National News

Boy, 14, breaks exam age record

A 14-year-old boy has become the youngest licensed bilingual tour guide on record, the Japan National Tourism Organization announced Feb. 4. Junior high school student Shintaro Iwai of the city of Kumamoto beat the old record, held by a 15-year-old, by succeeding on his second attempt at the English-language exam. He was 14 at the time he applied but has since turned 15. The exam tests knowledge of Japan, including geography, history, economics, politics and culture, in addition to linguistic skills. (Kyodo News)

Shukan ST: February 18, 2011

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