Japan's English Dilemma

Most international business communication occurs in English, and scientific research is predominantly published in this language. Growing up in Singapore, an English-speaking country, I felt I had an inherent advantage. Singapore's economic success can be attributed, in part, to its adoption of English in governance and business, facilitating connections with the global market.

However, after spending some time in Japan, I realized how misguided my earlier assumptions were. My ambition to reshape Japan's relationship with English was nothing short of naïve.

As I acclimatized to my new environment, I observed that while many Japanese firms were indeed striving to increase their global presence, their primary focus was not on the United States or Europe, but rather on China—an enormous market that beckoned interest from companies worldwide. Ironically, despite my struggles with Mandarin in school, I found myself using it more frequently than English. Upon returning home after a year in Japan, my friends remarked on how much my Mandarin had improved!

The Need for Japanese Language Skills

Many English-speaking foreigners come to Japan for short-term teaching roles, often feeling trapped in these positions. Shawn B. Swinger notes, “Most of us just can’t seem to get out of the English teaching trap. About 20,000 people are working as ALTs in Japan; of those surveyed, 84% are dissatisfied with their jobs.”

Teaching English as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) is not regarded highly in Japan. Recognizing this, I chose a more challenging path to relocate to Japan. Given my background in product management within a consumer goods company, I was less involved in direct work and more focused on collaboration. Therefore, my communication skills had to meet high standards.

I immersed myself in learning new vocabulary and phrases to navigate my new work environment, where I often collaborated with colleagues who communicated solely in Japanese. Effectively conveying my thoughts was essential for accomplishing tasks. I needed to ensure that factory staff understood our production goals and provide feedback to the creative team on new advertisements. Furthermore, building rapport through casual office conversations and engaging with company systems often required using Japanese.

The more I practiced Japanese, the less I found myself relying on English at work. The language training came at a cost. Working full-time in Japan, primarily in Japanese, within a traditional corporate structure tested my mental resilience. Nevertheless, this experience laid a solid foundation for my business Japanese skills, which remain crucial in my current role.

Japan's Domestic Market and Its Future

Despite enduring decades of economic stagnation, Japan still ranked as the world’s third-largest economy in 2022. However, projections from the IMF suggest that Germany may soon overtake it. Until recently, many Japanese companies thrived in a predominantly domestic market, negating the need for English proficiency since all interactions and documents were conducted in Japanese.

Even foreign firms operating in Japan often adapt to local customs, reflecting this dynamic. Consequently, Japanese companies frequently prioritize language skills when hiring foreign employees. This trend is gradually shifting, particularly in the tech sector, where Japan faces a shortage of skilled workers.

Does Japan Need English Moving Forward?

Some might argue, “But I’ve read that certain Japanese companies have made English their official language—what are your thoughts on that?” While it's true, the reality is often far more complex. Business operations would likely grind to a halt if management strictly enforced the purported English-only policies they claim to uphold.

As Japan's population continues to decline, its economy may struggle to keep pace. S&P Global forecasts that India will surpass both Germany and Japan by 2030, potentially relegating Japan to the fifth-largest economy globally within the decade.

If this holds true, Japanese firms will need to expedite their global expansion efforts. As of now, English remains the predominant language for international business, overshadowing both Japanese and Chinese.

Recently, I've noticed an uptick in foreigners returning to Japan post-COVID-19, including non-Japanese speakers in my workplace. A few days ago, I shared lunch with a new European colleague, and we conversed in English. It was a refreshing experience, albeit a bit odd, as I had grown accustomed to speaking primarily Japanese.

“Perhaps it's finally time for Japan to embrace English,” I thought as I returned to my desk, facing a growing collection of emails filled with a mix of hiragana, katakana, and Chinese characters.

For further insights into working in Japan and understanding the Japanese language, explore my series of articles linked below.

The first video titled The Truth About English Only IT Jobs In Japan delves into the realities surrounding the English job market within Japan's IT sector. It highlights the challenges and misconceptions faced by English-speaking professionals in the country.

The second video, Reality of Working In Japan, provides an in-depth look at the intricacies of workplace culture in Japan, offering valuable insights for those considering a career in the nation.