As demand for employment and tourism in Japan continues to rise, the number of applicants for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has increased annually, exceeding 1.72 million in 2024, a record high.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – In recent years, with the continued rise in demand for work and tourism in Japan, the number of applicants for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has repeatedly reached new highs. According to statistics, the number of global test takers has doubled over the past decade, exceeding 1.72 million in 2024, setting a record high.
As a key test that assesses the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers, the JLPT is not only a prerequisite for studying and finding employment in Japan, but also a crucial indicator for career planning for many international professionals. Since 2013, when the number of candidates reached approximately 650,000, the number has steadily climbed, reaching 1.48 million in 2023, demonstrating the continued expansion of global demand for Japanese language proficiency.
The most significant increase has been in Southeast Asian applicants. Countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia have seen a surge in applications in recent years, with demand also skyrocketing in the Philippines, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Experts point to this as a direct correlation to the gradual expansion of employment opportunities in Japan and the increase in the number of foreign workers.
According to the 2024 Basic Survey of Foreign Residents, “language” remains the area of support foreigners are most in need of in Japan (57.7%), followed by “work” (47.2%) and “equality and respect” (39.2%). This reflects that Japanese language proficiency not only impacts employment opportunities but also affects foreigners’ safety, communication, and integration into Japanese society.
Applicants are diverse, ranging from elementary school students to the working public. University and graduate students account for the highest proportion, at 42.2%, followed by working professionals (27.6%). The reasons for taking the exam varied widely. The primary reason cited by overseas candidates was “understanding my own abilities” (33.2%), followed by “helping with work” (33.4%, including those in Japan and their home countries).
A student attending a language school said, “I’ve registered for the JLPT exam in the second half of 2025 and hope to reach level N2. I plan to stay in Japan to attend university or work part-time, so this exam is critical to me.”
Another student who passed the N1 exam in Taiwan and is currently attending graduate school in Tokyo shared, “After arriving in Japan, I realized that just the coursework requires a very high level of Japanese proficiency, not to mention integrating into daily life and socializing. Preparing for the Japanese language proficiency exam gave me a solid foundation in Japanese, which facilitated my studies and socializing.”
The Japanese government recently approved the “Employment for Skill Development,” a new talent development and employment system. This requires foreigners wishing to work in Japan to pass the JLPT level N5 or its equivalent, or to take an approved Japanese language course. This move has further boosted demand for the exam, and the number of applicants is expected to continue to increase. Experts analyze that as the demand for working, studying, and traveling in Japan continues to rise, the importance of Japanese language proficiency will only increase, and the number of people taking the JLPT exam will continue to grow in the future.
