Foreign language instruction in Japanese schools has historically been stimulated by Japan's nationalistic interests. During the Tokugawa period, Western languages were taught to Japan's future military specialists. During the Meiji period, the emphasis on nation building and modernization led to an influx of Western influence and the need for the acquisition of foreign language skills among the elite. Instruction in Western language ceased as Japan geared itself for World War II. The post-World War II allied occupation of Japan witnessed a renewal of the trend toward Westernization but a conservative backlash occurred shortly afterward in which foreign language instruction was de-emphasized. Today, Japan's government has set a course of modernization for the country, with the intent that Japan achieve full participation in the global community. As part of this process of internationalization, the government has recommended that English become a national language in Japan. The current status of English instruction in the Japanese school system, however, is woefully inadequate to meet this goal.
Throughout Japan's history, the acquisition of foreign language skills has waxed and waned in importance. An examination of this history is critical to understanding the nature of English instruction in Japan's schools today. Japan was, and continues to be, one of the most homogeneous societies in the world. The Japanese simultaneously fear and embrace Western influence, cognizant of the need to modernize but apprehensive about the impact of modernization on culture.
Japan is world renown for its high literacy, a tradition that began during the Tokugawa period (between 1600 and 1868.) Society was based on a legally established four-class system. At the apex were the samurai, who during the Tokugawa period, were transformed into literate military bureaucrats. Below the samurai were the peasants, artisans, and merchants. Alth...