Is it important to know English in Japan?

Is it necessary to know English in Japan? What is the usefulness of speaking English? Do Japanese people speak English? Although some do not like it, English is a necessary language anywhere on the planet, even in Japan. In this article, we will see the importance of knowing English in Japan, whether to live or to travel.

Most Japanese people do not speak English and many who do have a strange accent. Some think that because of this, English is not very useful, but most Japanese people try and are fond of the English language.

Observe the following dialogue:

So-and-so: “Oh friend! I want to go to Japan! Wouldn't it be better to learn Japanese?” 
Brazilian in Japan: For sure it is! It's much better to learn Japanese! 
So-and-so: Do you already know Japanese?
Brazilian in Japan: I don't, just the basics.

Let’s face it, although it is possible to learn the basics of the Japanese language in 3 months, you won’t learn enough to have a conversation and build a friendship while in Japan. And if you decide to use Google Translate in a conversation, you will go through many bizarre situations.

Google Translate can help you translate some words, yes. But translating complete sentences simply does not work. That’s where English comes in. Even if you don’t know anything in English, it will end up being part of your stay in Japan sooner or later.

We also recommend reading the articles below:

Do you need to know Japanese to travel in Japan?
How does English influence the Japanese?

Why should I know English in Japan?

It will be super useful when you are on the plane or at an airport. Maps, signs, and most restaurant menus are in both Japanese and English. And here’s an opinion that might spark controversy… I feel that the staff treat us better and engage more when we speak in English. Now why?

“I don't know, I just know it was like that.” – Chicó, northeastern philosopher.

And then there’s the issue of Gaijin Hunters, who are Japanese people hunting for foreign friends to use us to practice English and take pictures together!

“Selfish friends? Get out of here!” You might think, but Gaijin Hunters are more open to talking to foreigners and also like to help. I remember once I was lost in Kyoto, I found a group of young Japanese people sitting on the sidewalk and asked for directions using typical Brazilian English. (Improvisation and rambling)

The guys were really nice, not only did they tell me where to go, but they also took me to the bus stop (which was 30 meters from where they were), waited for the bus with me, and even waved goodbye while I was leaving.

Maybe they were Gaijin Hunters, maybe not. Maybe I am prejudiced and judge people hastily. Only God knows.

List of benefits of knowing English in Japan

Even if you have an advanced level of Japanese, English can be useful since many times you may not be able to read the countless ideograms or understand certain texts or notices. There are numerous benefits, and I will list them below:

• Use Google Translate more easily;
• Talk to Japanese people who only want to speak English;
• Read signs, information, and pamphlets in English;
• English is easier than Japanese;
• Many movies in theaters are dubbed in English and subtitled in Japanese;
• Helps you find jobs in Japan;
• English is easier to read.

These are just some of the benefits of knowing English in Japan. Do you know others? We hope you leave them in the comments and share with friends. We recommend visiting our site learn words to study English.

Remember that the tip from this article is in our book “Getting along in Japan” written by my friend Roberto Pedraça. You can download this book for free by registering your email in the field found at the beginning of all articles.

To finish, I will leave below some books and English courses in case you are interested in learning this mandatory language worldwide: