Other languages can be learned a little faster than Japanese - no question. But with over half a million Americans living in Japan, it must be possible. And there are over 120 million speakers of Japanese in the World, so it’s not the small irrelevant language that some people think it is. It’s better to look at it as being in an exclusive group, not in a small group.
Japan is one of the largest economies in the World, with many Japanese corporations who have plants and offices in every country in the world. It is of great advantage to be able to speak Japanese, or to be learning it, if you are employed by a Japanese corporation or are looking at opportunities to work at one.
The Japanese management structure is still quite traditional, in that most of the senior management positions, even in overseas offices, is Japanese. Before their promotions to senior positions outside Japan, many executives have relocated for a few years to the corporate headquarters in Japan, gaining respect and recognition. Clearly learning Japanese is required if that is your plan. While many of the larger companies offer in-house programs, you will get noticed if you take the initiative and begin to learn it yourself.
Respect is everything to the Japanese. Learning the Japanese language is a great way to clearly display honor and respect, and won’t go unnoticed. Start with spoken Japanese, that is the best way. Writing skills can be dealt with afterwards.
Japan is a country of adventurous travelers. Being able to speak Japanese is of great value to employers in the hospitality industry. You can clearly understand that there is business and personal benefit to be had from being able to converse with tourists from Japan.
Grammar in Japanese is considerably more simple than grammar in most other languages. Nouns without gender, no plurals, and no accompanying articles - this sounds easy, doesn’t it. Japanese has only two verb tenses, present and past, and there are hardly any irregular verbs. With spelling that is consistent phonetically and only five vowel sounds, pronunciation of Japanese is relatively easy.
Korea, China, and India, some of the greatest civilizations of Asia, have influenced Japanese culture. Just like Western cultures share many similarities, the same is true of Asian cultures. Greater insights can be had into the religious, aesthetic, and ethical values of other Asian nations by studying Japanese as many of these are shared across Asian cultures. A familiarity with Asian cultures also allows you to step outside of your own culture and see the Japanese and Asian cultures in a whole new and fresh light.
The author operates a Language website, and you are welcome to review his Learning Japanese recommendations here. Also, you may avail of a FREE 6-Day Learn Japanese Online Course.


















