Language schools are tying up with sports associations to help improve the English skills of Japanese athletes in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The push is aimed at overcoming concern about struggles to communicate, while the schools see it as an opportunity to tap into a new market.
In January, major English language school operator Aeon Corp. signed a contract to become the "official provider" of services for Japan Rugby Football Union players learning English ahead of the Rugby World Cup, to be hosted by Japan in 2019.