Business English in Japan: What Global Companies Actually Expect from Your English

In Japan, a high TOEIC score is often seen as the gold standard for English ability.

But if you're working at (or applying to) a global company, a high test score might not be enough. The real world of international business needs something more: confident, clear, and practical communication.

At AEC, we work with professionals across different industries and professional experiences, from new graduates to managers in global firms.

One thing is clear: Global employers are not just testing your grammar.

They’re watching how well you communicate when it matters.

So, what do global companies actually expect from your English?

Let’s break it down.

✅ 1. Clear, Confident Communication — Not Perfection

Many Japanese professionals worry too much about making grammar mistakes. But in real business situations, what matters most is getting your message across.

🟢 What they want:

• Clear structure when you speak

• The ability to explain things simply

• Confidence when answering unexpected questions

🛑 What they don’t need:

• Perfect grammar with no communication

• Long, memorized phrases with no flexibility

Tip: Focus on being clear, not complex. Most global managers value practical English over textbook English.

✅ 2. Ability to Handle Real Situations (Not Just Test Questions)

TOEIC questions often test your ability to understand schedules or announcements — useful skills, yes — but business communication is more dynamic.

🟢 Global companies expect you to:

• Write and reply to emails quickly and clearly

• Join meetings and speak up when needed

• Summarize updates and report progress

• Handle phone or video calls confidently

Tip: Practice with real-world tasks — writing emails, role-playing meetings, or explaining problems. This builds real fluency.

✅ 3. Adaptability in International Settings

English at work isn’t just about speaking the language — it’s about working with people from different cultures.

🟢 What matters in cross-cultural teams:

• Being polite but direct

• Knowing how to agree or disagree professionally

• Managing misunderstandings calmly

• Understanding tone and formality

Tip: Listening to international English (not just American or British) helps. You’ll hear a wide range of accents in real meetings.

✅ 4. Business-Specific Vocabulary and Style

Global companies don’t expect you to speak perfect English — but they do expect you to know the language of your field.

For example, if you work in logistics, you might need words like “lead time,” “inventory,” or “supply chain.” If you’re in sales, you should know how to talk about “KPIs,” “targets,” or “client feedback.”

🟢 What to focus on:

• Terms used in your industry

• Email phrases like “Please find attached,” or “Let me follow up”

• Presentation language (“Today I’d like to talk about…”)

Tip: Review actual emails or reports from your job. Collect phrases you use often, and practice using them aloud.

✅ 5. Proactive Participation (Even at Lower Levels)

In Japan, it’s common to stay quiet until spoken to. But global companies want you to take initiative — especially in meetings, team discussions, or cross-border projects.

🟢 They look for:

• Asking relevant questions

• Offering suggestions clearly

• Giving progress updates

• Asking for clarification if you don’t understand

Tip: Practice set phrases like:

• “Can I clarify one point?”

• “I’d like to suggest…”

• “Just to confirm, do you mean…?”

These help you participate more smoothly.

✅ 6. Listening Skills — Especially for Fast or Global English

Many professionals find listening the hardest part, especially in fast meetings or calls with non-native speakers.

🟢 Strong listening helps you:

• Catch action items and deadlines

• Understand different accents

• Avoid miscommunication

Tip: Don’t rely only on TOEIC listening. Practice with real meetings, YouTube interviews, or international podcasts at business speed.

Final Thoughts: Test Scores Matter — But Real English Matters More

TOEIC can help get your foot in the door. But staying in the room — and moving up — requires something else: the ability to think, speak, and respond in real time using clear, confident English.

If your goal is to succeed in a global company, don’t just study for a score. Practice using English the way real professionals do — in meetings, emails, discussions, and problem-solving.

Want to Build Real Business English Skills?

AEC offers flexible, one-on-one coaching for working professionals. Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, trying to communicate better at work, or planning a career abroad, we’ll build a plan that fits your goals and schedule.

Book your free 30-minute consultation, We’ll help you gain clarity, confidence, and the communication skills global companies actually want.