The Japanese government just announced that on April 15, 2026, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (one of the most common work visas for foreign nationals) will be revised to include a Japanese language requirement. Under the new system, foreigners need to have Japanese language skills equivalent to the N2 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, or the B2 level of the CEFR standards.

However, the Japanese language requirements for work visas apply only to roles that already require Japanese proficiency, rather than to all applicants under the 技人国 (gijinkoku) visa category. Either way, how are these revisions actually going to work, who is this change for, and why is the Japanese government making these revisions in the first place?

This information is based on ongoing developments and should not be considered legal advice. We are not legal experts or an official immigration authority. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the Residence Status: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services page provided by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The JLPT N2 is Now Required for One of the Most Common Work Visas

The Immigration Services Agency officially stated on its website that Japan will require proof of Japanese proficiency for the gijinkoku visa. They’ve decided that Japanese proficiency needs to be at the CEFR B2 level, which is considered to be equivalent to the JLPT N2. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. You only need to submit a JLPT N2 certificate if your application falls under category 3 or 4 (employment at SMEs).
2. Passing the JLPT N2 (CEFR B2) is not a strict requirement since the website outlines that alternative proof of proficiency could be accepted.
3. Any new requirement will apply only to applicants entering Japan on a 技人国 (Gijinkoku) visa for the first time. Foreign nationals already in Japan on student visas who transition directly into this visa category could be exempt.
4. Language requirements would only apply to jobs where Japanese is actually used.

So, let’s unpack what all that means.

What is the Engineering, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa?

Before we discuss the exact revisions, we need to understand the exact visa that is being affected. The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, known in Japanese as 技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Gijutsu, Jinbun Chishiki, Kokusai Gyoumu), is one of the most common work visas for foreign professionals in Japan. It is often abbreviated as 技人国 (Gijinkoku).

The gijinkoku is a flexible, wide-reaching work visa allowing foreigners to engage in a variety of industries that fall under engineering, humanities, or international services. Below is a breakdown of typical roles covered by the gijinkoku visa.

Basically, almost anything can fall under these broad categories, from software, marketing, consulting, creative, to even English teaching. So, it might be easier to define what this visa is not:

• It is not a blue-collar labor visa
• It is not meant for factory or construction work
• It is not meant for hospitality or food service work (waiter, bartender, etc.)

Currently, the visa requires either a bachelor’s degree or some years of work experience in an industry relevant to the visa’s permitted work scope. To receive the visa, you do not need any Japanese language ability.

What are Category 3 or 4 Applications for the Gijinkoku Work Visa

Categories 3 and 4 are typically small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have existed for some time and have submitted their statutory withholding tax records for the previous year. Category 4 includes newly established companies (startups) or very small businesses with limited financial history.

So, how likely is it for foreigners to work in SMEs? The majority of foreigners are employed at small companies, over 36% work at companies with under 30 employees, and almost 20% work in companies employing between 30 and 99 employees, according to the Immigration Services Agency. With so many foreigners working for SMEs, they will need to have the JLPT N2 qualification if their job requires Japanese.

However, keep in mind, you are deemed to have JLPT N2 if you have:

・Graduated from a Japanese university, completed a specialized or advanced course at a Japanese college of technology or vocational school.
・Completed compulsory education in Japan and graduated from a Japanese high school

So, if you have already studied in Japan at a university, you do not need JLPT N2; however, the system will make it harder for overseas applicants to come to Japan if they are hired by smaller firms, or if they did not attend a Japanese higher education institution.

Why is Japan Making These Revisions?

What the gijinkoku visa is, the type of work it permits, and its eligibility criteria lead us directly into why Japan is going to make revisions to its language requirements. The government believes that many foreigners enter the country with the gijinkoku visa but end up working in sectors that do not fall under its permitted scope. So, the government feels that the visa’s lack of language proficiency requirements is partly to blame for this.

There are currently 468,068 gijinkoku visa holders according to the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Welfare (MLHW), making it the second most common visa after the permanent resident visa. With the number of foreign workers the visa brings into the country, Japan wants to ensure that all the foreigners meet qualifications while preventing visa holders from working in sectors not allowed under the gijinkoku work criteria. So, requiring proof of Japanese ability could bar candidates who don’t have that baseline qualification, as well as allow in more foreigners, more likely to integrate into Japanese society. 

So, it’s for this purpose that the JLPT N2 is going to be required for getting the visa. Additionally, the fact that the revisions are only for category 3 and 4 applications means small companies are the main target. With so many foreigners being employed by SMEs, they need to ensure these companies (with fewer financial records) are also complying. So the new policy also includes restrictions that will bar any company from hiring foreign workers for 5 years if they have any labor or harassment violations.

Recent policy discussions in Japan have also focused on tightening requirements for permanent residency. Specifically, government panels and ruling party officials are considering introducing a Japanese language requirement for permanent residency applicants as part of broader immigration reforms.

What Language Requirements Are Actually Being Proposed?

Japan will revise the eligibility criteria for the gijinkoku visa to require applicants to possess Japanese at the CEFR B2 level, which is approximately equivalent to the JLPT N2. 

However, there are some important caveats you should keep in mind:

1. Applicable Only to Roles Needing Japanese

These changes are only applicable to roles that require Japanese language ability. Since the gijinkoku visa is so flexible and covers a wide range of roles, certain positions such as English teaching (often covered by the gijinkoku), recruitment, inbound marketing, and certain engineering/technical roles likely wouldn’t be applicable for the new language requirement changes if no Japanese is required.

2. Revisions Likely Won’t Apply to Visa Status Changes or Renewals

The revisions also won’t be applied to foreigners seeking to change their visa status, such as university students changing their visa to the gijinkoku or current workers who are renewing their visa. So, if you’ve just changed jobs and will be needing to renew your visa, you won’t need to rush to pass the N2. The revision is mainly targeted at foreigners entering Japan for the first time and requiring a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

3. JLPT N2 is One of Many Accepted Documents Proving Japanese Skills

The biggest elephant in the room is whether the JLPT N2 certificate will actually be a strict requirement for visa eligibility. It seems the government just wants proof of language ability at the CEFR B2 standard, which they feel is equivalent to the N2. So, an N2 certificate would be sufficient proof of language ability, but it doesn’t have to be the only one. Others include:

• A score of at least 400 on the Business Japanese Test (BJT)
• Graduating from universities in Japan, or completing advanced or specialized courses at vocational/technical colleges
• Residing in Japan for 20 years or more as a medium-to-long term resident
• Completing compulsory education in Japan and completing high school

About the JLPT N2 or CEFR B2

The N2 is the second-highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), an exam that evaluates Japanese language abilities. The N2 is considered sufficient for working in Japanese, meaning you can engage in complicated dialogue, read articles, conduct meetings, and meet the diverse language demands of a working setting in Japanese.

However, the policy will stipulate submitting documents proving you’re at the CEFR B2 level, which officially corresponds to the N2. The CEFR, or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a global standard that measures language proficiency. According to the website, the B2 level means you can comfortably communicate with native speakers as well as understand concrete and abstract texts and discussions. You can also produce detailed writings on a range of subjects you are knowledgeable about. 

There is no test for the CEFR specifically, so Japan considers the N2 to be an indicator of being at the CEFR B2 level. But note that the JLPT N2 will not be the only certificate the government will consider, as mentioned above.

Who Will Need the JLPT N2 Under These New Revisions?

As mentioned, not every person seeking the gijinkoku visa will be subject to the new revisions. The main target of the revision is foreigners who are still living in their home country and need a COE. The revisions will be part of the eligibility requirements for receiving the COE, which is needed for granting the gijinkoku visa. However, these revisions are only applicable to job descriptions requiring Japanese language skills. 

Here are some typical roles that could require Japanese and fall under the gijinkoku qualifications:

• Client-facing positions, such as consulting or sales
• Domestic marketing positions
• Translation and interpretation between Japanese and English
• Any company where all operations are conducted in Japanese

So, let’s break down who does and does not apply for the Japanese language requirements when seeking the gijinkoku visa:

Client-facing and Other Roles Requiring JLPT N2 for the Visa

Client-facing roles will probably need Japanese the most, but what do these roles actually entail? In English teaching, you are dealing with “clients” who could be your students or the parents whom you need to speak to directly, sometimes even in Japanese. However, these roles probably won’t expect you to have a JLPT N2 for the job since Japanese is not a core part of the role’s responsibilities. The Job Description will need to clearly state that Japanese language skills are necessary, but often, the extent to which is not clearly defined. So, in these cases, you would need to clarify what is needed and if you would need to submit proof of language abilities to immigration.

Most of the time, roles needing a high level of Japanese will clearly state that candidates should possess at least the JLPT N2 skill level, whether you have the certificate or not. But with the new revisions, you might need to submit certification to immigration. Usually, these roles involve speaking with Japanese stakeholders, which often includes external clients or business partners. In client-facing roles, you would need to engage with Japanese clients to discuss products, help with inquiries, or make recommendations. Since you often need to explain complicated details, respond to questions, and help clients make big decisions, your Japanese would need to be sharp.

“Client-facing” is not the only role needing high Japanese proficiency. A role involving internal stakeholders, where you have to speak, train, or participate in meetings with your colleagues and fellow employees, would require excellent Japanese. Also, translation and interpretation roles would need high proficiency, ideally a bi-lingual level, in Japanese as well as the target language. These roles are quite common across Japanese industries, especially with SMEs, since they often need resources for localization.

Impact on the Japanese Job Market & How to Prepare

So, what do these revisions mean for companies hiring and sponsoring foreign workers? Hiring companies will need to comply by ensuring that job descriptions clearly disclose language requirements, and the interview process will also need to thoroughly screen the candidates to determine if they actually meet the language demands of the role. 

This means if you apply for a role, you will need to submit proof of language abilities to both your job and the Japanese embassy in your home country for your COE. The Japanese job market might have a higher barrier to entry as the government now requires proof of language proficiency via certifications like the JLPT N2, and companies might become stricter about language screening. On the other hand, this change could potentially decrease the pool of candidates, making the job market in Japan less crowded. 

The Japanese government also wants to use the revisions to crack down on employers that have engaged in unfair labor practices or have harassed employees in the past. So, any companies with violations won’t be able to hire foreign employees for at least 5 years.

So, how can you prepare for getting a job in Japan that requires Japanese and showing proof of language skills for your visa? Here’s what you will need to know:

1. Start Preparing for Japanese Language Tests

While other exams and qualifications will be accepted for the gijinkoku visa, we highly recommend getting the JLPT N2. It has already been cited as sufficient for getting the visa and is considered equivalent to the CEFR B2. It is also the most accepted certification for Japanese language proficiency for companies, government agencies, and universities. Whichever exam you choose, just ensure it is considered to be equivalent to the CEFR B2 level.

To get started on preparing for the N2, consider joining JLPT prep courses at Coto Academy!

2. Get the Certificate

Once you pass the exam, you will need to be sure you download and print the certification, which you will need to submit to the Japanese embassy for your COE. Additionally, you might need to show proof of your language proficiency to the hiring company. They probably won’t ask for the certificate, since they will test your Japanese during the interview, but it might be good to have an extra copy or a digital one ready in case they ask for it.

3. Prepare for Japanese Interviews

Preparing for Japanese interviews will be just as essential as preparing for the JLPT, since you need the company to hire and sponsor you to come into Japan. While the Japanese you studied for the JLPT will be handy, it’s best to prepare specifically for Japanese job interviews by practicing responses to common interview questions, mastering your 自己紹介 (jikoshokai) or self-introduction, and brushing up your Japanese keigo. With practice, you will get the hang of how interviews work in Japanese, like interviews anywhere else, always be confident, and be yourself!

4. Apply & Submit the Documents for the COE

As mentioned, we are still getting updates on how the process will work with the new revisions. The current process generally goes as follows:

• Once you land a job, you will need to submit all necessary immigration documents to your employer
• Your employer will submit documents on your behalf for the COE
• Once you receive your COE, you go to the Japanese embassy of your home country to apply for the visa by submitting your COE, passport, and other documents.
• Once everything is approved, you will have to pick up your passport and visa
• Upon arriving in Japan, your passport will get the official visa page, and you will receive a residence card

Final Verdict: Will the JLPT N2 be Required for Working Visas?

Since the government will add language requirements for the gijinkoku visa, the JLPT N2 is probably the safest for proving your language abilities are equivalent to the CEFR B2. However, alternative documents can be used as proof as well. Additionally, the planned revisions only apply to roles with job descriptions specifically requiring Japanese language skills. It will not apply to people already in Japan who are planning to renew or change their visa residence status. 

The new revisions will be effective by April 15, 2026, but we recommend keeping an eye out for the news to stay up-to-date and inform any life-changing decisions.

If you are planning on getting a job in Japan that requires Japanese skills, we highly recommend taking our JLPT preparation courses at Coto Academy! The course will break down the exam piece by piece, allowing a chance to understand the test’s sections, structure, and questions inside and out. If you’re worried about getting the certificate to meet the new language requirements, sign up today to be sure you’re ready to pass!

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Read more:

What to Know About Japan’s New Foreign Worker System Starting 2027

Tourists Can No Longer Take the JLPT Exam In Japan From 2026

The Engineer’s Guide to Breaking Into Japan’s Tech Market

Spring in Japan is known for the beautiful pink foliage, but also winds of yellow mists dispersing pollen and causing nationwide hay fever, or 花粉症 (kafunshou). Enjoying the sakura viewing in Tokyo, let alone living comfortably, during Japan’s peak pollen season, is close to impossible when you are being plagued by incessant sneezes, itchy eyes, and congestion so strong that you feel like your nostrils have been glued together.

So, how do you not just survive the hay fever season, but thrive? The weather is perfect, and the views of the pink canopies should not be missed! Let’s go through the types of kafunsho in Japan, when pollen count is highest, and how you can reduce hay fever as much as possible!

What is Kafunshou?

Kafunshou (花粉症) literally translates to “pollen illness” and refers to hay fever, a seasonal allergic reaction that has become one of Japan’s most widespread health issues. It is most commonly triggered by pollen from Cryptomeria japonica (sugi, often called Japanese cedar) and Japanese cypress (hinoki), two native tree species. 

Symptoms include relentless sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and intensely itchy, watery eyes. 

How Did Hay Fever Start?

The root cause is a well-documented case of post-war policy backfiring over time. Shortly after World War II, reforestation policies resulted in large forests of cedar and cypress trees, which were planted as an important resource for the construction industry. 

However, as inexpensive lumber imported from abroad came to dominate the housing market, these trees were left standing in the mountains without being harvested, allowing pollen to disperse freely on the wind.

Peak pollen production occurs in trees 30 years and older, and by 2000, more than 60% of cryptomeria trees had reached that age.

The crisis has spawned an entire industry of masks, anti-pollen glasses, air purifiers, and medications, and the government continues investing heavily in developing low-pollen tree varieties to address the problem at its source.

Types of 花粉症 (Kafunshou) or Hay Fever in Japan

There are primarily 2 different types of 花粉症 (kafunshou) in Japan during the spring season, since around 70% of Japan’s planted forests are cedar and cypress.

1. 杉 (Sugi) or Cedar

Cedar, also known as 杉 (sugi) in Japanese, is one of the biggest culprits for hay fever in Japan. It causes symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes in over 40% of the Japanese population. Cedar pollen tends to disperse in early Spring.

2. 檜 (Hinoki) or Cypress

檜 (hinoki), or cypress, usually follows cedar and is another major culprit for hay fever in Japan. It is known to cause more severe symptoms than cedar, especially since they tend to overlap, leading to a stronger allergic reaction in those sensitive to both. 

When is Hay Fever in Japan? Kafunshou Forecast

Take a look at the map below to see when pollen disperses across Japan. The map also shows which areas tend to have the highest pollen concentrations.

Cedar Pollen Forecast in Japan

Cedar pollen tends to start around early Spring and peaks during mid-spring. So, the cedar pollen period is generally from around mid-February to the end of March in the eastern and northern parts of Japan, which includes the Tokyo area. Cedar pollen will likely peak around mid to late March. For the Southern areas of Japan, the cedar pollen starts around early March and ends around mid-March. 

Cypress Pollen Forecast in Japan

Cypress pollen starts spreading after cedar; however, there is often an overlap between the two allergens. Generally, the cypress period in the east (including Tokyo) is from late March to early April. In the southern part of Japan (including Kyushu), the forecast period is from late March to early April. 

Pollen Concentration Across Japan

Areas with a higher prevalence of cedar and cypress trees will have a higher concentration of pollen. According to the Japan Weather Association, pollen concentration is very high in Sendai, high in Nagoya, and slightly high in Tokyo. However, in the southern regions of Japan (such as Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka), pollen concentrations tend to be lower.

Additionally, smog and concrete buildings in big cities can also contribute to the higher concentration of pollen. So, rural areas may have lower pollen counts and better air quality overall, since they have less pollution, which could exacerbate allergic reactions and even asthma.

How Does 花粉症 (Kafunshou) or Hay Fever Affect Japan?

As mentioned, hay fever affects around 42% of the population, which means close to half of the population has moderate to severe symptoms such as a stuffy nose, irritable eyes, relentless sneezing, and even fevers. This leads to a spike in hospital clinic visits and sick leaves, resulting in less productive offices and, at times, higher health care costs.

The Japanese government had even started describing the hay fever season as a national crisis or even a social issue, citing the post-war policies of planting cypress and cedar trees. Now, these trees dominate human-planted forests, which consist of 10 million hectares across Japan. They now make up over 70% of all trees in these plantations. After years of these forests being left unchecked, the aging trees started releasing swaths of pollen that now afflict the whole Japanese population. 

As a result, the Japanese government started tackling hay fever by directly targeting the source of the pollen, the man-made forest of cedar and cypress trees. The Japanese government plans to replace massive amounts of these trees with low-pollen cedar. However, these initiatives will take years to finish, so for the time being, what can we do to mitigate hay fever symptoms and go outside when the weather is nice, and the sakuras are blooming?

Japanese Hay Fever Medication

There are a variety of medicines in Japan that you can take to mitigate your hay fever symptoms. You can generally find these medications at most 薬や (kusuri ya), or drugstores, which are found all over the country. Usually, they have a big sign that says 薬 (kusuri), so they are not hard to find. But what medicines should you look for when you get there? 

Check out our blog, breaking down how to navigate pharmacies in Japan!

1. アンティヒスタミン (Anti Hisutamin): Anti-Histamin Medication

Japanese drugstores likely carry brands you’ll recognize, such as Claritin, which is クラルチン (kurarushin), and Allegra, which is アレグラ (aregura). Both of these brands are great because they reduce symptoms without making you sleepy. Of course, you can find Japanese alternatives to these medicines, so when you’re at the clinic to get an effective allergy medicine, you should look for ones that include an ingredient called an antihistamine or アンティヒスタミン (anti hisutamin).

2. 目薬 (Megusuri): Eye Drops

目薬 (mekusuri) or eye drops are a must to get rid of the extreme itchiness and irritation your eyes suffer during this season. These symptoms are one of the most debilitating since, in many cases, they can make it more difficult to focus at work or school, and are definitely very uncomfortable. So, every pharmacy in Japan carries eye drops, but be sure to find those that specifically target 花粉症 (kafunshou) symptoms. Some popular hay fever eye drops include: ロートアルガード (rooto arugaado), アイリスAGガード (airisu AG gaado), and アレジフェンス (areji fensu).

You can get these eye drops over the counter and commonly use them for hay fever; however, if your symptoms are more severe, you can get steroid eye drops or prescription eye drops from a doctor.

3. 点鼻薬 (Tenbiyaku) or 鼻スプレー (Hana supuree): Nasal Spray

To directly target nasal congestion, every medicine store and pharmacy offers a variety of nasal sprays. The most common over-the-counter sprays include anti-histamines and ingredients that help reduce inflammation and stuffiness. More powerful sprays contain a type of steroid that is effective at improving symptoms over time with consistent use. Common brands include Nasonex and Nasal αAR 0.1%, both available over the counter and considered very effective.

However, if these brands aren’t right for you, you can visit a clinic and tell a doctor about your symptoms so they can prescribe a specific nasal spray that would be more effective.

Can You Go to a Japanese Clinic for Hay Fever?

If you are living in Japan and enrolled in the national health insurance system, we recommend you go to a Japanese clinic if your hay fever symptoms are severe. This is because the medicine is more effective, and you end up paying less since around 70% of your med fees are covered by insurance!

Most general clinics, which in Japanese is called クリニック (kurinikku), allow you to make reservations or even just walk in to consult with a doctor who can prescribe specialized medication that will be more effective for severe or specific symptoms. You can get prescription medicine for all the medicines we mentioned above, including pills with anti-allergy substances, nasal sprays, and eye drops. 

I know clinics are often associated with charging crazy bills, and so you might think it might not be worth it. But if you live in Japan and have health insurance, visiting a clinic will be surprisingly cheap. Even if you don’t have health insurance, you might be surprised to see how low the costs of receiving healthcare can be in Japan. Additionally, getting medication from a clinic tends to be cheaper than buying medicine from pharmacies. It may seem counterintuitive, but the Japanese healthcare system is quite cost-effective.

How to Mitigate Your Hay Fever Symptoms

1. Avoid Going Outdoors and Change Whenever You Do

Try to stay indoors as much as possible on days when pollen levels are especially high. To keep your house pollen-free, keep doors and windows closed and use air conditioning that preferably has filters for allergens and dust. 

Of course, you will have to leave your house sometimes for work, errands, and the demands of everyday life. So, whenever you do leave your home, try to change your clothes as soon as you enter your house. The pollen will stick to your clothes and may trigger your hay fever symptoms, along with the fact that you could be spreading allergens all over your home. Try to change, wash your clothes, and avoid air drying outdoors if possible. When not possible, shaking and patting your clothes before bringing them back in can be an effective way to remove the pollen.

2. Travel to Low Cedar Area

Plan your vacation around the peak pollen forecast and try to visit low pollen areas in Japan. This might be a weird idea, but not all areas of Japan observe high concentrations of pollen, so if you have some spare PTO, why not explore Japan during this season? Regions such as Hokkaido and Okinawa are especially low in pollen for cedar and cypress. These are both some of the most popular destinations to visit in Japan, so perhaps your hay fever will give you the perfect excuse to get away to Hokkaido or Okinawa this Spring.

Want to travel in Japan during Spring? Check out our Travel Guide: What To Do In Japan In April!

3. Building Immunity to Cedar and Cypress Pollen

Certain clinics also provide immunotherapy treatment, which is meant to help your body build immunity to the allergens in pollen rather than just treat the symptoms. This is the most effective, if not the only, way of “curing” your allergies. However, immunotherapy often spans a long time frame, around 2-3 years of consistent shots or pills before your body’s immune system builds a tolerance for the allergens. 

While this is the most proven method of building lasting tolerance, until the treatment is finished, you will still experience allergy symptoms. So, for that time, treating the symptoms would make your life much more comfortable.

4. Other Proven Methods to Mitigate Allergy Symptoms

There are many methods people use to help protect their faces, especially their nose and eyes, from gaining too much exposure to pollen. Some of them include:

• Wearing a face mask helps prevent inhaling pollen
• Wearing glasses can really help prevent pollen from getting to your eyes and causing irritation
• Using face sprays can be helpful for preventing pollen from sticking to your skin.

Tips for People with Asthma During Hay Fever

If you have asthma coupled with hay fever allergies, you probably already know how the pollen can trigger asthma symptoms. It’s actually quite common for people with asthma to also have hay fever since the two are highly correlated. This might be due to the fact that allergens can cause inflammation and respiratory issues. 

So, it’s best to always have your asthma medication along with hay fever medicine like the ones we mentioned earlier. Additionally, keeping track of high pollen days and avoiding exposure to pollen as much as possible is highly recommended.

Useful Japanese Words Related to 花粉症 (kafunshou) or Hay Fever

If you are in Japan during the hay fever season, it’s helpful to know some basic vocabulary. From general terminology and common symptoms to pharmacy items and clinic types, these words can make daily life much easier. Take a look at the table below:

Need to know more useful words and phrases for this Spring? Check out our blog: Cherry Blossom & Spring Vocabulary in Japanese!

How to Read 花粉症 (Kafunshou) or Pollen Forecast in Japanese Weather App

If you’re in Japan during hay fever season, I recommend downloading a local weather app like tenki.jp or Yahoo! Weather Japan.

These apps provide much more detailed daily-life info than typical apps and come with seasonal features. As you know, Japanese people tend to dry their clothes outside, so these apps provide information like laundry conditions and pollen levels. Reading them is also easy. 

Typically, pollen forecast terms indicate whether pollen levels are low, slightly high, or extremely high. The common range is as follows:

Here is how to read the pollen forecast in your weather app, step-by-step:

1. Check today’s level on your weather app. Look for labels such as 花粉情報 (kafun jouhou) or 花粉飛散量 (kafun hisanryou). 
2. Identify the level word. Using the table above, check the pollen levels. Thankfully, most weather apps come with illustrations and icons to help with visual aid, so even if you forgot the word, a lot of the information should be intuitively understandable! 

From there, you can adjust your day accordingly. For example, if the app indicates that the pollen levels are 多い or higher, you can ease your symptoms by wearing a mask or avoiding outdoor activities!

Conclusion: Hay Fever in Japan is Not Impossible to Deal With

花粉症 (kafunshou) or hay fever in Japan may be brutal with its massive amounts of cypress and cedar trees. However, it’s not impossible to deal with and should not deter you from strolling through parks to view the sakura trees. Taking measures to mitigate the symptoms, such as taking effective medicine, tracking high pollen time periods and areas, traveling to low pollen areas, and even taking immunotherapy. 

Spring should be an exciting time to go out and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about spring hay fever, so try the methods from this guide, or just take a bit of time to see a doctor. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Take Japanese Classes at Coto Japanese Academy!

Worried that you don’t know how to ask for the right medicine at the pharmacy or how to explain your symptoms to your doctor? Take Japanese courses at Coto Academy to ensure you get the 花粉症 (kafunshou) medicine you need! We offer practical, conversation-focused classes with trained teachers that will help you gain more confidence speaking and understanding Japanese! 

We have campuses in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Iidabashi, Minato, and Yokohama! If you’re not in Japan, don’t worry, we also offer courses fully online! Sign up right now to get a free consultation and level check!

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