1. Learning Japanese makes you different from others

In English speaking country like Canada, many people study Spanish, French, and other European languages. Studying a less commonly learned language like Japanese will pop out on your resume and differentiate you from the others.
  1. Knowing Japanese Brings Career Opportunities

Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world.  Some of the best known and most influential companies are based in Japan, and the Japanese spends billions of dollars every year on imports.  Being able to communicate with potential customers in their own language is a key to winning their business.  Moreover, through learning Japanese, you can develop better knowledge of the social etiquette and cultural faux pas to avoid, which can help you to make an important business deal.

  1. It is not as hard as you think

It is true that Japanese is very different from the European languages like English, particularly in the writing system. However, the grammar of Japanese is simpler than that of the European languages in many ways.  For example, Japanese nouns have no genders and plural forms, and there are only two verb tenses with very few irregular verbs (only two!).
  1. Japanese culture is fun and exciting

Due to a long period of isolation from the rest of the world in its history, Japanese developed a unique culture that you don’t see anywhere else.  Also, Japanese food and the pop-culture such as J-Pop, Manga, and Anime are gaining a huge interest outside Japan in recent years.
  1. Japanese-speakers are the 3rd largest language group on the Internet

The Japanese make up the 3rd largest language community on the Internet, after only English and Chinese speakers. An estimated 88 million Japanese, or 9.6% of the world’s online population, are connected to the Internet.  Knowing Japanese can connect you to these people who may become your future friends or acquaintances, business associates, or even clients in the market that you or your future employer hopes to target.
  1. Japanese opens up the door to other Asian languages and cultures

Throughout its history, Japan has received influences from other Asian countries such as India, China, and Korea. Although the cultures of these countries are different, they also share many similarities.  Through a study of Japanese, you can also develop the understanding on the cultural values that other Asian countries share with Japan such as religious beliefs, ethics, and aesthetics.  A familiarity with Asian cultures also allows you to step outside your own culture and see it from a new perspective.