News Answer leak renders JLPT tests ungradable

The latest case, involving test takers in Japan and several other countries, could bring under scrutiny the administration of the exams, which are of increasing importance as Japan seeks to accept more foreign labor to support its graying society. [...] It appears the same responses could be due to a leak on social media after the tests were held earlier in China than in other countries, including Japan. The foundation learned of the answers being leaked online and reported it to the ministry. While acknowledging activity on social media may have influenced the answers, the foundation said in a statement that a "direct causal relationship is unknown." Citing operational reasons, it said it will not offer retakes of the December test. The issue in question affected the test's second-highest N2 level, taken by more than 230,000 people in Japan and overseas on Dec. 1, 2024. The N2 and higher N1 levels are required for higher education study in Japanese. Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, the association that runs the test in Japan, sent notices to affected students' language schools, informing them their papers could not be graded and their test fees would be reimbursed.

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