Promising student Suzuki Hanami recently scored an impressive 87 out of 100 in the English portion of her university entrance examination. This achievement has caught the attention of the Japanese media, marking Hanami as a symbol of success amidst the continuous reforms in the Japanese education system specifically in enhancing English language proficiency among students. The specific details of when and where the examination took place have not been released.

In Japan, English proficiency is increasingly valued and put under the spotlight, bolstered by an education reform campaign. University entrance exams, which include English tests, are considered an extremely important life event for students. Therefore, high scores like Hanami's often attract media attention, highlighting the success of the individual and inspiring others to strive for similar achievements.

Similar to the US and the EU, Japan recognizes the importance of proficiency in the English language. However, the emphasis is largely placed on written tests in Japan, contrasting with the more varied testing methods (including oral exams and essays) found in both the US and EU. High achievement in such exams in the US and EU may not receive as much public attention due to the difference in educational culture.