How popular is English in Japan?

Answer 1

Japanese students begin learning language in Junior High School and continue the studies through High School. The education though primarily focuses on reading/writing English and as such, spoken English in Japan is not very good. It should be noted that High School education is not mandatory in Japan, but every person will have had 3 years of English practice.

For more information on the subject, read: http://japanese.about.com/od/japanesecultur1/a/070100.htm