Is English being taught in Japan?
Yes, English is being taught in Japan, but how it’s being taught is what matters
Japan has made English education mandatory, but the bigger question is: is it working? Let’s dig into how English is taught in Japan, what’s changing, and why many still struggle with real communication despite years of learning it in school.
Here’s how English education officially works in Japan
English education in Japan starts early. Since 2020, English became a mandatory subject from grade 3 in elementary school. Before that, it was only treated as an activity—not a real subject. Now, from grade 5, students get graded in English just like any other subject.
In junior high and high school, English continues. It’s been a core part of the curriculum for years. But the main goal has been preparing for tests, not conversations.
Classes are large—usually 30 to 40 students. One teacher handles the lesson. Sometimes there’s an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), often a native English speaker, but they aren’t always given much room to lead.
The structure is focused on grammar, reading, and writing. Speaking and listening usually take a backseat. The result? Students can read English quite well, but many can’t hold a conversation after studying it for 6+ years.
Japan spends years on English, yet fluency is still rare
Japanese students study English for at least 6 years in school. Some continue for 10 years if they attend university. That’s thousands of hours of exposure. But real-life fluency remains low.
In the EF English Proficiency Index 2023, Japan ranked 87th out of 113 countries. It’s placed in the “low proficiency” category. Countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam ranked much higher.
Why is that happening?
Most of it comes down to how English is taught. It’s still heavily based on textbooks and test prep. The university entrance exam plays a huge role in shaping this. Teachers have no choice but to focus on vocabulary, grammar, and translation-style reading.
There’s limited space for creativity or interactive speaking. Students get little practice in expressing themselves. They memorize a lot, but rarely use it in daily situations.
Cultural factors also shape the way English is taught
It’s not just the system. Culture plays a big part, too.
Japan values accuracy and avoiding mistakes. That can make students hesitant to speak up in English. Many fear saying the wrong thing. So they stay quiet—even if they understand the content.
Silence is often seen as respectful. But in language learning, silence slows progress.
There’s also a mindset that English is “foreign” and not part of everyday life. Unlike countries where English media is widely consumed, Japan has its own massive media ecosystem—TV, anime, books—all in Japanese. There’s less need to use English in daily life unless someone is working in tourism, hospitality, or international business.
Big reforms have been launched, but they’re still slow to change real classrooms
To fix this, Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT) launched new English education reforms in 2020. The idea is to shift focus from grammar-heavy lessons to more communication-based learning.
New guidelines stress four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The goal is to make students use English actively, not just pass tests.
But changing curriculum on paper doesn’t instantly change classrooms. Many teachers aren’t fully trained in conversational English themselves. Resources are limited. Class sizes are still big. And the pressure of exams hasn’t gone away.
So while the direction is right, the pace of change is slow.
Technology and online platforms are quietly changing the way English is learned
While the school system evolves slowly, individuals are turning to other ways of learning English—especially online. The demand for real communication skills is rising.
Students and adults alike are looking for more personalized learning. One of the most common alternatives today is taking an 英会話 個人レッスン—private conversation lessons that focus on real communication, not grammar drills.
Private lessons give students what schools often can’t: time to speak, make mistakes, and build confidence in a one-on-one setting.
With platforms like AmazingTalker, people can find qualified tutors who match their pace and learning goals. Whether it’s business English, travel preparation, or just everyday conversation, lessons are tailored to the student’s needs.
That’s a huge shift from the one-size-fits-all school model.
Native teachers are no longer the only option—qualified tutors matter more
There was a time when having a native English teacher was seen as the gold standard. But that idea is changing. Now, the focus is shifting to effectiveness.
Many students prefer working with a 英語 家庭教師—a private English tutor who understands their background, learning challenges, and native language. Bilingual tutors can explain things clearly and help build confidence.
Online tutoring platforms now offer flexible schedules, affordable prices, and access to teachers from all over the world. What matters isn’t just whether the teacher is native. What matters is whether they can help the student improve.
This mindset change is helping learners move beyond outdated methods.
Real-world exposure is still limited but slowly improving
One of the biggest gaps in Japan’s English education has always been exposure.
In countries where English is spoken widely in public life or media, students get passive exposure all the time. In Japan, that’s less common. But things are slowly shifting.
More English-language signage is appearing in train stations, tourist areas, and airports. The government is pushing for more English support ahead of global events like the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Streaming services have also helped. More young people are watching movies and series in English with subtitles. That kind of exposure trains the ear in ways classrooms can’t.
Still, unless someone actively seeks out English, they won’t come across it naturally. That’s why personal motivation plays a huge role.
University students and professionals are now taking English more seriously
In the past, many Japanese people treated English as just a subject to pass in school. But that’s changing.
Companies are increasingly looking for English skills. Big firms like Rakuten and Uniqlo have even made English their official corporate language. That’s putting pressure on young professionals to step up their game.
University students aiming for global careers are now investing time in practical English. Instead of just test scores, they’re trying to gain speaking and presentation skills. Study abroad programs are rising again post-COVID.
Some universities also require English communication classes now—not just reading and writing.
These changes are shaping a more practical mindset around English.
Japan’s English teaching problem isn’t about effort—it’s about direction
Japanese students are hardworking. Teachers care deeply. But the system they’re in hasn’t always supported real communication skills.
It’s like training for a marathon by only reading about running.
Without space to speak, make mistakes, and adjust, fluency doesn’t develop. That’s why private lessons and immersion-based programs have grown in popularity. They offer what the traditional system doesn’t.
And as global pressure increases—from business, tourism, and international education—the need for fluent communication is becoming non-negotiable.
The future of English in Japan is still full of potential
Japan has all the resources it needs to improve its English levels. What it needs now is consistency and direction.
Smaller class sizes, better teacher training, less focus on translation, and more emphasis on communication—these are the keys. And while systemic changes take time, individuals can move faster.
That’s why personal study, one-on-one lessons, and daily exposure matter more than ever. English is no longer just a school subject. It’s a tool for global connection.
And Japan is slowly realizing that.
Final insights: What’s changing, and what still needs to change
Here’s what we can take away:
- Yes, English is taught in Japan, starting from elementary school.
- It’s mandatory, but fluency rates are still low due to test-focused teaching.
- Cultural hesitation and lack of speaking practice are key barriers.
- Reforms are in place, but change takes time.
- Online lessons, private tutors, and self-motivation are filling the gap.
- Real progress will come when communication, not correctness, becomes the goal.
In the end, it’s not about how early you start or how many years you study. It’s about how you use the language and whether you’re given space to truly learn it. And that’s where Japan’s English education journey stands today—somewhere between tradition and transformation.