The Launch of Cafe Eikaiwa's Bilingual Community App: Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz

In an innovative move to broaden English language access in Japan, Cafe Eikaiwa Co., Ltd., operated by CEO Ryosuke Nishikawa, is excited to announce the launch of its bilingual community app, Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz, on January 30, 2026. This marks Japan's first bilingual-managed community service that seamlessly integrates English learning into everyday life, making language accessible to everyone.

The Need for an English Entry Point

Rising Demand for English Communication in Japan

With projections indicating that around 42.7 million foreign tourists will visit Japan by 2025, generating about 9.5 trillion yen in spending, the demand for English communication is surging beyond traditional settings. Environments such as airports, restaurants, retail spaces, and tourist spots are now gateways to international interactions, and urban living is increasingly global. Against this backdrop, the Japanese government aims to welcome 60 million visitors and achieve expenditures of 15 trillion yen by 2030, signaling a pressing necessity for English proficiency across all societal sectors.

The Current State of English Proficiency in Japan

Despite the rising demand, Japan struggles with low English proficiency. According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2025, Japan ranks 96 out of 123 non-English-speaking countries, underscoring the gap between the increasing necessity of English and the country’s inability to enhance its language skills effectively. As the world becomes more interconnected, bridging this gap is crucial for individual growth and national capability.

The Vision Behind Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz

A Community-Focused Language Learning Approach

The core philosophy behind Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz is to eliminate barriers that make language learning a solitary endeavor. The app emphasizes interconnectedness, providing learners with opportunities to practice English in supportive environments. It addresses four common obstacles:

1. Lack of a conducive learning environment
2. Difficulty in maintaining ongoing practice
3. Limited opportunities to engage in conversations
4. The isolating experience of learning alone

By overcoming these walls, Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz aims to transform English from a subject of study into a tool for everyday communication.

Creating a Future Where English is Everyday Infrastructure

Through its unique community design, Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz seeks to shift English from being perceived as a specialized skill to an essential part of daily life. The platform will facilitate real-life conversations with bilingual speakers, enjoyable sports activities, and customized learning paths tailored to individual levels and goals. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone—from enthusiasts and learners to those who have previously faced setbacks—can engage with English in a stress-free and supportive setting.

Features of Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz

The launching mobile app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, provides various subscription plans tailored to different needs:

- Light Plan: 3,480 yen/month (tax included)
- Basic Plan: 6,980 yen/month (tax included)
- Treasure Plan: 12,480 yen/month (tax included)

Users can simply download the FANTS app, register for an account, and join the Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz community to start their language-learning journey.

A Message from the CEO

“Learning a language opens doors to new perspectives and enhances personal potential,” says Ryo Nishikawa, CEO of Cafe Eikaiwa. “At Cafe Eikaiwa, we have created not just a classroom, but a platform where people can connect, take challenges, and use English in meaningful ways. The introduction of Cafe Eikaiwa Fanz is an invitation to anyone interested in English, those who may have struggled before, and those actively learning, to step forward confidently into their language journey.” He emphasizes that the combined efforts of individuals learning together not only foster personal growth but also rejuvenate local communities and society as a whole.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Cafe Eikaiwa Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Ryo Nishikawa
- Location: Ebisu Garden Place Glass Square B1, 4-20-4, Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-6090, Japan
- Established: October 1, 2018
- Capital: 5 million yen (including capital reserve)

Having engaged over 200,000 users since inception, Cafe Eikaiwa offers various English conversation services at affiliated cafes across Japan, including viewer-friendly events costing as low as 500 yen. The platform also provides options for smaller group learning with native speakers, making it a versatile choice for language enthusiasts.

For media inquiries:
Daisuke Obayashi
Corporate Communications, Cafe Eikaiwa Co., Ltd.
Phone: 090-7467-7034
Email: [email protected]