Abstract
A variety of methodologies have been employed in recent years to analyze the debate practices for Japanese classrooms of English. In this study, an attempt is made to historically investigate English debate in the Meiji period. The purpose of the study is to examine typical examples of English debate in Tokyo. Archival data reveal that one commercial school played a pivotal role in demonstrating English debate, taking advantage of extra-curricular activities in which historically notable teachers of English actively participated. Although this exhibition type of debate functioned as a model debate around the Tokyo area, it was largely devoid of the competitive value and spontaneity often seen in debate. Nevertheless, this particular historical study proposes the option of goal-setting for debates, and the exhibition of debates to audiences outside the classroom as a means of encouraging greater classroom accomplishment.
