This article explores the history of English in Japan, the current state of English education, and the percentage of Japanese people who speak English. According to a survey conducted by EF Education First in 2018, only 43% of Japanese people can communicate at least some level of understanding when it comes to speaking or understanding basic words and phrases in English - far lower than other Asian countries such as South Korea (61%) or China (50%). There are several reasons for this low percentage, but there has been an increase over recent years due to increased exposure through international events, initiatives, improved teaching methods and more job opportunities requiring good level proficiency.