EN: Improving your Japanese is the best investment in your career as a care worker in Japan. Here’s how busy workers actually study.
JP: 日本語を じょうずに することは、介護（かいご）の しごとに 一番（いちばん）大切（たいせつ）です。忙（いそが）しい 中で どう 勉強するかを 説明（せつめい）します。
1. Free Apps / 無料の アプリ
- NHK Easy News: News in easy Japanese, free. 1 article per day.
- HelloTalk: Chat with Japanese people learning your language.
- Anki: Flashcards for vocabulary. Spaced repetition.
- Kanji Study (Chase Colburn): For kanji practice.
- Bunpo: Grammar lessons by JLPT level.
2. Care-Specific Japanese / 介護の 日本語
- Kaigo no Nihongo textbook (国際交流基金): standard for EPA/特定技能
- Nippon Kokoro to Karada: body parts and care terms
- Make your own dictionary: write 5 new care words per day
- Ask a senior staff: “What does ◯◯ mean?” — they love teaching
3. Study Time Management / 勉強時間（じかん）の つくりかた
- Commute: NHK Easy News on phone (15-30 min/day)
- Breaks: Anki flashcards (5-10 min × 2-3 times)
- Before bed: Read 1 manga page or children’s book (10 min)
- Weekend: 1-2 hour focused study (grammar + writing)
- Total: 1-2 hours/day is realistic and effective
4. JLPT Exam Strategy / JLPT 試験 戦略
| Level | Use for | Study time |
|---|---|---|
| N5/N4 | Daily life basic | 3-6 months |
| N3 | Care work intermediate / 介護福祉士受験のお薦め | 6-12 months |
| N2 | Care work advanced, 介護福祉士国家試験 cleared easier | 1-2 years |
| N1 | Native level, leadership positions | 2-3 years |
5. Practice Speaking / 話す 練習
- Talk to elderly residents (slow speech, lots of patience)
- Volunteer at local kominkan (community center) for free Japanese classes
- HelloTalk voice chat with native speakers
- Record yourself speaking — listen back next day
- Don’t fear mistakes — Japanese people appreciate effort
6. Free/Low-Cost Classes / 無料・安い 教室
- 市町村の 国際交流協会 (International Exchange Association): often free
- 地域 ボランティア教室: 100-500円/回
- オンライン: Italki・Preply（1コマ 800-2,000円）
- YouTube: Nihongo no Mori・Japanese Ammo with Misa（無料）
