The following article is contributed by BiCortex Languages.

Living as a foreigner in Japan can be an exhilarating experience. However, adapting to a new culture, especially one as unique and intricate as Japan's, can present its own set of challenges. 

While there are various strategies to help expats navigate their new environment, the most important step you can take to adapt and integrate into this centuries-old culture is surprisingly simple… and yet very complex: Learn Japanese. 

Learning Japanese Makes Everything Easier

1. Breaking Down Language Barriers: One of the most obvious yet crucial benefits of learning Japanese is the ability to communicate effectively with locals. While English is widely taught and understood in Japan, many aspects of daily life -- from interacting with neighbors and colleagues to navigating bureaucratic procedures -- are easier and more fulfilling when conducted in Japanese.

2. Building Deeper Connections: Language is not just a means of communication; it is an expression of identity and culture. By speaking Japanese, expats can demonstrate a genuine interest in the country and its people. This can lead to deeper, more authentic relationships with locals and a greater understanding of the cultural nuances that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Even if you are making mistakes, the Japanese will appreciate your attempts to learn their language. In a culture that values honor, your efforts to speak Japanese show honor and respect. 

3. Unveiling Cultural Insights: Language is inseparable from culture, and learning Japanese provides a gateway to the rich tapestry of Japanese customs, traditions, and social norms. From being familiar with Japanese New Year traditions to understanding body language dos and don’ts, expats will fare better by knowing the “rules”. Through language acquisition, expats can gain a more nuanced understanding of Japanese etiquette, subtle nuances in communication, and the underlying values that shape daily interactions.

4. Navigating Daily Life with Ease: Whether it's reading street signs, understanding menus, or following public announcements, being proficient in Japanese empowers expats to navigate everyday tasks. It’s important, if nothing else, to at least learn basic vocabulary for daily tasks like grocery shopping, taking public transportation, finding a restroom, going to the doctor, etc. This not only eases the challenges of living in a foreign land but also fosters a sense of autonomy and belonging: Your confidence will increase and you will feel encouraged to keep learning!

5. Enhancing Professional Opportunities: For expats working in Japan, fluency in Japanese can open doors to a wider range of job opportunities and career advancement. It also signals to employers a commitment to adapting to the local culture and a willingness to fully immerse oneself in the professional environment.

Avoiding Frustration

Melodie, a French woman who spent some time in Japan after falling in love with the culture via Manga and anime, strongly recommends starting with a good grasp of the language before moving to Japan. Otherwise, what should be a delightful expat experience will most likely be one of frustration. 

Even with some language preparation pre-trip, Melodie found herself relying on pictures of food on the menu at restaurants or trying, sometimes in vain, to make sense of confusing street signs in public. Not being able to do these basic things without help (or even being able to ask for help) could be completely debilitating to a foreigner in Japan. 

Tips to Get Started

For an enhanced expat experience in Japan, learning Japanese is pivotal. However, for English speakers, it’s true that the process can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure you get off on the right foot!

1) Start with the Alphabet

Since the Japanese alphabet is completely foreign, expats must start there. Being able to, if nothing else, sound out a word that you are reading will help your communication efforts if you are unfamiliar with a written word that you see. Getting comfortable with the Japanese alphabet is the foundation of learning the language and should be the very first step. 

2) Learn Basic Expressions

Sometimes, starting “from scratch” can be overwhelming. Having some basic expressions in your toolkit that you can use repeatedly will boost your confidence and give you something to say when interacting with locals. Start with typical greetings, apologies, weather phrases, and then expand to more challenging questions like asking how it’s going or finding out which bus to take to the theatre. You will find these phrases invaluable as you live as an expat in Japan. 

3) Stop Translating Every Word

While doing word-for-word translation is normal at the beginning, it’s important to not rely on this when learning a language. Sometimes, phrases in one language just don’t translate directly to another. Grammatical rules around sentence structures, verb placement, and more, can be completely opposite of what you’re familiar with in English. 

4) Get Professional Help (for documents and for learning)

As a Japanese language beginner, you should absolutely get professional help for filling out official documents. Making mistakes when completing immigration paperwork or not following processes correctly will negatively affect your expat experience, and it’s completely avoidable! 

Additionally, finding a professional language service can make all the difference in your language learning journey. It’s not necessary to wait until you get to Japan to have an interactive, “real world” experience! For example, BiCortex Languages, a language-learning service that teaches over 50 languages, provides lessons with a professional trainer online, both 1:1 or in a group setting.

5) Keep it Real

On that note, as you’re seeking professional language training, it’s important to “keep it real.” Taking lessons with a real person can vastly improve your language proficiency, and virtual lessons allow you to start learning regardless of where you live in the world. 

Whereas language learning apps and YouTube videos might be good compliments to a professional program, learning from (and speaking with) a fluent speaker will make a huge difference in your progress. You’ll learn real-world ways of talking that you can’t learn with a textbook or vocabulary list. 

However, if your schedule is limited and you’re unable to commit to an instructor-led course, many companies like BiCortex also offer self-paced, bite-sized lessons that you can complete as your schedule permits. Again, these lessons are created by native speakers that will know best which topics and phrases will be the most useful. 

Better yet, for virtual language learning, you won’t be limited by your location: You can start learning the ins and outs of the language as soon as you get word that you’re moving to Japan! 

6) Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Learning to laugh at yourself is key when living as an expat in Japan. Making mistakes is normal and should be expected. There are many social “rules” in Japan and you are more than likely going to break some of them, even unintentionally. It’s the same with the language! 

For Melodie, when she was unsure of what was being communicated, she would often find herself politely nodding her head and saying “Ah, yes, I see” as a way of being respectful, which is a good tactic, but it also might lead to some funny looks from the locals if your response is odd. Keeping a good sense of humor is important. 

Learning Japanese for the Win

In conclusion, while every expat experience is unique, learning Japanese can be instrumental in facilitating a smoother and more meaningful integration into Japanese society. Fortunately, learning the language is not impossible, and there are ways to learn that are both pleasant and practical. 

As expats embark on their journey in Japan, speaking and understanding Japanese is a powerful tool that not only aids in practical matters but also paves the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this captivating culture.