Vietnamese Immigrants' Japanese Language Acquisition: Challenges, Outcomes, and Quality of Life Implications
Christine Hagerty
Harpeth Hall School, Nashville, United States of America
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Harpeth Hall School, Nashville, United States of America
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II28
ABSTRACT
Japan faces a demographic crisis with 28% of its population over 65. More retirees than workers makes social services expensive and hurts economic growth. Japan needs 10 million immigrants over 50 years (200,000 yearly) to maintain its economy. Most immigrant workers come from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, through partnership agreements. But these immigrants struggle to learn Japanese. This study surveyed 102 Vietnamese immigrants in Japan about their language learning goals, study habits, jobs, and current Japanese skills. Results show Vietnamese immigrants take language tests to get better jobs, long-term residency, or fit into Japanese culture. However, Japanese is very difficult, it takes over 10 years on average to become fluent. These immigrants also earn low incomes and struggle with language proficiency tests. The language barrier prevents them from advancing in their careers and fully integrating into Japanese society, which affects both their quality of life and Japan's economic goals.
Japan faces a demographic crisis with 28% of its population over 65. More retirees than workers makes social services expensive and hurts economic growth. Japan needs 10 million immigrants over 50 years (200,000 yearly) to maintain its economy. Most immigrant workers come from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, through partnership agreements. But these immigrants struggle to learn Japanese. This study surveyed 102 Vietnamese immigrants in Japan about their language learning goals, study habits, jobs, and current Japanese skills. Results show Vietnamese immigrants take language tests to get better jobs, long-term residency, or fit into Japanese culture. However, Japanese is very difficult, it takes over 10 years on average to become fluent. These immigrants also earn low incomes and struggle with language proficiency tests. The language barrier prevents them from advancing in their careers and fully integrating into Japanese society, which affects both their quality of life and Japan's economic goals.
