Introducing 'Nikola': A New Tool for Improving Text Readability and Clarity

Nikola: A Readability Assessment and Rewriting Tool

In our rapidly evolving digital world, the influx of information continues to grow, driven by globalization and digital transformation (DX). Businesses and municipalities now automatically translate and disseminate information that is accessible to a diverse audience, including non-Japanese speakers. Ensuring clear communication is critical as it can directly influence business success.

Launched on August 18, 2025, Nikola is a groundbreaking service developed through a collaboration between A&People Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, led by CEO Machiko Asai, and the University of Tokyo. This innovative tool assesses the readability of written content according to ISO Plain Language standards (with a specific focus on Plain Japanese), providing suggestions for improvement.

What Nikola Can Do

Nikola offers a variety of features designed to enhance text readability:

1. Grade-Level Readability Measurement

Nikola analyzes writing by evaluating factors such as sentence length, clarity of terminology, appropriate kanji usage for different grade levels, and the balance between native and loanwords, as well as the frequency of passive voice. This automatic assessment determines the readability of the text.

2. Comparison of Revised Texts

By comparing original text with rewritten drafts based on the readability assessment, users can iteratively refine their writing, achieving content that communicates effectively.

3. AI-Powered Rewriting Suggestions

Nikola utilizes AI technology to suggest automated rewriting options in accordance with international readability standards. Users can explore multiple rewritten drafts and compare them for better comprehension.

In addition, Nikola plans to introduce a feature this fall that allows users to automatically translate well-organized Plain Japanese documents into Plain English, significantly streamlining the communication process.

Nikola: A Tool for Readability and Clarity

Nikola equips users with a level diagnosis and rewriting suggestion tool that adheres to international benchmarks (ISO Plain Language). With a user-friendly interface designed for intuitive understanding and operation, Nikola supports your writing endeavors.

By utilizing Nikola, you can produce clear and understandable documents in Plain Japanese, creating a professional impression with concise and precise writing. Moreover, documents drafted in Plain Japanese will be easier to translate into multiple languages.

In the United States and the EU, organizations are adopting Plain Language to fulfill their obligations for transparency and accountability in information dissemination.

Background of Development

A&People Inc. has long promoted the organization of English text structures and expressions to foster clear, concise, and easily understandable translations based on international standards of Plain Language. Alongside this, the 'English Readability Analyzer' available on our website has been extensively used as a tool to quantitatively evaluate the readability of English documents.

However, Japanese often features indirect expressions and lengthy sentences that may contain multiple main ideas, posing significant barriers to translating them into ISO Plain Language. A faithful translation of such Japanese can lead to clunky English that is difficult to read and may obscure meaning, thereby reducing the effectiveness of communication.

Recognizing the need for tools that quantitatively assess Japanese readability and provide rewriting capabilities, A&People began a collaborative research project with the University of Tokyo in 2020, focusing on increasing the use of Plain Japanese. This collaboration has culminated in the rollout of the Nikola service.

We encourage public organizations and businesses to utilize Nikola, fostering seamless communication with citizens, users, and foreign residents, ultimately helping to build trust and strengthen relationships.

Nikola Service Overview

Service Name: Readability Assessment and Rewriting Tool 'Nikola'
Pricing Plans (including tax):

- Free (3-week trial)
- Basic (Monthly: ¥4,590 / Annually: ¥49,572 with a 10% discount for annual contracts)
- Plus (Monthly: ¥3,213 / Annually: ¥38,556 with a 30% discount for contracts with 10 or more IDs, annual contracts only)
- Pro (Pricing available upon request)

Delivery Method: Web Browser
Compatibility: PC (Windows/Mac), Smartphone (iOS/Android), Tablet
Contract Conditions: