Mastering the JFT-Basic: Your First Step to a Dream Life in Japan

Hello, everyone! To all our friends from the Philippines who are passionate about living in Japan and learning Japanese, thank you for reading this blog. I am a Japanese language teacher here to support your learning journey. As you take your first new steps in Japan, learning the language is an essential component, isn’t it? The “JFT-Basic” is an especially important test that measures your Japanese ability. Passing this exam will be a great source of confidence for your life and work in Japan.

In this blog, I will provide a wide range of practical information, from JFT-Basic preparation strategies to useful Japanese for daily life, and even tips to help you speak with confidence. Drawing from my experience as a teacher, I will share common challenges for Filipino learners and how to study efficiently. There might be times when you think, “This is difficult,” but don’t worry! If you proceed steadily, step by step, you will surely reach your goal. Let’s do our best together!

What is the JFT-Basic? Your Gateway for Filipino Learners

The JFT-Basic, officially the “Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese,” is an exam designed to measure the “basic Japanese communication skills” needed to live in Japan. The purpose of this test is to confirm how well you can use Japanese in everyday life and work situations. It is widely recognized as proof of having Japanese proficiency equivalent to the N4 level.

The test is conducted on a computer and consists of four main sections:

• Script and Vocabulary

  This section tests your knowledge of reading and writing hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, as well as your vocabulary. For example, it assesses your ability to read shop signs and understand the meaning of simple words.

• Conversation and Expression

  This tests your ability to use appropriate expressions in daily situations, such as greetings, showing gratitude, apologizing, and asking questions. It’s important to have a feel for what words are natural to use in which context.

• Listening Comprehension

  This section tests your ability to listen to and understand daily conversations and announcements. For instance, it measures your ability to grasp your destination from a train station announcement or understand someone’s explanation.

• Reading Comprehension

  This tests your ability to read short texts, notices, and instructions to accurately understand the information. It assesses your skill in reading things you’ll encounter in daily life, like price tags at the supermarket or signs in public facilities.

The JFT-Basic is like an important “passport” for you to start your life in Japan smoothly. By passing this test, you can confidently say, “I have the basic Japanese skills to live independently in Japan.”

Path to Passing: Specific Study Methods for the JFT-Basic

Let’s look at specific study methods to help you pass the JFT-Basic. I’ll also include points that Filipino learners should pay special attention to.

• Script and Vocabulary: A Little Bit Every Day, Through Repetition!

  Hiragana and katakana are the absolute foundation of Japanese. Practice writing them every day until you can write them fluently without looking. Katakana might feel difficult at first because it includes sounds and shapes not found in Filipino, but it is extremely important for learning foreign loanwords and proper nouns. For vocabulary, using word books or flashcards to learn both visually and audibly is effective. Prioritize learning words commonly used in daily life.

  A Tip from Your Teacher: Since Filipino is based on the alphabet, some learners struggle with memorizing Japanese characters. However, if you can’t read the characters, you won’t be able to absorb vocabulary or grammar. It’s a tedious process, but this is the most crucial part!

• Conversation, Expression, and Grammar: Practice by Actually Using It!

  Japanese grammar can take time to get used to, as the word order is often different from Filipino. However, the most important thing is to firmly learn the basic sentence patterns. Start with fundamental sentences like “〜は〜です” (A is B), “〜があります” (There is/are ~), and “〜に行きます” (I go to ~), and pay special attention to the use of particles (は, が, を, に, で, etc.). Many Filipino learners tend to get confused when choosing particles. For example, “公園で遊ぶ” (play *at* the park) and “公園にいる” (to be *in* the park) use different particles. This is due to the difference between “the location where an action takes place” and “the location of existence.” Expose yourself to many example sentences to acquire a natural feel for their use. Practice the expressions you learn by saying them out loud repeatedly and create opportunities to use them in actual conversations.

  A Tip from Your Teacher: Distinguishing between “L” and “R” sounds is a common difficulty for Filipino learners. If your pronunciation is off, as in “ラーメン” (rāmen), it can be hard to be understood. Use pronunciation practice apps to master the correct sounds.

• Listening Comprehension: Make Listening to Japanese a Daily Habit!

  The listening questions on the JFT-Basic are based on various everyday situations. Make it a habit to listen to as much Japanese as possible, such as news, weather forecasts, store announcements, and conversations with friends. Japanese learning channels on YouTube, as well as simple Japanese dramas and anime, can also help improve your listening skills. It’s fine to watch with subtitles at first. Gradually increase the time you spend understanding without them.

• Reading Comprehension: Start with Notices and Simple Articles!

  In Japan, you’ll find many notices in places like train stations, supermarkets, and hospitals. The JFT-Basic reading section tests your understanding of such practical texts. Start by trying to read simple Japanese signs and notices around you. “Easy Japanese” versions of news sites are also highly recommended. Even if you don’t know a word, practice guessing its meaning from the context.

By studying each section in a balanced way and repeatedly taking practice tests, you can get used to the JFT-Basic format and practice your time management. Let’s study systematically so you can face the exam with confidence!

Let’s Use What You’ve Learned! Practical Phrases for Daily Life in Japan

The fundamentals you learn for the JFT-Basic will only stick if you use them in real life. Here are some basic Japanese expressions that are immediately useful in daily life, along with cultural tips you should know.

• “Sumimasen” – The Magic Word for Everywhere

  This single word can mean “Sorry,” “Thank you,” or “Excuse me?” in various situations. Memorize it as the first word to say when you’re in trouble or want to talk to someone.

• Phrases for Shopping
  • これをください。 (Kore o kudasai.) – I’ll take this one.
  • いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
  • 袋は要りません。 (Fukuro wa irimasen.) – I don’t need a bag.
• Phrases for Asking for Directions
  • 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the station?
  • 〇〇へ行きたいのですが。 (〇〇 e ikitai no desu ga.) – I’d like to go to [Place].
• Phrases for Restaurants
  • 二人です。 (Futari desu.) – A table for two, please.
  • おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
  • お会計をお願いします。 (Okaikei o onegai shimasu.) – Check, please.
• Japanese Culture to Know
  • Bowing (Ojigi): In Japan, people bow when greeting, thanking, or apologizing. The deeper the bow, the more respectful the feeling conveyed. Start by getting into the habit of giving a light bow with your greetings.
  • Taking Off Shoes: It is customary to take off your shoes at the entrance of Japanese homes and some facilities. If slippers are provided, change into them.
  • Public Manners: Consideration for others is expected in public spaces, such as not talking loudly on the train and taking your trash home. Keeping spaces quiet and clean is important.

A Tip from Your Teacher: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Japanese people understand when foreigners are trying their best to speak Japanese. The fastest way to improve is to have the courage to use the phrases you’ve learned.

Speak with Confidence! Tips to Improve Your Speaking Skills

Many people feel, “I know the grammar and words, but I’m not good at speaking…” Here are some specific practice methods to help you converse with confidence.

• Try Shadowing!

  Shadowing is a practice method where you listen to Japanese audio and repeat it like a shadow, just a little behind. This helps you naturally acquire the unique rhythm and intonation of Japanese. Start with short audio clips, like simple news or lines from anime.

• Practice by Talking to Yourself!

  This involves verbalizing your thoughts and actions in Japanese, such as, “It’s hot today,” “I’m hungry,” or “I’m going to the supermarket now.” You can do this practice anytime, anywhere, since you don’t need a partner. The key is to actually say it out loud, not just think it.

• Start with Short Conversations!

  You don’t need to try to speak in perfect, long sentences. Start with greetings like “Konnichiwa” and “Arigatou gozaimasu.” Accumulate small successes, like telling a convenience store clerk, “Fukuro wa irimasen.” These small victories will build your confidence in speaking.

A Tip from Your Teacher: The most important thing in speaking is the desire to communicate. Even if your grammar is a little off, your feelings can be conveyed by using gestures or just listing the words you know. Instead of aiming for perfection, start by enjoying communication!

Making Your Dream a Reality: Consistency is the Key to Success

To everyone from the Philippines, thank you so much for reading this far. There is a lot to learn—from studying for the JFT-Basic to practicing Japanese for daily life and improving your speaking skills—but with each step you clear, you are definitely growing.

Learning Japanese is like a marathon. There may be times when you feel like giving up. But the most important thing is to “be consistent.” Try to make time to engage with Japanese every day, even if it’s just for a little while. Using one new word you learned today, or listening to the Japanese news for a short time—such small, consistent efforts will build into great strength.

And please, believe in yourself. Your strong desire to “do my best in Japan” is your most powerful motivation. We are here to fully support you in making that dream come true. If you ever run into trouble or have more questions, please don’t hesitate to consult us.

We are sincerely cheering for your new challenge in Japan. We hope this blog has been a help in your studies. See you in the next article!