Most Japanese people have an interest in the English language.
They study it for a minimum of 6 years in middle and high school, so you would think that they would have a very high degree of fluency in the language. Unfortunately, this is not the case because it is studied in terms of grammar and syntax, which do not always lead to comprehension at a speed approaching that which is used in speaking. English is viewed as a very chic, trendy language which has led to its use in all kinds of advertising in Japan. In order to increase their English abilities, many Japanese have turned to the commercial English conversation companies. They have been in the news of late, due to a number of them going bankrupt in the current depression and due to the high level of complaints received by consumer protection agencies in Japan regarding their practices.