Vision 2035
A National Goal for English Proficiency
Introducing Vision 2035
We believe that Japan’s future in a globalized world depends on giving the next generation the language tools to thrive. That’s why we’re launching Vision 2035, a bold plan to transform the educational landscape of English in Japan.
With this initiative, we’re officially setting our sights on a clear and admittedly ambitious objective: to help all Japanese high school graduates become proficient in English by the year 2035. We will start our campaign by digging into actionable strategies, zeroing in on effective practices, and profiling the individuals and institutions steering this effort.
Why English? Why Now?
Japan is facing a steep demographic decline with respect to its total population. A smaller workforce, then, calls for improved productivity and flexibility at the individual level. Improving English proficiency is both a practical and impactful way to equip graduates for success within this evolving landscape.
The relevance of English extends far beyond tourism or international etiquette as the language is primed to expand intellectual and economic horizons, helping startup founders in Fukuoka, say, present their innovations to a global audience not confined to domestic markets. A company with ten employees in Osaka can operate across ten countries across APAC. In a context where English fluency is normalized, international reach becomes not a luxury but instead a professional growth prerequisite.
Current Realities
As of 2025, just over 20 percent of Japanese high school seniors have passed Eiken Grade 2: a significant majority still graduating without the linguistic wherewithal required to participate in bilingual academic programs or professional settings at a global level. The dynamics of university admissions are shifting, meanwhile, with application office-style pathways (AO) that place greater weight on English proficiency gaining ground by the day. The corresponding impact? Students lacking skills in this area face increasingly limited opportunities.
Beyond Language: What’s at Stake
Achieving universal Eiken 2 proficiency is also a means to achieve broader educational equity and social mobility. Regardless of whether a student resides in Tokyo or Tottori, he or she should be able to access the tools necessary to navigate a multilingual world and contribute to the same.
Moreover, English fluency improves Japan’s global standing while shoring up its ability to take part in intercultural dialogue, global diplomacy efforts, academic research, and worldwide innovation. English-proficient graduates, likewise, enjoy access to global platforms and more chances to collaborate and can thus lend their voices to help solve international challenges from multiple angles.
It's important to note this initiative doesn’t work in opposition to Japanese cultural identity; on the contrary, the English language provides the means for Japan to articulate, preserve, and share its legacy as a nation on a global stage.
All Eyes on the Future
Our goal is for every high school graduate in Japan to reach a minimum of Eiken Grade 2-with a third passing Pre-1-by 2035. While this target is most certainly ambitious, it is indeed achievable with coordinated help from educators, families, institutions, and policymakers.
Vision 2035: Ten Pillars for Change
Raise the Bar
Japan must move beyond seeing English as a test score and start treating it as a national skill for the future. This means setting clear benchmarks aligned with global standards, celebrating real success stories, and holding every program accountable. Public spending on English should be measured by outcomes, with KPIs and ROI assessed to ensure that investment leads to genuine proficiency, not just activity
Reform Assessment
Tests must match the new reality. University entrance exams should include speaking and listening, and interview-style exams should become universal at both junior and senior high school levels. With today’s AI tools, these assessments can be delivered fairly and affordably, ensuring every student is evaluated on real communication skills, not just memorization.
Full article coming soon…
Flip the Model: Focus on Speaking
Speaking must become the centerpiece of classroom practice. Daily opportunities to talk, share, and perform will ensure students can use English actively, not just recognize it on paper.
Full article coming soon…
Start Early & Start Right
The foundation begins in the earliest years. Phonics before katakana, play-based English in preschools, and textbooks with authentic audio give children the right start from day one.
Full article coming soon…
Increase Exposure to English
Language thrives on contact. From school announcements and signage to English books, media, and events, small daily encounters build familiarity and confidence over time.
Full article coming soon…
Train and Support Teachers
No reform succeeds without teachers. Stronger training, ongoing professional development, and clearer roles for ALTs will empower educators to make English communication a reality in every classroom.
Full article coming soon…
Overcoming the Fear Factor: Using a Musical Approach to Unlock English
Too often, students freeze when asked to speak English, worried about mistakes or translation time. Treating language more like music—where rhythm, tempo, and improvisation matter—helps learners gain confidence and fluency. A musical approach can break the mold of rigid instruction and encourage students to respond naturally, without fear.
Full article coming soon…
Leverage Returnees and Advanced Learners
Japan already has thousands of students who return from abroad fluent in English. By supporting and challenging them, we keep their skills alive and give other students powerful role models.
Full article coming soon…
Harness Technology and Global Partnerships
From AI pronunciation tools to real-time Zoom projects with overseas schools, technology opens the classroom to the world. Global exchanges, once rare, can become everyday experiences.
Full article coming soon…
Expand Immersion Beyond the Classroom
Afterschool programs, weekend clubs, domestic English-only camps, and study abroad opportunities all provide the intensity students need to move from practice to fluency.
Full article coming soon…