#Japan #Tokyo #AI English #Speak Buddy #HR Challenge

Speak Buddy Shines at 14th Japan HR Challenge Award

Tokyo, Japan – Speak Buddy Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has announced that its innovative AI-based English conversation application, Speak Buddy, has been awarded the Encouragement Award at the 14th Japan HR Challenge Award. This prestigious award, organized by the Japan HR Challenge Award Executive Committee and supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, recognizes companies that actively engage in talent development initiatives.

Overview of the Japan HR Challenge Award

The Japan HR Challenge Award aims to energize Japanese society by recognizing courageous challenges in the human resources field undertaken by corporate executives and HR departments. The award evaluates innovation, employee benefits, management contributions, strategic approaches, and social impact, celebrating outstanding new initiatives in human resource development.

Reasons for the Award

According to the Japan HR Challenge award selection committee, Speak Buddy was recognized for its unique ability to foster English conversation skills through engaging interactions with emotionally rich AI characters. The app enables companies to provide cost-effective and efficient English training solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and tailoring curricula based on learner levels, Speak Buddy offers a sustainable learning experience that can be pursued in short durations. With over 4.5 million learners and more than 100 corporate implementations, it has earned high praise for contributing to cost-effective English training and effective talent development.

About Speak Buddy

Launched in September 2016, Speak Buddy is a pioneering AI-driven English conversation application originating from Japan. By integrating second-language acquisition theories with advanced AI technologies, such as speech recognition, generative AI, and natural language processing, the app allows users to master English efficiently without the need for booking tutors or traveling to classrooms, requiring just 15 minutes of study each day. Speak Buddy’s lessons are structured as storylines featuring over 1,000 scenarios, allowing users to learn key phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, and intonation in an enjoyable way. As of June 2025, it boasts an impressive rating of 4.5 on the App Store.

Official App Link

Additional Accolades

Speak Buddy has also been recognized with various awards, including:

• - Good Design Award (2021)
• - 20th e-Learning Award (2023)
• - Google Play's Best of 2023 in the Outstanding AI category (2023)
• - Japan Subscription Business Award (2024)

Introduction of Speak Buddy for Business

Since its inception in 2016, Speak Buddy has become well-regarded among general English learners. In recent years, it has also seen growing adoption within companies, municipalities, and educational institutions. Users can now gain practical business English skills relevant to real-world scenarios like negotiations and presentations. Furthermore, content tailored to specific industries and job roles, such as customer service English for inbound tourism, is being continuously expanded.

Background of Growing Adoption

• - The importance of managing human capital is increasing, emphasizing human resource investment and reskilling support.
• - The depreciation of the yen and the contraction of the domestic market have led to heightened demands for strengthening overseas business operations, amplifying the need for English language skills.
• - With domestic labor shortages, the employment of foreign workers is rising, increasing on-site English needs.
• - The growing influx of inbound tourists has escalated the demand for English in tourism and retail sectors.
• - In educational settings, there is a focus on utilizing AI and enhancing English speaking skills, making it a critical approach for addressing teacher shortages.

Speak Buddy for Business distinguishes itself with the following features to effectively support talent development:

1. Tailored AI Curricula: The AI provides customized curricula suitable for a wide range of skill levels and learning objectives, helping beginners comfortably start and progress at their own speed.

2. Engaging Learning Experience: The program features distinct AI buddies with rich backgrounds, sparking engagement beyond traditional corporate training.

3. Designed for Real Outcomes: The app is based on insights into the challenges faced by Japanese learners, yielding measurable results that reflect in skill improvements.

4. Hassle-Free Implementation: The service facilitates a seamless experience for HR departments, eliminating the need for classroom visits or group compositions, ensuring quick setup and easy access to resources such as webinars and community engagement.

Contact Information for Speak Buddy for Business

For inquiries or requests for materials, please contact the corporate division at sales@speakbuddy.jp.

• - Business URL

Moving forward, Speak Buddy remains committed to its mission of turning true language acquisition into a reality, thereby expanding life opportunities and choices for its users.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Speak Buddy Ltd.
• - Location: 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Tsuyoshi Tateishi
• - Established: May 2013
• - Business Activities: Development and operation of the AI English conversation app Speak Buddy, operation of online English coaching service Coach Buddy, and management of the Speak Buddy English Learning Q&A platform for learners.
• - Website: Speak Buddy Official Site