Why is the English proficiency of Japanese people low?

    Why is the English proficiency of Japanese people low? This is a question that many people may have wondered, especially in the context of globalization and the increasing demand for English skills in various fields. In this blog post, I will try to analyze the possible reasons behind this phenomenon, using some data from the world’s largest English proficiency ranking, EF EPI (English Proficiency Index).

According to the latest EF EPI report, Japan ranked 80th out of 111 countries and regions in 2022, dropping two places from the previous year. Japan’s English proficiency level was classified as “low”, which means that Japanese people can only communicate in English about basic topics and situations, such as hobbies, weather, or small talk. Japan was also the lowest-ranked among the G7 countries, and below the average of Asia.

So, what are the factors that contribute to Japan’s low English proficiency? Here are some possible explanations:

• Education system: One of the most commonly cited reasons is that Japan’s education system does not emphasize communicative skills in English, but rather focuses on grammar and vocabulary for entrance exams. Many Japanese students do not have enough opportunities to practice speaking and listening in English, and thus lack confidence and fluency when using the language. Moreover, some studies have suggested that Japan’s English curriculum is not aligned with international standards, such as CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), and that the quality of English teachers varies widely.
• Cultural and psychological factors: Another reason is that Japan’s culture and psychology may hinder the development of English skills. For example, some Japanese people may be reluctant to speak English because they are afraid of making mistakes or losing face. They may also have a tendency to avoid direct confrontation or express their opinions clearly, which may make them passive or ambiguous in communication. Furthermore, some Japanese people may lack motivation or interest in learning English, because they do not see the necessity or benefit of using the language in their daily lives.
• Lack of exposure and practice: A third reason is that Japan’s environment does not provide enough exposure and practice for English learners. Unlike some other Asian countries, such as Singapore or the Philippines, where English is widely used as an official or common language, Japan is a predominantly monolingual society, where most people speak only Japanese. Therefore, Japanese people do not have many chances to encounter or use English in their natural settings, such as media, entertainment, or social interactions. As a result, they may not be able to improve their English skills or maintain their proficiency .

These are some of the possible reasons why Japan’s English proficiency is low compared to other countries. However, this does not mean that Japan cannot improve its situation or catch up with the global trend. In fact, there are many initiatives and efforts being made by various stakeholders, such as the government, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals, to enhance Japan’s English education and promote its internationalization. For example, some of the recent measures include:

• Introducing a new standardized test for university admission that includes four skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) in English.
• Implementing a new curriculum for elementary and junior high schools that aims to foster communicative competence in English.
• Expanding the number of foreign language teachers and assistants in schools.
• Offering more opportunities for students to study abroad or participate in international exchange programs.
• Providing more support and incentives for workers to learn English or acquire global skills.
• Increasing the availability and accessibility of online English learning platforms and resources.

These are some of the examples of how Japan is trying to improve its English proficiency and competitiveness in the global arena. Of course, there are still many challenges and obstacles to overcome, such as budget constraints, teacher training, learner diversity, cultural differences, etc. However, I believe that with continuous efforts and collaboration from all parties involved, Japan can achieve its goals and realize its potential.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about Japan’s English proficiency. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for your attention!