JLPT – Sakura Saku

JLPT Schedule Philippines – July 2023

The 2023 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be held worldwide on the following dates:

First test	July 2, 2023
Second test	December 3, 2023

Following two successful implementations of the JLPT in the Philippines amidst the pandemic last year, the exam will most probably push through this year as well.

Like the December 2022 exam, the JLPT is expected to be conducted on all four test sites (Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro) covering ALL proficiency levels (N5 to N1). For details on the December 2022 exam, please visit this page instead.

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.”