The April 17 article "Tenfold boost in overseas Japanese language centers planned" unfortunately makes the Japanese government look rather childish and pathetic as it continues to try to one-up China in areas that are beyond its control. A 10-fold increase in language schools is a good thing, but one that should be driven by students' desires and the market. There is a reason why schools, students and businessmen are switching to studying Chinese, and it has nothing to do with the number of available Japanese classes and everything to do with the future. If the Japanese government is worried about Japan losing its place in the world, then maybe it should get its act together and do everything it can to grow Japan's economy and promote its businesses. Doing so would create a drive by foreigners and businesses to study Japanese and do business in Japan.
1 hour ago
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