"In future I hope to become a doctor or a lawyer. I can't make up my mind," said one high school student on a recent study night, taking a short break between English grammar exercises and vocabulary drills.

But one thing he is sure about: he wants to go to Yale University where he expects a more pro-active learning environment than in Japan, one that stresses lively debate and independent thinking.

I wish they'd just admit it's for the cash and prestiege and be done with it.

So...the kids need English lessons. This should be good for business.

I wish Japanese universities would take western schools as a serious challenge and up their English education like the article mentions in the 2nd half- I think everyone would win then. Any competition that makes the schools better is good in the long run.

The last part of it almost makes it sound like they're trying to say that they're actively trying to keep the general populace from learning English as a means of preserving Japanese.