Abstract
This paper discusses the present state and future of Japanese language studies in Australia. The discussion is based on the findings from the comparison of 2004 and 2013 survey results of Japanese language studies at A High School in New South Wales Australia and of the Japanese language teachers in the Newcastle area where A High School is located. The problems caused by the lack of skillful language teachers, a lack of coordination between states in regards to syllabuses, and the frequent changes of federal government Asian language policy seem to be improving. However, Japanese education is facing many other problems such as inconsistencies in study planning and class organization, low score allocation for the university admission examination and the perception of difficulty toward learning and teaching Japanese language. It is concluded that the future of Japanese language education might not be bright unless these problems are resolved.
