ABSTRACT
This chapter critically discusses the discourse of development regarding “Japanese who can play active roles around the world” and asserts that in order for Japanese youth to be active in the world, it would be effective for them not only to learn English but also to acquire Japanese teaching skills. Policymakers in Japan, who need human resources capable of competing in the global economy, are driving youths to learn English. However, for those whose mother tongue is Japanese, there is the potential for this to open the door to a wider world than the English language. As a concrete example of this, a case study of four international volunteer Japanese language teachers is introduced. They improved their English skills and wanted to be active in the world; however, they turned to Japanese language education and subsequently built their global careers using it. Their stories demonstrate how meaningful it is to train and give Japanese youth an opportunity to teach the Japanese language abroad. This not only cultivates an incentive to play active roles in the international community but also gives them a sense of pride in their own country.
