Terry Chan
Teacher, 29 (Australian)
Foreigners should not have to learn Japanese. As long as you respect and follow the Japanese culture, your language ability should not really be an issue.
Sara Ridolfo
Interpreter, 34 (Italian)
I do not think it is a good idea. Learning the native language in other countries is not a requirement, so I do not see why it should be a requirement here in Japan.
Mugiho Kenmochi
Architect, 26
No, because that would be absurd. I think the result of forcing one to study a language is reflected in the state of undergraduate students we have in Japan.
Yuki Dewa
Receptionist, 26
Foreign people should learn Japanese because it will give them many more opportunities to interact with Japanese people and learn more about our culture.
Ashley Davies
Musician, 26 (New Zealand)
Foreigners should definitely learn Japanese. It gives them opportunities to learn more about Japan, meet people and understand the culture from a different perspective.
Yumiko Ofuchi
Japanese teacher, 41
You certainly need it to take exams, but foreigners also need Japanese in order to enjoy their lives in Japan. Words are culture; knowing them leads to understanding.
