If you are asking this question, it means you are either in Japan or would move to the country very soon. Before actually looking at your options to learn Japanese in Japan for free let us understand why learning the language would help.
It could be higher studies, better career prospects or the relocation due to a job or business that takes you to Japan. Once you are in the country and would need to stay there for a considerable amount of time, learning the local language is always of help.
Yes, you may get along well with English most of the time, learning the local language can help you build friendships and start small talk with anyone easily. Understanding and speaking the local language not only helps in getting daily chores comparatively easily, but it also helps in experiencing a unique way of life, culture and travel which may not be known to the common tourists. For someone living in the country, learning Japanesecan also help in adapting to the surroundings in a better and easier manner.
You may have found your reason but are not yet ready to invest money in learning Japanese. You can find learning resources that can help you learn Japanese for free or almost free.
Japanese Foundation Marugoto lessons
Marugoto lessons are developed by the ‘Japanese foundation’ that offers free lessons for learners of all levels. These lessons are based on the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). You can find two sections in these lessons which are Katsudoo and Rikai. Katsudoo helps you learn practical communication skills needed for everyday situations by listening to a lot of Japanese. Rikai is the section where you learn Japanese in a systematic manner.
Apart from learning communication from scratch, you can even learn reading, writing and listening through this course.
Easy Japanese by NHK World Japan
Easy Japanese helps you learn Japanese through a series of lessons which are presented in skits of ten-minute duration. You can find the lessons both online and as a radio program.
Vocabulary, key phrases, practice exercises and an insight into Japanese culture are all part of these lessons. You can also find charts of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji characters which can be downloaded and easily used for practice.
Japanese language courses by community centres
In Tokyo and many other cities, you can find Japanese language courses mostly offered by volunteers. These classes are usually for adult learners. These classes may not be completely free as the volunteers may charge a certain amount which is not very high. These classes could be a good option for beginners or intermediate level learners.
As volunteers conduct these classes, you may have to arrange your schedule according to them.
Though you have some free options to learn Japanese in Japan, you can choose to learn the language online.
Some of these online classes are free whereas others charge you a certain fee. Most online classes offer you a first free demo session or a trial period where you can get an insight into the teaching-learning methodology and understand how these online classes would be of help to you.
Apart from textbooks, regular or online classes and all the free resources available, you can make the best use of immersion learning while in Japan.
What can you do to improve on your Japanese skills regularly?
Learning a language is nothing but practice. Everything that you learn should be put to practice. Find opportunities to listen, read, write and most importantly speak in Japanese.
Whether at work or on a college campus, you can always find people who are willing to help you learn the language.
Learning a language also includes understanding and learning the cultural aspects of its people. Living in Japan can give you an edge over other learners as you get an opportunity to observe and understand the customs and traditions followed by Japanese people and their importance for them. This helps you understand the language better.
You can always supplement your Japanese learning by watching anime, movies and YouTube videos.
If you would like to start learning Japanese and take that first step, just book a free demo session with Multibhashi.