From the Japan Times : Acute case of linguistic 'disconnectivity'

It is just not possible, under these circumstances, for Japanese leaders -- let alone the Japanese public -- to understand what is going on in the world. It used to be said that Japan had a poor transmitter, but a good receiver in international communications. Both receiver and transmitter are clearly defective.

The debate about how truly "unique" Japan is has been going on for some time, mostly in unproductive directions. Where Japan does appear to be unique in the global era is in its disconnectivity. This isolation from the rest of the world is neither intelligent nor healthy.
And yet, I have never seen any country in the world with so many English language school per square meter. I meet everyday Japanese English students whose level range from beginner to advanced. Some of them speak very fluently (the ones that have studied a few years abroad) and find good jobs easily. How comes that the great majority of Japanese politicians and CEO's don't speak English (or any foreign language) at all, or can barely read a text with preparations. In Japan, one of the first thing any Japanese will be asked at a job interview is "what's your TOIEC score ?" (note that if you say you've studied in Cambridge, they might not know where it is). If you want to become a politician, as it is not a real job in Japan (a kind of hereditary mafia ?) you don't. Of course, the people elect you and you live on their tax money without fearing losing your job as there is no competitor anyway. Let's all become Japanese politician !