In response to the wave of globalisation, and the sense of urgency surrounding improving English proficiency levels in Japan nowadays, some companies are beginning to attempt strategies such as holding meetings in English or basing promotion on employees’ English proficiency. Also in the sphere of education, a variety of programs are being recommended, which aim to produce personnel able to work effectively on the global stage. I spoke to Ms. Elga Tabuchi - Director of the Office for Promoting Foreign Language Education, Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Education’s Culture, Sports, Science and Technology - Japan - regarding this urgency, the need to improve English education in Japan, and of the measures the Ministry has taken to do this - namely, the JET Program.