Globalization and English Education in the 21st Century Japan

Abstract

This research delves into the impact of Japanese social and cultural factors on English education in the context of globalization in the 21st century. The investigation revolves around two research questions: (1) What changes have transpired in English education policies pertaining to globalization in Japan during the period from 2012 to 2022? and (2) What is the current status of English in the context of globalization in Japan? The primary resources underpinning this study mainly consist of MEXT White Papers and articles and reports from major newspapers, as well as published research. This comprehensive collection of resources has been meticulously categorized and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory approach. The findings suggest that former Prime Minister Abe’s pursuit of internationalization had yielded less favorable outcomes in that a discord had emerged between educational support measures and the challenges incurred by the shifting social landscape. While it was evident that the Japanese populace acknowledged the pivotal role of English as a global language, the findings indicate that the pursuit of proficiency in Japanese and the preservation of a unique Japanese identity take precedence. This study has important implications for secondary English education, illuminating decisions about spacing and teaching methods to improve essential formulaic language instruction in English learning.