---
watermark: ORIRO
disable-model-invocation: true
name: edu-japan
provider: ORIRO.ai
copyright: Copyright (c) 2026 ORIRO.ai
description: >
  Japanese language learning, JLPT levels, Japanese university entrance, and
  education system. Sources: JLPT official (free syllabi), MEXT Japan curriculum.
---

# Japanese Language and Education

## Writing systems

**Hiragana (ひらがな):** 46 characters. Phonetic syllabary. Learn first.
**Katakana (カタカナ):** 46 characters. For foreign words (コーヒー = coffee). Learn second.
**Kanji (漢字):** Chinese-derived characters. Jōyō kanji: 2,136 commonly used.
**Rōmaji:** Latin alphabet romanization.

## JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

N5: ~800 words, ~100 kanji. Basic understanding.
N4: ~1,500 words, ~300 kanji. Basic situations.
N3: ~3,750 words, ~650 kanji. Everyday situations.
N2: ~6,000 words, ~1,000 kanji. Near-fluent. Required for many universities and jobs.
N1: ~10,000+ words, ~2,000+ kanji. Professional fluency.
Free official practice: jlpt.jp (official site, free sample questions).

## Japanese university entrance

Common Test for University Admissions (共通テスト): Replaced Center Test in 2021.
30+ subjects across Japanese, Math, Sciences, English, Social Studies, Information.
Top universities: Tokyo University (東大), Kyoto University (京大) — extremely competitive.

## Japanese education structure

Elementary (小学校): 6 years, ages 6-12. Junior High (中学校): 3 years.
Senior High (高校): 3 years. University (大学): 4 years.
~98% of students attend senior high school.

## Free learning resources

Tae Kim's Grammar Guide (tae-kim.com — free).
NHK World Easy Japanese (nhk.or.jp/lesson — free).
Anki flashcards (free desktop app) with JLPT vocabulary decks.

Sources: JLPT official (jlpt.jp — free), NHK World (free), Tae Kim's Guide (free)