Why do most Japanese people speak only Japanese?

The statement that "most Japanese people speak only Japanese" may not accurately reflect the linguistic diversity within Japan. While it is true that the majority of the population in Japan speaks Japanese as their first language, it's important to note that Japan is a homogenous country with a strong cultural identity centered around the Japanese language, which is the de facto official language of Japan.

There are a few reasons why Japanese is widely spoken and why there may be limited exposure to other languages:

Linguistic Isolation: Japan is an island nation, geographically isolated from other countries. This isolation has contributed to the preservation of the Japanese language and limited exposure to other languages throughout history.

Education System: The education system in Japan places significant emphasis on Japanese language education. The curriculum primarily focuses on teaching Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems, which reinforces the importance of Japanese as the national language.

Cultural Identity: The Japanese language is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and identity. It plays a crucial role in the preservation of traditional arts, literature, and customs. As a result, there is a strong societal expectation for Japanese people to prioritize their native language.

Limited Need for Foreign Languages: Japan has a highly developed and self-sufficient economy. The majority of daily interactions, business transactions, and official documentation occur in Japanese. Due to the limited necessity for foreign languages in daily life, there may be less motivation or opportunities for Japanese people to learn languages other than their own.

However, it's worth noting that Japan is not entirely monolingual. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in learning foreign languages, particularly English, as Japan recognizes the importance of global communication and intercultural exchange. Many Japanese people do study English in school, and there are also individuals who are proficient in other languages due to personal interests, travel experiences, or work requirements.

Resources; https://www.jluggage.com/why-japan/official-language-japan-is-not-japanese.html