In Japan, the Japanese language is overwhelmingly common in day-to-day life. Not surprisingly, many Japanese lack confidence in communicating in English. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, a world ranking of countries by English ability, Japan ranked 78th out of 112, firmly in the “low proficiency” category.
For better or for worse, the ability to speak an internationally used language like English gives a person the ability to take a lead in this world. Thus, it is vital to create chances for students to not only study those languages, but see the languages in action.
After the Power of Youth from Hiroshima session ended, the young local students who attended continued to passionately discuss their takeaways and visions for their future. They undoubtedly showed hope and confidence – confidence boosted by understanding and thinking in an internationally used language.
Very excited to hear the views that I did not think of. - Shiori Harada
I want to be able to get many people involved and send my messages. - Mikie Nakamura
Power of Youth from Hiroshima was held on 6 August 2022 with simultaneous interpretation and broadcast live. You can watch the recording from:
In English: UN Web TV; UNITAR YouTube - Power of Youth from Hiroshima
In Japanese: UNITAR Hiroshima Youtube - Power of Youth from Hiroshima