SpeakBUDDY Opens Applications for a Free Six-Month AI English Conversation Challenge

SpeakBUDDY Ltd. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takeshi Tateishi) announced that it will begin recruiting participants for “Start with SpeakBUDDY! Six-Month English Conversation Improvement Challenge,” an English learning support project using the company’s AI English conversation app, “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY.” Background: Creating a chain of challenges in English learning, starting with accessible AI conversation practice “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” is an AI-powered English conversation app that lets users practice with AI characters called “AI Buddies,” making it easy to learn English conversation anytime, anywhere, and enjoyably. The app offers lessons for a wide range of situations, including business, travel, and daily life, and is used by learners from beginner to advanced levels. Through this project, the company will leverage the app’s accessibility and ease of continued learning to support people who feel that English could expand their opportunities but have not yet taken the first step, as well as those who want to make a serious effort to study English this time. Participants will receive free access to “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” for six months. By sharing participants’ learning progress and growth stories, the project also aims to encourage others who struggle with English learning and create a “chain of challenges” that inspires people to think, “I want to try learning English too.” Application overview for “Start with SpeakBUDDY! Six-Month English Conversation Improvement Challenge” There are no restrictions on English conversation level or learning purpose. The project welcomes applicants from beginners to advanced learners who want to study English for work, hobbies, travel, academics, or other motivations. Details on the flow from entry to the start of learning, as well as the application form, are available on the project’s special website. Application period: Thursday, May 14, 2026 to Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 23:59 Eligibility: First-time users of “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” Capacity: Up to 15 participants, selected by lottery if applications exceed capacity Learning period: Scheduled for June to November 2026 Special website URL: https://brown059285.studio.site/ Participant benefits 1. Six months of free access to “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” Participants can use the app for six months without worrying about cost. 2. Invitation to a participant-only community Participants will be invited to a closed group for people challenging themselves to learn English during the same period. They can consult others about learning concerns and exchange information. Posting is optional. 3. Opportunities for practical English conversation, for those who wish to participate The company will provide opportunities such as casual conversation sessions with international members of SpeakBUDDY who are fluent in Japanese, as well as output practice settings where participants can try using phrases they have learned. Requests for participants In addition to helping participants steadily accumulate learning results, and in line with the project’s concept of creating a chain of challenges, participants will be asked to submit learning records and cooperate in filming Before/After videos. Submitted materials may be used in the company’s advertising, social media, and other content. When using such materials, the company will always confirm and share details with the participant in advance. Participants are not required to post on their own social media accounts. About “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” Released in 2016, “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” is a Japan-born AI English conversation app. Users learn English expressions useful in diverse situations such as business, travel, and daily life by speaking with AI character partners called “AI Buddies.” The app is highly rated for its story-based lessons covering levels from beginner to advanced, casual learning design that starts from five minutes per session, and rich learning features including level diagnosis, pronunciation, intonation, and free talk. It has surpassed 5 million cumulative downloads in Japan and has been adopted more than 300 times by companies, local governments, and educational institutions. As of April 2026, it holds a 4.6 rating on the App Store and has received numerous awards, including the Japan e-Learning Awards Grand Prize. URL: https://app.speakbuddy.me/ Company overview Company name: SpeakBUDDY Ltd. Head office: 3F, +SHIFT Nihonbashi Sakuradori, 3-14-3 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Representative: Takeshi Tateishi, Representative Director and CEO Established: May 2013 Business: Development and operation of “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY”; operation of the online English coaching service “CoachBUDDY”; operation of “SpeakBUDDY English Learning Q&A,” a Q&A site where professional English coaches answer learners’ questions; corporate provision of “AI English Conversation SpeakBUDDY” and “CoachBUDDY”