Japan
TOEIC: Why It's Bigger than Ever in Japan
Japan was the country where TOEIC tests were first administered and have always been widely used there. Now, however, the world's leading test of English for daily and workplace use is soaring to new heights in the country.
The Daily Yomiuri newspaper reports that the TOEIC test seems poised to replace the national Eiken test as Japan’s most popular test of English. In fiscal year 2011, demand for TOEIC tests in Japan rose 30 percent, and TOEIC tests were taken by 2.27 million people compared with the 2.3 million taking Eiken.
Driving the trend is increased need for assessment of adult English for the workplace.
Japan's English Language Problem: Is Change Beginning?
Despite required study in English from elementary school on and the country's stature as one of the world's leading exporters, Japanese professionals continue to have on average surprisingly poor English language skills.
One study by Japanese firm Recruit Agent cited in a recent Reuters article found that only 9 percent of over 1,100 white-collar workers surveyed claimed to be able to communicate in English at all, with most others rating themselves "Barely" able to function in speaking or listening.
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