JLPT December 2026

Japanese
#161

I think that’s a good idea, honestly. Even just taking the practice tests on here was a good eye opener for me in terms of how things are structured and what could be expected. In my case, it has been quite some time since I have taken a formal test at all, let alone something that feels as strict and structured as this one. So I’m happy to aim perhaps a touch low on my first testing experience so that I’m better prepared for later ones! I think with better planning I could have aimed for N4, but I have dropped Japanese study enough that I wanted to take an easy pace that was comfortable to keep in the routine.

Thanks! I was very pleasantly surprised with that score as well! I still need to review all of the questions I missed to see what I need to work on, but I’m glad to know that my vocab skills are not going to be the weak link in the test for me!

3 Likes
#162

myjlpt is not working because of the network congestion. i fear it is over for me

#163

I got in by using a VPN! All hope it not lost

#165

Any French people registering for the Lyon exam here ? If so, is the PDF file provided really weird to you as well ? It isn’t meshing well with Adobe apparently, so I end up with weird printed versions :disappointed_relieved:

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#166

I’ll be trying my first N5 test this year in Venice, Italy! :blush:

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#167

I successfully signed up for the N3!
Hopefully I’ll be ready by December :crossed_fingers:

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#168

…And registration form sent for N3 ! (Physically. In 2026. Lyon decided to keep the old Japanese traditions of papier trails :nerd_face: ) The PDF format really was a struggle, not sure what happened since it worked just fine last year but all of my classmates had the same issue with trouble editing it properly. It’ll be an happy mess of both hand-written and typed answers for everyone

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#169

Finally got in! It only took like 24 hours :smiley:

I hope everyone can get in!!

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#170

brooo this made me so feral yesterday. Glad we both managed it in the end!

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#171

Well, I’m glad I at least got registered for N3. Literally was about to purchase the seat for Houston the minute it went it live and got the notification that all the seats were gone. I have mainly been reviewing, doing my kanjis, and outputting a lot (finished all N3 Grammar points and dabble with some N2 Grammar. I basically mastered a lot of vocab that I need to get rid of). I was in a slog for about a month or two of not really studying and just going back to redoing and reviewing (along with other things). So yeah, Let’s see how I do in about 3-4 months.

#172

I’m holding off on applying until I’ve seen my results on Thusday - fate will decide if there’s space for me or not, I suppose.

#173

Signed up for N2 and passed N3 last December, just scored 75% on practice test but I know it’s likely easier than the real deal. Open to any tips for the next couple months so I can hopefully pass. :triumph:

1 Like
#174

If you are in Japan you can do the registration and select Konbini pay, which gives you until September 7th to actually pay. That way you can (presumably) hold a spot and just cancel the registration when the results are actually out if you decide not to take it.

They give you a deadline to pay by when choosing that payment option, so I don’t think they can actually terminate your application before that deadline even if they close registration early.

2 Likes
#175

Oh, fair point! I’m not too stressed about missing a slot - I don’t need the certification for a job/visa or anything, atm it’s just for my own knowledge and benchmark - but that’s a good idea for sure.

#176

Aaand registered for N3! I’m glad the site became usable enough on the Japanese end to actually get it booked before the seats run out. I wonder how long before the deadline they’re going to sell out completely?

I’m hoping I can take it in Saitama but I found it interesting that they only let you select ‘testing zones’ based on the overall region of Japan (e.g Kanto, Tohoku) rather than specific prefectures. They have my address, so fingers crossed they don’t send me down to Kanagawa on the day? :sweat_smile:
If there’s anyone in here who’s done the JLPT in Japan before, are they likely to keep you in your prefecture? I’m curious

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#177

I have heard of people going over to other prefectures for testing, but I doubt you’d need to go farther than Tokyo if you are outside of Saitama for the test

I’ve taken N4, N3 and N2 and the testing site has always been within an hours travel time by public transport for me personally.

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#178

Just registered for N2 in December !

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#179

Things have changed a bit. It used to be that there were unlimited seats and (theoretically) you would never have to go outside your prefecture. That changed… last year, I think?

Now, as you see, you have to select your ‘region’ and seating is limited. That said, I sat the N3 in Saitama this summer, so there are clearly testing centers there. You’re probably fine.

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#180

Iirc you always had to select your region

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#181

Passed N3 and signed up for the N2 as well, but not really confident I’ll pass this time around…at the moment at least. I’m increasing my reading (as it’s 105 min) of the exam. And from what I’ve heard, the expected reading speed is around 2-3 min a page. I don’t enjoy reading, even in my mother tongue - English… so that’s pretty fast if you ask me. I had a coworker a while back who read often and still failed the N2. I’m in no position to give tips, but I think it’s clear this test is focused on reading. I’m currently using the reading practice stories here on Bunpro and Todaii news for my reading practice in addition to improving areas that I believe are lacking, like vocab knowledge.

2 Likes