

Nishi-ku, JapanPublic

18 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
B+Shiksha Grade
Kyushu University

Fukuoka, JapanPublic

3 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
BShiksha Grade
Nagoya University

Nagoya, JapanPublic

5 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
AShiksha Grade
Tohoku University

Sandai, JapanPublic

1 courses
2.95 L - 2.95 L
Is this recommendation relevant?
Popular Indian Universities to Learn Japanese Course Details
Goa University
  • Course Name- Learn Japanese
  • Duration - 28 Weeks
  • Eligibility-  12th pass
Delhi University
  • Course Name- One Year Post Graduate Intensive Diploma in Japanese (JF-1)
  • Duration- 1 Year
  • Eligibility- Must have a Bachelor's Degree with 45% or above marks.
Bengaluru City University
  • Course Name- Global Language Certificate Course
  • Duration- 1 Year
  • Eligibility- Must have Passed 10th board exam

Below, we have mentioned a few more helpful and effective ways to learn Japanese in India. The duration of these courses depends on the syllabus of the program.

How to Learn Japanese Online

Unlike the traditional style of physically visiting an institute, students can learn online using a phone or other electronic device. All you need is a working Internet connection, an electronic device (Phone, Laptop, or Tablet), and a few minutes daily to learn Japanese online.

Online Coaching to Learn Japanese Language

Online platforms like Coursera, Duolingo, Udemy, Babbel and more are offering online classes to learn Japanese at home. The best thing about learning Japanese online on these platforms is the combination of affordability and personalized learning experiences. Just sit anywhere with your laptop or phone and learn Japanese easily.

How to Learn Japanese for Free?

Here are some tips to learn Japanese easily without spending a penny.

  • Plenty of educational YouTube videos and podcast channels in the Japanese language are freely available on the internet.
  • Anime, Movies, and TV shows in the Japanese language are the best source of learning.
  • Connecting with the people of Japan can improve your proficiency easily.
  • Reading newspapers, Manga or books in Japanese can improve your vocabulary for free.

Other Useful Links: How to Learn Korean Language?

Best Apps and Websites to Learn Japanese

Here are some popular websites and apps to learn Japanese online.

Apps/Websites

Platform

Subscription Type

Bussu

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Lingo Deer

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Duolingo

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Youtube

iOS and Android

Free

Memrise

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Wasabi

Website

Free and Subscription Based

Japan Foundation

Online (Website)

Subscription Based

How to Learn Japanese at Home?

To learn the Japanese language at home either you can join online coaching institutes or take app-based guidance provided by EdTech platforms. Also, you have the option to do self-study and learn a language for free. Students can access study material available for free on the internet to learn Japanese.

Best Books to Learn Japanese for Indian Students

Below, we have mentioned some recommended books to help you in learning. You can buy these books from any online platform easily.

  • Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1
  • GENKI I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
  • A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
  • How to Sound Intelligent in Japanese: A Vocabulary Builder
  • Read Real Japanese Fiction

Tips to Learn Japanese Faster

To learn the Japanese language faster, you need to practice it more. Below, we have mentioned a list of tips that will make you practice Japanese easily and improve your vocabulary.

  1. Spend most of your time on building a foundation in the beginning.
  2. Consume Japanese media
  3. Follow the influencers of Japan.
  4. YouTube is your best friend to learn Japanese.
  5. Buy some stickers in the Japanese language and label them on things you use daily.
  6. Use the learning apps daily and try to write something in Japanese.
  7. Learn 10 to 20 Japanese vocabulary daily.

Regular Words in Japanese

So you have decided to learn the Japanese language, then start your learning journey with basic Japanese words. Here we have mentioned some English words that you use in day-to-day conversations with Japanese translations. Have a look!

Japanese Words
English Meaning
Konnichiwa (おはようございます) Good morning
Sayonara (さようなら)
Goodbye (formal)
Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Thank you (formal)
Arigatō (ありがとう)
Thank you (informal)
Sumimasen (すみません)
Excuse me / Sorry (formal and informal)
Gomennasai (ごめんなさい) Sorry (formal)
Hai (はい) Yes
Iie (いいえ) No
Kudasai (ください) Please
Dozo (どうぞ)
Please (more polite)
Genki desu ka? (元気ですか?)
How are you? (informal)
desu (です)
(copula, translates to "am," "is," or "are")
Kankokugo (韓国語)
Korean language
*Aishitemasu (愛しています) I love you

Related Read: Letters in the Greek Alphabet

We hope that you have got information about learning the Japanese language in India. No doubt, learning Japanese will help you to explore career opportunities in Japan. There are coaching institutes, university courses and EdTech platforms to help you learn Japanese. If you wish to study in Japan then, hit the link to get Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below. Till then Sayonara (さようなら) (Goodbye in Japanese).

Related Reads:

How to Learn German Language? How to Learn French Language?
How to Learn Korean Language? How to Learn Spanish Language?

How to Learn Japanese Language FAQs

Q. Is the Japanese language hard/difficult to learn for Indian students?

A. Due to the different style of the writing system of the Japanese language, it is hard to learn for Indian students. Japanese is considered one of the toughest languages for English speakers to learn as it involves three separate writing systems. According to the FSI, learning the Japanese language falls under Category V and is one of the toughest languages in the world.

Learning a new language is challenging, but remember you have learnt English as your second language. Just use the same practice for the Japanese language. 

Q. How long will it take to learn Japanese language for Indian students?

A. No fixed time frame can be considered as the ideal time to learn the Japanese language. It all depends on your practice and dedication. According to the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) It would take native English speakers 88 weeks to reach Professional Working Proficiency. Also, some EdTech learning platforms claim that 4 to 6 months is the ideal time for learning beginner-level Japanese language. 

Q:   How hard is it to get into University of Tokyo?

A:

Yes, it is slightly hard to get into the University of Tokyo because of its moderatly high acceptance rate. The University of Tokyo acceptance rate is around 34%, which means out of 100 applicants only 34 are accepted. Applicants has to meet the admission requirements and submit all the required documents to get admission at Tokyo University.

Q:   How much does University of Tokyo cost for international students?

A:

The University of Tokyo cost for international students is low for undergraduate and graduate study. Students can complete their degree under 3 L. The below table includes the University of Tokyo fees for Indian students:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

Duration & Eligibility

MS  (3 courses)

INR 3 L

Duration: 2 years
Exam Accepted: IELTS

MA  (2 courses)

INR 2 L

Duration: 2 years
Exam Accepted: IELTS

MArch  (1 course)

INR 3 L

Duration: 2 years
Exam Accepted: IELTS

MEng  (1 course)

INR 3 L

Duration: 2 years

Q:   What would you need to get accepted into Tokyo University?

A:

International students have to meet the University of Tokyo admissions requirements to get admission. These admission requirements will vary from one programme to another. International applicants whose first language is not English must meet below English language proficiency test score:

English Language Tests

Score Required

TOEFL iBT

100

IELTS

7.0

We have provided below the general admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission at Tokyo University:

University of Tokyo Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Submit your official high school transcripts
  • Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
  • Additional test scores for ACT/SAT (optional)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation

University of Tokyo Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Must complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
  • Additional test scores for GMAT/GRE
  • A Resume?
  • Provide Two Letters of Recommendation
  • The university also asks you to submit Two Essays

Q:   What are the admission deadline for the University of Tokyo?

A:

The University of Tokyo deadline for international students is Dec 13, 2024,  for undergraduate admission. For admission to the graduate program, the University of Tokyo admission deadline is Dec 1, 2024, for most of the graduate programs.

Note: The University of Tokyo recommends students start the online application process as soon as possible and submit their application by at least one day in advance of the deadline.

Q:   Is it hard to get admission in the University of Tokyo for international students?

A:

Tokyo University does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the University of Tokyo acceptance rate is 35%. Which shows that university is very selective in admissions and hard to get into. International students should check the minimum admission requirements before applying to Tokyo University. Please note that, the data given above on acceptance rate is taken from unofficial sources, therefore, it is subject to change. 

Q:   What are the admission requirements at the University of Tokyo?

A:

International students have to meet the University of Tokyo admissions requirements to get admission. These admission requirements will vary from one programme to another. We have provided below the general admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission at Tokyo University:

University of Tokyo Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Submit your official high school transcripts
  • Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
  • Additional test scores for ACT/SAT (optional)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation

University of Tokyo Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Must complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
  • Additional test scores for GMAT/GRE
  • A Resume?
  • Provide Two Letters of Recommendation
  • The university also asks you to submit Two Essays

Q:   What are the admission requirements for a Masters degree in the University of Tokyo?

A:

International students have to meet the University of Tokyo admissions requirements to get admission. These admission requirements will vary from one programme to another. We have provided below the University of Tokyo Masters requirements for students:

University of Tokyo Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Must complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
  • Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
  • Additional test scores for GMAT/GRE
  • A Resume?
  • Provide Two Letters of Recommendation
  • The university also asks you to submit Two Essays

Q:   Does University of Tokyo give full scholarship to international students?

A:

The University of Tokyo offers a variety of scholarships for international students enrolling into its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Some scholarships are awarded directly by the University of Tokyo, meanwhile, the majority of the scholarships are offered by external funding sources. Some of the popular scholarships for international students are given below. 

  • Japanese Government Scholarship
  • MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students 
  • The University of Tokyo Fellowship
  • University Scholarship for PEAK Students
  • Scholarships Offered by Private Organizations 
About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert

Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio

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