On Sept. 6 a spacious English education facility where children can immerse themselves in the language through simulated travel experiences will open in Tokyo as part of efforts to beef up Japan's communication abilities ahead of the Olympics.
The Tokyo Global Gateway in Koto Ward, a ¥900 million project involving the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will let children practice English in a variety of settings, such as inside planes, restaurants or drug stores. It will also allow them to take part in computer programming, news production and other classes.
"I want kids to experience the feeling of success that comes from correctly delivering their messages in English," TGG official Kotaro Yonekura said Monday. "This is a place where kids do not have to be afraid of making mistakes and can learn from them, as well as a good practice place for those who find it difficult to understand English spoken at a native speaker's normal speed."