Japanese ⇄ English language exchange
Practice Japanese with partners who actually show up.
Scheduled 1-on-1 video sessions with native Japanese speakers who are learning English. 40 minutes, half in each language, with a timer and conversation cards so you never run out of things to say.
- Launching early 2027
- Free to join
- Unsubscribe anytime
The problem
Language exchange shouldn’t be this hard.
- Endless chats that never turn into a real conversation.
- Partners who say “let’s talk!” and then disappear.
- Tutors are great, but three sessions a week add up fast.
Talkimasu is built to fix exactly this.
How it works
From free slot to real conversation
- 1
Set your availability
Tell us when you’re free. We’ll handle the time zones.
- 2
Get matched
We suggest about 3 partners whose schedule and level fit yours.
- 3
Book a session
You’ll get a calendar invite and a reminder before you start.
- 4
Talk
Half the session in Japanese, half in English. The timer tells you when to switch.
Liked your partner? Save them as a favourite and book them again straight from their calendar.
Why Talkimasu
What makes Talkimasu different
Structured sessions
40 minutes, split 50/50. Conversation cards by level and topic, so there’s no awkward “so… what do you want to talk about?”
Partners who show up
Everyone has a Reliability Score. Missing a session without notice has consequences, so people take it seriously.
Built around Japan’s time zone
Japan’s evening is Europe’s lunch break and the US East Coast’s early morning. We match you on time slots that actually work.
Language exchange, not dating
No messages before your first session. Chat unlocks only if you both rate it positively. Report or block anyone, anytime.
Who it’s for
Made for learners who want to talk
- You’re a native English speaker, or fluent (C1 or above). Your profile shows which, so everyone knows what to expect.
- You’re learning Japanese and can already hold a basic conversation.
- You want regular speaking practice, not another app you forget about.
Early access
Why join now
Try it before launch
We’re running a small free pilot before launch. Tell us in the survey if you’d like to take part.
Move up the list
Invite a friend and move up. Invite someone who speaks Japanese, and move up even further.
Small groups, real matches
We let people in in small groups, as soon as there are partners for your time slots. No empty app on day one.
FAQ
Questions
How much will it cost?
Joining the waitlist is free. At launch you’ll get 2 free sessions, no credit card needed. We haven’t set the price yet: tell us what feels fair in the 2-minute survey.
When does it launch?
Early 2027, on the web first. Mobile apps will follow.
What if my partner doesn’t show up?
Everyone has a Reliability Score, and missing a session without notice lowers it. Repeated no-shows lead to a suspension.
Is it safe?
You can’t message anyone before your first session together. Chat unlocks only if you both rate the session positively, and you can report or block anyone at any time.
I’m not a native English speaker. Can I join?
Yes, if your English is fluent (C1 or above). Your profile will say “fluent” rather than “native”.
What do I need?
A computer or smartphone with a browser, and a microphone. A camera is recommended.
About
Who’s behind Talkimasu
Hi, I’m Daniel, a software developer from Italy. Japanese music is what first drew me to the language, and I’ve been studying it for over five years. Along the way I tried plenty of language exchanges: partners who vanished, chats that never turned into a call, and awkward silences when we finally talked. But the few times it worked, half an hour of real conversation taught me more than weeks of textbooks. Talkimasu is the tool I wish I’d had. I’m building it in public: follow along on Instagram (@talkimasu).
Be one of the first to try it.
- Launching early 2027
- Free to join
- Unsubscribe anytime