“The Japan Times Alpha J” service launched for beginners to learn English through news

Japan Times Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Hideki Ito) announced on April 26, 2024, the launch of a new English news learning program called “The Japan Times Alpha J” as a sister product to the weekly English learning paper “The Japan Times Alpha.”

According to a survey conducted by EF Education First (Switzerland) in 2023 on English proficiency in 113 countries and regions where English is not the mother tongue, Japan fell to its lowest rank of 87th. With concerns about the declining English proficiency in the region, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, along with various educational institutions, are promoting reforms in English education.

The Japan Times has been supporting English learners in Japan for over 70 years, starting with the English-language newspaper “Student Times” after the war. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and practical English learning program, they developed “Alpha J,” which offers fresh news-based English learning opportunities for beginners.

“Alpha J” aims to provide a hybrid English learning program that combines news articles with exercises on a dedicated website. The program focuses on extensive reading to improve vocabulary and comprehension, essential for developing English language skills.

The program offers a variety of digital content, including Learning Quest for content understanding and vocabulary improvement, Review Questions for assessing comprehension, and exclusive seminars and events for subscribers. Additionally, a podcast featuring weekly news topics is available for listening practice.

Starting from April 26, 2024, “Alpha J” will be published bi-monthly on the second and fourth Fridays, with both digital and print subscription options available. The program targets students at the junior high school level and above, as well as adults looking to refresh their English skills.

For more information and subscription details, interested individuals can visit the Alpha J website at https://alpha-j.jp/. The program also offers corporate services tailored to schools, universities, and businesses upon request.

For inquiries, please contact Japan Times Publishing Co., Ltd., Alpha Marketing & Sales Department via email at [email protected].