"When Genki English visits our school, the kids simply love it," says Kimie Chu, an English teacher at Shin Tokorozawa preschool in Saitama Prefecture.

She is referring to a two-man team of educators that is bringing about a grassroots revolution in English-language teaching. Since Richard Graham, 27, and Will Jasprizza, 32, started Genki English in May 2000, the two former JETs have presented their innovative teaching method at more than 150 schools throughout Japan.

At the Tokorozawa preschool, the Genki English lesson is action-packed. After only 45 minutes of high-paced, nonstop fun using games, original songs and role-play techniques, the children are already beginning to use English effectively.