This paper describes Japan's most recent attempts to improve English teaching and learning at all levels of the education system both for students and teachers as well as for the public in general. Based on policy recommendations by several advisory committees, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has developed a five-year strategic plan to cultivate "Japanese with English Abilities". One important issue is whether or not English should be introduced in public elementary classrooms as a subject. Various districts, nationwide, have implemented this primary English program with the government's approval. This paper deals with the issues involved in implementing the new awareness of the importance of English as a Japanese language for international communication within the country as well as abroad. (Contains 2 figures and 11 notes.)