Exploring New Directions in English Education in Japan
Conversations with educators in Tokyo and Kyoto offered fresh perspectives on shifting priorities in English education.
19 October 2026 I The Queensland Institute
During a recent visit to Japan, our Co-Founder, Fiona Wiebusch, joined roundtable discussions with university professors and teacher educators in Tokyo and Kyoto to explore emerging priorities in English education and teacher professional development.
The conversations were wide-ranging, reflecting both the opportunities and complexities of teaching and learning English in Japan today.
Key themes included:
Internationalisation: The evolving role of English education in preparing and welcoming students for international study, work and collaboration.
Inclusive education: Supporting diverse learners and creating engaging, accessible learning environments.
Digital transformation and AI: Exploring how emerging technologies are influencing teaching practice and student learning.
TOEIC and assessment: Developments in language assessment and approaches to supporting student achievement.
Teacher capacity building: Sharing practical approaches to professional learning, teacher engagement and sustainable professional development.
These discussions provided valuable insights into local priorities and reinforced the importance of designing professional development that responds to the needs of educators and their institutions.
Reconnecting with Our Education Community
The visit was also a wonderful opportunity for Fiona to reconnect with former students, program alumni and colleagues working in higher education and secondary schools across Tokyo and Kyoto.
One particularly memorable moment came when reconnecting with teachers who had participated in our team's professional development programs at ICTE-UQ nearly a decade ago. As they shared their career updates, a familiar phrase kept emerging:
“Now, I'm in charge of…”
It was wonderful to hear how these educators had progressed into new roles and responsibilities since their time studying with our team.
Equally heartwarming was seeing that the friendships, professional connections and communities of practice formed during those programs are still thriving almost ten years later.
For us, this is a powerful reminder that the value of teacher professional development extends well beyond the training itself. The relationships, shared experiences and professional networks can continue to support educators throughout their careers.
Our sincere thanks to all the educators and hosts who generously shared their time, perspectives and experiences.
Special thanks to our colleagues Atsushi Ikegame, Yukari Abe, and Yukari and Masa Kondo for their friendship, hospitality and invaluable support throughout the visit.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to continuing our conversations and collaborations with colleagues in Japan into 2027, exploring new opportunities to support English education, teacher development and international learning.
And, of course, no visit to Japan would be complete without a few cultural adventures and delicious food along the way!
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