The new education minister of Japan, Bummei Ibuki, today stated that he doesn't believe English to be a neccessary part of Elementary school education.

"I do not see the necessity at all. There is no use studying English unless children speak beautiful Japanese. Those who want to study English from elementary level can do so individually. I believe (elementary) schools only have to make children develop an interest in foreign countries."

Elementary level English education is now being discussed by the Central Education Council. If they decide to take English off the curriculum, it could have a major effect on jobs for foreign English teachers in Japan.