Honstly?

One of the more interesting aspects of Japan for me is the way in which English is used here. I thought it was really funny when I was told to communicate through writing. "If you get into trouble, just write it down and they'll understand," I was told. And they did understand. It seemed kind of backwards to me, but that was before I understood how English is taught in schools. English is taught through memorization with a heavy focus on grammar, reading, and writing. Notably leaving speaking and listening behind.

Since I came to Japan, I have heard that changes were afoot and the system was going to be changed. I thought that changes were going to be made in the very near future, but the future kept being pushed back. Each time I would hear about changes, I would always hear that they were "within the next two years". After hearing that for 10 years, I started to wonder if changes would ever be made.

Then I read this article in the Japan Times and it all became clear: changes won't be made with the kids in mind. It was best said by this paragraph.

"This could embarrass particularly older teachers who know grammar well but are not very good at conversation," one teacher said.

We wouldn't want that to happen.