English for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Revisiting multicultural language issues and reforms

Abstract

This study focuses on the convergence of multiculturalism and Englishization initiatives as Japan anticipates the influx of a multinational audience for the Summer Olympics. The study argues that Tokyo 2020 provides a strong impetus and opportunity to internalize multiculturalism as a key principle in pursuing Englishization programs in light of the changing sociocultural and demographic landscape. To elaborate this point, this article revisits the language policies and reforms, and the key initiatives in line with Japan’s multicultural agenda. Government data, policy papers on English and foreign language education, news articles, and other sources related to Tokyo 2020 were collected and analyzed. The article recommends rethinking the basic philosophy of English language teaching in Japan: from a framework that prioritizes national discourses, promotion of the Japanese identity, and introduction of English for tourism to a multicultural framework that genuinely seeks to promote appreciation of foreign languages and foreign speakers.

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