Foreign Tourists to be Banned from Taking JLPT Test in Japan

The organizations responsible for administering the world’s largest Japanese language exam within Japan have announced an upcoming change to their eligibility requirements.

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, widely known as the JLPT, will no longer be available to tourists visiting the country.

The exam has been run by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services and the Japan Foundation since 1984 to certify the language ability of non-native speakers.

It assesses reading and listening comprehension, alongside vocabulary and grammar, across five different levels ranging from the beginner N5 to the highly advanced N1.

Achieving a high score is often a crucial step for foreigners seeking employment, university admission, or preferential immigration treatment in Japan.

A record-breaking 1.47 million people took the exam globally in 2024, reflecting the growing international interest in the language and culture.

The test is typically held twice a year in July and December across all 47 prefectures in Japan, as well as in numerous overseas locations.

Some overseas locations only conduct the assessment once a year, while testing has been temporarily suspended in places like Wales, Portugal, and Fiji.

Previously, anyone whose native language was not Japanese could register for the domestic exam, including short-term visitors on tourist visas.

Administrators explained that the upcoming restriction was driven by persistent administrative problems linked to overseas applicants.

Many individuals were found to be using Japanese addresses without permission or submitting invalid phone numbers during the registration process on the MyJLPT portal.

These issues made it extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to deliver physical test vouchers and official score reports to examinees.

Organizers stated that this new eligibility condition is necessary to ensure the proper and smooth administration of the assessment.

While the new policy closes the door to almost all short-term visitors, several specific groups without residence cards will remain eligible.

Exemptions include people who have acquired Japanese nationality but whose native language is not Japanese, individuals granted provisional stay, and those covered by military agreements or holding diplomatic status.

Applicants taking the test in Japan will now be required to hold a mid-term to long-term residence status or special permanent residency.