The Latest News in ELT

February 2007

Best-Selling Picture Book Gets English Version
RIC Publications has announced publication of the English-language version of Japan's best-selling picture book ever, The Crow's Bakery by Satoshi Kako. RIC president John Moore commented "The book has sold over 2 million copies since its publication.We're proud to add this book to our ever-expanding list of picture books."
Visit: RIC Publications (February 23, 2007 )

Riverdeep Eyes Harcourt Education
Irish educational software publisher, Riverdeep, is considering buying Harcourt Education from Reed Elsevier. The Dublin-based publisher is in the process of acquiring Houghton Mifflin for $1.75 billion. With Thomson Learning also up for sale, an informed source has speculated that a buyer could put together these companies to create "the mother of educational publishers". (February 22, 2007 )

Harcourt Education on the Block
Reed Elsevier is to sell Harcourt Education which the company acquired 6 years ago as part of its $4-5 billion dollar acquisition of Harcourt General. Harcourt Education sells general educational materials into the state school sector around the world but has almost no presence in Japan. It claimed worldwide sales of $1.63 billion dollars last year. (February 20, 2007 )

New Kids Course from RIC Publications
Mari Nakamura, an author of Longman's English Land course is authoring a new children's course for RIC Publications -- the course will come as a kit for teachers, with photocopiables and lesson plans amongst other components. The course is due for publication in August. (February 19, 2007 )

Bennesse to Launch Channel on SkyPerfecTV
Benesse, owner of Berlitz and other properties will launch an education channel through SkyPerfecTV on April 1st, 2007. The channel will include programs aimed at Japanese students of English, as well as programs for pet owners and senior citizens.

Visit: Benesse ()

NOVA Probed Over Refund Policy
Nova made national TV on Friday and the front page of the Japan Times on Saturday with the news that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have inspected Nova's headquarters in Osaka. The company may face a sales ban if clear evidence is found that it has violated refund laws for students who enroll with the school chain. Nova is Japan's largest English conversation school with around 480,000 students and 640 branches.
For more details: Japan Times (February 18, 2007 )

Major Publisher and Distributor to Merge
A major ELT publisher and a large book distributor are due to tie the knot and merge, informed sources report. The deal has yet to be made official, and names cannot be named, but it is expected that all will be revealed in a matter of weeks. (February 14, 2007 )

Disney ELT?
Rumours are circulating that Disney is planning to enter the ELT market in Asia. Headhunters have been contacting potential recruits for the new division. Currently Disney licenses use of its characters to companies such as World Family and Longman. (February 13, 2007 )

Thomson Learning on the Block
Thomson Learning, put up for sale by Thomson last year, is in discussions with major investment trusts. The group may be acquired for between 5-6 billion dollars, informed sources suggest. (February 07, 2007 )

Peter Barakan Guests on TIME Magazine Podcast
Broadcaster and journalist Peter Barakan is the guest presenter this week on the TIME Magazine podcast for Japan and discusses a range of issues including the cover feature "The Brain". The TIME Magazine Podcast for Japan is produced by eigoTown.com Limited, distributed free and uses a special "paratalking" format designed to allow intermediate-level students and above to enjoy the podcast. Visit (Japanese): The TIME Magazine Podcast Page Subscribe directly through iTunes ()

NOVA to Enter China by Summer 2007?
Nippon TV's "news24" show recently reported that NOVA may enter the Chinese market this summer. The president of NOVA, Mr Sahashi, appeared on the show and said that he was considering developing schools in the Shanghai and Beijing areas. Details in Japanese on Eigo Kyouiku News. (February 02, 2007 )

7 NOVA Teachers Arrested for Drug Possession
Police have released details of the arrest of 7 NOVA teachers on suspicion of violating a law on illegal drugs and the Cannabis Control Law, reports the Mainichi Daily News. (February 01, 2007 )

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