I will skip the July test. The next test centre is too far away and I donāt really need the JLPT right now for anything. Will maybe do N2 in December, but my SO has a half marathon run on that day, so not sure yet who is going to watch the kids then.
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I have a bit of a different experience to share. Iāve been studying on and off for years now (I think maybe 5 since I got serious about it?). Itās longer than many people who have achieved N2. However, Iāve struggled with consistency due to waning interest. Part of it changing life goals, but the biggest one is definitely burnout from being overambitious.
Last year I decided to challenge myself to change that and Iāve been diligently working to consolidate my knowledge. Mainly using Bunpro. I started doing the Genki companion decks (to review Genki 1 & 2) and now Iām filling in the blanks with the default N4 & N5 decks after finishing those.
Iād like to try my luck with the N3 exam, to really push towards an intermediate level and solidify my own progress. Mostly to prove a point to myself (and others) as I feel settled in my home city and thus, donāt plan on moving to Japan like I did when I was a teenager.
However, Iām thinking July might be a bit too soon as I have a massive review stack and havenāt even finished adding all the N4 material yetā¦ I could likely finish adding the N3 material by then, maybe even get my reviews under control if I push myself, but I feel like I need more time to practice what Iāve learned, particularly reading comprehension as Iām stronger with speaking and listening.
I will most likely aim for December instead but Iāll see. N4 is an option too and the excuse to have a mini vacation to another city would be nice. Iāll sit on it for a bit longer before making up my mind completely.
Good luck to everyone who has decided to register!
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After I barely passed the December N4 with a score of 101/180 the obvious next step is to grind out all of the N4 vocab i didnt study before December and shoot for the N3 in July.
And even if i fail the N3 in July im probably still going to shoot for the N2 in December before I have to leave Japan on December 19.
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After almost 3 years of living in Japan without any language studying, I started Bunpro in January and will aim for N4 in July in Tokyo. I will use these 6 months to cover Genki I and Genki II decks, and the N5 and N4 vocab decks + some Kanji work on the side.
1-2hr per day (Bunpro everyday), 24 items per day (15 Genki, 9 Vocab). The rythm is challenging some days but I hope I will have enough time to consolidate the knowledge the month before the test. If everything goes well, N3 will be the target for December. Maybe too presumptuous but it keeps me motivated!
Good luck to everyone!
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Iāll be taking the N3 this year.
I originally planned for the N4 but my online tutor said based on the knowledge sheās seen Iām more N3 level, so Iāve been studying more N3 kanji/grammar/reading comprehension.
My tutor has been a huge help in understanding nuances, practicing native conversation, and explaining tricky grammar points. I highly recommend https://senseishokai.com/ to find a tutor that meets your level, needs, and budget.
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The JLPT test date is confirmed as 6th July 2025!
You can find practice papers, audio, answers, etc. for all JLPT levels by clicking here (scroll down to the links Yantill and I have posted) 
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Meh, all July places in Hamburg were gone in under 5 minutes, guess Iāll have to try my luck elsewhere when a few other European sites open up in March.
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In under 5 minutes? 
Japanese must be pretty popular.
Where will you try to get a spot? I was so disappointed when all the spots were gone in Hamburg, opened the application link at exactly 9:00, but took too long to fill out the form. Once I wanted to submit it, it already said all spots were goneā¦
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There are still some spots for N2 left in DĆ¼sseldorf
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I was thinking about the Netherlands or maybe Stockholm.
DĆ¼sseldorf is kind of annoying to apply since you have to print everything and mail it there, including pictures, and it might still end up being too late.
@bunnypro they only had 100 spots in total across all 5 levels
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Seems like we can apply from March 18th in Japan. Letās get N3 out of the way 
Iāll be reading lotsā¦ lots and lots of reading.
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Netherlands (Leiden university) location is nice, can recommend it. Last year they had 180 spots in total.
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Itās the authentic Japanese experience 
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I started learning Japanese a month ago, and Iām dedicating all my time to it since Iāll be in Japan from March to August.
Once Iāll officially have an address in Japan (I think itās mandatory) Iāll try to apply to take the N4 in Japan.
Depending on how Iāll do and how much Iāll feel confident about my Japanese after Iāll leave (low hopes xd) I might aim for the N2 in December. Even if I donāt manage to do it, I want to reach that level before the MEXT scholarship application of 2026 (test in May in my country).
I realize the N2 in December is kind of a crazy goal, but the N3 has the opposite problem, so Iāll just aim for the stars and take my time if I have setbacks and/or goal shifting.
ćæććŖé å¼µćļ¼
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Registrations open in March and there are places available until the end of the registration period (where I live, at least) so you should hopefully have no issue signing up, I think. Good luck!
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There is a change in the timetable for the JLPT from this year:
N.B. This may only apply to people taking the test in Japan. Please check the times for your particular exam centre!
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Does anyone know when registration for SOAS (London) will open this year?
17th March at 8am
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Eww, that means N5-N3 will finish their exams around 7pm?
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