The Global Expat Hub
JapanPrimary language: Japanese. Belonging score 54/100, and language is its biggest lever.
Options
- Intensive in-country schools (2–4 weeks) in Tokyo, ideal right after arrival.
- Online tutors before the move to reach survival level.
- Municipal integration courses, often subsidised for residents.
- Exchange meetups for conversation practice.
Affiliate partner
🗣️
Start learning Japanese before you move
Babbel's Japanese course is built around real conversation, not vocabulary lists. Even basic phrases transform day-to-day life in Japan.
Try Babbel free for 7 days →🔗 Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn The Global Expat Hub a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Our country scores, ratings and editorial content are never influenced by affiliate or advertising relationships. Learn more.
Official & reference sources
Labelled partner · Advertise with usLanguage school partnerIntensive courses in Tokyo and online tutors before you fly
One labelled partner per page. Paid placements never influence the Japan liveability score, safety rating or warnings.