About Hibiki
Since the mid-2000s, I’ve built and managed an import/export business across Asia and beyond. Through these ventures, I’ve witnessed how Japanese culture—ramen, anime, martial arts—transcends borders to enrich people’s lives worldwide. Yet back home in Japan, few seem to recognize its true value.
In 2018 I relocated to the U.S. to expand my business—and ran straight into a language barrier. The experience taught me that language is the beating heart of culture. To my surprise, I learned there are only about four million Japanese learners globally, a tiny fraction compared to other languages.
Why so few? Japanese is used almost exclusively in Japan, relies on thousands of characters and intricate grammar, and demands highly specialized teachers—in short, a daunting challenge with too few instructors.
As a Japanese entrepreneur, I believe my greatest contribution is to harness high-tech solutions to lower these barriers. By creating an engaging, tech-driven platform for studying Japanese and sharing culture, we can connect people around the world, deepen mutual understanding, and spread the spirit of Japan far and wide.
Hibiki President : Kyo
Background
Since the mid-2000s, I’ve built and managed an import/export enterprise spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. Through decades of trade missions, I observed how ramen, anime, and martial arts captivate global audiences—yet, in Japan few recognize this international appeal. In 2018, I relocated to the U.S. to expand my business and encountered a formidable language barrier. Research revealed only 4 million people study Japanese, hindered by exclusive domestic use, thousands of characters, complex grammar, and a severe teacher shortage. Drawing on my entrepreneurial background, I’m now creating high-tech platforms that make Japanese learning and cultural exchange accessible to everyone worldwide.
Vision & Goal
Hibiki’s vision is to resonate (“hibiki”) across cultures by making Japanese accessible, engaging, and socially enriching. We aim to expand the global community of Japanese learners from 4 million to 100 million by 2050. To achieve this, we harness advanced generative AI for adaptive, conversational lessons that adjust to each learner’s proficiency and preferred language interface. Blockchain-based credentialing and token rewards will validate milestones and incentivize progress within a secure, transparent ecosystem. Strategic alliances with the Japan Foundation, leading language schools, and cultural nonprofits will amplify our reach and lend credibility. Our goal is not merely numerical growth but cultivating a diverse, empowered network of cultural ambassadors who embody Japan’s spirit and foster cross-border understanding through language.
Team
Taylor Rose St. Dennis
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TAKATOSHI Nakao
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Cavan Smith
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Kyo Ueda
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Maki Ueda
Blueprint
Marketing Strategy
Our marketing strategy begins with targeted crowdfunding campaigns in Japan and the United States, leveraging our networks to secure seed support and initial adopters. We will complement crowdfunding with digital storytelling through social media, influencer partnerships, and press outreach to amplify awareness. Strategic alliances with Japanese language schools, the Japan Foundation, and cultural NPOs will facilitate student referrals and events. Hibiki’s AI-driven platform will be showcased at cultural festivals, webinars, and demo sessions. Data-driven email marketing and community engagement initiatives will nurture leads and foster loyalty. Through these coordinated efforts, Hibiki will achieve sustainable growth and deepen global cultural exchange.
Positioning
Hibiki positions itself as the most affordable, engaging, and technologically advanced Japanese learning platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, we capitalize on the city’s entertainment magnetism by collaborating with Hollywood figures who amplify our cultural narrative. Our competitive edge lies in customizable learning avatars, cross-language support, and an ecosystem where educational achievements convert into digital collectibles. This blend of fun, efficiency, and prestige creates a distinct market position: learners gain linguistic proficiency and become part of a vibrant, culturally rich community that transcends traditional education.