こんにちは
Learn Japanese online: free guides
Three writing systems and a grammar unlike anything in Europe — the clearest case in this catalogue for learning with a teacher rather than an app.
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- Writing systemA1
Hiragana, katakana and kanji: which to learn first and why
Japanese uses three writing systems at once. Here is what each is for, how they combine in a single sentence, and the order that gets you reading fastest.
7 min read - CostAny level
How much do Japanese lessons cost?
What platforms publish for Japanese tutors, and the parts of Japanese you should never pay a teacher to cover — which is most of the first three months.
7 min read - ExamN5–N1
JLPT levels explained: which one to sit, and the rule that fails people
What N5 to N1 mean, the official pass mark for each, the sectional minimum that fails a high scorer, and the two skills the JLPT never tests.
8 min read - ExamA1–A2
JFT-Basic: 200 out of 250 is the A2 that Specified Skilled Worker visas ask for
JFT-Basic is a 60-minute computer test scored 10 to 250. 200 is A2, the level for Specified Skilled Worker (i). Sections, new A1 bands, 45-day retakes.
5 min read - ExamAcademic Japanese
EJU explained: the scores, the Japanese section, two-year validity and the 2026 fees, from JASSO
The EJU has no pass mark. Japanese is scored 0–400 plus 0–50 for writing, scores last two years, universities pick subjects. From JASSO's 2026 rules.
4 min read - ExamJ5–J1+
BJT explained: the 0 to 800 score, the J5 to J1+ levels, the 2026 fee, and why there is no pass or fail
The BJT has no pass or fail: 80 questions, about two hours, a score from 0 to 800 and six levels. ¥8,000 in Japan, and a certificate that never expires.
3 min read - Exam5Q–1Q
NAT-TEST explained: the five levels, the pass marks, and April 2026's pass rates by level
NAT-TEST follows the JLPT, with 5 levels and a 19-of-60 floor per section. Pass marks by level, and April 2026's pass rates: 30.9% at 2Q, 50.6% at 5Q.
4 min read - ExamSpecial A–G
J.TEST explained: three tests, one 50/50 score split, and the zero-score rule that can cost you the certificate
J.TEST has three tests, half reading, half listening. A certificate needs 600, 350 or 180 points and no zero in any of eight sections. Levels and fees.
4 min read
Reading about Japanese is not the same as speaking it
See how long Japanese takes, what the levels mean, and what lessons cost.