Kaoru Miyatake
Author Kaoru Miyatake Gyoseishoshi / Juris Doctor (J.D.) | MOJ-Certified Application Agent Chairperson, Sakura Training Organization (Public Interest Corporation) / Sakura Central Legal Office

On October 5, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency posted a notice titled "To those considering applying for the JLPT (N4/N5): we recommend using the JFT-Basic." According to the notice, so many people want to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) that for the December 2026 test, applications for all levels from N1 to N5 closed before the end of the application period. For residence applications as a "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" or under "Ikusei Shuro," people planning to take JLPT N4 or N5 can also satisfy the requirement by passing the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) at A2.2 or A1 — a test developed in step with the creation of both systems — and the Agency urges them to use it.

What the Notice Says (Immigration Services Agency)

  • JLPT situation: for the December 2026 test, all levels N1 to N5 closed before the end of the application period
  • Substitute test: for SSW (i) and Ikusei Shuro residence applications, passing the JFT-Basic at A2.2 or A1 also meets the requirement, in place of JLPT N4 or N5
  • Frequency: the JFT-Basic is basically held several times a month at 11 locations nationwide
  • Results: the notice says that results are known immediately
  • Student status: the JFT-Basic is also among the tests that can prove A1-equivalent Japanese for the "Student" status
  • Applying: applications can be made online (Japan Foundation JFT-Basic website: https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/index.html)

The notice carries the logos of the Japan Foundation JFT-Basic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Immigration Services Agency.

Position in the Ikusei Shuro Operational Guidelines

For Ikusei Shuro, the sector operational guidelines published on October 9, 2026 (Food and Beverage Manufacturing; Resource Recycling) state that the Japanese level required before starting work is a pass at JFT-Basic A1-equivalent or higher, or JLPT N5 or higher, or completion of 100+ hours of Japanese instruction in an accredited institution's "employment" course (see new and revised Ikusei Shuro sector guidelines). For the capacity to provide Japanese instruction, see 100 hours of Japanese instruction and the shortage of accredited schools.

Practical Points

  • Those who planned to take JLPT N4 or N5 but find the December 2026 test closed may consider the JFT-Basic (the pass levels the notice says satisfy the requirement are A2.2 or A1)
  • Host organizations and support organizations should note that the certificate attached to a residence application differs depending on whether the person takes the JFT-Basic or the JLPT
  • Check venues, dates and application methods on the Japan Foundation's JFT-Basic website

Sources