Kurakumo Launches 'ESAT-J Bridge' App for Tokyo's High School English Speaking Test Preparation

On July 14, 2026, Kurakumo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mikaru Okajima) announced the launch of 'ESAT-J Bridge,' a learning app designed to prepare students for Tokyo's middle school English speaking test, ESAT-J. The app enables comprehensive preparation across all test sections through video explanations and AI-powered feedback on pronunciation and responses.

Background of Service Development

The ESAT-J (Middle School English Speaking Test) has now been integrated into Tokyo's high school entrance examination evaluation system. However, for students who have traditionally focused on reading, writing, and listening in English classes, the speaking component presents a significant challenge. Despite this, there are currently few learning apps specifically tailored to ESAT-J preparation.

To address this gap, Kurakumo aims to provide students with an accessible, self-paced solution that supports thorough preparation from start to finish. Speaking is an area where Japanese English learners of all ages often feel uncomfortable. Therefore, 'ESAT-J Bridge' goes beyond mere test preparation by aiming to reduce this anxiety early in middle school and foster a natural improvement in speaking ability.

Three Key Features of 'ESAT-J Bridge'

1. Comprehensive Preparation Across All ESAT-J Sections

The app offers practice questions that mirror the actual test format, along with feedback on both pronunciation and content, and full-scale mock exams—all within a single platform.

2. AI-Powered Pronunciation Evaluation and Response Feedback

Since pronunciation is a key evaluation criterion in ESAT-J, feedback on pronunciation is essential. However, it is often difficult for teachers or tutors to correct each student's pronunciation due to time and skill constraints. For parents, teaching pronunciation can also be daunting. Additionally, providing individual feedback on opinion-based questions is impractical on a large scale.

'ESAT-J Bridge' uses AI to evaluate each student's pronunciation and also provides content feedback on open-ended response questions. The app supports areas that are typically difficult for teachers, tutors, and parents to cover effectively.

3. Systematic Learning Methodology Centered on Video Explanations

For each section of the test, 'ESAT-J Bridge' provides detailed video explanations on how to approach the tasks and how to speak more effectively to achieve higher scores and clearer communication.

Users first learn the strategies through videos, then practice answering questions themselves. Their responses are evaluated by AI on both pronunciation and content, helping them identify strengths and weaknesses. They can then focus on improving weak areas using in-app exercises and revisit videos as needed. This structured learning cycle is a core feature of 'ESAT-J Bridge'.

Pricing Plans

'ESAT-J Bridge' offers three plans, including a free option. Each paid plan is valid for one year from the date of purchase with a single payment. There is no automatic renewal.

Plan

Web Price

(Tax Included)

Lessons

Mock Exams

AI Pronunciation Evaluation & Feedback

Video Explanations

Free Plan

0 JPY

3 Lessons per section

None

Up to 3 times

Not available

Standard

4,980 JPY

10 Lessons per section

10 sets

10 times per day

Unlimited access

Premium

9,980 JPY

All lessons

Unlimited access

All

100 times per day

Unlimited access

*Prices and plan contents are subject to change or discontinuation without prior notice.

Future Outlook

Kurakumo's goal extends beyond improving ESAT-J scores. The company aims to reduce middle school students' resistance to speaking English and lower the barriers to speaking practice in Japan. The ability to speak English, the company believes, can open doors to international communication and global career opportunities.

Moving forward, 'ESAT-J Bridge' will continue to expand its learning content—such as practice questions and explanatory videos—based on user feedback. The company will also enhance the accuracy of AI-powered pronunciation evaluation and feedback, and develop new features to support English learning.

ESAT-J Bridge (ESAT-J Bridge) https://esat-j-bridge.jp/

'ESAT-J Bridge' is a dedicated learning app for the ESAT-J, which is used in Tokyo's high school entrance examination. By using this app, students can practice in a test-like environment independently, while parents can reduce the burden of teaching pronunciation. Since the feedback comes from AI, students can practice speaking and answering without fear of embarrassment. The app aims to remove barriers to speaking practice and create an environment where students can freely develop their English speaking skills.

Kurakumo Co., Ltd. https://kurakumo.jp/

As an official Gold Partner of Duolingo English Test, Kurakumo collaborates with Duolingo to promote the test in Japan. The company employs multiple certified Duolingo English Test trainers.

Additionally, Kurakumo develops and operates 'Versant Bridge,' a speaking-focused English test preparation app for working professionals, used by thousands of users, including employees from major corporations.