Studying in Japan from Taiwan: A Preparation Guide | Nihongo to Japan
Advantages for Taiwanese Students
Taiwanese students have several advantages when studying in Japan:
Kanji Foundation Taiwanese students use traditional Chinese characters from childhood, giving them a natural advantage recognizing Japanese kanji. While readings and usage differ, being able to recognize character shapes helps enormously with reading comprehension.
Cultural Similarity Taiwan and Japan share similarities in food culture, politeness norms and daily habits, making adaptation easier.
90-Day Visa-Free Entry Taiwanese passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days, making it easy to try before committing long-term.
Language Preparation Tips
Recommended pre-departure level Even if a language school accepts beginners, reaching JLPT N5 level before departure makes daily life much smoother — recognizing hiragana/katakana, understanding basic greetings and shopping phrases, and reading simple signs.
Self-Study Resources This site offers free self-study materials (/materials) from beginner to N4 level, grammar guides (/grammar) and JLPT practice quiz bank (/challenge).
During Language School Full immersion accelerates progress significantly compared to studying in Taiwan. Actively interact with Japanese people and international students beyond your Taiwanese classmates.
Key tips
- Use this site's free JLPT practice before departure to build your Japanese foundation
- LINE messaging is widely used in Japan — set up your account when you arrive
- Save the contact details for Taiwan's representative office in Japan, in case of an emergency
FAQ
Is it easy for Taiwanese to find work in Japan?
Japan has been actively recruiting international talent. Taiwanese with N2 or above can find opportunities in IT, tourism and service industries. However, work visa requirements apply — check the latest Japanese work visa regulations or consult your language school's career advisor.
Can I work part-time while studying at a language school in Japan?
Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week with a 'designated activities permit' (資格外活動許可), or 40 hours during school holidays. Part-time work supplements living costs and provides Japanese practice. Follow the work hour limits — violations can affect your visa status.