AI-Powered Conversations Enhance English Proficiency in Japanese High Schools
In a pioneering move to enhance English-speaking skills among students, Narita Kokusai High School in Chiba Prefecture has introduced an AI-based English conversation practice system. This initiative aims to tackle the longstanding challenge of improving speaking abilities, which have traditionally lagged behind other language skills such as reading, writing, and listening.
The AI system, developed by Tokyo-based Equmenopolis Inc., tailors conversation content to match each student’s proficiency level. By assessing the student’s spoken English at the start of the interaction, the AI adjusts the complexity and topics of the conversation accordingly. This personalized approach allows students to engage in natural dialogues, fostering confidence and fluency while making language practice more interactive and engaging.
During a session in the school’s computer lab, 16-year-old first-year student Miyuka Kanda interacted with a female computer-generated (CG) character powered by AI. When asked about her breakfast, Kanda replied in English that she had soup. The AI character responded positively, noting that having soup would make the morning nice and warm. Reflecting on the experience, Kanda said, “I thought I’d made some grammar mistakes, but the AI replied positively and made it easy for me to talk with her.”
Other students shared similar experiences, emphasizing how the AI system gave them more opportunities to apply the grammar they had learned in class. They also noted that practicing with AI reduced the fear of making mistakes, a common challenge for language learners. The ability to converse without pressure helped students feel more comfortable and encouraged them to speak more freely.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Better English-Speaking Skills
The urgency of this initiative is highlighted by findings from the National Assessment of Academic Ability conducted in April. The assessment revealed that the average correct response rate for the English-speaking section among third-year junior high school students across Japan was only 12.4%. This figure was significantly lower compared to the 45.6% average for the other three English skills—reading, writing, and listening. These statistics suggest a major gap in students’ ability to communicate verbally in English, despite their ability to understand written and spoken material.
Equmenopolis CEO Yoichi Matsuyama emphasized that improving English-speaking skills has been a long-standing challenge in Japan’s education system. One of the primary difficulties is that speaking ability requires interaction with a partner. However, in a typical classroom setting, a single teacher cannot provide sufficient speaking practice to every student. Matsuyama sees AI as a crucial tool to bridge this gap by offering scalable and personalized language practice opportunities.
The Chiba Prefectural Board of Education also acknowledges the importance of direct interaction between teachers and students. However, they recognize that incorporating technology and communication tools can enhance learning by supplementing traditional teaching methods. By combining AI-powered learning with in-person instruction, students can maximize their English-speaking opportunities.
AI-Powered Learning in Action
Narita Kokusai High School is currently conducting a trial program with the AI system, requiring each student to complete eight AI conversation sessions between September and November as part of their homework. The goal is to measure improvements in their English-speaking skills over this period. If the results are promising, the success of the initiative could lead to wider implementation of AI-driven language learning tools in other schools across Japan.
This trial is part of a larger trend in Japan’s education system to integrate technology into learning. Educators and policymakers are increasingly turning to AI, virtual reality, and other digital tools to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. By making language learning more interactive and accessible, AI-based tools could revolutionize the way English is taught in schools.
Technology’s Role in Education and Society
This initiative reflects a broader movement in Japan to use technology to address social and educational challenges. For example, in 2021, Japan appointed a “minister of loneliness” in response to increasing suicide rates and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government recognized that improving interpersonal connections was essential and looked to technology as a potential solution to help people feel more connected.
Similarly, integrating AI into classrooms represents a forward-thinking approach to education. By providing students with a conversational partner that adapts to their skill level and responds without judgment, AI can help eliminate the anxiety and self-consciousness that often accompany language learning. Instead of fearing mistakes, students can practice speaking English in a supportive and pressure-free environment.
A Step Toward Global Readiness
As Japan continues to adapt to globalization, English proficiency is becoming increasingly important for students. Effective communication in English is a key skill for career opportunities, international collaboration, and participation in the global economy. By implementing AI-based learning tools, Japan is taking steps to better equip its students with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
The success of Narita Kokusai High School’s AI trial could set a precedent for other schools, potentially leading to widespread adoption of AI-driven language learning programs. If proven effective, this approach could mark a significant transformation in English education, ensuring that Japanese students become more confident and capable English speakers.
With the potential to revolutionize language learning, AI-powered education tools are paving the way for a future where students can practice speaking English anytime, anywhere, with an intelligent and responsive conversation partner. This shift could finally help Japan close the gap in English-speaking proficiency and prepare its students for a more globally connected future.
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