Background of Service Development
The ESAT-J (Junior High School English Speaking Test) has been integrated into the evaluation for Tokyo Metropolitan High School entrance exams. For students who have primarily focused on “reading, writing, and listening” in their English education, a speaking test presents a significant challenge. Despite this, there are currently few learning apps specifically tailored for ESAT-J preparation.
The company aimed to provide a tool that allows examinees to easily start and thoroughly prepare for the test independently. Speaking is an area where Japanese English learners of all ages often feel a sense of difficulty. “ESAT-J Bridge” is designed not just as a test preparation tool, but also to reduce this apprehension among junior high school students and create an environment where they can naturally develop their English speaking skills.
Three Key Features of ‘ESAT-J Bridge’
1. Comprehensive Preparation for All ESAT-J Parts
The app provides practice questions for all parts of the ESAT-J, conducted in a format similar to the actual test. It also offers feedback on responses (both pronunciation and content) and full-scale mock exams, all within a single application.
2. AI-Powered Pronunciation Evaluation and Response Correction
Pronunciation is a key evaluation criterion for ESAT-J, making pronunciation feedback essential. However, it is often challenging for teachers and cram school instructors to correct each student’s pronunciation due to time and skill constraints. Furthermore, parents may find it daunting to teach pronunciation. Providing individual feedback for opinion-based questions also has its limits.
“ESAT-J Bridge” utilizes AI to evaluate each student’s pronunciation and correct the content of responses for opinion-based questions. This app supports areas that were previously difficult for teachers, cram schools, and parents to address.
3. Systematic Learning Method Based on Video Explanations
“ESAT-J Bridge” offers detailed video explanations for all parts of the test, covering “how to proceed” and “how to speak to achieve higher scores and better communication.”
The systematic learning cycle of “ESAT-J Bridge” involves first learning how to approach problems through videos, then practicing independently. The responses are evaluated and corrected by AI for both pronunciation and content, clearly identifying strengths and weaknesses. Students can then focus on strengthening these weaknesses with practice questions within the app, referring back to the videos as needed.
Pricing Plans
“ESAT-J Bridge” offers three plans, including a free option. The prices for each paid plan are for a one-year usage period from the date of purchase, with no automatic renewal.
| Plan | WEB Price (incl. tax) | Lessons | Mock Exams | AI Pronunciation Evaluation/Correction | Video Explanations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | 0 yen | 3 Lessons per part | None | Up to 3 times | None |
| Standard | 4,980 yen | 10 Lessons per part | 10 sets | 10 times per day | Unlimited viewing |
| Premium | 9,980 yen | Unlimited Lessons | All | 100 times per day | Unlimited viewing |
*Prices and plan contents may be subject to change or termination without prior notice.
Future Outlook
The company aims not only to improve ESAT-J scores but also to reduce individual junior high school students’ resistance to “speaking English” and lower the barriers surrounding speaking education in Japan. The ability to speak English can lead to opportunities for communication with people overseas and global engagement.
Moving forward, “ESAT-J Bridge” will expand its learning content, such as practice questions and explanation videos, further improve the accuracy of its AI-powered pronunciation evaluation and correction features, and develop new functions beneficial for English learning, based on user feedback.
For more information about ESAT-J Bridge, visit: https://esat-j-bridge.jp/
About Kurakumo Inc.
Kurakumo Inc. is the official Gold Partner of the Duolingo English Test, collaborating with Duolingo to promote the test’s widespread use. The company has multiple members who are certified Duolingo English Test trainers.
Additionally, Kurakumo Inc. develops and operates “Versant Bridge,” an English speaking test preparation app for working professionals. This app, which emphasizes speaking, has been utilized by thousands of customers, including employees of major corporations.
For more information about Kurakumo Inc., visit: https://kurakumo.jp/
