Is Japanese a must when living in Tokyo??? (life, speaking, live)

[stefanoboller]

Hi, I have an opportunity to work for an international firm in Tokyo and am trying to find out how much Japanese a European native needs to learn to be able to live a social life over there. Thanks for any info.....

[The Postman]

Yes, I would highly recommend learning at least basic Japanese.

[eskercurve]

Yes. It is required.

Take six months of Rosetta Stone and you'll be set.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by stefanoboller

Hi, I have an opportunity to work for an international firm in Tokyo and am trying to find out how much Japanese a European native needs to learn to be able to live a social life over there. Thanks for any info.....

Depends on who is involved in your social network. You COULD have all English-speaking friends, and Japanese friends who speak English.

Of course ANY Japanese will be super beneficial. But you can still arrive in Japan, live in Japan, and not know much Japanese, and still have a social network of friends, just an English-centric one.

[botticelli]

It is pretty much as necessary as knowing English in New York City. Don't over estimate English language skills of the Japanese - the vast majority can't communicate effectively.

Except a few countries like Singapore, you have to know the local languages.