Regarding the Dec. 23 article "English classes face a shakeup": This is a rather welcome move by the education ministry. I wonder, though, why a four-year delay before implementation is sought, since the move does not mandate bringing in bilingual teachers — Japanese teachers with native-level English-speaking ability or non-Japanese teachers who are fluent in Japanese. I would urge concerned people to think about the possible boost in confidence for students if they have to learn the accent and proper pronunciation from a non-Japanese teacher fluent in English.

I know that in Japanese society at present, the younger generations are bold and confident in speaking with foreigners in English compared with people in their 30s and older. Thus such a step would be very wise for enabling them to develop greater tieups with non-Japanese friends.

shrikant atre