Favorable Progress of English Education in Japan

摘要

Last year, Japan made a dramatic and blessed change in language education. The Japanese government (Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports, Science and Technology) decided to start English education for last 2 years of elementary school on March 28th, 2008. English education became mandatory as a foreign language activity for 35 credit hours per year. It is welcome change. Elementary students should study English. But it raises some controversy that it is really required or appropriate, and how it benefits students.