#Japan #Tokyo #English Learning #Progrit #Supiful

Innovation in English Learning for Engineers

PROGRIT Inc., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has made significant strides in the realm of English language education by announcing the launch of its latest product, 'Supiful for Engineers,' on December 4, 2025. This subscription-based service is specifically designed to sharpen speaking skills for engineers, a sector facing increasing global demands amid rapid technological advancements and globalization. The development of the course drew upon comprehensive feedback from the company's CTO and active engineers, and included insights from Kōsuke Kawaguchi, the developer behind Jenkins.

Context Behind the Launch

Japan is currently grappling with a declining labor force due to an aging population and falling birth rates, and this issue is particularly acute in the fast-growing IT sector. According to recent reports from the IPA regarding 'DX Trends 2024,' many companies have indicated a significant shortage of personnel necessary for promoting digital transformation. This environment has led to a surge in demand for IT professionals, making English language proficiency crucial for engineers who wish to work effectively in a global context.

There has been a noticeable increase in companies hiring foreign engineers too, a strategy that not only broadens the recruitment base but also raises the overall level of talent acquisition. Collaborating with talented engineers worldwide can provide Japanese engineers with valuable opportunities for personal growth and career development - a need that is increasingly recognized.

Many engineers, even those who do not regularly work in English environments, still encounter frequent exposure to technical information in English. This reality often results in stress related to translation and expression limitations. Consequently, a notable number of engineers aspire to enhance their English proficiency, stemming from such challenges.

Addressing Gaps in Existing Resources

Unfortunately, many existing English learning materials for engineers tend to focus more on technical vocabulary rather than on engaging with practical, usable English skills. To fill this void, 'Supiful for Engineers' introduces a unique approach, emphasizing 'English materials created by engineers for engineers.'

Features of 'Supiful for Engineers'

Practical, Job-Related Content and AI Features

'Supiful' offers two types of training sessions that users can engage in for 30 minutes daily: 1) 'Oral English Composition' which instantly translates Japanese to English, and 2) 'Soliloquy English Conversation' that encourages speaking on various topics in English. These exercises come complete with immediate AI feedback to foster an ongoing improvement cycle. Since its launch in December 2023, its efficient learning experience has quickly gained recognition, with paid membership increasing by 4.2 times within a year.

In 'Supiful for Engineers,' training sessions utilize materials specifically aimed at engineers, enabling users to acquire practical English skills that can be immediately applied in their work settings.

Distinctive Characteristics

1. Aligned with Real-World Engineering Needs: The content draws extensively from the insights of the company’s CTO and practical applications utilized at engineering events, including supervised comments from Kōsuke Kawaguchi. It covers real-world scenarios such as: writing specifications, code reviews, design discussions, Scrum events, and incident responses, allowing for realistic training exercises.

2. Leverage of AI for Enhanced Learning: During oral English composition sessions, the AI assesses correct responses by not solely relying on exact phrase matches. Instead, it recognizes when nuances and meanings are accurately conveyed, regardless of slight variations in wording. Moreover, the AI is available to answer questions around the clock. In soliloquy sessions, feedback encompasses grammar, structure, and content, streamlining the learning process to rapidly improve practical speaking skills.

Insights from Kōsuke Kawaguchi

Kōsuke Kawaguchi has expressed his strong conviction regarding the importance of English proficiency for Japanese engineers to compete on a global scale. He has witnessed first-hand how language barriers can lead to miscommunications, resulting in engineers being underestimated. 'Supiful for Engineers' is designed to immerse engineers in everyday English scenarios that they face at work, with the hope that they will harness this tool to thrive in an international environment.

Final Thoughts

PROGRIT aims to empower individuals to thrive globally with their comprehensive English language learning solutions, making programs that help serious learners achieve their language goals. Established in 2016 and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth Market as of September 2022, PROGRIT continues to position itself as a leader in innovative language education.

For more information on 'Supiful for Engineers,' visit PROGRIT's dedicated page or explore their various service offerings.