On June 9, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology released the results of a nationwide survey on the English proficiency of public junior high school students. According to the findings, 54.6% of ninth graders (equivalent to Grade 9 in Vietnam) have attained English skills at or above the Eiken Grade 3 level, indicating the ability to understand and converse about everyday topics.
The survey was conducted in April 2025, involving over 30,000 students from 1,000 schools nationwide. The results show a slight increase from the previous academic year's rate of 52.3%. However, only 38.2% of senior high school students reached the equivalent of Eiken Pre-2 (one level higher), falling short of the government's 50% target.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the results reflect efforts to improve English instruction in public schools but underscore the need to strengthen communication practice, especially at the senior high school level. Experts suggest that creating more frequent opportunities to use English is key to enhancing student proficiency.
Eiken is a widely recognized English proficiency test in Japan, administered by the Eiken Foundation of Japan. Grade 3 requires test-takers to engage in basic conversation on topics such as family, hobbies, and work. The survey results will be used to inform curriculum adjustments and national language policy.
