【Gathering Earlier Due to Heavy Rain During the Rainy Season】
July 5th was the day of the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test). The JLPT is an important examination that measures learners’ overall Japanese ability, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening skills.
For international students, it is a very important day because the results can affect their future education and employment opportunities. However, heavy rain during Japan’s rainy season caused train services to be disrupted early that morning.
Worried that the students might not arrive at the test site on time, we decided at the last minute to move up our meeting time and waited for them at the station ticket gates. Many students arrived earlier than the scheduled meeting time. Even with their hands wet from the rain, they were making their final preparations—reviewing their textbooks and checking vocabulary with friends. Some students came up to me and asked, “Teacher, how do you read this kanji?” Their serious attitude showed just how determined they were to do their best.
【Boarding the Delayed Train and Heading to the Bus Termina】
At the ticket gates, buying train tickets took longer than expected, and a line quickly formed in front of the ticket machines. Some students had not prepared enough coins or small bills and looked a little anxious, but we encouraged them and helped them purchase their tickets one by one. Eventually, we were able to board the delayed train.
Even on the train, the students made the most of every minute before the exam. Some continued reviewing their textbooks, while others quizzed each other on vocabulary during the final stretch of preparation.
After getting off the train, we headed to the bus terminal. There, we found a long line of people waiting for buses to the test venue. When we finally boarded, the bus was completely full. Many students had to stand, making it impossible to open their textbooks. Instead, they quietly held their rain-soaked bags and seemed to be mentally preparing themselves for the exam despite the crowded, swaying bus.
【A Confident Step Toward the Exam】
After getting off the crowded bus, the students headed toward the exam venue. Watching them walk away, they looked so determined. As they said, “Ittekimasu” (“I’m off!”), and walked inside, I couldn’t help but think of all the hard work they had put in over the past months.
I called out, “Ganbette! (Good luck!)” as they entered the exam venue.
【Students’ Reflections After the Exam】
The following day, I asked the students how they felt about the exam.
“The vocabulary section was harder than I expected. There were several words I didn’t know.”
“Some of the grammar we studied in class appeared on the test, so I was able to answer those questions confidently.”
“The reading section was difficult because the passages were so long. I ran out of time.”
“Listening was still the hardest part. The audio was so fast that I got nervous.”
“I feel like I did well… but I’m not completely sure.”
They reflected carefully on every part of the exam and shared their honest impressions.
Despite the heavy rain and transportation delays, the students persevered and gave the exam their very best until the end. I believe this experience will become a great source of confidence for them. I sincerely hope that as many of them as possible pass the JLPT.
