Japan's English Proficiency Index Falls for Eleventh Consecutive Year, Reaching 'Very Low Proficiency' Status

Persistent Decline in Global English Rankings

Japan has recorded its eleventh consecutive year of decline in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), a comprehensive global ranking of English skills among non-native speakers. The latest 2025 report, compiled by the international education company EF Education First, places Japan at 96th out of 123 countries and regions, marking its lowest ranking since the index's inception in 2011. This position signifies a drop into the 'Very Low Proficiency' band, the lowest of five categories established by the EF EPI.

The 2025 index, based on data from 2.2 million test takers aged 18 and above who took the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) in 2024, revealed Japan's average score to be 446. This score is eight points lower than the previous year and 42 points below the global average of 488. Regionally, Japan ranked 18th out of 25 Asian nations, trailing behind countries like Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, and China.

Understanding the 'Very Low Proficiency' Band

The EF EPI categorizes countries into five proficiency bands: 'Very High,' 'High,' 'Moderate,' 'Low,' and 'Very Low.' Japan's current placement in the 'Very Low Proficiency' band (scores below 450) indicates significant challenges in its adult population's English language skills. In contrast, the Netherlands consistently holds the top position globally, while many European countries dominate the 'Very High' and 'High' proficiency tiers.

A breakdown of Japan's scores by skill in the 2025 report highlights a notable disparity:

• Reading: 454
• Listening: 437
• Writing: 394
• Speaking: 393

This data suggests that while receptive skills like reading are slightly stronger, productive skills such as writing and speaking present greater difficulties for Japanese learners.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

Experts and analyses point to several systemic and societal factors contributing to Japan's persistent low English proficiency. A primary reason cited is the country's English education system, which is often described as heavily test-based. This 'Juken Eigo' (exam English) approach prioritizes grammar and memorization for university entrance exams over practical communication skills.

Furthermore, there is a perceived lack of daily necessity for English in Japan, as most communication occurs in Japanese. Cultural factors, such as a strong emphasis on perfectionism and a fear of making mistakes, can also hinder language acquisition. Economic conditions, including high inflation and a weak yen, have made overseas travel and study less accessible, potentially reducing motivation for English learning tied to international experiences.

Historical Context and Broader Implications

When the EF EPI was first published in 2011, Japan ranked 14th among the 40 countries surveyed. However, as the number of participating countries expanded significantly over the years (to 123 in the 2025 report), Japan's relative ranking has steadily fallen. The continuous decline raises questions about Japan's competitiveness in a globalized world, as English proficiency correlates positively with indicators such as exports per capita, gross national income, and innovation.