When traveling in Japan, many visitors are surprised to find that most Japanese people don’t speak English fluently. This might seem strange, considering that English is taught in Japanese schools from a young age. Does this mean that Japanese people are not good at learning languages?
Not at all! The reality is that Japan’s education system, cultural environment, and daily life influence the way English is learned and used in the country.
In this article, we’ll explore why English isn’t widely spoken in Japan, how locals still try to communicate with tourists, and how you can make your interactions in Japan easier—even if you don’t speak Japanese.
English Education in Japan: Focus on Reading and Writing
English is a mandatory subject in Japanese schools from elementary through high school. However, the way English is taught in Japan differs from many other countries.
Why Japanese People Struggle with Speaking English
- Focus on Reading and Writing – The Japanese education system emphasizes grammar, reading comprehension, and written tests, rather than speaking and conversation.
- Lack of Speaking Practice – Many students study English for six years or more, but rarely practice speaking aloud in class.
- Exam-Based Learning – English education is largely designed to prepare students for university entrance exams, which test grammar and vocabulary rather than conversation skills.
Classroom English vs. Real-World English
Because of this teaching method, many Japanese people can read and understand basic English, but when it comes to speaking or listening to natural English speech, they feel nervous and unconfident.
Example: A Japanese person might understand written English like “Where is the train station?” but might struggle to respond in full sentences when asked the same question in conversation.
Japan’s Homogeneous Society: Limited Need for English
Japan is a highly homogeneous society, meaning that almost everyone speaks Japanese as their native language, and daily life does not require foreign language skills.
Few Opportunities to Use English in Daily Life
- Unlike in multilingual countries or places with high immigration rates, Japan does not have many situations where English is necessary.
- Most businesses, workplaces, and daily interactions are conducted in Japanese, even in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
- The media (TV, news, movies, books) is almost entirely in Japanese, reducing exposure to English.
A Self-Sufficient Country
Japan has a strong domestic economy and tourism industry, meaning that most jobs don’t require English.
- Unlike countries where speaking English can lead to better job opportunities, in Japan, many jobs do not require foreign language skills.
- This reduces the motivation for people to learn and practice English outside of school.
For many Japanese people, there is simply no need to speak English in their daily lives.
Do Japanese People Want to Speak English?
Yes! Even though many Japanese people struggle with English conversation, they are often eager to help foreign visitors.
Japanese People Are Shy, Not Unfriendly
- Many Japanese people are nervous about making mistakes in English, so they might hesitate to speak.
- This shyness is cultural—Japanese society places high importance on politeness and avoiding embarrassment.
- If a Japanese person doesn’t respond in English, it’s usually not because they don’t want to help—it’s because they are afraid of making mistakes.
Japanese Hospitality (Omotenashi) Still Shines
Even if their English skills are limited, Japanese people will often go out of their way to help tourists.
- They might use translation apps on their phones.
- They will often guide you in the right direction rather than just telling you where to go.
- They might use gestures or drawings to explain something if they can’t find the right words.
Example: If you ask for directions, a Japanese person might not be able to explain in English, but they might walk with you to your destination to make sure you find the right place!
How to Communicate Effectively in Japan
Since English is not widely spoken, here are some tips to make communication in Japan easier.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
- Avoid speaking too fast or with complex sentences.
- Use simple words and short phrases.
- Example: Instead of “Can you tell me where I can find the nearest train station?”, say “Where is the train station?”
Use Gestures
- Pointing at maps, menus, or signs can help a lot.
- Holding up fingers to indicate numbers (e.g., “two tickets”) makes it easier to understand.
Use Translation Apps
- Google Translate is very helpful for typing or speaking into your phone to translate between English and Japanese.
- The Google Lens feature can translate Japanese text on signs or menus instantly.
Learn a Few Basic Japanese Phrases
Even a small effort to speak simple Japanese words can make communication smoother:
- Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me (to get attention or apologize).
- Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (英語を話せますか？) – Can you speak English?
- Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much.
- Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) – How much is this?
What If You Need Help?
If you need assistance while traveling in Japan, try these strategies:
- Ask Younger People – Younger Japanese people tend to have better English skills than older generations.
- Look for Tourist Information Centers – Many major train stations and airports have staff who speak English.
- Hotels and Airports Are More English-Friendly – Staff at hotels, international airports, and major tourist spots often have English training.
- Use Written Japanese – If asking for something specific, try showing the written Japanese phrase on your phone.
English in Japan and Cultural Understanding
While English is not widely spoken in Japan, it doesn’t mean that Japanese people are not intelligent or unwilling to communicate.
The education system, societal structure, and cultural factors all play a role in shaping English proficiency in Japan.
- Japanese people learn English in school, but they focus more on reading and writing than speaking.
- Daily life in Japan doesn’t require English, so many people don’t have opportunities to practice.
- Japanese people are shy about making mistakes in English, but they are friendly and eager to help tourists.
- To communicate effectively, speak slowly, use simple words, and rely on gestures or translation apps.
So don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese—just be patient, use simple communication strategies, and enjoy the kindness of the Japanese people on your travels!