What is Intercultural Communicative Competence

The Japanese education system is currently in the midst of reforms, particularly with regards to way the English language is taught. At the university level, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) is not only endeavoring to improve Japanese students' proficiency in English but also their intercultural communicative competence. This comes at a time when universities in Japan are trying to enhance their international competitiveness in an increasingly globalized world. The chapter argues that the approach to English education known as content and language integrated learning (CLIL), and the principles on which it is based, will help to address many of these issues of concern. By adopting this approach, not only will students be exposed to a more motivating learning experience, they will also be encouraged to critically examine issues from different cultural standpoints. Finally, the chapter examines instances of CLIL in Japanese universities where it is already being used, as well as effective ways in which it can be implemented from now on.