Various research studies in the field of psychology have shown that the phenomenon of stereotype threat is real and has a consistent and measurable negative effect on individuals' performance on cognitively demanding tasks in a variety of areas. Currently, the relationship between stereotype threat and second language acquisition has not been explored in empirical research. This preliminary study aims to fill this gap by identifying stereotypes in regard to English and English as a foreign language (EFL) education in Japan, and testing whether stereotype threat has a measurable and consistent impact on English acquisition by Japanese university students. Results show that stereotype threat plays a role in English acquisition in Japan. As the current study is only preliminary in nature, further research is warranted. This article concludes with a discussion of limitations and implications, and gives some guidance for further research in this new area of inquiry.