I am an international student at Kobe University’s graduate school, conducting research on the acceptance of foreign workers in Japan. I won the Best Paper Award in the labor-management relations category at the G20 academic conference, “1st International Conference on Manpower and Sustainable Development (IMSIDE),” which made me realize the importance of Japanese once again. In my field of research, Japanese is an essential element, and I have gone through a lot of trial and error to acquire academic Japanese naturally. Here, I will introduce the learning methods that I found effective.
1.Deepening Your Knowledge of Japanese in Your Field
▪Strengthening Academic Writing Skills in Japanese
First, it is crucial to build a solid foundation in academic Japanese. Taking “Japanese Academic Writing” courses offered by universities or external organizations is one way to do this. Some universities provide specialized support for international students, so be sure to take advantage of these resources.▪Intensive Study of Technical Terms
If your field requires referencing many Japanese papers and specialized books, like mine did, becoming familiar with field-specific terminology and expressions is essential. I personally write directly in my textbooks, highlighting key terms and marking areas where my understanding is weak so that I can review them more easily later.▪Engaging with Professors and Fellow Graduate Students
Actively communicating with professors and graduate students in the same field is crucial for learning technical terms and deepening your research. By increasing opportunities to present your research in Japanese and receiving feedback, you can develop more practical Japanese language skills.
2.Acquiring Practical Japanese Skills
▪Actively Participating in Research Presentations
Presenting your research at conferences, seminars, and workshops and receiving feedback directly contributes to improving your language skills. It may feel difficult at first, but gaining experience will boost your confidence.▪Challenging Yourself to Write Academic Papers
Submitting papers to university journals or academic publications helps you develop high-level academic writing skills. The process of writing papers also deepens your understanding of Japanese writing conventions, allowing you to acquire Japanese academic language skills.▪Collaborating in Research Projects
Participating as a research assistant in projects led by Japanese researchers is an excellent opportunity to develop practical Japanese skills.3.Maintaining Motivation to Continue Learning Japanese
▪Setting Concrete Goals
Setting small goals, such as reading one Japanese research paper per week, and experiencing a sense of achievement is very effective for maintaining motivation. Small successes lead to greater motivation for reaching larger goals.▪Rewarding Yourself for Studying
If Japanese learning feels too rigid, it may become difficult to continue. Incorporating enjoyable Japanese entertainment, such as anime, movies, music, or novels, can help refresh your mind and make learning more enjoyable. Developing a fondness for Japanese through fun experiences can enhance your motivation.
4．The Japanese Learning Environment in Kobe
Kobe provides an excellent learning environment for international students. Universities in the city offer a variety of Japanese language programs, and there are also numerous external support options. Actively make use of the Japanese language programs and courses offered by universities in the city, as well as the Japanese learning support programs provided by external organizations.▪Japanese Language Programs at Universities
Many universities in Kobe that accept international students offer Japanese language programs or courses. For example, Kobe University provides the GEC Japanese Language Program, which allows students to study Japanese at a level that suits their needs.▪Japanese Learning Support from Community Centers and Citizen Groups
Facilities such as the Kobe International Community Center and the Futaba International Plaza offer Japanese learning support for foreign residents. These organizations provide one-on-one and small-group lessons, allowing students to learn practical Japanese for everyday life.In research fields that require Japanese proficiency, learning the language is indispensable. By practicing these methods, I was able to improve my Japanese skills. I encourage you to try these approaches, enjoy learning Japanese, and apply your skills to your research activities.