Solving 'Why am I not getting through?' from the core---'The Core of English Proficiency' to be released on March 26th

ALC Press Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Nobuaki Tanaka; hereinafter 'ALC') is pleased to announce the publication of our new book, 'The Core of English Proficiency.' Targeted at middle management in globalizing Japanese companies, professionals with high expertise but challenges in communication, and future next-generation leaders, this book confronts the deeply ingrained issue of 'Japanese people's English not getting through' that persists even within rapidly changing learning environments. While means have increased due to the spread of smartphones, the normalization of online meetings, and the rise of generative AI, people still find that even when their grammar and pronunciation are not bad, the other party does not take action. The cause lies not in a lack of English proficiency, but in structural differences in culture and ways of thinking. The conclusion the author has drawn from over 30 years of consulting experience—including overseas expansion, M&A, technical alliances, and fundraising for companies—is that what is needed before 'correct English' is 'design for communication.' This book systematizes that framework as the 'LAAR' learning model. ・Logic: Shifting thinking to a structure that functions in English ・Assertion: Clearly stating the content that needs to be communicated ・Articulation: Prioritizing how the message reaches the listener over accuracy ・Responsiveness: Reacting immediately to advance the discussion Furthermore, methods for utilizing generative AI and digital tools are also presented. The book links English proficiency not just to language skills, but to thinking methods and decision-making models. Based on what you gain from this book, by repeating small practices in your daily emails and meetings, your expertise will transform into the power to reach the world in English. ■ Composition of this book Introduction: Why is your English 'not getting through'? Chapter 1: The invisible wall blocking 'effective English' Introduction: Why do highly capable people stay silent in English? 1. First wall: The wall of logic conversion 2. Second wall: The wall of insufficient content 3. Third wall: The wall of perfectionism 4. Fourth wall: The wall of reaction speed Chapter 2: The 'four structural hurdles' hindering English acquisition for Japanese people Introduction: Structural factors of 'English that doesn't get through' 1. Economic structure: Being able to survive without English 2. Education system: Overemphasis on input and entrance exam English 3. Cultural mindset: High-context culture and 'reading between the lines' thinking 4. False myths: The native-speaker belief and the study abroad illusion Chapter 3: Theoretical foundations—Second language acquisition, cognitive science, and cultural theory Introduction: The mystery of not being able to speak despite studying 1. Importance of balance: Input hypothesis vs. output hypothesis 2. Brain-friendly learning order: The order of memorization determines efficiency 3. Cultural wall: Influence of high/low context cultures 4. Logical shift: Bridging the gap from theory to practice Chapter 4: Honing the 4 skills with the LAAR model Introduction: Are you thinking in English? 1. Logic ── Conversion to English thinking 2. Assertion ── Techniques for 'what to say' 3. Articulation ── Techniques for reaching people with your voice 4. Responsiveness ── Instantaneous power and reaction speed Chapter 5: 3 methods to visualize logic and thinking Introduction: Honing English proficiency with immediate-effect methods 1. Forcing the English circuit to boot up: Super-speed translation bootcamp 2. Definition practice: Polishing thinking power and expressive power 3. Qualitative shift in 'listening ability': Sensemaking listening Chapter 6: Business English, negotiation, and presentations Introduction: The leap from 'knowing' to 'doing' 1. Communication training: Practice at top-tier global schools 2. Leveraging the advantages of being a non-native speaker 3. Preparation, confirmation, and emotional control: Negotiation role-play Chapter 7: Generative AI & digital tool usage guide Introduction: Making generative AI your learning partner 1. 100 sentences dedicated to you for building a foundation in English 2. Definition practice: Training logic and English simultaneously 3. English correction: Techniques for communicating 'to whom and for what purpose' 4. Content chunks: Creating 'topics you can talk about' 5. Notion + Chunk DB: Turning knowledge into 'assets you can draw upon' Chapter 8: Roadmap to achieving your goals 1. From 'learning English' to 'learning in English' 2. Shifting to a life where you 'use' English 3. Action declaration for your 'next step' Appendix: Carefully selected bridge phrase collection [Title] 'The Core of English Proficiency' [URL] www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4757444605 [Price] 2,090 yen (tax included) [Size] Shiroku-ban (188x127), 320 pages [Included items] Downloadable learning audio (approx. 2 hours, English + Japanese), downloadable PDF [ISBN code] 978-4-7574-4460-7 [Release date] March 26, 2026 [Author] Sean Kawakami [Author Profile] Management consultant. Specializes in corporate strategy/management development, business turnaround, and new business development. Over more than 30 years, he has engaged in management and business issue analysis, strategy formulation, and hands-on execution support for various business fields, both Japanese and foreign-owned, ranging from large enterprises to small and medium-sized companies and startups, including finance, manufacturing, high-tech, information and communications, and media. In the field of policy and industrial promotion, he is involved in lectures, training, and policy proposals for government, economic organizations, research institutions, etc., as well as supporting the founding and growth of startups. He also focuses on human resource development, such as coaching for management executives and presiding over business schools for management professionals and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, he also works as a personality and commentator for TV and radio, primarily on business, economy, and news programs, as well as an emcee/moderator for various events and a narrator for commercials (until February 2016). On J-WAVE 81.3FM 'Make IT 21', he conducted dialogues with over 850 professionals from various fields, including business owners and entrepreneurs, over 16 years starting in 2000, and over 1,000 when including other media. Since November 2025, he has been a navigator for J-WAVE 81.3FM x Radio NIKKEI 'Make IT NEXT'.