Bridging the AI Divide: Voice-Driven Learning Program Launching in August 2025

In an era where generative AI is revolutionizing productivity and creativity, many people in Japan still find themselves unable to fully benefit from these advancements. Data Friends, a Tokyo-based company, is stepping in to bridge this divide with a groundbreaking initiative: the "Voice-Driven AI Learning Classroom". Scheduled to launch on August 5, 2025, this program promises to empower participants to interact with AI solely through voice, eliminating the barriers posed by traditional keyboard inputs.

The Background: A Growing Divide in Japan

Generative AI technologies are becoming essential tools across various fields including content creation, coding, and artistic endeavors, significantly enhancing output efficiency. However, a significant portion of the Japanese population remains hesitant, citing reasons such as unfamiliarity with technology and lack of confidence in computer skills. According to a recent survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, only 26.7% of individuals in Japan have utilized generative AI, a staggering contrast to 68.8% in the United States and 81.2% in China.

This disparity is particularly evident among different age groups, with younger populations (20s) showing a usage rate of 44.7%, compared to just 15.5% among those in their 60s. This increasing gap not only threatens individual quality of life but potentially hampers the overall competitiveness of the Japanese economy.

A Solution: Intuitive Voice Learning without Typing

Recognizing this urgent issue, Data Friends aims to offer a solution where participants can learn about AI without typing a single letter. The heart of this program lies in its core concept: "Just speak, and AI will bring your ideas to life." The classroom features three key capabilities:

1. Typing Not Required: Participants engage in an intuitive learning experience through voice alone, leveraging advancements in speech recognition technology. Today's AI systems can comprehend context well enough to work through minor mistakes, enabling a smoother dialogue that is faster and more human-like than typing.

2. Dual Instruction with Experts and AI: Learning in this classroom is unique due to its hybrid instructor approach, combining seasoned educators with real-time AI support. Participants will not only receive guidance from experienced instructors but will also benefit from AI that responds to queries and adapts to their learning pace, providing a customized educational journey.

3. Accessible Nationwide: Lessons are available online or through in-person sessions predominantly in the Tokyo vicinity. This flexibility ensures that even those who are not tech-savvy can successfully create their own web applications or websites by simply voicing commands, achieving tangible results without needing prior experience.

Real Results: From No Knowledge to Application Development in 10 Minutes

To highlight the effectiveness of this program, Data Friends is offering a 60-minute free trial class. Initial participants with no background in AI recently developed a multilingual translation application in just 10 minutes using only their voice. This remarkable outcome serves as a testament to the empowerment that the classroom aims to provide, transforming the apprehension surrounding AI into confidence and excitement.

Testimonials from Early Participants

Participants have shared their experiences:

- A 30-year-old male stated, "I was amazed! I saw my idea transform into a working app before my eyes, thanks to voice commands."
- A 50-year-old female praised the AI's creativity, noting how it offered features she hadn’t even specified herself while working on a landing page for her business.
- A 20-year-old male who observed the class emphasized the joy in witnessing ideas turn into real applications, highlighting the interactive nature of the course.

Insights from Kazuma Shiomi, CEO

Kazuma Shiomi, the CEO of Data Friends, expressed his vision, stating, "I want to ensure that generative AI is accessible to all Japanese people, not just a select few experts. Seeing family members struggle with technology has motivated me to eliminate the barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their potential with AI. Our goal is to foster an environment where learning and creativity flourish through simple voice interaction, bolstering confidence and sparking innovation."

Future Aspirations

Data Friends plans to establish a certified instructor system that encourages former students to return as mentors, creating a positive feedback loop of knowledge sharing. Also, they intend to expand their programs nationwide and introduce affordable group classes by 2026, aiming to reach 1,000 students while promoting a community of learners and educators.

In conclusion, Data Friends is pioneering a movement that seeks to democratize access to AI technologies in Japan, showcasing how voice-driven learning can reshape the landscape of education and creativity, enabling a new generation to harness the true power of generative AI.

Company Overview

- Name: Data Friends Inc.
- Representative: Kazuma Shiomi, CEO
- Location: 1-10-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Established: December 28, 2023
- Business Activities: Consulting in generative AI, workforce training, social business

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