ENGLISH SPECIAL / Keeping pace with the business world.

ENGLISH SPECIAL / Keeping pace with the business world

Hiroko Ihara / Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer

Yomiuri

English will become a more important business tool for many Japanese companies as they try to diversify their international marketing and manufacturing networks in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

"Otherwise, they won't be able to survive," said Prof. Shigeru Matsumoto of Rikkyo University.

"Becoming proficient in English helps businesspeople. It's a way to give their career a quick boost, no matter what their academic background or gender," Matsumoto said.

"It's very probable that sometimes your boss, …