Knowing how to write a proper Japanese business email is an important skill when working for a Japanese company. In Japanese business culture, email serves as a medium that reflects professionalism and respect for hierarchy. It mirrors the careful etiquette and structure you’d find in face-to-face meetings.

Historically, building business relationships in Japan has relied heavily on face-to-face interactions, often involving formal client visits. However, in recent years, digital communication has become the norm. Even if you are working for an international company, it is always good to write a well-crafted business email allows you to establish and maintain professional relationships with Japanese clients. reading our guide on how to write a formal business email!

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!

Japanese vs English Business Email

Surprisingly, Japanese business emails are quite different from English emails, and often more complex, even if both are technically used in a professional setting. Even many Japanese people find it challenging to draft a proper email!

Japanese emails tend to be highly formal, emphasizing politeness. They often begin with seasonal greetings or expressions of gratitude such as “いつもお世話になっております (itsu mo osewa ni natte orimasu),” and may include a self-introduction even after initial contact.

The main message is usually indirect and carefully worded to maintain harmony, and the closing remarks are elaborate, often including apologies or humble requests like “何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます.” In contrast, English business emails are more direct and concise, typically beginning with a simple greeting like “I hope you’re well” and getting to the point quickly. There is less emphasis on hierarchy and formality, and requests are often straightforward (e.g., “Please confirm”).

These differences reflect broader cultural values: Japanese communication prioritizes relationship-building and group harmony, while English communication values clarity, efficiency, and individual accountability.

Let’s take a look at how to make a request politely in a Japanese business email.

A Good Japanese Email Structure

Japanese email structure follows the same structure as an English email; the main difference lies in how you word it.

A Japanese email consists of 7 parts.

How to Write Business Emails in Japanese

Japanese business emails have a ceremonial element to them, and because of that, there is more of a templated formal structure than the freeform letters we are used to in a Western context.

1. Subject Line

Like in Western practice, the subject line in a Japanese business email should clearly communicate the purpose of the message. It needs to be specific and informative enough that the recipient can understand the general context without even opening the email.

Example:
【○○株式会社】6月20日打ち合わせのご確認
【○○Kabushikigaisha】Rokugatsu hatsuka uchiawase no gokakunin
[XYZ Corporation] Confirmation of Meeting on June 20

2. Opening

The first thing to remember when it comes to writing a Japanese business email is the use of the word 様 (sama), one of the many Japanese honorifics. This is an important and polite suffix/honorific that is standard procedure for Japanese business emails. Other than that, always remember to express gratitude when you start your email.

You can use phrases such as「お世話になっております」which means “We become indebted to you” literally.

After you open your email, you would need to introduce yourself. Introduce yourself by stating your full name and your current company you are working for with your current position.

If this is your first time meeting the person and you are doing a follow-up with the person, you may use this phrase「ABC株式会社のアダムと申します」which means “this is Adam from ABC Corporation”. If this is not your first time meeting the person, you should use this phrase instead「ABC株式会社のアダムでございます」which also means “this Adam from ABC Corporation”.

Example:

Besides that, depending on the context, you may also want to include additional phrases, such as apologizing for a late reply, thanking the recipient for a quick response, or offering a polite apology for sending a sudden email.

Though not common, you can also use a very formal way of saying “How are you doing?”: お元気でいらっしゃいますか。

3. Email Body

The email body is where you clearly and politely state the main purpose of your message. It usually starts with a brief summary or context, followed by the details or requests. Use polite and humble language, and avoid sounding too direct or demanding.

An important tip when writing Japanese emails is that each sentence typically starts on a new line. This is different from English, where sentences are grouped together into paragraphs.

4. Conclusion and Closing

The closing phrases in a Japanese email should match the tone and content of your message while showing proper politeness and respect. Here are some effective closing phrases you can use:

Tip: While ご返信お待ちしております (Gohenjin omachi shite orimasu), meaning “I look forward to your reply” is very polite, it can sometimes feel like you are putting pressure on the recipient to respond quickly. Because of this nuance, it’s often better to use more neutral closing phrases in formal Japanese business emails.

Using Keigo in Japanese Business Emails

Depending on the type of relationship of business relationship you are writing to, there are 2 types of language forms.

The first form is 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo), which is the honorific language. This form conveys courtesy and respect for the person you are writing to. This form can be used not only to your listeners but also to a third person as well. The only difference is from the polite form. Keep in mind that this form is usually too formal, and instead, the humble form is used more often.

As for the second form, it would be 謙譲語 (kenjougo), which means humble form. This form is used when you want to show your respect to the person you are writing to for your actions by humbling yourself.

This step is very important as you would need to show your respect to the recipient. Thus, you would need to be very careful about which language forms to use.

If the two parties already have a close relationship, they can both leave some parts out. However, a word of caution that this would make the email less formal and more casual.

Vocabulary Business Japanese Vocabulary

Here is some vocabulary for you to help you in writing your own Japanese business email!

Dear: 拝啓・はいけい・Haikei
Subject: 件名・けんめい・Kenmei
Sender: 差出人・さしだしにん・Sashidashinin
Address: 宛先・あてさき・Atesaki
Urgent: 至急・しきゅう・Shikyuu
Notice: 通知・つうち・Tsuuchi
To whom it may concern:  ご担当者様・ごたんとうしゃさま・Gotantoushasama
Best Wishes: 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu
Signature: 署名・しょめい・Shomei

Tips for Writing Japanese Business Email

• Japanese business emails are usually more structured as compared to those from Western countries.
• It is important to leave a line between each new topic.
• When you are sending the same email to multiple people in the company, please make sure that you rank the names in accordance with their rank in the company

Business Japanese Email Template

Now that you have learned about Japanese emails, let’s look at a few examples!

1. Email templates for following up

You’ve sent important documents or materials to a client or colleague and haven’t received a response. It’s common practice in Japan to send a polite follow-up email. Below is a professional template you can use to follow up and kindly ask for confirmation regarding the materials you sent.

Japanese:

件名：資料ご確認のお願い（ABC株式会社・田中）

株式会社DEF
営業部　山田様

いつもお世話になっております。
ABC株式会社の田中と申します。

先日お送りいたしました資料について、ご確認いただけましたでしょうか。
お忙しいところ恐縮ではございますが、内容に問題がないかご確認いただけますと幸いです。

ご不明な点やご質問等ございましたら、どうぞお気軽にご連絡ください。
何卒よろしくお願いいたします。

失礼いたします。

ABC株式会社
田中太郎
tanaka@abc.co.jp
03-1234-5678

English:

Subject: Request for Material Confirmation (ABC Corp. – Tanaka)

Mr./Ms. Yamada, Sales Department, DEF Corporation

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
My name is Tanaka from ABC Corporation.

I’m following up regarding the materials I sent the other day.
I apologize for troubling you while you’re busy, but I would be grateful if you could kindly confirm there are no issues with the content.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Taro Tanaka
ABC Corporation
tanaka@abc.co.jp
03-1234-5678

2. Email templates for apologizing

Here’s a simple template you can use to apologize for the delay and resend your documents professionally.

Japanese:

件名：資料送付のご連絡とお詫び（ABC株式会社・田中）

株式会社DEF
営業部　山田様

いつもお世話になっております。
ABC株式会社の田中と申します。

資料の送付が遅くなり、誠に申し訳ございませんでした。
本日、改めて資料を添付させていただきますので、ご確認いただけますと幸いです。

お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします。
ご不明な点がございましたら、どうぞお気軽にご連絡ください。

何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。

失礼いたします。

ABC株式会社
田中太郎
tanaka@abc.co.jp
03-1234-5678

English:

Subject: Apology and Notice of Material Submission (ABC Corp. – Tanaka)

Mr./Ms. Yamada, Sales Department, DEF Corporation

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
My name is Tanaka from ABC Corporation.

I sincerely apologize for the delay in sending the materials.
I am resending the materials today and would appreciate it if you could kindly review them.

I apologize for troubling you while you are busy, but I would be grateful for your confirmation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you very much for your kind cooperation.

Sincerely,

Taro Tanaka
ABC Corporation
tanaka@abc.co.jp
03-1234-5678

Level up your professional Japanese with the Coto Academy Business Japanese Course!

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Want to land a job in Japan? Don’t forget to read our guide on:

• How to Work in Japan in This Economy
• How to Write Rirekisho (Japanese Resume): Free PDF Template
• Common Japanese Job Interview Questions You Need to Master
• Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting in Japan

FAQ

If you are an international job hunter looking to find new career opportunities in Japan, one of the first things you can do to make your job application stand out in Japan is to write a good Japanese resume, also known as rirekisho (履歴書).

A Japanese resume is vastly different from an English resume and might include personal information you might otherwise omit in a traditional CV. For example, you might need to put in the closest station to your residence, or the number of people in your household. Though this might seem weird, having a good, polished Japanese resume can help you get ahead of the competition! 

That’s why today we will show you exactly how to write a Japanese resume that will get you your dream job. In this blog post, we’ll explain the nuances between an English-style resume and Japan’s rirekisho so you can craft yours like a pro! You can also read our guide on the steps to start working in Japan.

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

The Basics of a Japanese Resume and Rirekisho

An English resume is a document used to present your skills, experience, and qualifications to a potential employer in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

It typically includes sections such as personal information, education, work experience, skills, and achievements. The goal of an English resume is to highlight your strengths and accomplishments and make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

On the other hand, a rirekisho (履歴書) — which translates to “personal history sheet” — is a standardized form used in Japan. It includes personal information, education, work history, and a photograph.

The rirekisho is often accompanied by a shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書), which is a separate document that more closely resembles an English resume as it provides a more detailed account of your work history and responsibilities.

Like an English resume, submitting a Japanese resume is the first step of the hiring process. If you pass the screening section, you will be contacted for an interview. For foreigners, this is where your potential employers see how you can deliver an answer with confidence and proper Japanese.

Check out our guide to answer common Japanese job interview questions here!

Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s dive deeper into the specific differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho.

Structure of an English Resume

One of the key features of the English resume is its brevity. Employers in the English-speaking world tend to prefer resumes that are concise, focused, and easy to read.

They’re looking for candidates who can distill complex information into a few key points and demonstrate their value clearly and straightforwardly.

The standard format for a resume is a one or two-page document. Here’s a brief overview of the titled resume sections:

That being said, even if you’re in Japan, there are times when you might submit an English resume instead of a Japanese rirekisho. This is particularly true if you’re applying for English-speaking jobs in Japan that don’t require a lot of Japanese, such as English teachers or recruiters.

Japanese Resume vs English Resume

In Japan, the standard format for a resume is known as a rirekisho. Unlike the English resume, which is typically one or two pages, the rirekisho is always a two-page document that was traditionally filled out by hand.

Now, it’s common and acceptable to type resumes (that’s such a lifesaver for those of us who struggle to write kanji freehand and neatly).

Did you pass the screening, and moving on to the first round of interviews? Check out 10 useful phrases for a Japanese job interview.

What is the Format and Length of a Japanese Resume?

One of the most notable differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho is its format. The format of an English resume is more flexible than that of a Japanese rirekisho.

English can be presented in a variety of styles, including chronological, functional, and combination formats. They can also be any length, although most employers prefer resumes that are no longer than two pages.

On the other hand, the format of a rirekisho is standardized and strict, and there is only one accepted format on A4-sized paper. In a rirekisho, the sections are not titled, and bullet points are not used.

Nevertheless, they are organized into clearly marked areas for personal information, education, work history, and a photograph.

Writing and Submitting a Rirekisho

Traditionally, Japanese Rirekisho are handwritten. Applicants would download a template and carefully fill it out using neat handwriting to demonstrate sincerity and attention to detail.

Today, typed Rirekisho are widely accepted, especially for foreign applicants or mid-career professionals. However, some traditional companies or employers hiring for entry-level positions may still prefer handwritten resumes.

Nowadays, it’s common to submit your rirekisho digitally through a company’s career portal or a job-hunting website. That said, we still recommend bringing a printed copy to your interview. Presenting a clean, well-prepared physical resume can leave a strong, positive first impression.

How to Write a Japanese Resume

1. Personal Information and Photo

Both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho require personal information, but the level of detail and what is considered important differ between the two.

In an English resume, personal information is usually limited to your name, address, phone number, and email address. In some cases, you may also include your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts.

However, it’s important to remember that you should never include personal details such as your age, marital status, or religion, as this is considered inappropriate, and workplaces can be considered discriminatory for using that as a criterion to assess your candidacy.

However, in a rirekisho, personal information can include your gender and looks a bit more administrative.

Photograph (写真・shashin)

One of the most significant differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho is the inclusion of a photograph. In Japan, it is common to include a photograph with your rirekisho, whereas it is not common to do so in an English resume.

The photograph should be a professional headshot, and it is important to dress in a nice shirt and suit jacket and present yourself in a professional manner. You should opt for normal suit colors like black, navy blue or gray.

The photograph should be recent and clearly show your face. You can either crop a photo digitally to fit the required size or you can get a photo taken and printed at photo booths all across Japan. The photobooths are typically available by convenience stores, in train stations, and in supermarkets for 500-600 yen.

2. Education and Work Experience

Education (学歴・gakureki)

Both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho require information about your education, but there are some differences in what is expected.

In an English resume, you typically list your educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree.

You include the name of the institution, your degree, and the date you received it. You may also include any relevant coursework, awards, or honors.

In a rirekisho, you are expected to provide more detailed information about your education, including the name of the institution, the department you studied in, your major, and the dates you attended.

List each school you attended in chronological order, including the dates of enrollment and graduation. For universities, provide the full official name rather than just the branch or campus name.

You may also include any relevant coursework, awards, or honors, but it is not as common as it is in an English resume.

Work Experience (職歴・shokureki)

In an English resume, work experience, or professional experience, is typically organized in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

You include the name of the company, your job title, the dates you worked there, and your key responsibilities and achievements.

It is common to use bullet points to concisely summarize key responsibilities and make them easy to read.

In a rirekisho, work experience is organized in a slightly different way. You still list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. This includes the name of the company, your job title, and the dates you worked there.

You may also include information about the size of the company (how many employees), the size of the department or team you were assigned to, and the industry it operates in.

However, Japanese resumes do not include your responsibilities and achievements in previous companies.

3. Special Skills, Certifications or Licenses: 資格・免許 (Shikaku and Menkyo)

In an English resume, you typically include a section that highlights your key skills and qualifications. This section can include both technical and soft skills, as well as any relevant certifications or licenses you hold. It is important to tailor this section to the specific job you are applying for.

In a rirekisho, there is also a special skills and licenses section. Here, you’ll input the name of the license or skill and the year you acquired it. You might also include any JLPT qualifications since that can be official proof of your Japanese proficiency.

For Japanese companies, JLPT N2 or N1 is typically desirable. You can even include your driver’s license. If you don’t have anything to include in this section, you can write “特になし”.

4. Personal PR and Appeal Points (志望の動機、特技、好きな学科、アピールポイント)

This section is basically where you can list anything else that you feel is interesting about yourself and/or relevant to the job you’re applying for.

志望の動機 (shibou no douki) is “motivation for applying”, and you want to do your best to catch the employer’s eye here.

特技 (tokugi) is “special skills”, while 好きな学科 is interests or hobbies.

アピールポイント (apiiru point) is appeal points, and these are pretty similar to special skills and hobbies. If you have more to add here, just try to tie it into how these points can benefit the company.

5. Commute Time, Family Situation, and Other Details

Sections 4 and 5 in other rirekisho templates you find online may differ from the ones here.

Section 5, as pictured above, asks for details such as commute time (通勤時間・tsuukin jikan) and anything else you may think is relevant. While not explicitly written, you could include your family situation. Here are some terms to include or look out for:

• Spouse (配偶者 or haiguusha): If you have a spouse, circle “yes” (有・ari). If you aren’t married, circle “no” (無・nashi)
• Spouse obligation (配偶者の扶養義務 or haiguusha no fuyou jinmu): If your spouse is supported by your income, circle “yes” (有). If not, circle “no” (無)
• Number of Dependents (not including spouse): 扶養家族 (配偶者を除く). Input how many people you support on your income. For example, if you have two children, you would write “2” or “2人” here.

6. Personal Request: 本人希望記入欄 (honnin kibou kinyuuran)

This section of your rirekisho is dedicated specify any specific requests related to your preferred salary, job type, working hours, work location, or any other preferences that you have for your ideal job. This section allows you to clearly set your expectations and preferences for potential employers.

In most cases, you might not have any specific requests or requirements. In this case, you can just write:

貴社の規定に従います。
Kisha no kitei ni shitagaimasu.
Comply with the company’s regulations.

Example of a Japanese Resume

Download Your Free Japanese Resume Template (with Example)

Cultural Norms of Japanese Resumes

The differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho can mostly be attributed to cultural norms. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on personal relationships and social hierarchy.

As a result, the rirekisho includes a photo of the applicant, which is not typically included in English resumes.

In Japan, it is also common for employers to place a high value on a candidate’s personality and character, which they feel is reflected in the content of the rirekisho.

In English-speaking countries, there is generally less emphasis placed on personal relationships and social hierarchy. Resumes are typically evaluated based on the applicant’s qualifications and accomplishments, rather than their personality or character.

As a result, English resumes tend to focus more on the applicant’s professional experience, education and skills.

Rirekisho vs Shokumukeirekisho

At the start of this post, we mentioned a rirekisho and a shokumukeirekisho. Both are related to job applications, but I wanted to briefly discuss their differences.

As you now know, a rirekisho is a standard Japanese resume that includes information such as the applicant’s name, contact information, educational background, work experience, skills, and other personal information. It is required by most employers as part of the application process.

On the other hand, a shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) is a document that focuses specifically on an individual’s work experience and job history.

It is also used in Japan for job applications, but is typically required for more specialized positions or positions that require a certain level of expertise.

A shokumukeirekisho includes details such as the applicant’s job titles, dates of employment, responsibilities and achievements, and any relevant skills or certifications.

So, in summary, both rirekisho and shokumukeirekisho are used in job applications in Japan.

However, while rirekisho is a more general resume, shokumukeirekisho is a more specialized document that gets into more specific work experiences and job histories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho serve the same purpose of highlighting your skills and qualifications to potential employers, they still won’t guarantee a job offer.

When applying for a job in Japan, it is important to understand the cultural expectations around a rirekisho and do well during your interview rounds.

Of course, you want to accurately showcase your experience and skills in an acceptable way to give yourself the best chance of securing the role you want! 

Hopefully, this article sheds some light on how to craft a rirekisho as opposed to an English resume.

Want to master business Japanese communication skills? Take evening, part-time lessons at Coto Academy!

If you to looking for a new job or to change your career in Japan, Coto Academy offers business Japanese and advanced courses, tailored for working professionals!

We also have classes for intermediate and advanced students. If you’re interested, contact our friendly staff by filling out the form below, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible!

FAQ

You’ve decided to take on JLPT N5, but looking for the right Japanese N5 textbook can feel more overwhelming than actually studying the language.

So, read this guide to find out the top 20 N5 textbooks for beginners to ace the JLPT with flying colors — or to start your studies on the right foot. When you’re ready to jump to the next level, we have also JLPT N3 textbook and JLPT N4 textbook recommendations!

Should I take the JLPT N5 Exam?

If you plan on studying Japanese for a long time, signing up for the JLPT N5 helps you create a concrete goal to reach. Even though it will only cover the very basics, it’s the perfect way for beginners to stay motivated. JLPT N5 requires you to master at least 800 Japanese vocabulary words and 100 kanji, so you can also assess your ability and level appropriately.

Even if you’re not taking the JLPT N5, these textbooks are great for learners to soak in all the important beginner-level Japanese language components: hiragana, katakana, key vocabulary, and basic kanji. But what’s the best one you can find online?

Don’t know where to start with the JLPT? Check out our full guide on how to study for the JLPT!

What Will I Need To Pass the JLPT N5?

In order to pass the JLPT N5, you will need to know hiragana, katakana, kanji (around 100 characters), and master some essential grammar. You will also need to understand basic conversation in Japanese since there is a listening section. So, the best textbooks often prepare you specifically for the JLPT N5 or focus on one of the key areas, such as vocabulary, fundamental grammar, etc. There are a variety of options out there, but here are our top 20 picks!

Read More: Top 100 JLPT N5 Vocabulary List

Top JLPT N5 Textbooks

1. Nihongo Fun and Easy

Nihongo Fun and Easy is Coto’s self-developed study book. This book is designed to help students who are new to Japanese, including those with no prior knowledge of the language, to acquire natural-sounding, essential Japanese that can be used immediately in daily conversation. It’s a great option for beginners who want to study on their own. All practice and examples come with full English translation. You don’t have to worry about knowing hiragana and katakana first, too. The textbook comes with romaji, and you will learn the alphabet along the way.

The book includes lessons on simple Japanese words and a list of verbs and adjective conjugations. You’ll also receive an audio CD for learning dialogues in both Japanese and English. The book comes with an audio CD for learning conversational dialogues in both Japanese and English.

The book currently has two volumes:

• Nihongo Fun & Easy: Survival Japanese Conversation for Beginners
• Nihongo Fun & Easy 2: Basic Grammar for Conversation for Beginners

Price: $24 (¥2,782)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

Many of our courses use this textbook as well. Feel free to contact us about our JLPT Courses and more!

2. Genki

Genki is one of the most used Japanese language textbook series for beginners. Lesson chapters don’t focus on the JLPT itself but on everyday real-life situations and dialogues. For example, in the first lesson, they first teach you about conversations that can happen during the day, combined with clear and concise explanations about grammar and vocabulary.

Keep in mind that Genki is a textbook that was specifically designed for classroom teaching, so it may not be perfect for self-learners.

Price: $39.90 (¥4,601)

Click this link to purchase the book.

3. Minna No Nihongo

Minna no Nihongo is another popular classroom textbook. Lesson chapters include Japanese grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills. The text in the book is also fully in Japanese, so you will have to know hiragana and katakana in advance.

Price: $28.80 (¥3,920)

Click this link to purchase the book.

4. Nihongo So-Matome N5

The Nihongo So-Matome N5 is an all-inclusive textbook. The book features 42 daily Japanese lessons that are categorized as kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. It’s designed as a 6-week self-study aid. You’ll find common grammar points, guides on syntax and a list of kanji and vocabulary commonly found in the JLPT N5 exam. The textbook also includes a reading and listening practice with a pre-recorded audio CD.

Some popular topics covered in the textbook are

• What’s your name?
• What are you doing?
• Hands and feet

Price: $21.99 (¥2,535)

Click this link to purchase the book.

5. Goukaku Dekiru JLPT N4 & N5

While the Minna no Nihongo or Genki are N5-level, they’re not necessarily targeted to students who want to take the JLPT. For that, the Goukaku Dekiru JLPT book series is by far the most popular choice for test-takers. The textbook breaks down the JLPT into two parts. Part one focuses on all grammar and vocabulary, with 863 questions to help you tackle the language knowledge section. Part two is a collection of mock tests in the official format of JLPT.

The book includes two CDs for the listening section and an answer book.

Price: $29.89 (¥3,446)

Click this link to purchase the book.

6. 55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N5

The textbook includes 55 different N5-related Japanese readings with over a hundred questions. You will learn to analyze passages by understanding how to break down sentences into simple words to better comprehend them sentences. Questions in the book are modeled to represent the actual JLPT exam.

Price: $24.99 (¥2,881)

Click this link to purchase the book.

7. JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen-Taisaku

JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen Taisaku is a workbook perfect for anyone who is looking to take mock tests for the JLPT N5 exam, focusing on vocabulary, kanji, and grammar questions. Included is also an appendix section that contains important verbs, adverbs, and adjectives related to the N5.

Price: $17.73 (¥2,044)

Click this link to purchase the book.

8. 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5

To pass the JLPT N5, you will need to know 800 vocabulary, so learning 1,000 is a safe bet that you’ll ace the test. The textbook is broken down into 10 different chapters. Vocabularies are sorted based on their function and related contexts, like friends, food, hobbies, shopping, living, and health. This allows for better word retention.

There’s also a link to audio files for learners who want to hear the words and example sentences. Because of the small size of the vocabulary book, many learners will conveniently carry it around. There’s a red sheet to block the Japanese word (for a quick mini-quiz) and a checkbox for you to tick.

Price: $14.99 (¥1,728)

Click this link to purchase.

9. The Preparatory Course for the JLPT N5 Reading, Kanji, Vocabulary, and Grammar

This textbook is a study guide for the JLPT N5. Chapters of the book include all material related to N5 kanji, grammar, forms of speech, and model sentences with simple explanations, making it easy to study on your own. There are multiple practice problems that allow you to check your comprehension level as well.

Price: $25.80 (¥2,974)

Click this link to purchase.

10. Tanki Master JLPT N5

With an audio CD, the Tanki Master JLPT N5 has five different categories of Japanese Learning: Japanese characters, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading. The contents cover questions for every section of the test. The book is especially effective when used to help you review. It’s separated into two parts: practice questions and practice tests for mockups,s for learners to see how they did.

Price: $20.00 (¥2,304)

Click this link below to purchase.

11. Nihongo Challenge for JLPT N4 & N5 Kanji

Each chapter in the Nihongo Challenge series teaches about 10 new kanji, complete with their stroke orders and free blank spaces to practice writing them. What is unique about this textbook is that each kanji has its own illustration and explanation.

Price: $19.00 (¥2,189)

Click this link to purchase the book.

12. Mastering Kanji: Guide to JLPT N5 Kanji

All kanji is thoughtfully introduced with a number of illustrations, which makes your learning more interesting and effective, too. At the end of every chapter, there will be review questions to assess your progress. You can also check your level in a separate “achievement”.  

Price: $25.00 (¥2,881)

Click this link to purchase the book.

13. JLPT Official Practice Workbook

Once you’re confident that you’ve learned everything needed for the test, you can start doing mock tests through the official JLPT practice workbook.

Acting as a revision guide, the workbook is perfect if you wish to practice before the actual exam. There’s an audio CD for the listening section. The workbook has over 33 vocabulary and kanji sections, as well as 26 grammar and 6 reading questions.

Price: $14.00 (¥1,613)

Click the link below to purchase the book.

14. Basic Kanji Book

As one of the classic books for learning kanji, Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 gives 500 fundamental kanji. You will learn to memorize kanji and write them according to their correct stroke order. Each unit has simple practice exercises to practice writing the kanji.

Price: $29.00 (¥3,344)

Click this link to purchase the book.

15. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5

As part of the Try! series, the N5 volume covers nine different chapters of everyday life conversations. The Try! series is specifically designed to help students focus on Japanese grammar. In total, there are nine chapters, each equipped with practice questions and a final review.

Price: $24.50 (¥2,825)

Click the link below to purchase the book.

16. Drill and Drill JLPT N5 Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading and Listening

The Drill and Drill JLPT N5 has over 250 questions on vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Answers to the questions are provided in a separate booklet at the back of the book. The booklet contains detailed explanations of each question as well as example sentences and tips to answer each question. You can also find an audio CD for the listening section of the test.

Price: $28.00 (¥3,229)

Click this link to purchase the book.

17. JLPT Preparation Book Speed Master – Quick Mastery of N4 & N5 Vocabulary

This is a book that combines N5 and N4 vocabularies. There are 1,800 words in total, separated into 50 units based on their relevant topics. Readings of the words are shown in both kanji and hiragana and have translations in English and Chinese. Every new word learned has a checkbox that makes it easy to continue where you left off.

Price: $19.99 (¥2,305)

Click this link to purchase the book.

18. JLPT Study Guide

Created by a popular JLPT mockup test website, JLPTBootCamp.com, the book has over 300 practice test questions with printable flashcards for vocabulary, hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

Price: $25.00 (¥2,883)

Click this link to purchase the book.

19. Yookoso! Invitation to Contemporary Japanese Student

This book serves as a two-volume series for basic Japanese. It’s known to be the first to integrate all the Japanese language technical skills. The book is comprehensive but simple to follow. Although it’s more on the expensive side, there are a lot of example sentences and detailed explanations to help break down complex sentences into simpler words and phrases.

Price: $146.01 (¥17,692.15) 

Click this link to purchase the book.

20. Japanese Kanji Mnemonics JLPT N5

Centered to help readers pass the exam, the book focuses on the 103 most common Kanji found on the N5 level test. The book is mostly used as flashcards as readers will be able to find the kanji mnemonic on the front page and the kanji information on the back of the page. Each mnemonic has its own drawing as well as a sentence example and explanations for better memorization.

Price: $16.91 (¥1,937)

Click this link to purchase the book.

What’s Next After Finding The Best JLPT N5 Textbook

Once you have found the best JLPT Textbook, use you will need to it to help strategize how to pass the JLPT N5. It’s a pretty long test and your chosen textbook(s) should cover every area from reading to listening in Japanese.

While finding JLPT learning resources is great for self-learning, we also recommend finding the right support from a professional instructor. We offer both JLPT self-study courses as well as online or in-person JLPT Courses taught by an experienced teacher who can help you dissect the N5 exam and be fully equipped to pass!

FAQ

Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:

• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N1 Exam
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N2 Exam
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N3 Exam
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N4 Exam

Are you preparing for the JLPT and learning the N2 grammar now? In total, there are around 200 grammar lessons that you need to know in order to pass the JLPT N2, including grammars you have learned from lower levels.

This article explains 30 of the must-know grammar points for JLPT N2 that have been featured on previous tests, from the meaning to sentence structures and sentence examples!

1. っぽい (poi)

This grammar point is used to express something that “has a strong tendency of~” or simply put, it means “like” or “ish”. For example, you can add this grammar point at the back of the noun-て form to make them adjective-forms.

こども　＋　っぽい　＝　こどもっぽい (Childish)

2. がち (gachi)

がち is usually used for something negative or to express a tendency to do something. For example, 疲れがち which means tend to be tired easily as compared to 疲れ, which just means tired.

3. ていられない (te irarenai)

You may use this grammar point if you have no time to do something or do not find the activity time-worthy. This grammar point means you “can’t afford” or “can’t” do something.

For example, のんびりしてはいられない means I can’t afford to slack off. You add the noun-て form in front of the grammar point.

4. てはならない (tewanaranai)

てはならない is more subjective. It means must not, cannot or should not. You can use this grammar point with a verb-て form and add the grammar at the back of the verb.

For example, 忘れ＋てはならない which means never forget.

5. ねばならない (nebanaranai)

This grammar point means you have to do something or there is something that you must do. Add this grammar point to a verb-ない form. When you add in the grammar point, be sure to remove the ない at the back of the verb.

6. ずにはいられない (zu ni wa irarenai)

This grammar point describes naturally irrepressible actions. It means “can’t help but do something” or “have to do something”. This grammar point can only be used in writing.

When spoken, it is changed to 「…ないではいられない」 instead. This grammar point is being added to a verb-ない form. When placing the grammar point, remove the ない at the back of the verb.

7. ないではいられない (nai de wa irarenai)

This grammar point means you “can’t help it but feel” or you “can’t help but do”. You need to place this grammar point with a verb-ない form. You do not need to take out the ない when placing the grammar point at the back.

8. ないこともない (nai koto mo nai)

This means you “can do something” or “something is not impossible to do”. Another way to put it is “it isn’t the case that ~ not ~.”

For example, I can eat natto, but I don’t like it very much. You can eat natto, but if given another kind of food, you would not pick natto because you don’t like it very much.

9. しょうがない (shou ga nai)

You may have heard this used in a sentence before in dramas or anime. しょうがない means “there is no other way but…” or “very, extremely.”

Note that しょうがない is a contraction of しようがない, which is used in informal spoken conversations.

10. てたまらない (tetamaranai)

This grammar point comes from the word たまる, which means to endure something. With the ない at the back, the word comes in a negative form. This means “cannot endure something”.

Verbs and い adjectives would use the てたまらない while な adjectives would use でたまらない。

11. は抜きにして (wa nuki ni shite)

This grammar point is used in both positive and negative situations. For positive situations, rather than は抜きにして, we use 抜きに。As for negative situations, we use 抜きで。

12. てばかりはいられない (te bakari wa irarenai)

Based on the word ばかり, we change it into a て form to express that one cannot do something repeatedly. The grammar point can be written in two ways; てばかりはいられない and てばかりもいられない。

13.まだしも (mada shimo)

This grammar point is used when comparing with different opinions and choosing a better opinion. For example, if we say [A]まだしも, [B], it means [A] is better or more preferred than [B]. Another way we can look at it is [B] is disliked over [A]

14. ものの (mono no)

This grammar point is normally used to express a contradiction. For example, [A]ものの + [B]  means you want to go to [A] but you have something on [B].

15. ものだから (mono da kara)

ものだから is used when saying the reason is … for something which is unavoidable. For example, “the dog ate my homework, therefore (ものだから), I can’t turn in my homework.

16. ものなら (mono nara)

This is used when saying if [A] is possible, then [B]. Simply put, it is either impossible or very unlikely to be done. For example, (if I can go, then..) or (if I can return this, then…).

17. 気味 (kimi)

気味 means something looks like or seems to be in a certain way.

For example, 疲れ気味 which means seems tired. You can add the grammar point with any noun or verb ます form. When you add 気味 with a verb ます form, be sure to take out ます before adding in.

18. もの (mono)

This is used when you want to explain a reason for something. However, this expression is usually used most by girls and children. You add the reason with もの when you want to justify what you said.

19. でならない (denaranai)

This is used to describe an emotion that is beyond control or used to describe “extremely”. でならない is mostly used for emotions, wishes, and feelings.

The grammar point is usually used in writing and is an old way used in spoken language.

20. ないことはない (nai koto wa nai)

This grammar point is used when something is not impossible to do. Another meaning would be “it isn’t the case that.. not..”.

For example, in the above example, “it’s not that I can’t drive, I just don’t do it very often”. You can do it, but you just do not do it often.

21. 何といっても (nanto ittemo)

何といっても is used to emphasize the most important or undeniable aspect of a situation. It means “after all” or “no matter what you say,” highlighting something that stands out above all else.

For example, “何といっても彼が一番だ” means “No matter what, he’s the best.”

Use: Emphasizes the most important point
Example:
何といっても健康が一番大切だ。
After all, health is the most important.

22. ～ような気がする (you na ki ga suru)

～ような気がする expresses a personal feeling or hunch about something. It translates roughly to “I feel like…” or “It seems that…” and is often used when you’re uncertain but have a subjective impression.

23. ～ことにする (koto ni suru)

～ことにする indicates that someone has made a decision or chosen a course of action. It literally means “to make it a thing to…” and is used for deliberate decisions,

Like that, with our JLPT N2 Grammar list, you can pass your test with consistent effort and hard work! 頑張ってください！

Example:
彼は嘘をついているような気がする。
I feel like he’s lying.

24. 以外の (igai no)

Structure: Noun + 以外の + noun

以外の means “except for” or “other than” and is used to exclude something from a group or list.
Example:
彼以外の人は全員来ました。
Everyone except him came.

25. ～に気をつける (～ni ki o tsukeru)

Structure: Noun + に気をつける
The use of this JLPT N2 grammar means “to be careful about” or “pay attention to” something.
Example:
健康に気をつけてください。
Please take care of your health.

26. ～限り (～gakiri)

Structure: Verb plain form / Noun + の + 限り
～限り is used to indicate a limitation or boundary. In English, you can translate it as “as long as” or “as far as.”

Example:
知っている限り、彼は無実です。
As far as I know, he is innocent.

27. ～ことなく (koto naku)

Structure: Verb dictionary form + ことなく

ことなく expresses not doing an action or a state not occurring.
Example:
彼は一度も休むことなく働いた。
He worked without taking a single break.

28. ～にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu)

Structure: Verb / adjective / noun + にもかかわらず

“にもかかわらず” means “despite” or “in spite of.” It’s used when the result goes against expectations or is surprising, and it often conveys the speaker’s sense of surprise, disappointment, or irony.
Example:
雨にもかかわらず、彼は来ました。
He came despite the rain.

29. ～にすぎない (ni suginai)

Structure: Verb / noun + にすぎない

にすぎない means “nothing more than,” “no more than,” or “merely.” It is used to downplay or minimize the importance or value of something. In other words, something is not as important as it might seem.
Example:
それはうわさにすぎない。
That’s nothing more than a rumor.

30. とともに (to tomo ni)

Structure: Noun / verb (dictionary form) + とともに

The JLPT N2 grammar point とともに (to tomoni) has multiple uses, but all generally relate to the idea of “together with,” “at the same time,” or “as something happens.”

Example:
インターネットの普及とともに、情報の流れが速くなった。」
As the internet became widespread, the flow of information sped up.

Taking JLPT N2 Soon? Pass the Test with Coto Academy!

JLPT N2 is one of the hardest levels to pass, but it’s a valuable certification often required for finding a job in Japan.

If you’re planning to take the exam, boost your chances of success with JLPT preparation lessons at Coto Academy. Our expert teachers will guide you through JLPT N2 grammar, vocabulary, and more — all in flexible classes designed for busy learners like you.

FAQ

Planning to take the JLPT N2 by yourself? Don’t forget to read our useful guide on:

• Guide to Passing JLPT N2
• Best JLPT N2 Textbooks