1. Introduction
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it is no surprise that it has become a popular language in Japan. It is estimated that around 10 million people in Japan speak English as a second language, making it one of the most widely used languages in the country. But what percent of Japan speaks English? This article will explore this question and provide an overview of English language education and proficiency tests in Japan.
2. English Language in Japan
The use of English as a second language is widespread throughout Japan, with many businesses requiring their employees to be proficient in the language. According to a survey conducted by Interac, a leading provider of English-language education services, nearly 70% of Japanese companies require some level of fluency in English for their employees. Furthermore, over 80% of Japanese universities require applicants to pass an English proficiency test before they can be accepted into their programs.
3. The Japanese Education System
In order to understand how many people speak English in Japan, it is important to consider the country’s education system. In elementary school, students are required to take part in mandatory classes on foreign language study which typically include both English and Chinese languages. In secondary school, students often have the opportunity to choose between different foreign languages including French, German and Spanish as well as continuing with their studies in either Chinese or English.
4. English Proficiency Tests in Japan
In addition to these mandatory classes on foreign languages, there are also several standardized tests available for those who wish to measure their proficiency levels such as the Test Of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (TOP). These tests are commonly used by employers when hiring new staff or assessing existing employees’ abilities with regards to their use of the language at work.
5. How Many People Speak English in Japan?
According to research conducted by Interac, around 10 million people speak some level of conversational or business-level English within Japan – this equates to approximately 8% of the population aged 15 or over speaking some level of basic conversational or business-level fluency with regards to using the language at work or during everyday conversations with native speakers.
6. Why is English Important for Japan?
English has become increasingly important for those who wish to succeed professionally within Japan due its global use as an international business language and its importance when engaging with other countries on trade agreements or other matters related to international relations such as diplomacy and security issues between nations. Furthermore, having a good knowledge of the language can help open up opportunities for higher education abroad or even better job prospects within multinational companies located within Japan itself which often require employees who have a good understanding and use of both Japanese and another foreign language such as English – this can be especially beneficial for those looking for positions within finance or marketing departments where communication skills are essential when dealing with customers from other countries around the world who may not necessarily speak Japanese fluently themselves.
7 Factors Affecting English Proficiency in Japan
There are various factors which can affect how proficient someone may be when using spoken or written forms of the language including access to quality education materials (such as textbooks), having enough time dedicated towards studying/practicing outside class hours (this could include taking part in extracurricular activities such as joining an after-school club focused on learning/improving one’s ability), having access to native speakers/teachers who can offer advice/guidance when needed etc… All these factors combined can play an integral role when it comes down improving someone’s ability when using spoken/written forms of any given language – this applies not only just for learning but also retaining what has been learned previously too!
8 Conclusion
To conclude, while there is no definitive answer regarding how many people speak fluent english within japanese society – it has been estimated that around 8% (or 10 million) people aged 15+ have some level conversational fluency – this figure may increase depending on access & availability quality educational materials & resources along with other external factors such as time devoted towards studying & practicing outside class hours etc… Therefore if you’re looking for an opportunity abroad that requires english proficiency – then you may want consider living & working japan where your skillset would be highly valued!
9 Sources
Interac: “English Language Education Survey 2019”. https://www1japaninsiderscom/en/reports/english_education_survey_2019/. Accessed July 21st 2020
Is English widely spoken in Japan?
Do Japanese People Speak English? Japanese is the main language spoken in Japan. However, according to studies somewhere between 13 and 30 per cent of Japanese people also speak some level of English. although only around 9per cent say they feel confident using English.
Is Japan English friendly?
Many say it looks delicious and fun to try! English is commonly spoken in Japan and Chinese and Korean are also becoming more common which means you can definitely get around without speaking Japanese. This is especially true in large cities and areas frequented by foreign tourists.
Why do so many Japanese speak English?
English in Japan is mainly used as a way to communicate with foreign tourists especially non-Asian foreigners with random kanji and kana mixed with romanized characters. Do all Japanese people speak English? Yes at least when they need it.
Can I travel to Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?
Can I travel to Japan without speaking Japanese? sure. These are big cities usually full of major landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Of course things get more challenging when you deviate a little from your routine.
Can you survive in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Do I need to know Japanese to live in Japan? There is no short answer but you really should. This comes with a few caveats. The answer ultimately depends on what kind of life you want in Japan.
How do Japanese feel about foreigners?
Japanese people generally treat foreigners the same way people from many other countries do: with general indifference. They have nothing to do with it and few care. Another persons answer described the relationship as love-hate but that is actually a misnomer and not accurate.
