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Japan's English Proficiency Hits Decade-Low Ranking 96th

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Japan's English proficiency has reached its lowest level in over a decade, ranking 96th out of 123 countries in an EF Education First survey.
In 2011, Japan ranked 14th, but the ranking declined thereafter, with a brief pause in 2014.
The report notes that learners excel in reading and listening but struggle with speaking and writing, and that urban areas have more English exposure than rural regions.

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Story summary

Japan's English proficiency has reached its lowest level in over a decade, ranking 96th out of 123 countries in an EF Education First survey.
In 2011, Japan ranked 14th, but the ranking declined thereafter, with a brief pause in 2014.
The report notes that learners excel in reading and listening but struggle with speaking and writing, and that urban areas have more English exposure than rural regions.