Reading, writing, math and English conversation are important. Note I said English conversation, not English.

Thursday 19th March, 05:31 AM JST

Prime Minister Taro Aso, saying he wants to boost competency among young people for coping in the international community, such as promoting English conversation skills and increasing the number of foreign researchers and students coming to Japan. (NHK)

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11 Comments

neverknow2 at 10:47 AM JST - 19th March

Aout time. There's only so much a book can teach people.
TPOJ at 11:42 AM JST - 19th March

My God, he said something logical.
LoveUSA at 11:45 AM JST - 19th March

Note I said English conversation, not English

this is really stupid. and how one is going to start conversing in English? without studying English? another nonsense from Aso
alohajapan at 11:50 AM JST - 19th March

I understand what he means. The japanese study English from junior high to college and still can't speak a full sentence without screwing it up.
mark_in_japan at 01:17 PM JST - 19th March

TPOJ, I am as shocked as you are but I have to admit he got it right this time (not that the entrance exam driven system is going to change anytime soon).
whyamiinjapan at 01:22 PM JST - 19th March

Aso ain't so bad. Better than Koizumi anyway.
PaulieWalnuts at 02:34 PM JST - 19th March

how one is going to start conversing in English? without studying English? another nonsense from Aso

I believe he is referring to japanese people actually starting to speak english rather than just studying it. confidence and fluency are far more important than accuracy. Maybe Aso has more rattling around in his noggin than I credired him for.
Midnightpromise at 02:37 PM JST - 19th March

this is really stupid. and how one is going to start conversing in English?

While working in Korea for 6 years I took zero language classes and yet was quite conversant with my co-workers and neighbors before I left.
jessssicaaa at 05:31 PM JST - 19th March

I volunteer to be a one of the students coming over to help! ;DD Pick me! where do i sign up!?
helloklitty at 04:53 PM JST - 20th March

While working in Korea for 6 years I took zero language classes and yet was quite conversant with my co-workers and neighbors before I left.

Those* were* language classes.
helloklitty at 04:54 PM JST - 20th March

The japanese study English from junior high to college and still can't speak a full sentence without screwing it up.

Sounds like fewer than 200 hours of study while 800-1000 is necessary before competence is achievable. Why are you surprised?