Mapping Japanese Language Proficiency Test Needs for Vocational Students Based on Industrial World Demand - Research Article

Oct 5, 2026

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Mapping Japanese language proficiency test needs focuses on aligning vocational graduate capabilities with industrial workforce demands. The study aims to identify what Japanese language proficiency tests should be prioritized for vocational students and to explain how industry requirements shape the needed skills. Data were gathered through a survey of eight foreign companies employing employees with Japanese language abilities, showing that the demand for relevant Japanese proficiency tests remains high.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

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Pages5

Reading Time13 min

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Introduction

Methods

Result and discussion

Japanese Proficiency Test

| RESEARCH ARTICLE Mapping Japanese Language Proficiency Test Needs for Vocational Students Based on Industrial World Demand Maharani Ratna 1 ✉ Lenggahing Saputri2 and Chisbiya Latifa3 123 Vocational College, Diponegoro University, Indonesia Corresponding Author: Maharani Ratna, [E-mail](E-mail: maharanipatria@live.undip.ac.id)[: maharanipatria@live.undip.ac.id](E-mail: maharanipatria@live.undip.ac.id) | ABSTRACT Currently, it is hoped that the Indonesian government will be able to meet the industry needs for vocational graduates at the university level. This study aims to map the need for Japanese language proficiency tests for vocational students based on the demands of the industrial world. In addition, this study also investigates how the industry demands the Japanese language skills of vocational students. The data was collected through a survey conducted on eight foreign companies that employ employees with Japanese language skills. This research shows that the industry's need for Japanese language proficiency tests is still very high. Specifically, the industry requires graduates with business communication skills in Japanese and graduates who have mastery of the vocabulary of industrial terminology. It is a challenge for vocational graduates, so there is continuity between vocational graduates and the needs of the industrial world. In addition, English language and soft skills, the ability to work in teams, and high integrity are still needed in the industrial world. | KEYWORDS Vocational; Japanese; skill, industry; graduates | ARTICLE INFORMATION ACCEPTED: 18 August 2022 PUBLISHED: 21 August 2022 DOI: 10. 32996/jlds.2022.2.3.1 1. Introduction One way to measure a person's foreign language ability is through a test. In foreign language learning, an internationally recognized test as a standard of learner ability has been determined. The Japanese language has several internationally recognized tests, including the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), J-Test, and NAT Test. These tests certainly make Japanese language education providers target their graduates to obtain certification in at least one of these tests so that graduates can easily be absorbed into the industrial world. Many Japanese learners are influenced by an interest in Japanese popular culture, Japanese language, history, literature, art, industry, and tourism [Nishizawa, 2022] [Gale, 2012] . Based on a survey conducted by The Japan Foundation in 2020, it was stated that more than 3.8 million students in 134 countries study Japanese. The Japan Foundation (JF) and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) mentioned that in 2019 there are 1.168. 535 examinees in 2019 [Japan Foundation, 2020] . In addition, education in Japan is also increasingly global, with nearly 300,000 international students studying at Japanese universities [Japan Student Services Organization, 2020] . The demand for vocational graduates by industry is currently increasing. The Indonesian government specifically requires a link and match between industry needs and the skills possessed by vocational graduates [A, D., 2020] [Disas, 2018] . Industry requires vocational graduates to be better prepared to enter the world of work to easily adapt to the fast rhythm of work in the industrial world. In addition, to support the performance of the industrial sector and educational institutions by bureaucrats [Lilles, 2017] . Vocational education is considered a tool to reconcile economic conflicts and social goals [Kilpatrick, 2000] . In Indonesia, vocational education is getting more attention after being a "second-class education” [Hadiwardoyo, 2020] . This study aims to map the industry's need for Japanese language proficiency tests based on the description above. Research and articles related to vocational education, especially in the Japanese language and its need in the industrial world, have been previously carried out by Tian (2020) and Haristiani e

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To map the need for Japanese language proficiency tests for vocational students based on industrial world demands, including how industry expects these skills.

How was the data collected?

Through a survey administered to eight foreign companies that employ employees with Japanese language skills, using an online questionnaire.

Which Japanese skills does industry particularly require?

Graduates need business communication skills in Japanese and mastery of vocabulary related to industrial terminology.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Blitz