An expert committee proposed Tuesday that Japan create "special English zones" to enhance communication in English as part of the government's strategy to promote Japanese culture abroad.

In a proposal submitted to administrative reform minister Tomomi Inada, the experts said companies in these zones would receive preferential tax treatment if they adopt English as their common language.

The panel also recommended that the government provide subsidies to TV stations that offer English subtitles and subchannels.

Under the Cool Japan initiative, the government is building up its promotion of Japanese culture overseas toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.