Russia seeks Japanese language instructors
In the first quarter of 2025, requests for Japanese language tutor services in Russia experienced a considerable increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the service Profi.ru. The total number of requests nationwide rose by 18%.
The Chelyabinsk and Irkutsk regions registered the highest increase in demand for Japanese language tutors, with over a twofold surge in interest. The Chelyabinsk region saw a 123% increase, while the Irkutsk region followed closely with a 120% rise. Tatarstan placed third with a 90% increase, while the Primorsky Krai, a region neighboring Japan, recorded a 58% increase. The Novosibirsk region, St. Petersburg and Leningrad region, Samara region, Sverdlovsk region, and Nizhny Novgorod region also saw increases of 57%, 45%, 43%, 28%, and 20%, respectively. Moscow and the Moscow region witnessed an 18% increase.
Regions where Profi.ru operates,including Almaty and Almaty region in Kazakhstan, and Minsk and Minsk region in Belarus, also showed an increase in demand for Japanese language tutors, with a 27% increase in Almaty and Almaty region, and a 14% increase in Minsk and Minsk region.
Maria Safonova, head of search marketing at Profi.ru, commented on the rising demand for Japanese language lessons, attributing it to the growing global interest in Asian culture, especially Japanese culture and language. This demand, she noted, extends beyond major cities in the European part of Russia to regions in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East as well, suggesting the availability of qualified teaching staff to cater to an expanding learner base.
The significant rise in requests for Japanese language tutoring is primarily linked to Japan's expanding role in global business and technology, creating high-paying job opportunities for Japanese speakers. As Russian professionals and students seek to capitalize on opportunities within Japanese-speaking markets, personalized instruction from tutors becomes essential for mastering industry-specific vocabulary and effective business communication skills.
Furthermore, the increase can be attributed to the growing institutional support for Japanese language education worldwide, driven by programs from entities like The Japan Foundation, which promote Japanese language learning by developing infrastructures and providing educational resources. Training programs and teacher exchanges also encourage the spread of Japanese language skills outside Japan, stimulating interest among learners in various locations.
Universities and educational institutions, including those in Russia, are expanding Japanese language offerings and hiring specialized instructors, contributing to a more robust ecosystem of language education where private tutors serve as supplementary resources for students. Additionally, enhanced teacher training programs by organizations like The Japan Foundation amplify the quality of instruction, boosting student interest and confidence in Japanese studies.
Regional socioeconomic and cultural factors within Russia may also play a role, as regions like Chelyabinsk and Irkutsk potentially experience increased engagement with Japan or broader East Asia, leading more individuals to learn Japanese for travel, cultural exchange, or business. The growth of digital platforms and local demand for specialized language education outside major cities encourages learners in these areas to access tutors more easily and affordably.
People in various regions, such as Chelyabinsk and Irkutsk in Russia, are increasingly seeking Japanese language tutors for education and self-development, as evidenced by a 123% and 120% surge in demand, respectively. This growing interest can be attributed to more than just personal development, as many learners are preparing for high-paying job opportunities in global business and technology that require fluency in Japanese.
