Is English Spoken Commonly In Tokyo?

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, you might wonder whether you can just get by speaking English. Or do you need to learn some Japanese?

The topic of speaking English in Japan is quite complex. Back in the pre-1990s you would need to know Japanese. These days? You can certainly travel to Japan with a basic knowledge of the language.

If the only word you know is konnichiwa, don’t fret. Japanese people – especially in major cities – will know some English. 

A lot of businesses within Tokyo target a global demographic so will need to know English too. 

However, we are going to need to dig a little further into the subject. Let’s find out more about whether English is commonly spoken in Tokyo. 

How Common Is English Spoken In Japan?

Up until the latter end of the 20th century, the English language was rare in Japan. Unless you had lots of money and were well educated, it is likely you spoke no English at all.

Speaking English in Japan is therefore often considered a sign of great status. 

Even so, often those who knew it did not speak it. If they did, it had to be for a necessary reason. Stumbling across a traveler, perhaps?

While those who traveled to Japan would struggle to get by, it did not matter to the Japanese. Why did they need to speak English? They had a good economy.

There was very little reason to learn English.

However, times have changed. As the 1990s approached, the economy in Japan began to decline. For example, the Asian Financial Crisis during the 1990s. 

In later years, Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Prime Minister, successfully won the bid to host the 2020 Olympics. This was to provide tourism to Tokyo. 

These historical moments have led to the need to speak English. Whether that is companies trading with foreigners.

Or making the cities suitable for English speaking travelers. 

Why Do Japanese People Speak English?

The main reason Japanese people speak English is to communicate with foreigners. It is just the same thing if we learn Japanese.

Japan has had a boost in tourism over the last few decades. This means that those who need to speak to foreigners are required to learn it.

Some examples include hotel staff and at major attractions.

Western culture has also had a big influence. Once you visit Tokyo no doubt you will see an English speaking ‘pop star’ adorning an advert by the Hachiko exit by Shibuya station. 

Also, many Japanese people travel to English speaking countries. There are also schools in Japan that teach English as part of their curriculum.

Or even as an extra after school activity. 

Do Japanese People Find Speaking English Difficult?

Have you ever tried to learn Japanese? If you have, then you will notice how some letters are difficult to pronounce. 

In the English language, some phonemes are confusing to understand for non-native speakers. For example the ‘R’ and ‘L’. 

This makes English a difficult language for Japanese people. However, it can also make Japanese difficult to learn for foreigners too. 

Other differences include the register and grammar. How you say something can change its meaning. Also, in Japan there are fewer English people to converse with.

This can make learning the language difficult. 

However, Japanese people tend to study English as a compulsory subject for six years, often starting in Junior High. 

The popularity for Eikaiwa schools has grown too. Many non-Japanese natives spend time in Japan teaching students to speak English privately. 

These English conversation schools are liked for their ability to expose students to a different culture.

They also help Japanese students converse with English speaking people directly.

Is Tokyo A Good Place To Speak English?

If you want to take a vacation in Japan and do not speak any Japanese, then Tokyo is your best bet. The use of bilingual signs and so on is helpful.

This is especially true on the metro and JR Lines. 

You will often find an English phrase or word used randomly. Whether that is on product packaging or the side of a building. 

The majority of people in Tokyo will know some basic English. This means that you will be able to survive your trip to Tokyo with very little Japanese knowledge. 

Can You Go To Japan Without Speaking Japanese?

While you can go to Japan without knowing any Japanese, it is always best to know a little bit. Whether that is a short phrase or a word.

You can go somewhere like Tokyo and not know anything about the Japanese language. However, knowing some Japanese may help. Whether that is to say ‘thank you’ or ‘excuse me’.

Not only will they appreciate it, but it may be polite to use their language instead of assuming they know English.

If you find yourself in a convenience store like Family Mart and step in someone’s way, it will come across better to say sumimasen. That is ‘excuse me’. 

You can also use the phrase if you need someone to move out of the way. 

What Phrases Should I Use In Japan?

Here are a few helpful phrases and words to use:

• Good day – Konnichiwa
• Good morning – Ohayo gozaimasu
• Good evening – Konbanwa
• Goodbye – Sayonara
• Thank you – Arigatou
• (Ask a question) please – (question) kudasai
• Where is (place name) – Wa doko desu ka?
• I’m sorry – Gomen nasai
• Nice to meet you – Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
• How much does it cost? – Ikura desu ka?
• That’s okay – Dai joubu desu
• Do you speak English? – Ei-go ga hanasemasu ka?
• I don’t speak Japanese – Nihongo ga hanasemasen 
• I understand – Wakarimasu

Final Thoughts

Fortunately, you can survive in Tokyo only knowing English. As a traveler, no doubt this will be great news.

You will find that there are things, like in the subway, written in English.

Major cities understand that they have foreign travelers visit daily. A lot of people will not know the full Japanese language. 

However, you will miss out on authentic conversations. To deepen your Japanese experience, learning the language is vital.

Despite this, you can learn simple phrases and use them to ask questions and say thank you.

If you plan on returning to Japan, learn the language. You will find you understand Japanese culture better. You will also be able to use the language in the country itself. 

However, don’t worry! If you are traveling to Tokyo soon, you do not need to start studying now. You can get away with not speaking any Japanese at all.