Report on the "Foreign Coexistence Course 2025" for Japan employees Plain Japanese Lecture (Application (1))

JAC has been holding a total of six seminars for Japan employees since May 2025.
Following the "Basics" of the previous "Plain Japanese Course", "Applied Edition (1)" was held online on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

The lecturer was Mr. Shiraishi from BREXA CrossBorder Co., Ltd.

In "Advanced Part 1," the course focused on the theme of "how to give instructions that are easy to understand," and included practical work.

First, let's review the "Basics"!

In the previous "Basics", I studied the "law of scissors", which is important for making Plain Japanese.

Speak clearly and concisely until the very end

Here are some key points:

• Do not use katakana words, onomatopoeia, masculine language, dialects, or abbreviations because they are difficult to understand.
• Expressions such as "desu," "masu," and "kudasai" that are the same as those in Japanese textbooks are easy for foreigners to understand.
• Remove unnecessary information and simplify your sentences

Teaching technical terms from the "concept"

For Japanese language learners at the N5 level, the "technical terms" we use on a daily basis (e.g., the pink on the slide) are not included in textbooks.
Many companies use alternative words instead of technical terms, but prohibited words are particularly dangerous, so they need to be taught consistently.

When teaching, it is important to convey the "concept of the word" and "purpose" together and take time to deepen understanding.

Why do we need to change Japanese?

Some Japanese employees may feel anxious or reluctant to use words that are not Japanese that they normally use.
However, it is also necessary to change the awareness of Japanese people.

First, by engaging in meaningful conversation, we make it easier for foreigners to get into Japanese and give them the successful experience of being able to communicate in Japanese.
Then, gradually change to regular Japanese and you will be able to have natural conversations.

Organize instructions into five points

One of the purposes of "Plain Japanese" is to ensure that people work safely and reliably.
There is a clear pattern for giving instructions to prevent problems at the site.

1. Instructions that keep information organized
2. Instructions in which the conclusion is presented first
3. Instructions with a clear order of work
4. Clear instructions on who does what
5. No ambiguity, clear instructions

Practical work example

This is an example of how to give clear instructions about who should do what.

Summary: A form of "coexistence" that starts with us

The misunderstanding of "not following instructions" because you don't understand Japanese can strain your relationships and, in the worst case, isolate foreign employees from society.
This can be avoided by communicating with "Plain Japanese".
To make foreigners think, "The Japanese of the people in the company is easy to understand." This is the first and most important step towards understanding and achieving results as a team working together.

Guest Corner: Learn from our guests! Pre-arrival education and success stories

We invited Mr. Shahrir, an Indonesian, as our guest and he shared his valuable thoughts about Japanese language education before sending his students off to their jobs.
Shahrir is the deputy head of Japanese language training at an Indonesian sending agency.

Before coming to Japan, we were given an introduction to the types of classes offered.
In addition to Japanese language education, the curriculum also incorporates cross-cultural education such as rules for daily life in Japan and public manners, with the aim of reducing problems and culture shock. It seems that they are also making sure to explain the differences between Indonesia and Japan, including how to report, communicate, and consult and how to separate garbage.

Also, since most of the staff are high school graduates, they also provide adult education, such as explaining the differences between students and working adults.
No matter where you work, if you act like a student you are likely to get into trouble, so I think this is an important education.

They want to teach a lot of things, but because the training period is short, they seem to prioritize their education.

Shiraishi asked about maintaining motivation to study after arriving in Japan. He said that he encourages students to set long-term goals, such as attaining N3 level between the time they arrive in Japan and the time they return home, and that he also tells them that the N4 level they have studied is not enough for life or work, so that they should study more in Japan.

After listening to Shafril's explanation, the course helped me understand the dispatching agencies.

There are two more JAC courses on coexistence with foreigners.
If you missed it, check out the archives.
FY2025 "Foreigner Coexistence Course" for Japanese Employees

お問合せ：(株)BREXA CrossBorder　担当：三浦
e-mail:
Tel: 090-3150-0562

This article is a report on the "Plain Japanese Course Application (1)" of the "Foreign Symbiosis Course 2025" for Japan employees held on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Seminar Video

Seminar Materials

Seminar Materials_Plain Japanese Lecture (1) Basic Edition 250911.pdf
Q&A_Plain Japanese Lecture (1) Basic Edition 250911.pdf

Report on the "Foreigner Coexistence Seminar" for Japanese Employees

• Report on the "Cross-Cultural Understanding Seminar (1)" for Japanese Employees [1]
• Report on the "Cross-Cultural Understanding Seminar (2) Islam" for Japanese Employees [2]
• For Japan employees [3] "Plain Japanese Course (Basics)" Report
• For Japan employees [4] "Plain Japanese Course (Application (1))" Report
• For Japan employees [5] "Plain Japanese Lecture (Application (2))" Report