How to improve Japan’s international image?

Japan is one of the successful industrialized countries. The fact reminds that it has played an important role in various field such as technology. However, other fact also reminds that foreigners have some negative views against Japan?

First, authoritarian business manner. Japanese tend to stick to position/title on business scene. For example, one British I know confessed that he was so bewildered by Japanese authoritarian business manner. He had a meeting with Japanese. After he exchanged the business cards, he noticed there are so many titled position such as “manager”, “senior manager”, “technical manager”, “deputy manager”, “director” and so on. He was not sure who is the right person to contact as their Japanese counter part. He ended up asking “who is the boss?” I propose just reducing the number of unnecessary title to distinguish between actual responsible manager and technical staff.

Second, I'm afraid we have to admit that English level in Japan is quite low.
How poor it is? According to TOEFL statistics in 2003, Japan was ranked at the 22nd out of 23 countries. The last one is north Korea. just for your information. At one international Semicon conference, interpreter is assigned to Japanese speaker against speaker's will. Not for Korean and Chinese but only for Japanese! How do we improve English education in Japan? Despite 10 years of study, many people still can't handle speaking English.
Language ability is evaluated by solely through written methods in the heated exam. wars. To the contrary, EIKEN includes a direct speaking component. We should more emphasize active ability to appeal one’s opinion than passive ability. The more a lot of people challenge Eiken, the better they can handle proficiency.

In conclusion, it’s important to enhance English proficiency and avoid complicated business manner to improve Japan’s international image.