An Explanation of the 8 Basic Rules of "Easy Japanese" That Anyone Can Understand

2026/03/31

Easy Japanese"Easy Japanese" refers to Japanese that avoids difficult words and complex phrasing to make it easier for the listener to understand. For example, in Easy Japanese, the following would be rephrased as follows:

Simply rephrasing it this way can make a big difference in how clear the text is. Even the Agency for Cultural Affairs promotes "easy Japanese,"An effective way to reach a diverse audience, including foreign nationalsWe position it as...

In fact, "Easy Japanese" is becoming increasingly widespread, particularly in the context of information dissemination by local governments. This trend is driven by the growing number of foreign residents in Japan and the increasing diversity of their nationalities and regions of origin.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, as of the end of June 2025,The number of foreign residents is 3,956,619And so, we set a new record high. Amid these changes,Government agencies and businesses are expected to communicate information in a way that reaches a wider audience.

Citation: Number of Foreign Residents as of the End of June 2025 (Immigration Services Agency)

However, the need for simplified Japanese is not limited to addressing globalization.

In April 2024, the revised Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities came into effect, making it mandatory for businesses to provide reasonable accommodations.Ensuring that everyone can access information and receive it in a format that is easy to understandThis is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of reasonable accommodation as well.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the basic principles of easy-to-read Japanese, the eight basic rules for rephrasing, and the use of easy-to-read Japanese on websites.

The Difference Between Standard Japanese and "Easy Japanese"

The easiest way to understand simple Japanese is to compare it with standard Japanese. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the following table to illustrate the differences between standard Japanese and simple Japanese, using expressions commonly found on websites as examples. Please take a look.

◆Comparison of Standard Japanese and Easy Japanese

Looking at this table, it becomes clear that "easy Japanese" is not merely a matter of rephrasing, but rather,Rewrite ambiguous expressions so that users can easily understand themYou can see that this is the case.

For example, phrases such as “There are some issues,” “Please refer to,” and “We have received” are commonly used, but depending on the reader, they may be difficult to understand or feel cumbersome due to the number of characters.

Especially on websites, where people often skim through information quickly and move on to the next step,This lack of clarity can sometimes lead directly to people leaving or misunderstandings.

In addition, "Easy Japanese" is,Consider not only readability but also ease of useThis is also an important point. It’s crucial that users understand what needs to be fixed if they see an error message, what happens when they click a button, or how long they should wait if they receive an automated reply.

In other words, "easy Japanese" is not only a matter of crafting sentences, but alsoAn Approach to Enhancing the Customer Experience Across ChannelsBut that’s the way it is.

Even with formal documents like privacy policies, simply adding a clear explanation at the beginning can make a big difference in how easy they are to understand. While it’s sometimes difficult to simplify all the information in policies and terms of service uniformly,At least at the initial entry point, the content should be presented in a way that allows users to grasp it without confusionThis is crucial.

In this way, "easy-to-understand Japanese" can be described as a practical approach designed to ensure that information is accessible not only to the elderly and foreign nationals, but to a wide range of people.

The 8 Basic Rules of "Easy Japanese"

Now, let me outline eight “basic rules” you should keep in mind when writing in simple Japanese.

◆Basic Rules of Easy Japanese

I will explain each of these in detail below.

Rule 1: Organize the information and convey the most important points first

In simple Japanese, the basic principle is to organize what you want to convey and present the most important information first. If the order of the information isn’t organized, the message will be difficult to understand, even if the words used aren’t complicated.

For example, if background information, precautions, and supplementary details are all included in a single paragraph of text, it can be difficult to tell what is most important. Therefore,First, state what you need to convey to the other person, and then continue with the necessary explanationIt is important to...

◆Example

Especially on the web, it’s crucial that the main points come across in the first few lines.Similarly, even in printed brochures or booklets, it’s easier to grasp the content when key points are presented first. Regardless of the medium, the principle of conveying important information first remains the same.

Rule 2: Keep sentences short

It is important to keep sentences short and avoid cramming too much information into a single sentence. The longer a sentence becomes, the harder it is to grasp the relationship between the subject, the conditions, and the conclusion, which makes it more difficult for the reader to follow.

◆Example

In particular, when it comes to guidance and explanatory text,Don’t include too many reasons or conditions in a single sentenceIt is important to keep this in mind. If you want to convey two or more ideas, it is easier to understand if you break them into separate sentences rather than forcing them into a single sentence.

Rule 3: Clearly define who does what

In simple Japanese, it’s important to clarify who is doing what, that is,Make the subject and predicate clearThis is important. If the subject is omitted or there are many passive constructions, it becomes difficult for the reader to correctly understand “who is doing what.”

◆Example

When it is clear who is taking action, the meaning of the text becomes easier to grasp, and the content of procedures and instructions is less likely to be misunderstood.

Rule 4: Use bullet points

When a paragraph contains a lot of information, it’s a good idea to use bullet points instead of trying to cram everything into a single paragraph. In particular,When conveying procedures, conditions, precautions, and items to bring, a bullet-point list is easier to understand than a continuous paragraph.

Simple Japanese isn't just about rephrasing words,Organize information in an easy-to-read formatThis is also important.

◆Example

In particular,When listing three or more items, it’s easier to convey the information clearly by using a bulleted list rather than writing it out in paragraph form.Simple Japanese and bullet points go hand in hand when it comes to improving readability.

Rule 5: Avoid using loanwords (words of foreign origin) as much as possible

When using simple Japanese, try to replace katakana words and loanwords with terms that are as easy to understand as possible. Even words used in everyday conversation may not convey their meaning to everyone, andThis can sometimes make it difficult to understand, especially for people who are not familiar with Japanese, such as foreign visitors to Japan.

However, it is not necessary to replace every loanword. For example, words like “bus,” “gas,” and “television,”If there is no appropriate Japanese equivalent for a word other than a loanword, it is perfectly fine to use it as is.

◆Example

Loanwords are,Since the original words may sometimes differ slightly in meaning or usage,It is important to use it with the reader in mind, ensuring that the message comes across clearly.

Rule 6: Do not use double negatives

When negations are stacked one on top of another in a sentence, readers have to mentally reconstruct the meaning, which can make the text difficult to understand. This is especially true for instructions and warnings; even when the writer intends to be thorough,Double negatives actually make the meaning harder to understandThis can happen.

As much as possible,Express it in the affirmative or simple negative formThat way, the meaning comes across immediately.

◆Example

Simply avoiding double negatives can make your writing much clearer, so it’s important to choose the simplest phrasing possible to ensure readers can understand it without confusion.

Rule 7: Minimize Ambiguous Language

Words that can be interpreted in a variety of ways, or expressions that people interpret differentlyLet’s make a conscious effort to minimize the use of such expressions as much as possible. For example, phrases like “at a later date,” “for a while,” “as much as possible,” “in due course,” and “around the time of…” are useful for avoiding definitive statements, butBecause the specific time frame and scope are unclear, it is difficult for the reader to understand when, to what extent, and what exactly is being referred to.This can happen.

◆Example

By reducing ambiguous language, readers can understand the content more easily without confusion. In particular,When providing information regarding times or deadlines, be as specific as possibleThis is crucial.

Rule 8: Be mindful of the number of kanji used, and add furigana as needed

When writing in simplified Japanese, it is important not to use too many kanji. When kanji appear in succession, it can make the text difficult to understand for foreigners, people unfamiliar with the meanings, or those who are not accustomed to reading them. Therefore, it is helpful to add furigana to difficult kanji and important words as needed.

In particular,Words that are difficult to read, important words related to daily life and administrative procedures, and words that can cause problems if misreadFocus on these items and choose what you need to supplement your diet.

◆Example

Simply adding pronunciation guides can make a text much easier to understand. In particular,Important terms related to procedures and instructions should be provided with furigana as neededThis is effective.

That concludes our explanation of the eight basic rules. However, "easy Japanese" is not a special stylistic technique,A series of basic strategies for communicating effectively with othersEven small changes—such as using simpler vocabulary, keeping sentences short, and reorganizing the order of information—can make a significant difference in how clear your writing is.

Additionally, the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Immigration Services Agency have,Guidelines for Easy-to-Understand Japaneseis available. When working with simplified Japanese,The materials available at the link belowBe sure to read through this as well.

Reference: "Easy Japanese Guidelines for Supporting Residents" and Other Materials (Agency for Cultural Affairs)

Examples of "Easy Japanese" in Practice: Adachi Ward, Tokyo

In recent years, as society has become increasingly diverse in Japan, accessibility standards have been reevaluated across various fields, and the use of easy-to-understand Japanese has become more widespread in actual information dissemination. Local governments, in particular, need to convey administrative information to a diverse population, making this one of the sectors where the adoption of easy-to-understand Japanese has progressed relatively far.

Adachi Ward began providing information in simplified Japanese in 2020, marking the first such initiative among Tokyo’s 23 wards. On Adachi Ward’s official website as well,You can switch between standard Japanese and simplified Japanese in the menuIt is designed so that you can select the display as needed.

◆Adachi City Official Website

Source: Quoted from the Adachi Ward official website

As you can see from the image, compared to the standard Japanese display,In the simplified Japanese version, kanji are accompanied by furigana, certain expressions have been rephrased, and additional explanations have been added.

◆Furigana, alternative phrasing, and supplementary explanations are added

Source: Quoted from the Adachi Ward official website

As a result, not only has the readability of headings and body text improved, butFor technical content, a brief explanation to clarify the meaning...is also included. "Easy Japanese" is not simply a matter of replacing kanji with hiragana, but rather,Efforts to organize information in a way that makes it easy for readers to understandThis case study clearly demonstrates that...

Another key feature of this case study is that it allows users to compare standard Japanese text with simplified Japanese text.Even with the same information, how well it is conveyed can vary greatly depending on how it is phrased and how explanations are supplementedThis makes it easy to understand visually. It is a prime example that will be very helpful for businesses looking to start implementing simplified Japanese.

Reference: Adachi City Official Website

The Importance of "Easy Japanese" in Web Accessibility

Web accessibility means thatA state in which everyone, regardless of age or disability, can use the websiteThis refers to the approach we take to create a website that is easy to use and understand for a diverse range of users, including those with visual impairments, older adults who have difficulty reading text, and foreign visitors who are not yet familiar with Japanese.

In Japan, under the "Amended Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities,"With the requirement to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities taking effect in 2024, websites are now also required to be accessible.

Simple Japanese plays a crucial role in achieving web accessibility. In this section, we will explain the importance of simple Japanese in web accessibility.

"WCAG" and "JIS X 8341-3," which are web accessibility standards

There are globally recognized standards for web accessibility.「WCAG（Web Content Accessibility Guidelines）」known as,International guidelines established by the W3C (Web standards organization).

In Japan, based on these WCAG guidelines"JIS X 8341-3"A national standard has been established. It is widely applied to the websites of public institutions and companies, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ guidelines alsoCompliance with JIS X 8341-3 is recommended.

For more information on WCAG and JIS X 8341-3, please refer to the article below.

Related Articles:WCAG is an international standard for accessibility based on four principles.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline various success criteria for web accessibility, and each criterion has three levels of conformance.

◆WCAG Conformity Levels

The Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ guidelines primarily require compliance up to the AA level. This is also the standard that many companies and local governments aim to meet.For a detailed explanation of exactly what actions are required, please refer to the article below.

Related Articles:What web accessibility measures must site managers implement?

"Easy Japanese" is closely aligned with the WCAG principles

WCAG isThe Four Principles (Perceptibility, Manipulability, Understandability, and Robustness)It consists of the following principles, among which the principle of "Understandability" is most closely related to Easy Japanese. Specifically, it corresponds to the following achievement standards.

◆The Relationship Between Easy-to-Read Japanese and WCAG Success Criteria

As you can see from the table, many of the achievement standards for easy-to-read Japanese fall under Level AAA. In other words, this represents a level of consideration that goes beyond the scope of legal obligations (Level AA).

While AA compliance alone does not address the issue of text clarity,No matter how well-developed the technical accessibility features are, if the language used is too difficult, the information will not reach everyone.As a result, the site can no longer be considered accessible.

"Easy Japanese" is an initiative designed to support the understanding of all users, including the elderly, foreign nationals, and people with cognitive disabilities. From the perspective of web accessibility,Providing support in easy-to-understand Japanese goes beyond mere obligation; it is a fundamental consideration.

"UniWeb": Achieving Web Accessibility Compliance at Low Cost and in a Short Timeframe

Websites that do not currently comply with web accessibility standards must begin making improvements as soon as possible.

However,Web accessibility requires a high level of expertise, and when you factor in design revisions, implementation, and testing, it takes both time and money.It is difficult to handle entirely within the company, and it also creates an ongoing operational burden.

That’s where our service comes in handy.Web Accessibility Tool 'UniWeb'This is the implementation of UniWeb. By utilizing UniWeb,This makes it easier to move forward with accessibility improvements while adapting to the actual conditions of each website’s operations.

'UniWeb' isYou can get started immediately just by adding a tag to your siteYou can adjust the widget's appearance and settings from the admin panel. Site visitors can access the accessibility menu from,Over 30 accessibility featuresYou can customize the display to suit your preferences for readability and ease of use.

From an operational standpoint, the design allows us to keep pace with updates aligned with the latest industry standards, making it easier to approach accessibility not as a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing process of continuous improvement.

It also features a "Simple Japanese AI" function powered by generative AI

UniWeb features a "Simple Japanese AI" function that utilizes generative AI. This feature allows you to instantly look up the meaning of unfamiliar words or difficult sentences on the site in easy-to-understand Japanese.

◆UniWeb’s “Easy Japanese AI” Feature

It's easy to use.

Because it rephrases difficult expressions or clarifies their meaning to aid understanding,A feature that is easy to use even on pages with a lot of technical jargon, as well as for procedural guides and important notices.

The actual behavior is,You can try it right away by clicking the "person icon" in the bottom right corner of this article.Try out UniWeb’s features and use them to identify specific areas for improvement on your company’s website.

Conclusion

Simple Japanese isn't just for foreigners;A method for conveying information in an easy-to-understand way to a diverse range of people, including the elderly and those with disabilitiesAs a result, its importance is growing. In today’s increasingly diverse society, where the number of foreign residents and people unfamiliar with Japanese is on the rise, providing information in easy-to-understand Japanese is becoming an increasingly important initiative for both government agencies and businesses.

In addition, websites must also take accessibility into account. This goes beyond simply ensuring text is easy to read and the site is user-friendly;Making the content itself easier to understand is also a key aspect of accessibility.

Therefore,Going forward, we will also work to incorporate simplified Japanese into our website operationsThis is important. By minimizing complex language and providing alternative phrasing or additional explanations where necessary, you can create a website that is accessible to a wider audience.

Simple Japanese is not a special initiative, but rather a “basic measure” designed to ensure that information reaches those who need it; there is no doubt that its importance will only continue to grow in the future.

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