Over 90% Believe English Proficiency, Especially Listening Skills, is Essential Even in the AI Era | Skill Up Research Institute Survey Results
A survey by Skill Up Research Institute reveals that over 90% of business professionals consider improving English proficiency, particularly listening skills, essential even in the AI era. Despite advancements in AI translation, the importance of direct communication skills in English is being re-recognized.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 11:31 (31 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 00:47 (13h 15m after Collected)
## Survey Results on the Importance of English Proficiency in the AI Era
Skill Up Research Institute conducted a survey on how business professionals perceive English proficiency in the modern era, marked by remarkable advancements in AI technology. This survey targeted 1,000 company employees aged 20 to 50 across Japan.
### Overview of Survey Results
The survey revealed that over 90% of respondents believe that "improving English proficiency, including listening skills, is indispensable even in the AI era." In particular, despite the progress in AI translation technology, there is a recognition that the importance of English as a direct communication skill remains unchanged, or rather, is increasing.
### Detailed Analysis
Many respondents stated that while AI-powered translation tools play a supplementary role, human English proficiency is a decisive factor in international business settings and cross-cultural understanding. It was specifically pointed out that advanced communication, such as understanding nuances, negotiation, and presentations, requires unique human English skills that AI cannot replace.
### Comment from Skill Up Research Institute
A representative from Skill Up Research Institute commented, "As AI evolves, the skills humans need to possess shift towards more advanced ones. Practical abilities in English, especially listening and speaking, are required both for mastering AI and for humans to demonstrate value in areas where AI struggles." The institute plans to continue supporting skill development that meets the demands of the new era.
Skill Up Research Institute conducted a survey on how business professionals perceive English proficiency in the modern era, marked by remarkable advancements in AI technology. This survey targeted 1,000 company employees aged 20 to 50 across Japan.
### Overview of Survey Results
The survey revealed that over 90% of respondents believe that "improving English proficiency, including listening skills, is indispensable even in the AI era." In particular, despite the progress in AI translation technology, there is a recognition that the importance of English as a direct communication skill remains unchanged, or rather, is increasing.
### Detailed Analysis
Many respondents stated that while AI-powered translation tools play a supplementary role, human English proficiency is a decisive factor in international business settings and cross-cultural understanding. It was specifically pointed out that advanced communication, such as understanding nuances, negotiation, and presentations, requires unique human English skills that AI cannot replace.
### Comment from Skill Up Research Institute
A representative from Skill Up Research Institute commented, "As AI evolves, the skills humans need to possess shift towards more advanced ones. Practical abilities in English, especially listening and speaking, are required both for mastering AI and for humans to demonstrate value in areas where AI struggles." The institute plans to continue supporting skill development that meets the demands of the new era.