Hello everyone, it's me again! With over 10 years in Japan and an old N1 certificate in my pocket, I've seen countless friends and juniors study incredibly hard, only to fail the JLPT in the most frustrating way. The reason often isn't a lack of knowledge, but something far more intangible: energy.

Have you ever experienced this? 🤔

You walk into the exam room feeling confident. You breeze through the Vocabulary and Grammar sections. But when you flip to the pages of dense text in the Reading section, your brain suddenly goes on strike. The words are there, but nothing sinks in. Your mind is blank, and panic starts to creep in. You've just become a victim of the classic 'mid-exam brain drain.'

After taking the test myself and observing others, I've realized a crucial truth: The JLPT is not just a test of knowledge; it's a marathon of mental endurance. 🏃‍♂️💨 And the person who finishes the race isn't the one who sprints at the start, but the one who paces themselves intelligently.

Today, I'm sharing the 'Energy Management' strategy that has helped me and many others conquer this nearly 3-hour-long exam.

🔋 The Core Problem: The Mid-Exam 'Brain Battery Drain'

The N1 exam lasts about 170 minutes (110 minutes for Vocabulary/Grammar/Reading and 60 minutes for Listening). This structure is incredibly deceptive:

1. Round 1: Vocabulary & Grammar. These are short questions requiring high concentration and rapid knowledge retrieval. It's like a 100-meter dash. You give it your all to get it done quickly.
2. Round 2: Reading Comprehension. This is the true marathon. It demands sustained focus, analytical skills, and logical reasoning over a long period.

The fatal mistake most test-takers make is using 100% of their energy in 'Round 1.' You strive for perfection on every question, wrestle with the tricky ones, and feel proud for finishing early. But the price is a nearly depleted brain battery. When the 'final boss'—the Reading section—appears, you only have 20% of your energy left. As a result, you skim, misunderstand, and choose answers in desperation.

✨ The Marathon Strategy: Run Smart, Not Fast

To avoid this tragedy, adopt the following 3-mode strategy:

1. Vocabulary & Grammar: 'Autopilot Mode' ✈️

In this section, your goal is efficiency and energy conservation, not absolute perfection.

• The 30-Second Rule: For each question, trust your first instinct. If you're still clueless after 30 seconds, don't agonize. Pick the most likely answer, mark the question, and DECISIVELY MOVE ON. Spending 5 minutes on one difficult grammar question will drain your precious mental energy.
• Don't Overthink: Many JLPT traps are designed for those who 'know too much.' Don't search for deep, hidden meanings in a straightforward question. Think like the test maker: what basic knowledge point are they testing?
• Objective: Complete this section swiftly, keeping your brain in 'warm-up' mode, ready for the main race. Treat it like a light jog before the big event.

2. Listening Comprehension: 'Radar On Mode' 📡

Listening is a different beast. You can't pause or think for too long. It demands instantaneous focus.

• The Art of 'Letting Go': This is the most critical skill. Once you've missed a question, FORGET IT IMMEDIATELY. Trying to recall that question will cause you to miss the next two. Every question is a new battle. Losing the last one doesn't mean you can't win the next.
• Focus on the Present: Don't let your mind wander. Turn your 'radar' on and focus only on the audio being played. Practice this skill at home by listening without ever pausing or rewinding.
• Objective: Maintain an uninterrupted flow of concentration. Every time you 'let go' of a missed question, you are saving energy for the upcoming ones.

3. Reading Comprehension: 'Warrior Mode' ⚔️

This is where you unleash all the energy you've conserved. Your brain is still fresh and ready for the most grueling battle.

• Reverse the Order: Don't dive into the first long passage. Start with the Information Retrieval (情報検索) section. This format is like a 'treasure hunt' game, helping you warm up your reading skills, score quick points, and build psychological momentum.
• Read the Questions First: For long and medium passages, never read the text first. Read all the questions to know what information you need to 'hunt' for. This transforms you from a passive reader into an active 'hunter,' saving an incredible amount of time and brainpower.
• Take a 10-Second Micro-Break: When you feel your eyes getting tired and your mind going foggy, stop. Close your eyes, or look away from the paper at a distant point for 10 seconds. Take a deep breath. This tiny 'reset' can work wonders for regaining your focus.

🏆 Finish Like a Champion

Remember, the JLPT is not a test where you need to score 180/180. It's a test to see if you can meet the passing threshold under time and pressure constraints.

Victory belongs not to the one who knows the most, but to the one who can use their knowledge most effectively and sustainably. Be a smart marathon runner, not a reckless sprinter.

Wishing you the best of luck on your exam!