These are the best scores since the tests started in 2013. Junior high scores went up 2.2% and high school scores went up 0.8% from last year. The tests check students' English skills, including those who have taken the Eiken test or been judged by teachers.

On the international CEFR scale, Grade 3 means students can use basic English phrases. Pre-2 means they can talk about familiar topics and share simple personal information.

The government wants 60% of students to pass these tests by 2027. But the latest scores are still below this target.

Since 2013, the scores have gone up by more than 20%.

Some areas of Japan did much better than others. Junior high students in Saitama city did the best, with 88.9% passing. This is 34% higher than the national average.

A photo shows a class at a junior high school in Tochigi, north of Tokyo, in 2005.

There is a big gap between the best and worst areas. 28 out of 67 areas had less than 50% of students passing. Saitama's schools offer more English classes, which helps their students do better.

Tokyo had the highest score for high school students, with 62.4% passing. 21 areas had less than 50% of high school students passing.

23.9% of high school seniors have reached Grade 2 or higher, which is up 2.7% from last year.

Students do better when they can practice English outside of regular classes, such as in clubs or conversation practice.

Japan is the third-largest economy in Asia, after China and India. Its economy is worth about $4.18 trillion.

Despite its economic size, Japan has not done well in international English tests. The government wants to improve this to make the country more competitive.

English became a formal subject in elementary school in 2020. High school classes are now taught mainly in English to improve reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.