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function, copy and paste them and you can start to build up a collection of articles to review. It won't take you long to get used to reading the news in Japanese.
    Japanese tests
There are several Japanese language tests you can take as a foreigner. Reasons for taking a test can vary: some want a qualification to put on their CV, others like the added motivation of preparing for a test. Tests are not the be-all and end-all of language learning and should not be viewed as such. I’ve met many people with very good Japanese who have never taken any kind of test.
    JLPT
The most well-known Japanese test (at least among foreigners) is the Japanese language proficiency test. Great introduction to the JLPT
JLPT FAQ
The JLPT is divided into 4 levels of which 4 is the easiest and 1 is the hardest. Level 1 ( ikkyuu ) has been described as the holy grail for learners of Japanese. This is a bit of a stretch in my opinion but the test can be a good motivator and indicator of progress.
Study at a medium pace and you should be able to pass ikkyuu within four years. I have seen a dedicated student fail it by less than one percent after studying for two years and pass it comfortably in three.
    Passing level 1 or 2 is quite respectable. Whilst the JLPT is a nice qualification to have on your CV it is certainly no guarantee of a job. Those with other marketable skills on their CVs, e.g. computer programming, may find the JLPT opens new doors for them.
    Criticism of the JLPT includes the fact that it's only held once a year, it's expensive (around 7-8 thousand yen), it's all multiple choice (or multiple guess, depending on how hard you studied) and they don't send you the results until March (the test is held in December).
If you do take it in Japan, the subway is sure to be packed with foreigners which can be an amusing sight. Make sure you buy your return ticket on the way there and avoid the rush on the way back.
    J-test
The J-test is another test gaining popularity in Japan. Think of it as a cheap and cheerful version of the JLPT. It’s definitely good practice for anyone thinking of taking the JLPT level 1 or 2. The sections tend to start off quite easy but become progressively harder throughout.
    Unlike the JLPT, you will actually have to write some Japanese (rather than simply select multiple choice answers) as there is a writing section at the end. The test also has a rather tricky sentence building section at the end.
The J-test isn’t especially well-known but it will give you a good idea where you stand in relation to the JLPT ( I got 723/1000 on the J-test the year I passed the JLPT 1 with 71%).
    Kanji test
One of the problems with the JLPT is that most Japanese people know next to nothing about it. I have been to a job interview for a translator position that required applicants to hold either JLPT 1 or 2 (I had the 1) only to be asked if I could read kanji !
    Most English speakers wouldn’t have a clue about the significance of a TOEIC score and it is the same with Japanese people and the JLPT et al. The Japanese do know about the kanji kentei ( kanken ) and most of them will have taken it at some point in their lives. Accordingly, taking and passing the kanji kentei will grant you instant kudos with Japanese people.
    I hope that this chapter has given you some insight as to how to tackle learning to read and write in Japanese. Attaining literacy in Japanese brings a real feeling of achievement and I believe that anyone with a positive attitude and some spare time can learn to read books in Japanese. Besides, think of all the fun you'll have reading the crazy kanji tattoos illiterate westerners are so fond of.
Book Reviews
     
In this chapter I will discuss some of the more popular books out there to help you learn Japanese.
    Buy any book from these links and I will send you the mp3 files to accompany the free flashcards on my website. Simply email [email protected] with the name of the book you purchased. Check