Japan does miserably in English, ranking 180th out of 189 countries in a standard international test of ability in the language.
Top bureaucrats rely almost exclusively on interpreters to understand English.
Clearly action must be taken if Japan is not to fall behind in a world where English is the language of finance, globalization, and the Internet. Not everyone needs to know English, so English should not be compulsory in university entrance exams. English ability should, however, be a prerequisite, along with computer and communication skills, for candidates wishing to enter the top levels of the civil service. There are many more important things than English to teach students. Some Japanese do not need to be able to speak English at all.