Education through the study of English: Yoshisaburô Okakura as a conservative reformer

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article advances understanding of Yoshisaburô Okakura (1868–1936), the doyen of English teaching in early twentieth-century Japan, by examining his evaluations of European language teaching methods. Okakura expressed doubt towards the Natural Method and preferred the Reform Method in terms of school education. However, Okakura was more conservative than the Reform Movement theorists, as he was in favour of the use of the mother tongue and literary language as an important educational principle. His educational views were implemented in his teaching practice in the pioneering Radio English Course that he produced from 1925 onwards.