Clear-speaking assessment

Authentic communication skills

Real-world readiness

Impactful Japanese Proficiency with ii5

ii5 Nihongo is a pioneering speaking test, offering a unique way to measure genuine communication ability, by assessing more than mere textbook knowledge.

Our Purpose

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To revolutionize Japanese language assessment by providing accurate, practical, and meaningful evaluations of real-world communication skills. We empower learners and organizations with precise insights into Japanese proficiency that truly matter in professional and academic contexts.

Our Vision

To become the global standard for Japanese language proficiency assessment, bridging the gap between traditional testing methods and authentic communication needs. We envision a world where language assessment truly reflects practical abilities and opens doors to meaningful opportunities.

Our Core Values

Innovation

We continuously push the boundaries of language assessment technology and methodology to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Authenticity

Every aspect of our assessment reflects real-world communication scenarios and practical language use.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in test development, scoring accuracy, and user experience.

What Makes Us Different

The ii5 Advantage

Discover why ii5 Nihongo represents a revolutionary approach to Japanese language assessment, setting new standards for accuracy, relevance, and practical application.

Traditional Tests

Conventional Approach

Isolated skill testing (reading, listening, etc.)
Academic focus with limited real-world relevance
Static, multiple-choice format
Generic scoring without detailed feedback
Limited cultural context integration

ii5 Nihongo

Revolutionary Method

Integrated task-based assessment
Real-world communication scenarios
Dynamic, interactive task format
Construct-specific detailed feedback
Deep cultural and pragmatic integration

Research-Based

Developed using cutting-edge applied linguistics research and validated assessment methodologies.

Technology-Driven

Advanced AI and machine learning enhance scoring accuracy and provide personalized insights.

Globally Recognized

Accepted by leading universities, corporations, and institutions worldwide for Japanese proficiency verification.

Continuously Improved

Regular updates and improvements based on user feedback and evolving assessment science.

Our Journey

The Story Behind ii5 Nihongo

Born from a vision to transform Japanese language assessment, ii5 represents years of research, innovation, and collaboration with leading experts in applied linguistics and educational technology.

Research Foundation

2018-2020

Extensive research into Japanese language acquisition patterns, communication needs analysis, and gaps in existing assessment methods. Collaboration with universities and language experts begins.

Construct Framework

2020-2021

Development of the six-construct framework that forms the foundation of ii5 Nihongo. Integration of pragmatics, cultural competence, and authentic communication scenarios.

Platform Development

2021-2022

Creation of the advanced testing platform with AI-powered scoring, adaptive interfaces, and comprehensive analytics. Beta testing with select educational institutions.

Global Launch

2023-Present

Official launch of ii5 Nihongo with comprehensive validation studies. Growing adoption by universities, corporations, and individual learners worldwide.

Our Growing Impact

Since launch, ii5 Nihongo has transformed how Japanese proficiency is measured and understood globally.

50K+
Tests Taken
Worldwide
200+
Partner Institutions
Universities & Companies
25+
Countries
Global Reach
98%
Satisfaction Rate
User Feedback

Research & Innovation

At the heart of ii5 lies cutting-edge research in applied linguistics, educational psychology, and assessment science. We continuously push the boundaries of what language testing can achieve.

Innovation Focus

Applied Linguistics

Deep investigation into Japanese language structure, pragmatic patterns, and cross-cultural communication dynamics that inform our assessment design.

Pragmatics Discourse Analysis

Cognitive Science

Understanding how language processing works in real-time to create assessment tasks that mirror authentic cognitive demands.

Processing Models Working Memory

Educational Technology

Leveraging AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance assessment accuracy and provide meaningful feedback.

AI Scoring Analytics

Cultural Studies

Integrating deep cultural understanding and social context awareness into assessment design and interpretation.

Intercultural Competence Social Context

Psychometrics

Advanced statistical modeling and measurement theory ensure the reliability, validity, and fairness of our assessments.

IRT Models Validity Studies

User Experience

Continuous research into user needs, accessibility requirements, and optimal testing experiences across diverse populations.

UX Research Accessibility

Research Partnerships

We collaborate with leading universities, research institutions, and language assessment organizations worldwide to advance the science of Japanese language testing.

15+
Research Universities
30+
Published Studies
5
Ongoing Projects

Discover the ii5 Nihongo Difference

Performance-Based Assessment

Experience an authentic Japanese speaking test designed to assess real communication ability.

Unique Assessment Method

Enjoy a purely speaking-based test with no multiple-choice questions or kanji reading.

Real-World Communication

Build your confidence in navigating real-life conversations in Japanese.

Teacher and Employer Tools

Leverage detailed results for student placement and employment assessments.

Purely Speaking-Based
Experience a performance-based assessment that focuses purely on authentic Japanese communication.
Construct-Driven Scoring
Evaluate five key areas: Phonological Accuracy, Vocabulary, Grammar, Discourse Flow, and Pragmatic Use.
Belt Ranking System
Utilize a White/Green/Black belt system for deeper fluency differentiation at advanced levels.
Spontaneous Tasks
Engage in real-life scenarios with no memorized scripts required.
Real Communication Measurement
Get a clear, honest assessment of your ability to communicate in Japanese.
For Learners & Teachers
Use results for placement, progress tracking, and curriculum alignment.
Employer Assurance
Evaluate candidates for real fluency, especially for customer-facing roles.
Seamless Integration
Add a speaking assessment layer to complement your existing evaluations.

Why It’s Needed

Thousands of JLPT N1 holders struggle to hold a natural conversation. Learners from character-based languages like Chinese may pass advanced exams with minimal speaking fluency. Employers hire “fluent” staff who can’t navigate keigo or read the room.

ii5 Nihongo fills this critical gap by measuring whether you can actually communicate in Japanese—not just recognize it on paper. It’s setting a new standard for real-world proficiency.

Person struggling in conversation
Employer disappointed with staff
Teacher assessing student
Student taking ii5 test

Who Is ii5 Nihongo For?

ii5 Nihongo is a performance-based Japanese speaking test designed to assess real communication ability, not just textbook knowledge.

Learners

Get a clear, honest assessment of your speaking ability and communication readiness.

Teachers

Use results for placement, progress tracking, and curriculum alignment.

Employers

Evaluate candidates for real fluency, especially in customer-facing or professional roles.

Schools & Institutions

Add a speaking assessment layer to complement JLPT scores.

Non-Native Speakers

Receive actionable feedback on navigating keigo and adapting to culturally implicit expressions.

Language Communities

Participate in a transformative movement to redefine Japanese language proficiency standards.

How ii5 Nihongo Works

Transforming Japanese language proficiency assessment with clarity and authenticity

1

Understand the Test

Get familiar with the performance-based speaking test that assesses real communication ability, not just textbook knowledge.

2

Prepare for the Assessment

Learn about the different speaking tasks designed to gauge your real-time Japanese communication skills.

3

Receive Your Results

Get a comprehensive breakdown of your speaking abilities with our unique scoring system.

4

Embrace New Standards

Join the next generation of Japanese language assessment that prioritizes genuine fluency over traditional testing methods.

Join the Next Generation of Japanese Language Assessment

ii5 Nihongo is more than a test—it’s a new standard for what it means to speak Japanese in the real world.

Discover Our Solutions