Japanese Language Tests in the Era of Tabunka Kyōsei

This paper examines Japanese language tests available to foreign residents in Japan and considers their role in the context of the Japanese form of multiculturalism, known as tabunka kyōsei, or “mutual co-existence”. Three tests are examined and compared: The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), J.TEST, and the Business Japanese Test (BJT). One of the contemporary challenges facing Japanese society is how it will deal with its increasing diversity. Tabunka kyōsei is a government initiative for the purpose of promoting equality between Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan. Naturally, the Japanese language presents an obstacle for many foreign residents in Japan, and failure to develop sufficient proficiency in the language can affect living standards and limit employment opportunities. Several Japanese language tests are available to Japanese language learners who are non-Japanese citizens. These tests can provide a useful benchmark of proficiency, can function as a useful goal for Japanese learners, and can help in securing employment opportunities. However, such tests also raise several questions. For example, are these tests an accurate measure of one’s Japanese language ability, and are these tests helping to create a more inclusive society? I argue that, while Japanese language tests can help to empower foreign residents, most tests only focus on passive language skills (reading and listening) and improvements in testing may help to promote greater inclusivity.