Japanese Language – Sakura Saku

What Does It Feel Like to Study at NCF? Part 3: Advanced Japanese

Advanced Japanese was the most satisfying yet also the most difficult phase of my journey in studying the Japanese language. My positive experience with Intermediate Japanese inspired me to go as far as where my abilities could take me, and that meant aiming for the highest level of proficiency (JLPT N1).

While most Japanese language schools in the Philippines offer only basic and intermediate courses, Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) is one of the few institutions, if not the only one, that consistently offers JLPT N1 review classes and other advanced courses such as business Japanese and translation. These are all well suited to those who have attained JLPT N2 proficiency.

In this entry, I will discuss my experience in the final leg of my studies at an esteemed Japanese language institute. The following areas are some of the topics that are covered by this article:

The course content and coverage of the JLPT N1 review class;
The types of class activities and materials for advanced Japanese; and
The learning experience with a native Japanese instructor in an online setting.

I Passed JLPT N1 in One Attempt: Here’s How I Did It

When I started learning Japanese, I never thought I would be aiming for N1, the highest and most difficult level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). But as I continued studying, I’ve grown to love the language even more until I developed a desire to reach N1.

It hasn’t been a year since I passed N2 (equivalent), but I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I could make it in my N1-level studies before I leave for Japan this year.

Surely, this was my first attempt at the N1-level exam, so the chances of passing it are extremely low. Perhaps even remote. Regardless, I decided to push myself and study as much as I can before the July 2022 test.

The result of all that hard work is a passing score for the JLPT N1 in just ONE attempt.

In this article, I’ll share the details of my preparation that helped me pull that off.

Taking the July 2022 JLPT During the Pandemic: What Made this Experience Unique

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the bi-annual JLPT has been canceled in the Philippines four times. That’s about two years.

The agonizing, long wait has been frustrating for those who have been wanting to obtain official certification in Japanese language proficiency. Of course, that included me.

Fortunately, the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) announced the resumption of the JLPT starting with the July 2022 exam. There were significant changes, such as fewer available test levels and the implementation of health and safety protocols.

Here’s a recount of my experience taking the JLPT during the “new normal.”