The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Registration at U of A Reaches All-Time High for Fifth Year

This December, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test will be held at the U of A, which is one of 19 U.S. host institutions for the exam. The U of A was designated in 2008 as the ninth U.S. host institution, and all 19 U.S. institutions, including the U of A, will host the JLPT this year. The JLPT takes place on the first Sunday of December annually, and many JLPT host institutions in the U.S. are top universities such as Georgetown University, University of Washington, DePaul University and University of Michigan. 

The JLPT is organized by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services to provide a standard by which Japanese language students can demonstrate and benchmark their Japanese abilities. The proficiency test is the only international certification examination authorized by the Japanese government. Examinees take the test at five different levels, with N1 the highest (near native-like proficiency) and N5 the lowest (simple sentence-level delivery).  

According to the Japan Foundation's survey in 2019, only 2% of American learners of Japanese had JLPT certificates. Besides recognizing the examinees' proficiency levels by common sets of standards worldwide, JLPT certificates offer unique advantages ranging from gaining admission to graduate schools in Japan to earning bonus points in work visa application to Japan. 

This year, registration for the JLPT is at an all-time high. This marks the fifth straight year of an all-time high number of examinees for the U of A, with more than 410 examinees.   

The JLPT began in 1984, when it was administered in 15 countries, and approximately 7,000 examinees took the test. Since then, the JLPT has become the largest Japanese-language test in the world, with approximately 660,000 examinees in 85 countries and areas worldwide in 2023. The Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, Shinji Watanabe, noted that JLPT certificates are internationally recognized and bring numerous advantages, such as recognition as academic credits and graduation credentials in schools, preferential opportunities in the workplace and societal acknowledgment of one's qualifications. 

"Congratulations to the University of Arkansas and the organizers of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test on their continued enrollment growth," said Consul-General Watanabe. "I wish the best to the test takers and look forward to seeing how they contributed to the strong bonds between our two nations in the future." 

Matt Bell, founder of Origami Sake and Snow Monkey, spoke on the importance of language learning to intercultural connections: "As a proud Arkansan and longtime supporter of fostering deeper cultural ties with Japan, I'm thrilled to see record-high registration for the JLPT this year," Bell said. "Language is one of the most powerful bridges between communities, and it's inspiring to witness so many students and professionals committing to that connection. At Origami Sake and Snow Monkey, our work is rooted in the spirit of cross-cultural appreciation, and this milestone reflects the tremendous momentum of Japanese language and culture here in Arkansas." 

The U of A's Japanese Program is within the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Japanese Program faculty have offered their insights on this year's registration record as well. 

"The ultimate goal of hosting the JLPT at the University of Arkansas is to motivate our students to attaining the highest -- possibly a career-ready -- level of Japanese language proficiency by an internationally recognized standard," said Professor Tatsuya Fukushima, section head of the Japanese Program. "For someone in charge of this program, it is most gratifying to see many U of A students and alumni achieving this level. Hosting the JLPT on campus involves many logistical challenges, but each time I see students receiving JLPT certificates with pride, I know why I have been doing this important mission."  

Motoko Miura, instructor of Japanese, also shared her thoughts on the all-time high registration: "The steady increase in JLPT examinees at the University of Arkansas is a testament to our students' dedication to Japanese language learning," Miura said. "I'm encouraged to hear that the test motivates not only current learners, but also prospective students and alumni who continue their studies beyond graduation. As JLPT certification plays a key role in professional and immigration contexts, I'm honored to help provide access to this globally recognized exam. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of this year's examinees and the paths they will forge ahead." 

Kazuki Ueda, instructor of Japanese, reflected on this achievement with a Japanese phrase: "In Japan, there is a well-known saying that 'you look cute when you are trying your best,'" Ueda said. "Even in today's technology-driven world that values efficiency and profit, the growing number of JLPT examinees reminded me that what truly matters is still human endeavor and trying their best against these trends. Those who tackle unknown languages are, after all, the cutest of all. We see you in U of A!" 

DeShea Rigg, teaching assistant of Japanese, spoke on the importance of earning a JLPT certification and the importance of the U of A being a host institution. "The fact that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is held at our university is something we can really be proud of," Rigg said. "In the US, Japanese language learners can only take this test once a year, so people from all over the US come to Fayetteville to take it. This is one of the reasons the number of registered test takers has been increasing to all-time highs every year. Upon passing the JLPT, test takers can add an uncommon feature to their resume: a Japanese language certification." 

Rigg also spoke on the importance and connection between the JLPT and the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program—a program in which foreign graduates are invited to work in Japan. "For Japanese language learners considering applying to the JET Program in the hopes of moving to Japan to teach English after graduation, I really recommend taking the JLPT in advance," noted Rigg, who participated in the JET Program. "Passing the JLPT shows the JET interviewers that you have a sincere interest in making connections and functioning in daily life in Japan. Studying Japanese is interesting and fulfilling, but having the JLPT certification demonstrates determination and dedication to learning such a unique language." 

For more information on the JLPT and the Japanese Program, please contact Professor Tatsuya Fukushima at tatsuya@uark.edu.