Lost in Translation: Why Japan’s English Proficiency Struggles Despite Big Spending

Japan’s struggle with English proficiency has long been a concern for educators, policymakers, and businesses alike. Despite significant investments in English language education, the nation continues to lag behind its global peers in measurable proficiency levels. The recently published 2024 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by Education First (EF) underscores this issue, placing Japan at its lowest-ever global ranking: 92 out of 116 countries. This alarming trend raises questions about the efficacy of current approaches and what can be done to reverse it.

Japan’s Declining English Proficiency: A Sobering Reality

The 2024 EF EPI, which assessed 2.1 million non-native English speakers worldwide, categorized Japan within the “Low Proficiency” band, with an average score of 454 out of 800 points. This marks a continued decline from last year’s rank of 87 and reflects Japan’s struggle to keep pace with other nations.

Notably, younger test-takers in Japan (aged 18-25) scored significantly lower than older age groups, suggesting that the country’s education system may not adequately prepare its youth for English language proficiency. Meanwhile, regional comparisons paint a stark picture. Among East and Southeast Asian countries, Japan outperformed only Myanmar (93), Thailand (106), and Cambodia (111), while neighboring South Korea and China ranked 50 and 91, respectively.

In contrast, Singapore, the top Asian performer, ranked 3rd globally in the “Very High Proficiency” band, demonstrating how effective policies can lead to significant results. Even countries like the Philippines (22) and Malaysia (26), which share colonial histories that emphasized English, achieved “High Proficiency” levels.

Understanding Japan’s Challenges

A representative from EF Japan contextualized these results, stating that it is "not that Japan’s English ability is declining, but rather that Japan is not keeping pace with the progress made in other countries.” This perspective highlights a fundamental issue: Japan’s methods of teaching and learning English may not align with global trends or the practical needs of its learners.

Why Does Japan Struggle Despite Its Investment?

Japan invests heavily in English education, but its outcomes fall short. The disconnect between investment and results stems from several systemic and cultural factors.

1. Focus on Grammar Over Communication

Japanese students often excel in the grammar-based components of standardized tests like the TOEIC and TOEFL but struggle with oral communication. This is largely due to an education system prioritizing rote memorization and test preparation over practical language use. English lessons in Japanese schools emphasize reading and writing, with far less attention given to speaking and listening.

This imbalance becomes evident when Japanese learners, despite years of study, cannot engage in basic conversational English. In contrast, countries like the Netherlands or Singapore emphasize immersive and communicative methods, allowing learners to practice real-world language skills.

2. Insufficient Teacher Training

Many Japanese English Teachers lack the proficiency or confidence to use English effectively in the classroom. Unlike countries with stringent teacher certification requirements, Japan’s teachers face overwhelming administrative responsibilities that leave little time for their professional development.

This lack of support for educators creates a cyclical problem: students are taught English in Japanese, limiting their exposure to the language and its natural rhythms.

3. Low Perceived Need for English

Japan’s strong domestic economy and cultural self-sufficiency reduce the perceived necessity of English proficiency for daily life or career advancement. Few Japanese workers encounter scenarios where English is indispensable outside of international business sectors or tourism.

The COVID-19 pandemic further diminished motivation, with international travel restrictions and remote work making English less relevant for many.

4. Cultural Attitudes Toward Mistakes

Japan’s education culture often discourages mistakes and can inhibit language learning. Students' fear of making errors in front of peers discourages them from practicing spoken English. This contrasts sharply with environments like Scandinavia, where making mistakes is seen as a natural and essential part of learning.

Potential Solutions: Learning from High-Performing Countries

Improving English proficiency in Japan will require systemic changes that address these deep-rooted challenges. Drawing inspiration from countries with high EPI rankings, several strategies could be employed:

1. Incorporate Immersive Learning

Countries with high English proficiency often emphasize immersive learning. For example:

• Bilingual instruction: Incorporating English into non-language subjects such as math or science can provide students with consistent exposure.
• Study abroad programs: Encouraging students to experience English-speaking environments can dramatically improve their proficiency and cultural understanding.

2. Redefine Teacher Training

Investing in teacher training is critical. Ensuring that English teachers achieve high language proficiency and are equipped with modern teaching techniques can lead to more effective instruction. Collaboration with native English-speaking educators could also bridge gaps in communication-focused skills.

3. Make English Relevant to Daily Life

Motivating learners requires demonstrating the practical value of English. Initiatives like virtual language tutors, online language games, or English-speaking community events could make learning engaging and relatable.

For instance, using popular figures like virtual YouTuber Ellen-sensei could appeal to younger audiences, while “English-only” bars or social meetups might attract adults looking for informal practice opportunities.

4. Shift Focus from Exams to Communication

Balancing exam preparation with conversational practice is essential. Adopting communicative language teaching (CLT) methods, which emphasize speaking and listening, could help students gain confidence in using English for practical purposes.

5. Foster Cultural Openness

Promoting an environment where making mistakes is acceptable and even encouraged could transform classroom dynamics. This would allow students to practice without fear of embarrassment, a crucial step in building fluency.

Broader Implications for Japan

Improving English proficiency is not merely about global rankings; it has significant implications for Japan’s future. As globalization accelerates, English is increasingly important for participating in international business, research, and diplomacy. Lagging behind in English proficiency risks isolating Japan from global opportunities.

Furthermore, the growing popularity of remote work and international collaboration makes English an invaluable skill for younger generations. Without addressing its proficiency gap, Japan may find it challenging to compete in an interconnected world.

A Call to Action

The 2024 EF EPI results are a wake-up call for Japan to rethink its approach to English education. While the country has made commendable investments, more targeted and innovative strategies are needed to translate resources into results. By shifting focus from rote learning to practical communication and fostering an environment where English feels relevant and accessible, Japan can reverse its downward trend and unlock new opportunities for its people.

The challenge is significant, but so are the stakes. English proficiency is not just a benchmark of educational success but a gateway to global engagement and a key driver of future growth. For Japan, the time to act is now.