Simeji, the Keyboard App Beloved by Gen Z, Embarks on Its 18th-Year Challenge: Launches PC Version and AI Voice Input, Ushering in the Era of 'Typing by Voice'

Baidu Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Feng Jiang) announces the launch of the AI voice input feature for its customizable emoji keyboard app 'Simeji' (iOS/Android) on its 18th anniversary. Starting today, June 29, 2026 (Mon), the new PC version, 'Simeji PC,' is now available.

Under the concept of 'Simeji for everyone, from children to adults,' Simeji aims to evolve beyond being just a 'keyboard app.' In today's world where social media is widespread and text-based communication is the norm, Simeji is transforming into a 'communication support tool' that transcends the boundaries of smartphones.

To commemorate the launch, a special campaign offering up to three months of free access to Pro features begins today.

From 18 Years of Evolution: Transitioning from a 'Keyboard' to a 'Communication Support Tool'

Since its launch in 2006, Simeji has continuously refined the Japanese input experience and grown into a keyboard app beloved by Gen Z, with over 75 million cumulative downloads to date.

Valued by users for its extensive customization options that reflect personal tastes, more than 500,000 kaomoji (Japanese emoticons), emojis, and ASCII art (AA), and cloud-based conversion that covers Japanese-specific trending terms and artist names, Simeji has become a cornerstone of youth culture and communication in Japan.

Marking its 18th anniversary on November 18, 2026—a milestone equivalent to adulthood in Japan—Simeji, which has long supported high school and university students, now aims to evolve into a 'communication support tool' that addresses communication needs across all age groups, from children to adults.

As its first step, Simeji launches 'Simeji PC,' extending its 18 years of expertise in Japanese input from mobile to desktop environments, and revolutionizing the input experience by ushering in the era of 'typing by voice.'

While manual input remains dominant in Japan, voice input and voice messaging are increasingly popular overseas. Rapid advancements in AI technology are resolving longstanding challenges with traditional voice input, and voice input tools are beginning to gain traction among business professionals in Japan. Building on its voice input feature first launched in June 2017, Simeji now fully revamps the experience and enters the AI voice input arena with renewed ambition.

Simeji PC's Vision: A New Era of 'Typing by Voice'

1. Unmatched Expressiveness and Efficiency Rooted in 18 Years of Japanese Input Expertise

Simeji brings its 18 years of mastery in Japanese expression—covering homophones, katakana terms, neologisms, Gen Z slang, trending words, emojis, and kaomoji—directly into voice input. The AI detects and cleans up filler words like 'uh' and 'um,' as well as verbal slips, transforming spoken words into clean, natural Japanese text. It also supports regional dialects such as Osaka-ben and Hakata-ben, converting them into standard Japanese.

2. Whisper-Level Input: Voice Recognition Even at Very Low Volumes

One of the biggest barriers to voice input in Japan is social discomfort—users often hesitate to speak aloud in public or shared spaces.

An Simeji survey on AI voice input (1,633 respondents) revealed that 39.6% of respondents have 'never used' smartphone voice input. Key reasons include functional concerns such as 'the keyboard is faster' (37%), 'fear of inaccurate conversion' (36%), and 'unclear benefits' (31%), as well as psychological barriers like 'feeling embarrassed to speak' (31%) and 'not wanting others to hear' (31%).

However, 53.3% of those who have never used voice input expressed positive interest in AI voice input, with high expectations for AI-powered text correction features such as fixing typos, converting speech into natural Japanese, and automatically organizing notes. Overall, 69.4% of respondents showed positive sentiment toward AI voice input, indicating that the technology itself is not rejected—rather, barriers to adoption stem from concerns about accuracy and social usability.

In response, Simeji has developed a breakthrough capability to recognize and process even whisper-level speech, transforming it into well-structured, natural text. This allows users to use voice input anytime, anywhere, without worrying about their surroundings.

3. Adaptive Tone Adjustment for Every Scenario

From LINE, X, Instagram, and email to reports, meeting notes, and coding—Simeji PC enables a complete 'voice-first' input experience across personal, professional, and academic contexts. The system automatically adjusts the tone and format of text based on the scenario: Japanese-style email line breaks, chat-style exchanges, bulleted notes, structured reports, and even coding environments (with context-aware recognition of variables, functions, file names, shortcut commands, and image references). It's equally useful for everyday tasks like shopping lists.

Additionally, Simeji supports regional dialects such as Osaka-ben and Hakata-ben, allowing users to speak naturally in their local dialect while the system outputs standard Japanese—eliminating the need to consciously switch to standard speech.

4. Japan-Based Support for Japanese Users

Currently, few AI voice input tools are developed specifically for the Japanese market, with most being localized versions of overseas services. Simeji applies its proven support framework to this new AI voice input feature, establishing a responsive, user-centric support system tailored to Japanese users.

Comment from Yu Furuya, Japan Operations Lead

'I'm thrilled that Simeji can take on this challenge at such a pivotal moment. This is made possible by the remarkable progress in AI technology. At the same time, we recognize that we're actually entering this space relatively late. Our original voice input feature, launched in 2017, was praised by notable figures as 'overwhelmingly superior.' Today, other companies are entering the Japanese market, and voice input recently became a trending topic on social media. This signals a growing opportunity for voice input culture to take root in Japan.

Simeji has often been perceived as 'for kids' or 'for women,' but we aim to change that image. We're evolving into a powerful, versatile tool that excels in business and every scenario.

Turning 18 this year, Simeji is literally coming of age—from child to adult—growing alongside the Japanese people. Input methods will continue to diversify in the future. Our mission is to meet evolving needs and solve communication challenges, making interactions smoother and more effective.'

Launch Commemoration Campaigns

To celebrate the launch of Simeji PC, two special campaigns begin today.

[Common to Both Campaigns]

· Period: June 29, 2026 (Mon) – (end date to be announced separately)

For details and eligibility, please visit the dedicated campaign page and review the terms and conditions.

[1] Switching Campaign: 3 Months of Free Pro Features

Users who switch from another voice input service to Simeji PC will receive 3 months of free access to Pro features.

· How to Participate:

1 Post on X (formerly Twitter) about switching to Simeji PC

2 Submit the post URL via the application form on the campaign page

3 After verification, 3 months of free Pro features will be granted

[2] X Retweet Campaign: Win Amazon Gift Cards or 2 Months of Free Pro Features

Retweet the designated post from the official Simeji AI Voice Input X account (@Simeji_AIVoice) and enter a lottery. 1,800 winners will receive a ¥100 Amazon gift card. Additionally, all participants will receive 2 months of free Pro features.

· How to Participate:

1 Follow the official Simeji AI Voice Input X account (@Simeji_AIVoice)

2 Retweet the designated post

3 Tap the URL to enter the draw

Simeji PC Product Overview

· Product Name: Simeji PC

· Supported OS: Windows / macOS

· Core Feature: AI Voice Input

· Pricing: Free to download (Pro features are paid; up to 3 months free via campaign)

· Download: https://simeji.me/download-pc

About the Customizable Emoji Keyboard App 'Simeji'

A Gen Z favorite with over 75 million downloads (※), Simeji enhances expressive communication with customizable keyboards, visual effects, more than 500,000 kaomoji, emojis, and AA, and unique features like 'continuous comment' mode.

※As of December 2025, based on internal data (combined Android and iOS)

· Website: https://simeji.me/

· X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/Simeji_pr

· Simeji Rankings: https://simeji.me/?p=news

· iOS Version: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id899997582?mt=8

· Android Version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adamrocker.android.input.simeji