What is the future of Bunpro as Japanese Learning changes?

Bunpro
#1

Things are changing in the world of learning Japanese. With the folks at JLPT overwhelmed with applications and pointing applicants to other valid exams that can be taken, is it time for Bunpro to diversify outside JPLT? I’d like to see more Buissness practice tests and more variety.

It’s clear, for someone starting their journey today, JLPT will not enough anymore or for anyone starting new, will not be enough by the time they reach N2/N1. I mean, it never was other than the piece of paper, albiet endless accounts of even N1 graduates struggling with daily Japanese. But perhaps it will be even more challenging.

While this year is far from over yet, there hasn’t been such an enourmous shake up for decades when it comes to how you approach Japanese learning and what you plan to do with it and how, so I’m curious as to how language learning buisnesses are going to adapt to this change in a world where JLPT will no longer be the standard test, but rather learning will require a much broader approach.

4 Likes
#2

The demand for JLPT may grow because of Japan’s new immigration policies (like needing JLPT results at a certain level for permanent residency and mandating both language and cultural training for different types of work permits).
However, the technology we have now, like AI that some people use with learning, might have a more noticeable impact. Will AI evolve to the point that everyone just uses simultaneous translation while on holiday? While I hope we won’t replace language learning, it’s possible that people will rely on actual language skills less and less.

1 Like
#3

I would love to see other types of tests on the site, such as mini level tests, keigo tests/learning tools, etc. I think JLPT will remain the major player though, and developing and coding extra tests would be a lot of work. I’m not sure how Bunpro manages their finances, but tbh I’m surprised they do all that they do on such a low sub price, not to mention that many of us have lifetime.

2 Likes
#4

As an absolute minimum of how things will/should change, I think Japan (and other countries) need to start running the test more than twice a year. Requirements are one thing. Gating requirements around time frames make life hard for a lot of people, so I hope to see that change.

From an app perspective, we are very aware that the learning environment for pretty much any topic you can imagine is in a state of drastic change, and will do our best to optimize wherever we can. That is about all we or anyone can do.

7 Likes
#5

I think some sort of “mini level tests” is a great idea honestly. They could be modeled after BJT/JLPT style questions but geared towards certain combinations of Bunpro grammar/vocab entries. I could see a world where Bunpro is seen primarily as a full blown premium JLPT prep site as well instead of just a “grammar counterpart to Wanikani/Anki”

1 Like
#6

Weirdly, I had prepared almost this exact same post yesterday.

Hello Work and other recruiters will allow you to apply for N2 level jobs provided you have BJT score of over 420 (lol number), and with the test being available year wide it’s definitely valuable for job seekers.

Online resources from Kanken themselves are okay I guess, but they are limited in quantity and certainly not the best quality audio in some cases. I think that gives Bunpro an opportunity to offer something clearly lacking in the learning space. Assuming the reading and audio components from the JLPT mock tests are reusable the main obstacle would be sourcing business level content.

I’m sure the dev team are swamped with their own targets, but I think this would be a great addition to consider!

1 Like