Why Japan’s Old English Methods Failed — And What Really Works Now
Why Japan’s Old English Methods Failed — And What Really Works Now
One of the reasons I started writing my blog in English is to help Japanese people improve their English reading skills.
Don’t think you study English. You learn or collect information in English!
We have only 24 hours – think about it Japanese fellows!
When I browse through Japanese blogging communities — especially on Blog Mura — I notice that most posts are written entirely in Japanese, especially in the “English learning” sections. Of course, we only have 24 hours a day. If we spend most of that time surrounded by Japanese content, our exposure to English stays very limited.
That’s why I decided to write in English — so readers can experience English naturally, not just study it through translations or textbooks.
Why Do Japanese People Struggle with English?
It’s no secret that Japanese people tend to have lower English proficiency compared to many of our Asian neighbors. Over the last twenty years, I’ve seen this gap grow. People from Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and even Mongolia often speak English more comfortably than we do.
Among my musician friends in Japan, only a few can speak English well — and even fewer can read it confidently. I include myself in this; I’ve had to work hard to catch up. But why is this happening?
1. The TOEFL Test Has Become Harder
International English standards have risen. Exams like TOEFL and IELTS now require natural communication skills, not just grammar knowledge. Unfortunately, Japan’s English education system hasn’t evolved fast enough to keep up.
I also believe the recent decrease in Japanese students studying abroad isn’t only because of the yen–dollar exchange rate. The TOEFL iBT exam itself has become a real barrier — it filters out many Japanese students who haven’t had enough training in practical English communication.
2. The Education System Focuses Too Much on Grammar and Vocabulary
Most Japanese schools teach English in Japanese. Students spend years memorizing words and grammar rules, but they rarely use English to think or communicate. This creates a “translation mindset” — always converting English into Japanese instead of understanding it directly.
3. Lack of Critical Thinking and Expression Training
This issue goes deeper than just English. In Japan, students don’t often get the chance to discuss, debate, or express personal opinions — even in Japanese. So when it comes to English, we not only lack words but also the confidence and habit to express ourselves.
Before we can speak well in English, we need to practice speaking up in Japanese, too.
So How Can We Improve?
1. Read in English
Reading is the foundation. Blogs, articles, even short social media posts — try reading in English every day. Start small, but do it consistently. Your brain needs English input to think in English.
2. Speak — But Don’t Force It
Many people say, “Find foreigners to speak English with.” That’s helpful, but not the whole answer. The real problem is that Japanese people are not used to expressing opinions clearly, even in Japanese.
We need to build a culture — both in schools and in society — where open discussion and self-expression are encouraged.
3. Write — Even Short Notes
With AI tools improving, writing practice is becoming easier. You can write blog posts, journal entries, or even social media captions in English. Use tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly to check your writing and learn from it.
4. Listen and Watch in English
This is the easiest way to stay immersed. Watch movies, YouTube videos, or listen to podcasts in English. You don’t need to understand everything — just keep your ears used to the rhythm and sound of natural English.
Final Thoughts
Improving English isn’t about talent; it’s about exposure and mindset. The old methods — memorizing grammar and vocabulary lists — don’t work anymore.
If we start reading, writing, and thinking in English little by little every day, Japanese learners can absolutely catch up. Let’s move beyond the classroom and create our own English environment — one blog post, one thought, one word at a time.
Related Articles
