Japan's English struggles reignite exam debate

A recent survey has found that Japanese lag Chinese in English skills, as Japanese policymakers are having rows over moves to reform the country's English exam for university admissions.

For a fourth-straight year, Japan's ranking in a measure of English proficiency remains low this year. The country was handed 53rd place in the survey by EF Education First. The Switzerland-based language training company evaluates the English skills of people in 100 countries and regions.

On the 2019 list, the Chinese mainland moved up to the bracket of moderate proficiency in general for the first time, with a score of 40. Hong Kong came in at 33, with Taiwan at 38, and Macao 41.