Is learning Japanese useful in Northern Ontario?

“When I started learning Japanese, I had no idea there were any individuals of Japanese descent living here.”

Among the diverse array of languages one can choose to learn, Japanese stands out as a particularly challenging yet fascinating choice. It can be particularly challenging for several reasons, including its unique linguistic features, writing systems, and cultural nuances. Kanji, in particular, presents a significant challenge due to the large number of characters (over 2,000 commonly used) and the multiple readings and meanings associated with each character.

Despite these challenges, many people find learning Japanese to be a rewarding experience. The sense of achievement, the ability to connect with others, and the insights gained into a new culture can make the difficulties worthwhile. With the right strategies, resources, and a positive mindset, you can overcome these challenges and make significant progress.

But why learn Japanese in Northern Ontario?

Learning Japanese in Northern Ontario holds more importance than one might think. While Japanese might not be considered as directly relevant to Northern Ontario as it would be to regions with closer economic or cultural ties to Japan, there are still plenty of reasons why learning Japanese is useful.

First and foremost, Northern Ontario has a diverse population with varying cultural backgrounds, and learning different languages contributes to a more globally aware and open-minded community. When I started learning Japanese, I had no idea there were any individuals of Japanese descent living here. However, I eventually found that several Japanese individuals do live here, including multiple generations of Japanese Canadian families. My knowledge of the language and culture enabled me to better connect with those people and our shared histories. It became clear to me that engaging with people and ideas in Japanese expanded my view of my local community.

Through my studies, I also began participating in cultural events, language exchange seminars, and art exhibitions. For example, in 2023, I volunteered for Japan Festival Sudbury. An estimated 1 500 festival-goers attended the festival.² During the day, I was able to better communicate with Japanese performers, vendors, and dignitaries. I was able to direct Japanese visitors to different areas of interest in Japanese, tell others where to park, and make people feel welcome. (And even though my Japanese is relatively poor, I swear it felt like a superpower that day.)

Furthermore, I am constantly reminded that while Japan is not Northern Ontario’s primary economic partner, it does engage in a lot of trade and business activities in Northern Ontario. Some industries, such as forestry, mining, and agriculture, have strong connections to Japanese markets and companies. Sumitomo, for example, is a significant contributor to the North. In 2022, the company invested $463.5 million in a gold mining project in Gogama.¹ Therefore, having people who understand the Japanese language in our community can facilitate partnerships and create economic opportunities in areas like natural resource management and technology.

In short, while the direct relevance of learning Japanese in Northern Ontario might not be as pronounced as in regions with stronger ties to Japan, the benefits listed above illustrate how learning the language can positively impact both individuals and the community.

Ultimately, while the decision to learn Japanese should be based on your motivations, interests, and goals, you wouldn’t be wasting your time. It might even be what leads you to your next great adventure.