11 Benefits Of Learning Japanese

1. More job opportunities

This is one of the biggest benefits of learning Japanese for many people.

Being able to speak multiple languages is very useful in many sectors, including international politics and international business.

As the world becomes increasingly more globalised, being able to communicate clearly across borders is a very important skill.

The more experienced you are in a language, the better. But, even just knowing a little bit gives you something to talk about and makes it easier to approach native Japanese speakers.

This can lead to improvements in your networking skills, which can lead to more job opportunities. This could include being an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan with Interac.

2. You could get smarter

Learning a new language requires brainpower, a lot more than watching TV.

If you think of your brain as a muscle, learning a new language is a great way to work out that muscle.

Studies indicate that learning a new language could improve your focus and memory.

It can improve your decision making, you’re likely to score higher on intelligence tests, and surprisingly, you’re less likely to be influenced by propaganda (this is because you may not be accustomed to the local use of emotional language).

Moreover, you can decrease the ageing of your brain by up to 5 years. This is because learning and mastering another language can increase the amount of grey matter in your brain.

These are huge benefits of learning Japanese!

3. You’ll make more friends

There are lots of social benefits of learning Japanese.

Being able to communicate with more people means you are able to meet and get to know more people.

If you know how to speak Japanese, you’ll find it much easier to make Japanese friends than someone who doesn’t speak Japanese.

This leads to more benefits too, such as job opportunities and even finding love…

4. You could find love

This one is one of the biggest benefits of learning Japanese for the romantic souls.

Do you believe in soulmates? Yours could be living in Japan right now! Read our Dating in Japan blog for a lowdown on popular apps and the culture of Japanese dating.

When you cross paths, you’re going to need to be able to speak to them. So, get learning!

5. You’ll have a much easier and enjoyable time in Japan

Japanese people as a whole do not speak much English, so learning the language will help you out a lot when you visit.

Firstly, the locals will appreciate you taking the time to learn their language, and you will be welcomed into the country more readily.

And, when you can speak the language, things like ordering food, asking for directions and listening to instructions will be so much easier.

Moreover, you’ll be able to experience the culture better. If you can speak Japanese, you can enjoy things like watching films, reading books and listening to music without needing subtitles or translations.

6. You’ll get a better understanding of the culture

One of the biggest benefits of learning Japanese is being able to get fully involved in the culture.

When you speak Japanese, you can really immerse yourself. You can have conversations with people, attend national holidays and events, and enjoy the native entertainment first hand.

You’ll more easily be able to empathise with the population and understand their views as well.

If you don’t speak the language, your understanding of the culture will likely come from what other people tell you.

By thinking and speaking in a different language, you are communicating differently from normal. This can change your perspective and improve your understanding of how others are experiencing the world.

People can find their own personalities changing just by learning a new language. Many English speakers often find themselves being more polite when they are speaking Japanese. Whereas Japanese people feel they are being more assertive and direct when speaking English. And, once you know the language, you’ll start to understand why people will be sensitive when others mistake it for languages like Chinese.

Whilst you’re learning the Japanese language, you’ll also probably learn a lot about the country and its history as well as the modern culture and things like slang words. This will help you gain a better understanding of the Japanese way of life as a whole.

7. It improves your native language

When learning a new language, it helps to have a strong knowledge of the grammar in your own language.

Do you know what infinitives, conditionals and modal verbs are?

If you don’t, you’ll likely learn things like this as you get into your Japanese lessons.

You need to know how things like this work in your own language so you can understand how they work differently in Japanese.

So, one of the less expected benefits of learning Japanese is that you’ll get better at your own language too!