Japanese English as a different language than native speakers speak and understand

The Japanese learn some idioms that are seldom used in the English-speaking world to pass entrance examinations. Instead, some idioms frequently used are not taught in Japan. Let me give you some examples. The idioms below are still taught in cram schools or high schools that are absorbed in putting their students in famous universities:

The English the Japanese people are using seem to be as awkward as some "Japanese" characters in "Kill Bill," who never look ordinary Japanese citizens.

Idiom: "more often than not = often"
Ex: More often than not I lay awake all night.
Better: I often lay awake all night.

Idiom: "and that = in addition."
Ex: Do it yourself, and that at once.
Better: Do it yourself,... immediately!
Comment: Take some pause after "yourself" and put a strong stress on "immediately."

Idiom: be wont to
Ex: We were wont to meet at that pleasant spot.
Better: We used to meet at that pleasant spot.

Idiom: as yet
Ex: The plan has worked well as yet.
Better: The plan has worked well so far.

Idiom: be of [the] opinion that
Ex: I am of opinion that he will not accept the proposal.
Better: I don't think he'll accept the proposal.

Idiom: Many happy returns of the day!
Better: Happy birthday!

Idiom: play truant
Ex: He would often play truant from school.
Better: He used to cut classes/school.

Idiom: by twos and threes
Ex: They came home from church by twos and threes.
Comment: Probably this is the correct usage, but I think that they don't have to lean this idiom over other important items.

Conversely, the Japanese people aren't familiar with these idioms:

Even students who can read the New York Times may have difficulty understanding pep talk when they first visit an English-speaking country.

Idiom: to rant and rave = to talk loudly, often in anger
Ex: A customer in Tsutaya was ranting and raving that the DVD she rented was broken.

Idiom: down in the dumps
Ex: Hajime is in down in the dumps because he was dumped by the girl.

Idiom: to hang out = to spend time (and do nothing)
Ex: Jen and Kevin often hang out.

Idiom: to freak out = to be upset
Ex: Takeshi's friends freaked out when he told them he was dropping out of high school to become a singer.

There are many other idioms that should be considered, but this time my brain is already burnt out. So, see you next time!