In recent years Japan has made a significant move towards utilizing a more communicative pedagogy in the English as a Foreign Language classroom. This has amplified the need for more communicative materials and syllabuses and also for teachers capable of implementing them. At first thought, the inclusion of more native speakers of English may seem an obvious solution. However, depending on circumstances, it is not always possible or practical to employ native English speaking teachers (NESTs). In fact the question could be asked whether native speakers are even necessary. There are many qualified and willing non-native English speaking teachers (N-NESTs) who would appreciate the change and associated challenge of participating in more communication-orientated language programs.