The economic boom in English-speaking countries like the US and Ireland, combined with years of stagnation in Japan’s economy, has made Japan a less popular destination for foreign workers in recent years. The chances of casually meeting a wealthy Japanese person willing to hand out wads of cash for a coffee chat have diminished compared to the bubble era. Yet, the enthusiasm for learning English remains strong, and the fact that native speakers can still earn a decent wage simply by teaching or working in foreign language-related roles continues to attract new arrivals every year. Many still see Japan as a land of future opportunity. Deregulation, digital transformation, and the rise of the Internet are reshaping Japan’s economic landscape. More foreign companies than ever are expanding into this, the world’s third-largest economy. While language and cultural barriers remain entrenched in Japan’s unique business culture, cracks are appearing. English fluency is gradually improv...