Japan’s English Proficiency Has Hit a Record Low

Japan’s English proficiency has reached a historic low, ranking 92nd out of 116 countries in the latest EF Education First (EF EPI) English Proficiency Index, a decline from 87th place in the previous year. This marks a continued downward trend for Japan, which has seen its position drop annually since the survey began in 2011, except for a brief improvement in 2013 when it ranked 26th.

Key Findings from the Survey

The 2024 EF English Proficiency Index indicates that Japan’s score fell to 454 points, which is below the global average of 477 points. The data collected for this year’s index involved approximately 2.1 million test takers across various non-native English-speaking countries, highlighting Japan’s struggle to keep pace with improvements seen in other nations.

Age and Motivation Factors

A significant factor contributing to this decline is the stagnation of motivation among young people, particularly those aged 18 to 25. This demographic has shown lower proficiency levels compared to older individuals who may use English more frequently in professional settings. The pandemic has further exacerbated this issue, as social distancing measures reduced opportunities for communication and practice.

Moreover, many Japanese students appear less interested in global engagement and travel, often preferring to spend time on their phones rather than practicing their language skills. The rise of AI and translation applications may also diminish the perceived necessity of learning English, leading to a lack of urgency in developing these essential skills.

Comparison with Other Countries

In contrast, countries like the Netherlands, which topped the index for the sixth consecutive year with a score of 636, demonstrate significantly higher levels of English proficiency. Other high-ranking nations include Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, all of which have maintained strong educational systems that prioritize language learning.

Among Asian countries, the Philippines ranked 22nd and Malaysia 26th, both outperforming Japan. This trend highlights a broader regional shift where neighboring countries are rapidly improving their English skills while Japan continues to lag behind.

Implications for Education

The findings from the EF EPI underscore an urgent need for educational reform in Japan. As global communication becomes increasingly vital in a connected world, educators must rethink their strategies to emphasize the importance of language proficiency. This could involve integrating more engaging and practical approaches to language learning that resonate with younger generations, fostering a renewed interest in acquiring English skills.

Japan’s record low ranking in English proficiency serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and educators alike. Addressing the underlying issues of motivation and engagement will be crucial for reversing this trend and ensuring that future generations are equipped with essential language skills needed in an ever-globalizing world.