Well educated and well read Japanese may know as many as 10,000 Kanji. Kanji represent loan words from Chinese into Japanese, they are used to distinguish homonyms and synonyms, they are used in names, in grammatical functions, and specialized vocabulary. Japanese Kanji often differ in meaning and usage from Chinese characters as used in contemporary Chinese as well as Korean. Learning how to read Chinese won’t necessarily help you with Japanese. [2] X Research source
The above said, learning a colloquial Japanese dialect will prove useful depending on where in Japan you live and how natural you want to sound. Dialects contain a lot of regional colour that Standard Japanese can lack.
Be well aware of the necessary paperwork and customs you are expected to abide by in Japan. Furthermore, naturalization into becoming a Japanese citizen is not easy. Do your homework and ask questions.
JLPT practice materials and tutors are available in many major international cities and through iPod apps! Again, do your homework and see what works for you!
