How to Learn Japanese While Working Full-time in Japan

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If you’re one of the lucky few in Japan whose job doesn’t require Japanese, you might manage just fine day-to-day. But eventually, you’ll realize how important the language really is. At first glance, learning Japanese looks hard. It takes time, energy, and consistent effort. And when you’re already juggling the demands of a full-time job, finding that kind of time can feel nearly impossible.

But don’t get discouraged! While you may feel a little lost on where to start, let this be the guide to get you started and achieve your goals of learning Japanese while managing a 9-to-5 job.

And who knows, maybe afterwards you can start preparing for the JLPT!

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve professional communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings like a native, and open up new career opportunities!

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Main Challenges of Studying Japanese for Working Professionals

Being a full-time employee can be hard enough without having to learn a language on top of that. For Japanese, known to be one of the hardest languages to learn, more time may be needed to give towards it, as well as energy. It may be hard to find time if there are other hobbies or family matters to attend to nightly.

Another potential issue that could arise is the cost of learning Japanese. Most classes are priced per week and are overall not the cheapest to come by. This can make it harder for potential Japanese language learners, especially when the options are bountiful and times for classes may vary. Don’t let this discourage you before you even start, as there are many options out there for whatever your needs may be!

Can I study Japanese while working?

Yes, you can for sure study Japanese while working a full-time job in Japan, but you will need to be more flexible with your options. Studying as a working professional is different from being a full-time learner on a student visa, as your day isn’t entirely dedicated to learning the language. While it may not be able to be the priority of your day, as long as you stay organized and have a plan, you can most definitely find time to work on your language learning!

A majority of companies in Japan will want you to know some basic Japanese, even if you are working in a primarily English-speaking role, such as English teaching or recruitment. Sometimes, you need business-level Japanese prior to joining or as you work there.

Check out: 11 Jobs Besides English Teaching in Japan with Low Japanese Requirements

How to Study Japanese While Working Full-time

1. Enroll in Part-Time Japanese Classes

You don’t need to be enrolled full-time to still get a good education. There are schools all over Japan made to help foreigners get adjusted to their life in Japan, focusing on more flexible, part-time courses on weekends or evenings. They are designed specifically for working professionals and expats, prioritizing practical Japanese language skills rather than theoretical elements such as kanji or the JLPT.

For example, Coto Academy’s part-time courses are available for part-time on weekdays in the evening and Saturdays, which vary between 50 to 100 minutes. They offer classes on weeknights to minimize disruptions to your work schedule and are ideal for learning business Japanese or any level you may need. You’ll be able to learn from teachers in classrooms of up to 8 other students who are at the same level as you!

If you’re curious for more information about Coto’s part-time courses, you can read here Coto Academy’s Part-time Classes in Tokyo and Yokohama.

2. Get a Private Japanese Tutor

If you’re looking for more one-on-one help or have an inconsistent schedule, a private tutor may be the path for you! The best part about being in Japan and trying to learn Japanese is that there are native speakers who are tutors all around you! You can find a tutor through online listings, schools like Coto Academy, or social media platforms like Facebook. Be sure to check more than 1 source, though, as prices can vary from teacher to teacher.

Interested in getting a private tutor? Check out Coto’s page about Private Japanese Lessons to see if this may be the right fit for you!

3. Practice with Native Speakers

Extroverts unite! Let’s put your knowledge to the test because practice truly makes progress!
While stepping into this stage might feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time, think of it as a valuable opportunity to learn and improve. Perfection isn’t the goal. Consistent effort is what truly matters.

There are many effective ways to practice speaking with native Japanese speakers. For example, enrolling in in-person classes, such as those offered by Coto Academy, allows you to work one-on-one with experienced instructors who can guide you step-by-step through real conversations.

Additionally, many online volunteer groups offer language exchange sessions where you can practice Japanese with native speakers while helping them with your own language in return. These sessions are often held regularly and are easy to join, creating a friendly, low-pressure environment for mutual learning.

And finally, don’t be afraid to engage in real-life experiences. Everyday interactions, especially in customer service settings, can provide meaningful opportunities to practice. If a staff member isn’t too busy, approach them with a warm smile and ask if they’d be open to a quick conversation. It’s a great way to apply what you’ve learned in a natural setting!

4. Join Language Study Groups

This may seem like the hard part, but it doesn’t have to be! With apps like Facebook having groups with similar interests (like foreigners learning Japanese in Japan), you can join, or websites like Meetup available, there are more opportunities to meet and study than you may realize! Just knowing where to look and what you are looking for is a must.

5. Watch and Read Japanese Anime or Manga

Now with this one, there are many angles you can start from. Regardless of where you start, watch or listen to some type of Japanese media with Japanese subtitles. This can include beginner-friendly anime, manga, or even your favorite Japanese Netflix shows.

Alongside your normal learning, you’ll slowly start to be able to pick up on keywords, then phrases, and beyond! It will improve your listening, contextual awareness of language usage, and Kanji recognition.

One of the most effective—and surprisingly fun—ways to start learning Japanese is by immersing yourself in children’s television shows. These programs are designed for young native speakers who are just beginning to understand the language themselves, making them perfect for beginners. Because they’re geared toward early learners, most shows use simple vocabulary and primarily feature hiragana, the first writing system you’ll want to master.

As you follow along, you’ll not only hear proper pronunciation but also start to see how hiragana is used in context. To reinforce your learning, consider visiting a public library and flipping through Japanese children’s books. They can be a great way to quiz yourself and build confidence in reading.

Don’t worry if it feels a bit silly—it’s actually a smart and proven way to build a strong foundation!

Once you’re more comfortable, try leveling up by reading manga. The combination of text and illustrations makes it easier to infer meaning, even when you come across unfamiliar words. From there, expand into Japanese dramas, variety shows, and news broadcasts to challenge yourself and continue improving.

If you’re curious to learn more about how children’s television can help you learn, or you’re just a fan of Peppa Pig, read How Peppa Pig Can Help You Learn Japanese.

6. Take Business Japanese Courses

If you’re looking for something more specific that might help with your career, like wanting to learn more for business-related Japanese, then these classes may be the right fit for you! Coto Academy has a 3-month business Japanese course happening at our Iidabashi school that has classes every Saturday, which is perfect for people who have to work full time.

If this is something you may be interested in, check out Coto Academy’s Business Japanese Course.

7. Self-study with a Japanese Learning App

Out of all the options, downloading a Japanese learning app might be the most convenient way to squeeze in study time during a busy schedule. You can open the app during your morning commute on the train, lunch break, or any spare moment throughout the day.

Apps like Anki (for flashcards), Duolingo (for gamified learning), Bunpo (for grammar), and WaniKani (for kanji) are great for quick, focused practice sessions. While they can’t fully replace structured classes, they’re a powerful supplement to help you review, memorize, and stay engaged with the language on a daily basis.

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8. Consider Taking Online Courses

You might be working in Tokyo, but time is still the one thing you don’t have enough of. Commuting to in-person classes can eat up precious hours, yet you want to study Japanese consistently, not just through self-study. What’s the best option?

For a more structured approach without the commute, online lessons are an excellent choice. Many language schools — including Coto Academy — offer live, interactive online classes, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your home or office. This way, you get the benefits of a guided class with a real instructor. Online classes can also be a more affordable option!

Check out Coto Academy Online and create a free account!

Tips to Learn Japanese While Working in Japan

1. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Setting clear and specific goals before you begin learning will help you feel less stressed. Through goal setting, both for your job and for learning, you’ll be better able to plan ahead of time for work. Students are often told to set S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Making this clear from the beginning can help you to see what is most important in your journey to learning and perhaps what steps might be redundant or useless.

2. Create Structured Study Plans

No two people study the same. Knowing how you best learn may take some time to understand, but will help you for miles down the road. There are many resources on the internet to help you prepare for learning, including worksheets or online tutorials, but don’t just do it to do it. Do it because you know it will help! Here are just some questions to go through when finding your optimal study plan:

Do you work better alone, with another person, or in a group?
What setting helps you get into the mood for studying? Does staying home to study potentially set you up to get distracted with other tasks?
Do you memorize better by writing notes or typing them?
How much time do you want to put into it? How will you structure breaks?
What other material (like flash cards of hiragana) may help you?
When are your least busiest days?
Do you need silence to study? Or do you like background music?
Would it be easier to learn from textbooks, online videos, or a teacher?

3. Dive Into the Culture

Above all, keep your head up and look around. See what cuisine is around you, the words, how people are talking, and listen! Don’t stay stuck on Google Maps looking for recommendations for dinner, just walk around till you see something you may like. The more you go out to observe/listen, the more exposure you’re receiving. Maybe even try making some native speaker friends through sports games/clubs. Live in the moment and live within society! Listen to what others may be ordering, follow where the crowd is headed for lunch: we promise you won’t regret it!

4. Utilize Free Learning Resources

The internet is a beautiful place, so long as you know what you are looking for. You can find worksheets to print, online games to play that teach you Japanese, and other online resources to help deepen your understanding of Japanese. Mobile apps like Duolingo are also there to help you when you’re on the go, and for the most part, are free!

If you need some help getting started looking for resources, check out The Ultimate Guide to Learning Japanese Online: Apps, courses, and Resources.

Conclusion: Stay Persistent!

Learning a new language takes time, and not one person will learn the same way as another person. Remember to not give up on yourself, keep your head up, rehearse with others, and cut time out of your day to work on it.

If you want to join part-time Japanese lessons, consider Coto Academy! Coto Academy offers flexible short-term or long-term Japanese courses tailored for working professionals. Come meet some of the other students and get ready to speak Japanese together!

Want to study Japanese with us?

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FAQ

How much Japanese should I learn before coming to Japan?

When it comes to learning Japanese, at the very least, formal greetings, saying “thank you”, “excuse me”, and asking where the bathroom is are seen as most important. The more you know, the better!

What kind of jobs can foreigners get in Japan?

When it comes to finding a job in Japan, your Japanese proficiency will dictate what industries you can or cannot enter. One of the most common jobs for foreigners is English teachers, or Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs for short), which often just require a specific certification prior to applying. With Japan’s boom in technology and AI, IT, tech, and engineering jobs are more in demand than ever.

How much Japanese should I know to get a job in Japan?

Most jobs are going to ask that their employees be at level N2 or N1, although there are some jobs that do not require a high level of Japanese skill.

Is English common in Japan?

In Tokyo, English is fairly common. Especially when it comes to traveling on the subway or when ordering food electronically. But the further you go out from the city, the less English you will see.

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test measures the test taker’s proficiency in Japanese vocabulary and grammar.

Can I learn Japanese while working full-time?

Yes, you can learn Japanese while working full-time. Use your commute and breaks to study with apps, take evening or weekend classes, and practice daily conversation. Consistent small efforts each day make a big difference.

How do I learn Japanese while working full-time?

You can study at part-time Japanese classes like Coto Academy, take online lessons, or self-study. Use your commute and breaks to study with apps like Anki or Duolingo, take evening or weekend classes, and practice speaking in daily life. Study a little every day. Consistency is key.

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