Welcome to Learn Japanese-English(Engrish), where you will learn how to communicate with Japanese without having a translator or waiting for ages(or forever) until they learn how to speak English.
(To see the original term of 'Engrish', visit http://www.engrish.com.)

Well, I've spent 7 years in New Zealand and 2 years in Fiji, but my English(or Engrish) is still not yet perfect as you can see. I left Japan in my mid 20s(Don't calculate my age, please!) and I think I will never be able to speak English like a native. But somehow I manage to live, study and work in New Zealand. Thanks to my Kiwi friends for their support and patience!

People quite often ask me why Japanese cannot speak English even they've studied years at school. I wondered why. There are many reasons I can think of, but I think the biggest reason is because they are trying to speak like a native. Sadly, that is impossible for people, who's already reached a certain age, so they never speak English with confidence. They need to know the perfection of English is not so important to communicate with people. The heart, willing to understand others and willing to tell others what you feel, is important. To be able to ignore about the perfection, we, Japanese, need your tolerance.

If you are still reading my English, then you proved that you have a tolerance for Japanese-English(Engrish). If you understand my English, then you have potential abilities to understand Engrish. Moreover, if you have an interest in Japan(It doesn't matter 'Like' or 'Dislike'), then 'Learning Engrish' is definitely for you!

I visited Japan last April(it was 2002 and I did it again March-April 2003), and interestingly, every single person I met, reacted the same way when they heard I live in New Zealand and it made me surprised. Their first question was always: 'Jaa Eigo wa pera pera nandesuka?'(So, can you speak English fluently?). No sheep, No All Blacks, they just wanted to know my English ability. If I say 'Yes', they show instant respect for me.

They desperate to speak English. They don't mind to spend heaps of money for that. Pre-school kids are having private English lessons and the Japanese government has decided to enable all Japanese citizens to speak English in the future. Not only students, but also their parents or people in all ages now want to speak English. They don't want to be left behind.

New Zealand is a popular destination for Japanese. Understanding their eagerness to speak English could be an opportunity for your business.
If you are:

• targeting Japanese clients/customers
• wanting more Japanese customers without hiring Japanese speaking staff
• doing business with Japanese firms
• having Japanese students staying with you