NEWS ON JAPAN


The Foreign Ministry has decided to require new staff to score at least 100 points on the TOEFL English proficiency test, or at least 7.0 on the IELTS test, beginning in fiscal 2016, so they can be helpful in diplomatic negotiations in English from the start.

The requirement will be set for prospective staff scheduled to enter the ministry in April 2016 or later, and they will have to submit the results of their tests before they begin work.

Only 30 percent of the about 30 prospective staff who will enter this spring have met the standard. Those who have not achieved the proficiency level are requested to improve before they join the ministry.

Check the video on the link below :

https://youtu.be/DU1crp_xYg0

The Foreign Ministry will also require the same test results in order for it to recommend other ministries' staff for temporary assignment to Japanese embassies and other agencies. Ambassadors appointed from outside the ministry who have experience studying or working abroad for at least two years will be exempt.

The ministry has provided new staff with training courses in English, French, Chinese and other languages. However, a senior official said diplomats specialized in non-English languages are also required to have high-level English skills so they can exchange opinions as equals with their counterparts from Europe and the United States.