This article explains Japan’s upcoming language requirement for the Business Manager Visa, expected to take effect as early as October 2025.
We cover:
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The details of the proposed Japanese language requirement (B2 level / JLPT N2)
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Why the government is introducing this rule
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What B2 (JLPT N2) ability really means in practice
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Original JLPT-style practice problems with answers and explanations
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Practical advice on how visa holders can prepare for the change
🔹 Who should read this?
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Foreign entrepreneurs currently living in Japan on a Business Manager Visa
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Business owners planning to apply for the visa in the near future
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HR managers or staff supporting foreign executives in Japan
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Japanese learners aiming for JLPT N2, especially those who need business or visa-related proficiency
1. What is the new requirement?
As early as October 2025, Japan is expected to introduce a new language requirement for the Business Manager Visa.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the proposed rule would require either the applicant or one full-time employee to have Japanese language ability at the B2 (upper intermediate) level.
This comes in addition to the stricter rules on capital (minimum ¥30 million investment) and full-time employment, with the aim of ensuring smooth communication with local communities and government offices.
👉Japan Business Manager Visa 2025: New Requirements – ¥30M Capital & Full-Time Employee Needed
👉Don’t Give Up! Renewal Support for the Japan Business Manager Visa After the 2025 Rule Change2. Why is a language requirement necessary?
The Business Manager Visa was originally designed to support healthy entrepreneurship and job creation by foreign nationals.
However, there have been cases where the system was abused—for example, setting up a paper company only to access the Japanese health insurance system.
To reduce such misuse and ease “friction with society,” the government has decided to require a certain level of Japanese proficiency for visa holders or their staff.
3. What does B2 level mean?
The B2 level, based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), roughly corresponds to JLPT N2.
JLPT N2 Level at a Glance
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Can handle most everyday situations in Japanese naturally
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Can understand newspapers and TV news to a certain extent
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Can negotiate and explain ideas in a business context
In short, “basic conversation” is not enough. Visa holders must demonstrate the ability to accurately read, understand, and communicate in Japanese.
4. Practice Problems at the N2 Level
Here are some original practice problems at the JLPT N2 level.
If you can solve these smoothly, you are on track to meeting the expected standard.
【文字・語彙 Vocabulary & Kanji】
次の文の空所に入る最も適当な語句を①〜④の中から一つ選びなさい。
雨が激しく降っていたが、イベントは予定通り屋内で（ ）。
① 中止された
② 開催された
③ 延期された
④ 取り消された
【文法 Grammar】
次の文の（ ）に入るのに最も適当なものを①〜④の中から一つ選びなさい。
彼は忙しいはずだ。（ ）、手伝いが必要なら遠慮なく言ってください。
① それでも
② それなら
③ それに
④ それゆえ
【読解 Reading Comprehension】
次の文を読んで、後の問いに答えなさい。
地元の商店街では、高齢化が進む中で新しい取り組みが始まっています。地元の大学と協力して、生徒たちが定期的にシャッター通りに出向き、壁画を描いたり、地域の特産品を紹介したりしています。この活動により、若い世代が地域に関心を持つようになり、商店街にも新しい活気が生まれています。
問：この活動の結果として最も適当なものはどれか。
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壁画によって通りの見た目がきれいになっただけの変化である。
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地元の学生の参加により地域に新たな活気が生まれた。
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商店街はイベントを毎週開催するようになった。
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高齢者が学生に地域文化を教えるようになった。
5. Answers and Explanations
| Problem | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary & Kanji | ② 開催された (Held) | English translation of the question: “It was raining heavily, but the event was ( ) indoors as planned.” The most natural choice is “held” (開催された). “Cancelled,” “postponed,” and “called off” do not match the context. |
| Grammar | ② それなら (If that’s the case) | English translation of the question: “He must be busy. ( ), if you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask.” The natural connector is “それなら” (if that’s the case). “それでも” (nevertheless), “それに” (in addition), and “それゆえ” (therefore) do not fit. |
| Reading | ② | English translation of the passage summary: Local students collaborated with the shopping street by painting murals and promoting local products, which revitalized the area. The correct answer is option ②: “The participation of local students brought new vitality to the community.” |
6. What you can do now
If you are currently staying in Japan on a Business Manager Visa and cannot immediately hire a Japanese staff member, the most realistic solution is to improve your own Japanese ability.
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Aim to pass JLPT N2
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Build stronger vocabulary and grammar systematically
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Train to read business documents and government notices accurately
7. Want to learn Japanese?
As an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi), I support clients with their visa applications.
As a Japanese teacher, I also provide online lessons focused on JLPT preparation and business Japanese.
📩 If you need to improve your Japanese for your visa, feel free to contact me.
Let’s aim for B2 level (JLPT N2) together!
Contact Us
Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com