How I went from struggling college student to VP at a global financial firm – and why I had to take the hardest Japanese test twice
The Reality Check That Changed Everything
When I first arrived in Japan in 1998, I had nothing. My mother had passed away from cancer, my father had remarried without telling me, and I was a struggling person who couldn’t even concentrate in class. I came here with just a one-way ticket and a promise of a job from an Australian entrepreneur.
I didn’t come to Japan to “find myself” or because I loved Jpop. I came because I was running from pain and had nowhere else to go.
The brutal truth about learning Japanese in survival mode: You don’t have the luxury of perfect grammar or polite studying schedules. You learn because you have to eat, you have to work, you have to survive.
Mastering the “Old” System: JPT Levels 1-4
Back in the early 2000s, the Japanese Proficiency Test (JPT) had four levels, with Level 1 being the highest. I approached it like my life depended on it – because it did.
What I Learned About Real Japanese Learning:
1. Textbook Japanese vs. Workplace Japanese Are Different Languages
- Textbooks taught me to say “Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu” (I am American)
- The workplace needed me to say “Moushiwake gozaimasen ga, kakunin sasete itadakitai koto ga arimasu” (I apologize, but there’s something I’d like to confirm)
2. The JPT Level 1 Mindset
- Stop translating in your head
- Start thinking in Japanese sentence patterns
- Accept that you’ll sound stupid for months before you sound smart
3. The Real Test Isn’t the Test
- Passing JPT Level 1 was just the beginning
- The real test was my first business meeting at Morgan Stanley
- Could I present financial data to Japanese clients? Could I negotiate contracts? Could I earn respect?
Then Everything Changed: Welcome to JLPT N1
Around 2010, the Japan Foundation completely revamped the system. The new JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) had five levels: N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced).
Even though I had already passed the highest level in the old system, I decided to take JLPT N1. Why? Because in Japanese corporate culture, credentials matter. A lot.
The Difference Between JPT Level 1 and JLPT N1:
JPT Level 1 (Old System):
- Focused heavily on grammar and vocabulary
- Reading comprehension was straightforward
- Listening was basic conversational Japanese
JLPT N1 (New System):
- More nuanced understanding of context
- Complex reading passages with implied meanings
- Listening tests with multiple speakers, regional accents, and business scenarios
- Tests your ability to understand what’s NOT said (crucial in Japanese culture)
The Breakthrough Moment
My breakthrough didn’t come from studying harder – it came from changing my approach entirely.
Instead of learning Japanese, I started learning how to think Japanese.
Here’s what I mean:
- Japanese doesn’t just use different words; it uses different logic
- In English, we’re direct: “I need this report by tomorrow”
- In Japanese, we’re contextual: “If it’s not too much trouble, and if your schedule permits, it would be helpful if this report could be prepared by tomorrow, if possible”
The grammar is different because the thinking is different.
Why Most People Fail at Japanese (And How to Fix It)
After 20+ years in Japan and helping dozens of foreigners with their Japanese, I’ve noticed the same mistakes over and over:
Mistake #1: Studying Japanese Like It’s Spanish
Japanese isn’t European. The grammar, the cultural context, the way information is structured – it’s completely different. You can’t just swap vocabulary.
Mistake #2: Avoiding the Hard Stuff
Everyone wants to learn casual Japanese first. But in Japan, you need formal Japanese for anything important – work, contracts, medical appointments, your kids’ schools.
Mistake #3: Not Understanding the Stakes
Japanese isn’t just about communication. It’s about credibility, respect, and opportunity. Your Japanese level directly impacts your career ceiling in Japan.
The System That Actually Works
Here’s the approach that took me from survival-level Japanese to VP-level presentations:
Phase 1: Survival Foundation (6 months)
- Learn the most essential 1,000 words for daily life
- Master basic grammar patterns
- Focus on listening comprehension (not speaking)
Phase 2: Workplace Integration (12 months)
- Study keigo (formal language) intensively
- Practice reading business documents
- Learn to write proper emails and reports
Phase 3: Cultural Fluency (24+ months)
- Understand what’s not being said
- Master the art of indirect communication
- Build confidence in complex business situations
The Question That Changed My Career
In 2005, during a crucial meeting at an American Bank, during my job interview, a senior Japanese person who would be my potential boss asked me a complex question about my understanding in real estate and how technology could be used in the industry. I could have given a safe, simple answer.
Instead, I responded with detailed analysis, using advanced financial terminology in perfect keigo, and even made a subtle joke that showed I understood the cultural context.
The room was silent for a moment. Then the client smiled and said, “Ah, you really understand.”
That moment – not passing any test – was when I knew I had truly mastered Japanese.
What N1 Really Means
JLPT N1 isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about proving you can:
- Understand complex business documents
- Navigate Japanese corporate culture
- Communicate with confidence in high-stakes situations
- Think in Japanese, not just speak it
But here’s the secret: N1 is not the end goal. It’s the beginning.
Real mastery comes from using Japanese to build something meaningful – a career, relationships, a life.
Your Turn
If you’re struggling with Japanese, remember this: I started with nothing, made every mistake possible, and had to learn under the pressure of survival.
You have advantages I never had – better resources, online communities, and the wisdom of people who’ve walked this path before.
The question isn’t whether you can learn Japanese. The question is: Are you ready to think Japanese?