Recently, I took the National Certification Exam for Japanese Language Teachers. Although I have been working as a Japanese teacher for several years, preparing for and taking this exam gave me an important opportunity to rethink my approach to teaching. In daily classroom life, it’s easy to get caught up in lesson plans and students’ progress, but this process reminded me to return to a fundamental question: What is Japanese language education, really?

Teaching Japanese is not simply about explaining grammar or vocabulary. Behind every word lies layers of culture, values, and social relationships. For example, the phrase sumimasen can mean “I’m sorry,” “thank you,” or even “excuse me,” depending on the situation. Understanding and teaching such nuances go far beyond teaching “correct answers.” It’s about helping learners grasp how Japanese people communicate feelings and build relationships through language.

Through studying for the exam, I realized again that language education is also cultural education. A Japanese teacher’s role is not to provide fixed rules, but to guide learners so that they can make their own choices in real situations. Teaching is a collaborative process — an exploration shared between teacher and learner, where both sides deepen their understanding of language, culture, and human connection.

Taking this national qualification exam also reminded me that teachers themselves must remain lifelong learners. Society, language, and communication styles continue to evolve. To support students effectively, we too must keep learning, questioning, and refining our perspectives.

To those who are beginning to learn Japanese, I want to say this: you don’t need to be perfect. Japanese can sometimes feel complicated, and mistakes are part of the process. What matters most is expressing yourself, little by little, in your own way. Learning a language is not just about memorizing words — it’s about discovering new ways of seeing the world. Enjoy the process, stay curious, and let your Japanese grow naturally with you.

Taking the National Certification Exam for Japanese Language Teachers was a valuable experience that reaffirmed my passion for teaching. It reminded me that Japanese language education is not just about teaching a language, but about connecting people, sharing perspectives, and fostering understanding across cultures. I look forward to continuing this journey — learning together with my students, and exploring the world that opens up through the Japanese language.