How many people speak Japanese worldwide?

Japanese is in the top 10 most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 130 million people who use it. 99% of those speakers live in Japan, but there are over a million people in the US, Brazil and Guam who also speak fluent Japanese.

Is there more than one dialect of Japanese?

Yes, but you probably won't encounter anything beyond Standard Japanese unless you travel throughout Japan itself. The Japanese you learn will be understood throughout the country, and differences are mostly related to accents and some vocabulary. It's not unlike what you find between speakers from different regions of the US, or between people from England and Australia.

How hard is it to learn Japanese?

If we're being completely honest, we'd say that Japanese is one of the hardest languages you could attempt to master: even the US State Department ranks it with Arabic, Korean and Chinese as one of the four most difficult! Part of that stems from the fact that Japanese has three separate writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji). However, if you've got the grit to work hard and be patient with your studies, Japanese shouldn't be out of reach for you to learn.

What are some good tips for studying the Japanese language?

You're going to need to wrap your head around the three Japanese alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. You'll find all of them as you learn the language! As you learn the alphabets, start memorizing basic vocabulary for how you intend to use Japanese, whether that's for business use or just to understand your favorite anime! Speaking of TV, it's a great way to pick up the accent and pronunciation naturally, especially if you don't have the chance to talk with native speakers on a regular basis.

Why should I choose online Japanese lessons?

There's no need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for a one-semester Japanese class at a university when you can get on-demand instruction for much less. You may not even be able to find in-person classes near you, but there are always options online that let you learn Japanese as quickly (or as slowly!) as you desire.

How can I read and write in Japanese on my computer?

You need to take a few extra steps to enable the Japanese language on your computer. The steps differ if you're using a Mac or Windows-based PC, and you'll have to search for the instructions based on your operating system. There are also online Japanese keyboards that let you click on characters without modifying your settings.

Are online Japanese lessons expensive?

They're very affordable. You can get month-to-month subscription plans for less than $25/month, or make a one-time purchase of a Japanese lessons package for under $500. Either way, you'll get much more for your money than if you were paying for a semester or two of college courses.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the Japanese language program?

You'll want to read the terms and conditions of any language platform you're considering. The subscription plans typically allow customers to cancel at any time but don't offer a refund of previous payments. The Japanese lesson packages that are one-off purchases may have a 30- or 60-day money-back guarantee. We suggest that you use all of the free resources that the language program has to offer - such as a sample lesson, or a trial period - so that you will already know how it approaches instruction and if it's a good fit for your preferences.

Pimsleur vs Memrise for July 2026 | Best Japanese Lessons

Item: Pimsleur vs Memrise
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Picking up a new language can open doors, and Japanese is among the most captivating choices. If you're drawn to the culture - from anime and manga to tea ceremonies and calligraphy - learning the language lets you experience what you love from the inside, with richer context and nuance. It also helps you connect with creators and communities, travel with confidence, and enjoy films or comics without relying on translations.

As online learning keeps growing, it's never been easier to find Japanese lessons on the internet. Whether you're starting from scratch or polishing your conversation skills, online courses come in many formats - immersive audio, interactive quizzes, multimedia resources, and virtual language exchanges - that make the experience engaging. Many platforms also offer progress tracking and community spaces to keep you motivated. You can set your own pace and fit study sessions around your schedule.

Whether you're itching to wander Tokyo's buzzing streets, soak in Kyoto's calm beauty, or just chat with Japanese speakers, learning the language is genuinely rewarding. Each phrase you master opens new doors - to travel, culture, and real connection.

Japan's cultural landscape blends time-honored traditions with cutting-edge creativity. Graceful theater like Noh and Kabuki sits alongside the meticulous crafts of sushi-making and bonsai, while elegant architecture and electric cityscapes reveal a country always reinventing itself. Learning Japanese opens the door to this full spectrum - from ancient history and classical arts to today's J-pop and anime - and lets you experience it without translation. It also makes everyday encounters, from reading station signs to chatting at neighborhood festivals, feel richer and more personal. With the language, you don't just observe Japan; you step into its rhythm and understand its heart more deeply.

In a world that's more connected than ever, knowing Japanese can be both a career catalyst and a gateway to richer personal experiences. Japan remains a heavyweight in the global economy, home to tech innovators, automotive leaders, and cultural exports that shape trends worldwide. That language skill can help you land roles at Japanese companies, collaborate on research with universities and labs, or dive into exchange programs and international projects - and it also makes travel, networking, and engaging with Japanese media far more rewarding. Even a working proficiency signals respect and builds trust with partners who value the effort. In short, fluency broadens your options and expands your horizon in ways that are hard to replicate through translation alone.

Before choosing a Japanese learning program, here are a few practical things to look for:

Free trials. A preview can help you quickly see if the teaching style works for you.
Skill coverage. Decide whether you want basic conversational skills or a more complete understanding of the language.
Writing system support. Check how and when hiragana, katakana, and kanji are introduced.
Speaking practice. Look for features that help you build confidence speaking in Japanese, not just recognizing words.
Price and plan options. Compare what's included for the price offered so you can find a good fit for your budget.

Taking a little time to compare these differences can make your choice much clearer. The right program will match your goals, support the skills you care about most, and help you build confidence step by step. And, to help you find the best fit quickly, the language experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular Japanese lessons. Use our research to get a head start on your language learning adventure!

Pimsleur

Audio-first lessons focusing on speaking and listening
Sequential 30-minute lessons
Interactive flashcards, quizzes, and role-play transcripts

Jumping into Japanese with Pimsleur feels like conversing comfortably from the first day. Each lesson draws you into real-life dialogues, encouraging you to speak, anticipate, and internalize the language naturally, and the focus is on speaking and listening. The audio-led approach strengthens pronunciation and listening skills, while optional reading lessons introduce script gradually. Even after a few sessions, learners notice a boost in confidence, able to use Japanese in practical, everyday situations. Pimsleur is a bit more pricey than most, and extremely audio-based, so you'll want to make sure it's a good fit that's worth the money before you subscribe.

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Memrise

Free and premium options
Native speaker audio and video clips
MemBot: interactive AI conversation

Japanese can feel intimidating with its scripts and sounds, but Memrise makes those early moments approachable and fun. You learn practical words and phrases quickly through everyday situations, hearing how native speakers use them and trying them yourself in short, guided exchanges. Memrise is lively and encouraging, a great confidence boost if you're just getting started with Japanese - even if it's not a complete roadmap to fluency.

Pimsleur vs Memrise

2026 Japanese Lesson Reviews

Pimsleur

Memrise

Japanese Lesson FAQ