About 35% of People Have Experienced Loss or Regret Due to Poor English Skills, with 'Overseas Travel' and 'Being Approached by Foreigners' Ranking Highest

Have you ever felt, 'If only I could speak English better?'

When a foreigner asks you for directions on the street.

When you're struggling at a restaurant abroad.

When facing an email at work.

Many of you may have experienced moments like these, thinking, 'If only I could speak English right now.'

Despite studying English in school, many find themselves unable to speak when it matters most. This frustrating experience happens regardless of age or profession. But just how many people have actually felt they 'lost out' or 'regretted' not knowing English?

To explore this, we conducted a joint survey with Money English—an online conversational English coaching school—polling 500 men and women nationwide about their experiences of loss or regret due to poor English skills.

※ When quoting this press release, please:

· Clearly state the source as 'Survey by NEXER Inc. and Money English'

· Include a link to Money English (https://money-english.com)

Survey Overview: 'Experiences of Loss or Regret Due to Poor English Skills'

Method: Online questionnaire

Period: May 31 – June 5, 2026

Respondents: Men and women across Japan

Valid responses: 500 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: Have you ever felt you 'lost out' or 'regretted' not knowing English?

Question 2: In what situations did you strongly feel, 'I wish I could speak English'? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 3: Please share a specific episode where you felt you lost out or regretted not knowing English.

Question 4: If you had been proficient in English, how do you think it would have affected your life or career?

Question 5: Please explain your reasoning.

Question 6: Do you still want to learn English now?

Question 7: Please explain your reasons.

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number, so totals may not add up to exactly 100%.

35.0% Admit to Experiencing Loss or Regret Due to Poor English

First, we asked whether respondents had ever felt they 'lost out' or 'regretted' not knowing English.

The results showed that 9.8% answered 'multiple times,' 15.0% 'a few times,' and 10.2% 'once or twice.' In total, 35.0% of respondents acknowledged having such experiences to varying degrees.

Meanwhile, 65.0% said they had 'never' experienced this.

With about one in three people reporting such regrets, it's clear that situations requiring English arise frequently even in daily life.

'Overseas Travel' and 'Being Approached by Foreigners in Japan' Tied at 36.0%

Next, we asked those who reported such experiences about the specific situations where they felt, 'I wish I could speak English.'

The top responses were 'during overseas travel' and 'when approached by foreigners in Japan,' both at 36.0%. This was followed by 'in hobbies/entertainment (e.g., foreign films, music)' at 20.0%, 'in school or exams' at 12.0%, and 'during job hunting or career changes' at 9.7%.

Not only unfamiliar settings like overseas travel, but also everyday situations in Japan—such as being approached by foreigners—were equally common. With increasing numbers of foreign visitors and workers, the need for English is clearly not limited to abroad, but present in daily life.

We also collected specific anecdotes—here are some examples:

Please share a specific episode where you felt you lost out or regretted not knowing English.

· I could only give directions in broken English. (Female, 20s)

· I couldn't order smoothly at a restaurant. (Male, 20s)

· I struggled with communication during overseas travel. (Female, 20s)

· I used to work at a small restaurant where many foreign customers visited. I still think I could have provided better service if I spoke English. (Female, 30s)

· I couldn't join a major project due to lack of confidence in my English. (Female, 30s)

· On my honeymoon in Hawaii, I saw a great restaurant but couldn't make a reservation due to poor English, which was disappointing. (Female, 40s)

The stories ranged from brief interactions like giving directions or serving customers, to missing out on travel reservations or career opportunities.

What they have in common is the lingering regret: 'If only I could speak just a little more English.'

Many also expressed, upon reflection, a sense of missed potential—'I could have done more.'

26.3% Believe They Would Have Felt 'More Confident and Life Would Be More Fulfilling' If They Knew English

Next, we asked those who experienced regret: 'If you had known English, how do you think it would have affected your life or career?'

The most common response was 'I would have felt more confident and my life would be more fulfilling' at 26.3%.

This was followed by 'I would have had more career options' and 'my hobbies and enjoyment would have expanded more,' both at 19.4%.

Meanwhile, 13.7% said they 'don't think anything would have changed.'

It's interesting that the majority imagined not just practical benefits like income or career advancement, but also emotional gains like 'confidence' and 'fulfillment.' English may no longer be seen just as a skill, but as a gateway to a broader, richer life.