Evolution of English Language Learners in Japan

Yoko Kobayashi works at Iwate University, Japan. Since the completion of her doctoral dissertation in 2000, she has published her research papers mainly in international journals, and this book aims to raise her research discussion to a new level.

• Preface List of illustrations 1. Japan’s English education and students’ notions about English study 2. Internationalizing Japan with the help of its Asian neighbors 3. A new alternative of studying English in English-speaking ASEAN nations 4. Japanese female students’ positive attitudes toward language study 5. Japanese (fe)male leaners’ (un)motivation in overseas ESL contexts 6. The mismatch between Japan’s strong economy and poor English education 7. Japanese business magazines’ special issues on English study methods: A window on the division between Japan’s business world and formal schooling8. Japanese women’s magazines’ articles about English study: A window on Japanese women’s status in the business world Afterword Index

"In summary, Kobayashi has made an important contribution to our understanding of English language education in Japan. In particular, she has illuminated the impact of gendered discourse on motivation, engagement and the perceived relevance of English among Japanese learners. Furthermore, this volume points towards key changes and opportunities for language education in Japan offered by the growing importance and aspirations of ASEAN nations and the wider Asia region in general. Ultimately, Kobayashi has drawn attention to the underlying ideological factors which continue to hold back language learners in Japan, making this volume vital reading as the nation approaches a future where it must renegotiate its place in Asia and the world." - Levi Durbidge, New Voices in Japanese Studies