PRESS RELEASE - No. 2016-014 - July 3, 2016 JLPT to Attract 390,000 Applicants Worldwide

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Marglet

A press release announces that the Japan Foundation will conduct the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) on Sunday, July 3, 2016, across 120 cities in 32 countries and regions outside Japan. It highlights JLPT’s role as the largest proficiency certification for non-native speakers and notes the 32nd anniversary. The release reports approximately 390,000 applicants worldwide, including 268,818 overseas, with an overall overseas increase and regional growth trends.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Outline of July 2016 JLPT

Date and sites

Number of applicants and levels

Overseas applicant figures and growth

Advantages of acquiring a JLPT certificate

Contacts

PRESS RELEASE June 14, 2016 No. 2016-014 390,000 People around the World to Challenge the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in July The number of overseas applicants increased by 15,000 people The Japan Foundation conducts the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) on Sunday, July 3, 2016 in 120 cities of 32 countries and regions outside Japan. JLPT is the largest Japanese-language exam in the world to certify language proficiency of non-native speakers. This year marked the 32st anniversary of the JLPT and more countries and cities are to hold the exam. In comparison with the exam held in July 2015, the number of applicants has increased by 15,000 in overseas and 30,000 in Japan. In the Philippines, Japanese-language learning is booming among students and professionals. One of the reasons is that several Japanese companies have expanded their business in the country. As a result, the exam is now held twice a year. These factors have raised the awareness of the exam and led to its increase rate of 100 %. Outline of July 2016 JLPT Sunday, July 3, 2016 120 cities in 32 countries and regions abroad and 45 prefectures in Japan Approximately 390,000 people (270,000 overseas and 120,000 in Japan) N1-N5 (five levels with N1 being the highest) *Please see the website ([http://www.jlpt.jp/e/](http://www.jlpt.jp/e/)) for the summary of linguistic competence required for each level. The number of overseas applicants: -The number of overseas applicants is 268,818. The increase rate is 9.4% in Southeast Asia, and 5.8% in the countries and regions outside Japan. -Countries and regions with largest number of applicants (top 3) and with high increase rates are as follows. | | Countries and regions | | Number of applicants | Year-on-year rate | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Top 3 countries/regions that have a large number of applicants | 1st | China | 117,135 | 1.1% | | | 2nd | Taiwan | 39,055 | 5.0% | | | 3rd | Korea | 37,824 | 8.6% | | Countries/regions that have a noticeable increase | The Philippines | | 4,642 | 100% | | | Myanmar | | 2,513 | 89.4% | | | Vietnam | | 33,161 | 24.8% | (Comparison with the number of applicants for the JLPT in July 2015) Advantages of acquiring a JLPT certificate include: -To earn points for preferential treatment for immigration to Japan. -To satisfy one of requirements to take Japan's national exams for medical practitioners. -To meet one of requirements for the nurse/caregiver candidates under the EPA. (Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam) [Contact] The Japan Foundation Center for Japanese-Language Testing Ando (Ms.) Tel: +81-(0)3-5367-1021 / E-mail: jlptinfo@jpf.go.jp [Press Contact] The Japan Foundation Communication Center Kawakubo (Ms.), Mori (Ms.) Tel: +81-(0)3-5369-6089 / Fax: +81-(0)3-5369-6044 / E-mail: press@jpf.go.jp

FAQs

When and where will the July 2016 JLPT be held?

The test will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2016. Overseas it will be administered in 120 cities across 32 countries and regions, and in Japan across 45 prefectures.

How many people are expected to apply for the JLPT in July 2016?

Approximately 390,000 people are expected to apply in total, including about 270,000 overseas and 120,000 within Japan.

What are some stated advantages of obtaining a JLPT certificate?

The release lists benefits such as points for preferential immigration treatment to Japan, meeting requirements related to taking Japan’s national exams for medical practitioners, and fulfilling one requirement for nurse/caregiver candidates under the EPA.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Marglet