PCSing to Japan may seem exciting and perhaps overwhelming. Trying to learn the local language might add to the stress of trying to learn the customs of your new home.

But you don’t have to worry— the Japanese government recently launched a website to help all foreign residents gain some language skills for free!

The Connect and Enhance your Life in Japanese site offers Japanese language lessons in English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. The site includes 18 video skits at 3 different proficiency levels where users can learn everyday phrases one might encounter while living in Japan.

This initiative by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs is the result of the growing number of foreign national residents in the country which grew up to 2.93 million in 2019, according to the agency. In addition, a new law passed in 2019 holds officials responsible for providing this section of the population with opportunities to learn the language.

Give it a try and don’t forget to practice with us every week on Facebook with Speakin’ Japanese language video lessons.

Connect and Enhance your Life in Japanese - https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/?lang_id=EN

Stars and Stripes Japan Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/StripesPacific/