Living in Japan, I’ve always faced the uncertainty of whether to use keigo or “casual” Japanese (tameguchi). Beyond social hierarchy (as in who’s higher than you), the degree of intimacy and relationship plays a big role in how you should communicate. It’s not just the literal word that conveys the meaning, but the delivery and tone of speech that reveal your intentions. 

Unlike English (or your native tongue), Japanese has a very clear and rigid distinction between formal and casual language. You can think of Japanese as having 2 main categories: 敬語 (keigo), which is formal Japanese, and 普通話 (futsutsutai), which is casual language. 

This won’t be a full breakdown of keigo, as we have a very thorough section dedicated to helping you understand the formal Japanese language (like knowing Japanese honorifics). This won’t be a list of Japanese slang or swear words. Instead, this will be a more general guide to the differences between using keigo and tameguchi. 

If you’ve studied Japanese, you might be thinking that you have to learn a whole new way of speaking, but worry not! You probably already got a taste of keigo since most teachers will have you learn more polite speech to begin with. But let’s break down what formal and casual Japanese are, their differences, and how they compare with English!

English vs Japanese Formal & Casual Language

Before we discuss formal and casual language in Japanese, let’s break the ice with how and why it’s so different from English. 

When you think of formal language in English, you might think of expressions that sound more “polite,” such as saying “would you like…?” rather than the more casual “do you want…?” So, using language to show respect is more about word choice, where “would” sounds softer, almost passive.

This is the right idea in Japanese, but it takes it a step further; formal language is about conjugation, in addition to word choice.   

Japanese keigo actually has many levels of conjugation that express greater formality, or rather humility. In Japan, social hierarchy is a core part of its cultural fabric, so showing humility to those considered to have a higher social status than you is built into the language. Throughout Japanese history, showing humility and respect to those who are older, to your teacher, or to your lord was seen as essential for maintaining mutual coordination and harmony. 

Keigo operates as a rather implicit way of communicating respect for someone. Without directly addressing that someone may be older or generally deserving of greater respect, using keigo shows your understanding of their social position relative to yours. The Japanese language is designed for this type of social structure, which in English might not be as strictly defined. 

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

Going back to the first sentence, I’ve had a bunch of awkward conversations at the konbini where I would bounce between keigo and tameguchi with the employee. Here’s an example:

袋がいらないだけど。レシートをいただけますか？
Fukuro ga iranai da. Reshiito o itadakemasuka?
I don’t need a plastic bag, but can I get the receipt?

In the first sentence, I’m (involuntarily) using tameguchi: using da instead of desu. This makes my statement feel blunter. The second sentence uses the basic keigo rule: replacing morau (to receive) with its most humble form, itadaku. 

Meaning-wise, you can bet that you get the message across, but imagine you’re talking with a mix of old, Victorian-era English with Gen-Z lingo. Yikes. 

Generally, keigo Japanese shows respect and politeness to strangers, but when you’re using it in every conversation with store staff and employees, you can sound as if you’re trying too hard — which, frankly, you are. At the same time, using a too-casual form can easily make someone frown. The easiest way is to stick with formal Japanese. 

However, as you get more comfortable with speaking Japanese, you may want to ‘upgrade’ said skill. After all, how can you prove you’re advanced in speaking the language when you don’t speak like a native?

What is Casual Japanese or 普通対 (Futsuutai)?

Casual Japanese, known as タメ口 (tameguchi) or 普通体 (futsuutai), is the informal speech style used in relaxed, everyday situations among people who are close to each other. It uses the plain verb form, also called the dictionary form, rather than the polite ます/です (masu/desu) endings found in formal speech.

Casual speech feels natural and warm between friends or family, but using it with the wrong person can come across as rude or presumptuous. It is the most common language used in casual conversation, and it forms the grammatical base upon which all other speech levels are built.

Example 1:

ご飯食べた？
Gohan tabeta?

Did you eat?

Example 2:

これ、すごくない？

Kore, sugoku nai?

Isn’t this amazing?

Who Should You Use Casual Japanese With?

As in English, you can generally be more relaxed and use more casual language with people you know, and be more formal with people you are less familiar with. In Japanese, they have specific words for this concept: 内 (uchi) meaning “in-group” and 外 (soto) meaning “out-group”. Of course, you use casual speech within your close inner circle or 内.

This could include friends, family members, close classmates, or younger children. However, you should avoid casual Japanese with strangers, teachers, coworkers you are not close to, customers, anyone older or senior, and anyone you have just met (as a general rule). When in doubt, it is always best to default to formal speech. 

What is Formal Japanese or 敬語 (Keigo)?

敬語 (keigo) is defined largely by verb form conjugations that express greater respect to the listener. Formal Japanese is an essential part of Japanese business etiquette and is the go-to language in meetings and especially job interviews. That may sound complex, but you probably were already exposed to keigo. The most basic formal language consists of simply adding です (desu) or using a verb in ます (masu) form at the end of a sentence: 

Example 1:

チョコレートは美味しいです。

Chokoreeto wa oishiidesu. 

The chocolate is delicious.

Example 2:

This is called 丁寧語 (teineigo), which is considered the standard polite form, but there are more levels to Japanese keigo. You can think of keigo as expressing respect to someone both by using the language that elevates the listener, called 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) or honorific form, and language that shows humility 謙譲語 (Kenjougo), called humble form.

ケーキを食べます。

Keeki o tabemasu. 

I eat cake.

1. 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) or Honorifics

尊敬語 (sonkeigo), or honorifics in English, is a form of language that “honors” or elevates the person you are speaking to or speaking about. When using sonkeigo, you are linguistically placing the other person or listener above yourself. For example, when you’re at a restaurant, you probably hear staff say:

店内で召し上がりますか？
Tennai de meshi agari masuka?

Will you be eating at the restaurant?

This question is in honorific form, since you are the customer, they will use language that elevates your status relative to them. The expression 召し上がります (meshi agarimasu) is the honorific conjugation of 食べる・飲む (taberu/nomu) meaning “to eat or drink.” Since they are describing an action that you will be doing, they use the honorific form to express deep respect for what you are doing and who you are. 

However, keep in mind, you do not use the honorific form when describing your own actions, which would be grammatically incorrect and socially inappropriate, plus would just sound very unnatural to native speakers.

When Do You Use Honorific Form?

When should you use the honorific form? Generally, you should always use it when speaking to or about your client, boss, teacher, and in certain cases, senpais  (note that often honorifics are dropped with senpais you are close to). This is because each of these people is considered to be of a higher social status relative to you; therefore, you should respect their status and actions by using the honorific form. 

Also, when you are speaking to or about your customers, you should use honorifics no matter their age or other relative status. Even the word for customer in Japanese, お客様 (okyakusama), is an honorific term that consists of the suffix 〜様 (~sama), which highly elevates the listener.

2. 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Forms

On the other side of formal Japanese language, you have 謙譲語 (kenjougo) or humble form. This type of language is used to place yourself below the listener when describing yourself and your actions. You probably heard the humble form when interacting with service staff who are basically saying they “humbly” do something in your favor. For example:

席にお持ち致します。

Seki ni omochi itashimasu.

I will (humbly) take to your seat.

You probably heard an expression like this when eating at a restaurant. お持ちいたします (omochi itashimasu) is the humble form of 持つ (motsu) meaning “to take/bring.” By using this expression, they are essentially saying they will “humbly” bring your items to your seat. This works to lower their social status relative to you. 

Another 謙譲語 form you probably used plenty of times before is よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu), which is often used in self-introductions. But it’s also common at the end of emails or when asking a colleague for a favor. The phrase よろしい (yoroshii) is actually the kengougo version of いい (ii), meaning good. So, the whole expression literally translates to “please be good to me.” Take a look at our list of common kenjougo conjugations and how they compare to casual and teinego language:

When Do You Use 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Form?

Kenjougo or humble form is commonly used when speaking about yourself to people who are of a higher social status, like your boss, senpai, or teacher, as well as with people you do not know very well. It’s also common to use humble form when speaking about yourself or your company to customers and clients, since you want to lower your status to express that you are below them as a way of showing respect and even gratitude.  

The humble form is very common in formal situations, especially involving business partners, clients, or people you don’t know very well, even if they are a similar age or share a similar job title. To be on the safe side, humble form is often preferred in order to show respect and appreciation.

Note, kenjougo is commonly used in conjunction with sonkeigo (honorific form) to simultaneously elevate the listener and lower the status of the speaker. In a formal situation or whenever you would like to show respect to someone, you would never just use one or the other. 

For more details on how to use keigo in Japanese conversation, check out our blog: Introduction to Japanese Keigo: Honorific & Humble Form

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

While it is okay to use keigo to strangers who might be younger than you, if you are an adult talking to an obvious kid in keigo, you’ll get a few raised eyebrows. They’ll probably understand (although some younger Japanese children may not know keigo yet), but they will feel strange. 

The most important thing is not to use exaggerated keigo speech that you hear and read in Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, or historical movies. Remember that the Japanese used in these media are totally different than the ones in real life. You don’t want to sound like a low-caste farmer talking to a feudal lord during the samurai era. 

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese used to address someone as an equal, without using humble, honorific, or formal language. Tameguchi” means a way of talking that doesn’t contain polite expressions in Japanese conversation. 

The ため in this word was originally a gambling term, referring to when a pair of dice landed on the same number. The word “guchi” comes from the kanji kuchi (口), which means mouth or way of talking. The other name for Tameguchi is Tamego (タメ語) — 語 meaning “language”. 

Tameguchi is casual and, if used in the wrong scenario, impolite. One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between polite, formal and casual Japanese is the length. 

やっば〜！宿題忘れちゃった！
Yabbaa! Shukudai wasurechatta!
Oh no! I forgot my homework! 

Tameguchi, or casual Japanese, tends to be shorter compared to keigo. Let’s take a look at a scenario where you are asking someone to pass you the salt.

お塩を回していただけますでしょうか。(Keigo)
Oshio o mawashite itadakemashouka?

塩ちょうだい。(Tameguchi)
Shio choudai.

Notice the first sentence is way longer than the second? This is because it incorporates all the basic rules of keigo: adding the honorific prefixes of o (お) or go (ご) and いただく.

Another example is written below. 

大阪へはどうやっていけますか？(Teineigo)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte ikemasuka?
How do you get to Osaka?

大阪へはどうやって行くの? (Tameguchi)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte iku no?

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When you’re talking to someone younger, it’s usually okay to use casual Japanese — even if you are meeting them for the first time. Remember that seniority plays a big part in Japanese society. Elders will use it when they’re talking to kids. It is, however, a big red flag when you reverse the situation. You should never use tameguchi to someone you’re trying to show respect to.  

Japanese people adopt a high-context culture, which means there are many factors taken into consideration in communication: status, social relationships, social environment, formality, non-verbal gestures, and even silence. Because of this, you might come across a few trials and errors before you can discern the appropriate time to use tameguchi and keigo.

When you are not sure, formal Japanese is probably the best form of the Japanese language. 

When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?

If you have just met a person and they talk to you as if they’ve known you all their life, you might feel a bit uncomfortable. 

In Western culture, ‘casual’ language is a great way to break the ice and help relax the mood. However, you don’t want to present yourself as ‘too friendly’ in front of a stranger. There’s not really an exact point when you can use tameguchi, but generally, you both need to establish a good, intimate relationship. 

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

The same thing goes for tameguchi. You wouldn’t want to imitate the slang and way of talking from anime or manga, particularly if it’s the shounen (young boy’s) genre.

Think of anime dialogue as the sort of dialogue you’d hear among 12-year-olds at recess, where they’re just shouting “Baka!” While some shows do take place in business seating and incorporate more polite, realistic characters, most of them tilt towards one extreme: super polite or super rude.

In most cases, dialogue in anime is very direct. Used outside the context of anime, it comes off as coarse, insulting, and even derogatory. The easiest way to look at it is this: even anime voice actors don’t speak like that. Instead, they often overexaggerate the words and manipulate the tone of their voice depending on the character’s personality. 

Learning Japanese from anime might make you more comfortable with the language and its structure, but taken by itself, it can really throw off your progress. The last thing you want to do is default your Japanese speaking skills to super-casual. 

Learning Japanese casual forms is a bit trickier than learning keigo, as there are seldom formal lessons about it. JLPT N2 and N1 examine your ability to use Japanese in the business setting, so keigo is usually part of the curriculum of many JLPT prep courses and advanced-level classes. 

However, tameguchi is not often taught in classroom lessons as often as in formal forms. Your best bet is to learn from comics, social media, and Japanese people. Try listening to your Japanese friends when they’re talking to one another. Slowly, you’ll start to adopt a few informal Japanese phrases and obtain enough fluency to interact with them on a more personal, casual level. This is what’s known as immersion-based learning, where you learn a new language in the most natural way by interacting directly in the environment.  

Conclusion

Japanese is very clearly organized between casual and differing levels of formal language, and there are specific situations when you should use each. Casual language is great for expressing warmth and comfort to those you are closer to, while formal language is ideal for business/office settings, when speaking to your boss, or when you’re in meetings or interviews. Just remember to use sonkeigo (honorific form) when speaking to or about others and kenjougo (humble form) when speaking about yourself! 

To really learn Japanese and how to use casual or formal Japanese properly, we highly recommend taking our conversation or business Japanese courses at Coto Academy. These courses will have you practice speaking Japanese to build confidence and language fluency. Our business course focuses on preparing foreigners to work and do interviews in Japanese! If this sounds right for you, sign up below!

FAQ

The JLPT N4 grammar 〜しよう closely translates to “let’s do!” The grammar is actually the volitional form of する, meaning “to do.” Volitional form is a verb conjugation that is used to express an invitation or suggestion.

So let’s break down what the volitional form is, how it works, and how we can use it in actual Japanese conversation.

Make Sure to Watch Coto Academy’s YouTube Video About  〜しよう (~Shiyou)

Before you continue reading, why not take a moment to watch a quick YouTube lesson with our Japanese teacher, Yuka-sensei:

Meaning of 〜しよう (~shiyou) or 〜よう (~you)

しよう is the verb する (suru) in volitional form, known in Japanese as 意向系 (ikoukei) or 〜よう (~you) form, which is a verb conjugation that conveys an invitation or suggestion. Basically, you use it to ask or request the listener to join you in doing something, usually as a friendly way to say “let’s do…” or “shall we…” The volitional form can be used beyond the verb する, and can be used with virtually any verb.

It’s also a warm and friendly way to agree with someone else’s suggestion, similar to saying “yeah, let’s do it!” Here is an example:

Friend:
週末、うちでバーベキューしない？
Shuumatsu, uchi de baabekyuu shinai?
This weekend, want to have a BBQ at my place?

You:
うん、いいね！しよう！
un, ii ne! shiyou!
Yeah, sounds good! Let’s do it!

So, here しよう, the volitional of する, is being used to express enthusiastic agreement to your friend’s suggestion of having a BBQ at their place.

Friend:
12時はどう？
jyuu ni ji wa dou?
How does 12 o’clock sound?

You:
いいね！ 12時から始めようか？
ii ne! jyuu ni ji kara hajimeyou ka?
Great! Let’s start at 12!

In this example, you may notice that the volitional form was phrased as a question. This usage is quite common and can feel a bit less direct or commanding, making the expression feel more suggestive than pushy. While the literal translation of the volitional can be something like “shall we?”, you can sound more inviting or polite by using the volitional form + か? to form a question. This will convey the sentiment of “let’s do!” without seeming forceful!

Structure of 〜しよう (~shiyou) or 〜よう (~you)

The volitional form is a Japanese verb conjugation, so there are 3 different ways to conjugate depending on one of the 3 verb groups: う-verbs, る-verbs, and irregular verbs. So, let’s break down how it works with each group.

Group I – う Verb Endings

For group 1 verbs, also known as う-verbs, the last syllable, which ends with an う (u) sound, is conjugated to おう (ou) sound. So, if a verb ends in く (ku), the character changes to こう (kou) in volitional form. Here’s how it works.

買かう(to buy) → 買かおう (let’s buy)
行いく(to go) → 行いこう (let’s go)
遊あそぶ(to play) → 遊あそぼう (let’s play)

Group II – る Verb Endings

Group 2 verbs, or る-verbs, are quite simple to conjugate into volitional form. All you have to do is just replace the る (ru) ending with よう (you). See how it works below:

見みる(to see) → 見みよう
食たべる(to eat) → 食たべよう

Group III  – Irregular verbs

Irregular verbs are called irregular since they don’t behave predictably. Luckily, there are mostly just 2 verbs you need to be aware of, so you will just have to memorize how these two conjugate.

する(to do) → しよう (let’s do)
来くる(to come) → 来こよう (let’s come)

All these examples of volitional form we just provided are actually in casual form. For example, to say しよう(shiyou) in a more formal form, or basic keigo, would be しましょう (shimashou), which is a more polite way of saying “let’s do…” or rather “shall we do…” However, past, present, or negative conjugation is not relevant to the volitional form, since it expresses a request or a suggestion.

Example Sentences Using 〜しよう (~shiyou)

Now, let’s go through some example sentences to really understand how to use 〜しよう in actual conversation.

Example 1

映画を見に行こう。
Eiga o mi ni ikou.
Let’s go watch a movie.

Example 2

緒に昼ご飯を食べよう。
Issho ni hirugohan o tabeyou.
Let’s eat lunch together.

Example 3:

明日は早く起きよう。
Ashita wa hayaku okiyou.
Let’s wake up early tomorrow.

Example 4:

もっと日本語を勉強しよう。
Motto nihongo o benkyou shiyou.
Let’s study Japanese more.

Learn More JLPT Grammar with Coto Academy!

If you want to practice using this JLPT grammar and many others in actual Japanese conversations, nothing beats practicing with a teacher who can offer practical guidance. So, consider signing up with us at Coto Academy!

Why Study at Coto Academy?

Coto Academy has been offering Japanese classes for over 25 years, with campuses in Shibuya, Yokohama, Iidabashi, Minato, Shinjuku, and online. Our courses focus on practical Japanese, so the grammar you learn is designed for real-life use.

We offer part-time, intensive, and fully online lessons to suit your schedule. Start learning Japanese effectively and confidently with Coto Academy today! Fill out the form below for a free level check.

FAQ:

With the Japanese government moving toward requiring Japanese language ability for the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” visa — typically JLPT N2 or a Business Japanese Test (BJT) score of 400 or higher — a lot of applicants are suddenly asking the same question: what exactly is the BJT, and why have so few people heard of it?

The Business Japanese Test is both a compelling alternative and a strong complement to the JLPT, particularly for those looking to work in Japan. Unlike the JLPT, which measures general proficiency, the BJT is designed specifically for a business environment — making it a valuable credential for anyone who wants to demonstrate workplace-ready Japanese to a potential employer.

Now that the BJT is one of only two Japanese language certificates that the Japanese government acknowledges for the key professional work visa, how does it compare to the JLPT? And should you take it? From how to sign up, what to prepare, and what to bring on the test day, keep reading our ultimate guide on the BJT to find out everything you need to know. 

What is the Business Japanese Test (BJT)? 

According to the official BJT website, the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is a language assessment that measures your ability to communicate effectively in professional and business settings in Japanese. 

The whole test is multiple choice, where each question has 4 total options to choose from. The test uses a scaled score where the difficulty of the question has a certain weight in the final result. So each question does not represent “1 point” equally. This scaled scoring provides reliable results. 

The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation developed this test for professionals aiming to work in Japanese companies or communicate in Japanese business environments.

BJT vs JLPT: How different are they?

Unlike the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), which focuses more on general Japanese skills, including listening, grammar, and vocabulary, the BJT emphasizes language usage for different work situations, such as promoting a project, communicating between different teams with different specialties, and handling business meetings or negotiations. To a certain extent, the BJT also tests your knowledge of Japanese business manners. 

The BJT is also more flexible when it comes to scheduling. While the JLPT is held just twice a year, the BJT is available monthly, though it is offered in fewer countries overall.
It’s worth noting that while the JLPT remains the most widely recognized Japanese language certification by governments, private companies, and society at large, the BJT is becoming more popular.

If your goal is to work in a Japanese-speaking office, the BJT is often seen as a more professionally relevant qualification. Another amazing advantage of the BJT is that you can take it any time of the year, depending on availability at a testing center nearest to you. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the exams:

BJT and the Professional Working Visa

In April 2026, the Japanese government announced new language requirements for foreigners applying for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa. Specifically, applicants falling under Category 3 or 4 are now required to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2, the level used in their day-to-day work.

This is where the BJT becomes especially relevant. Under the new guidelines, an applicant is considered to meet the CEFR B2 standard if they satisfy any one of the following conditions:

• Holds JLPT N2 or higher
• Has scored 400 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
• Has resided in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid- to long-term resident
• Has graduated from a Japanese university, or completed a specialized or advanced course at a Japanese technical college or vocational school
• Has completed compulsory education in Japan and graduated from high school

This makes the BJT one of only two officially recognized Japanese language tests — alongside the JLPT — that can satisfy this visa requirement. For working professionals who may not have pursued general language study through the JLPT pathway, the BJT offers a meaningful alternative: one that reflects the kind of Japanese they actually use on the job.

Another advantage worth highlighting is timing. Because the BJT is held monthly and delivered via computer, there’s no need to wait for a fixed test window the way you would with the JLPT, which runs just twice a year. For someone applying for a visa or a new job, that flexibility can make a real practical difference. You can prepare, sit the test, and have your results in hand without building your timeline around a twice-yearly schedule.

Where and how often is the BJT held?

Unlike the JLPT, which is only offered twice a year, the BJT is available year-round via computer-based testing (CBT) in over 15 countries, including East Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, parts of the Americas, and Europe. Tests are administered at recognized testing centers that can be found on the BJT website. Availability may vary by region and testing center, and you can select time slots that are most convenient for you. 

Keep in mind that you can only take the test once every 3 months!

Test Locations within Japan:

Sapporo, Sendai, Koriyama, Niigata, Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, Oita, Naha

Test Locations Outside of Japan:

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Singapore, America, Mexico, Brazil, France, England, Germany, Italy

How much does BJT cost?

To take the BJT in Japan, it is a flat fee of ¥7,000, including tax. However, the fee will vary depending on the region. For instance, the fee in the United States, France, England, and Italy is $76 (USD), while in Mexico and Brazil the fee is $42 (USD).

How is the BJT scored?

Unlike the JLPT with a specific passing score, there is no pass or fail for the BJT. Instead, the exam scores your answers from 0 to 800 total points and evaluates your results on a scale of six levels from J5 to J1+. The J1+ is the highest level, and J5 is the lowest. Here is a breakdown of the J5 to J1+ levels by points:

J1+: 600 – 800 

This is the highest level, indicating you have more than sufficient knowledge and communication ability to speak business Japanese, use the most appropriate choice of words, and carry out all work duties.

J1: 530 – 599

The J1 indicates a very strong ability to speak and use words appropriately in different work situations, such as handling business meetings, phone calls, and negotiations. While not at the same level of accuracy as the J1+, this level does display a high level of business Japanese ability.

J2: 420 – 529

The J2 shows that you have extensive knowledge in Japanese, but may not understand the best choice of words for differing contexts. This is a moderately high degree of business Japanese.

J3: 320 – 419

The J3 indicates you have the ability to understand simple business conversations, meetings that are not too complex, and some Japanese business customs. This is an intermediate/moderate level of business Japanese.

J4: 200 – 319

This is a beginner level of business Japanese, indicating an ability to understand simple business conversation if spoken slowly.

J5: 0 – 199 

This is the most introductory level. This score means very minimal to no business Japanese understanding and communication ability.

How the BJT is structured

The BJT lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and is divided into three main sections: listening comprehension, listening and reading comprehension, and reading comprehension. 

1. Listening Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 1 and 2

This section is designed to test your understanding of Japanese in a variety of business situations. The main format for the listening comprehension portion of the exam is audio conversations followed by questions. This portion of the exam consists of 5 questions for situational understanding, 10 questions for conversational listening comprehension, and 10 questions for general listening comprehension. 

The total time takes around 45 minutes.

2. Listening and Reading Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 3 and 4

The Listening and Reading Comprehension combines audio with visual information such as graphs, slides, and different reading materials. This section focuses on testing your ability to interpret spoken language in context with written visuals, with 3 subsections including situational understanding, information listening and reading comprehension, and general listening and reading comprehension.

The total time takes approximately 30 minutes.

3. Reading Comprehension: Mondai (問題) 5 and 6

The last test is the reading comprehension test, which tests your understanding of written communication in professional settings. The test consists of reading materials, business documents, emails, and memos. The test consists of four areas: vocabulary and grammar, expression, reading comprehension, and general reading comprehension

The total time takes roughly 30 minutes. 

Is the BJT difficult?

The BJT can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with Japanese business language and culture. However, the test is designed to assess real-world skills, not just academic knowledge. If you’re already working in a Japanese company or studying business Japanese, you may find the test more practical and intuitive than the JLPT.

Many learners find the listening and visual interpretation section the most difficult, as it requires multitasking and quick comprehension.

How to prepare for the BJT

There are many ways you can prepare for the BJT, including taking business Japanese courses, practicing with sample questions, and finding good listening material. To start, the official BJT website has sample questions you can look through and practice. But to get more sufficient practice in, you can get the Official BJT Preparation Book (ビジネス日本語能力テスト公式問題集). You can also find online websites that offer BJT practice questions or find good listening materials, such as business Japanese podcasts or YouTube channels. 

We highly recommend practicing and getting familiar with keigo and general business Japanese communication. Our Business Japanese courses at Coto Academy are a great way to practice business Japanese, both for work and to help prepare for the BJT exam. 

Who accepts BJT scores?

The BJT Business Japanese Test is now an officially recognized path to meeting Japan’s new work visa. Previously, many businesses, universities, and Japanese language schools accepted BJT scores as a credible index for Japanese abilities. A BJT score is a great way to display your business Japanese skills on a resume or 履歴書 (rirekisho) and may help you to stand out, while it’s not usually a requirement for most jobs. Some universities may even apply the BJT to course credits or use the BJT scores as a part of their evaluation criteria for university entrance exams. 

Due to this, language schools are also adopting curricula or classes that help students prepare for the BJT and may even use the score as another means to help students display their language abilities.

JLPT or BJT: Which is more widely accepted?

While it doesn’t hurt to add either one to your academic or work resume since both will help you stand out, JLPT test results are more commonly listed as a standard for certain roles, academic programs, or even visas. However, most roles that do require some form of Japanese language ability, either a JLPT or BJT score, are accepted as a credible qualification of language proficiency. The BJT can also be used in place of JLPT for displaying your eligibility for certain visas in Japan.

While a BJT or JLPT score may get your foot in the door for an interview with a Japanese company, it is just as important to demonstrate you can actually speak Japanese. 

If you want to learn Japanese, you can join lessons at leading language schools like Coto Academy, which offers business Japanese courses.

How to apply for the BJT

So, now that you have decided to take the BJT, what are the steps to apply and take the test? Below, we provided a breakdown of how to sign up:

1. Make a reservation for the BJT exam via the PearsonVUE website

You can go to the official reservation site through the BJT website or by clicking the link above. You can toggle the language to switch to English if necessary and click “create an account” to register.

2. Agree to the Privacy Policies

This page is meant to inform you of the privacy policies regarding the personal data you will share, as well as CCTV recordings during the test itself. Make sure all the boxes are checked and click “agree” to continue to the application. 

3. Provide your personal information

There are 4 total steps. In the first 2 steps, you provide information such as your name, address, and contact information.

On the third step, you must select the month you plan on taking the BJT. 

On the last step, you finalize your account by making a username and password as well as providing 3 security questions with answers (be sure to choose answers you can remember very accurately without any spelling errors or variations),

4. Schedule an exam

Once you have successfully created a web profile, click on the “BJT: BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test” to start booking your exam date and location. 

Confirm your native language. 

Afterwards, read through the policies regarding retaking the exam, rescheduling, and cancelling the exam. Note that full refunds for the exam are possible if you cancel at least 24 hours before the exam date.

6. Choose your test center and preferred date

You will be brought to a screen where you can search for test centers by location. The website will automatically display the test centers closest to the address you registered when you created your account. But if you prefer test centers at a different location, you can type in a desired area in the search box.

After choosing your desired test center, click a date that works best with your schedule. 

You can click “Explore more times” if the available appointment time does not work with your schedule. Once you have chosen a time frame, click “Book this appointment”.

7. Pay the examination fee 

Once you’ve completed your application, you will need to pay the test fee to finalize the exam reservation. Confirm the test location, appointment time, and contact information, and click “Proceed to Checkout”.

Lastly, enter your payment information; you can pay with either a debit or credit card. In Japan, the fee will amount to ¥7,000 but, as mentioned, the exam fee varies by country and test location.

After paying, you will receive confirmation and test details via email.

What to bring to the BJT

Since the BJT is a computer-based exam, you won’t need to bring much for the exam itself. You will only need to bring 2 forms of identification, at least one has to have a clear photo of your face. Make sure the names written on your IDs match the names you wrote when making an account for the BJT. 

Any electronic devices you bring, such as a cellphone, should be shut off and stowed away in your bag before entering the exam room. You are not allowed to have any study materials once you enter the testing room. 

Conclusion: Is the BJT Worth Taking?

If you plan to work in a Japanese company, apply for internships, or communicate professionally in Japanese, the BJT is a highly practical and respected certification. Unlike the JLPT, it focuses on real-world usage and evaluates your ability to operate in a business environment, making it a valuable tool to advance your career.

Whether you’re a foreign job seeker in Japan or a company doing cross-border work, the BJT helps prove that you’re more than just fluent; you’re ready to break into the Japanese workplace. 

To help prepare for the BJT or for getting more Japanese practice for working in Japan, fill out the form below to get in touch with us!

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Taking the JLPT instead? You might like our blog on:

• Ultimate Guide to Passing JLPT N1
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N2
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N3
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N4
• Ultimate Guide to Passing the JLPT N5
• How to Study for the JLPT