The Japanese Proficiency Language Test

I took the JPLT on Sunday. It is the most widely taken Japanese test. You can only take it once a year on the first Sunday in December. I had to travel to Shinshu University in Matsumoto to take it. There were some other Westerners taking it (including many of my friends) but the majority of people taking it were Korean, Chinese, and other Asians. There are 4 levels; 4 is the lowest and 1 is the highest. I entered level 3. My 15 year old cousin in England (who is a Japanophile) is taking level 4 at some venue in London. Level covers about 400 kanji and and Japanese grammar equivalent to a 11 year old Japanese native. I studied for months for it. It was difficult but I think I passed. I hope to take level 2 next year. Level 2 is valuable qualification as you can (in theory at least) work as a translator or in a Japanese office or teach Japanese in an English High School if you pass it. I will start studying for that around February.