Expand the Global Language
and
Enhance the Local Languages.
Mission Statement
Looking back at human history, conflict between different peoples has been a constant.
In the late 19th century, one individual believed the cause lay in differences of language and ethnicity,
and attempted to create a neutral international language.
That language was "Esperanto," a name meaning "one who hopes."
Although Esperanto never became established as a "universal language,"
its spirit of fostering mutual understanding and connecting people across linguistic walls—
had a profound impact on the nature of modern international communication.
As times changed, English became the de facto world language.
As a result, English is no longer merely a national language;
it is an international language that has undergone diverse transformations around the globe.
We Languages was founded as an English school in Japan in 1996,
and for the 21st century, we proposed a new vision for the language: "World englishes."
This is the idea that multiple "englishes" coexist within one "World,"
a model that respects the culture and individuality of each country while using English as a common ground.
The name "We" originates from this very concept.
Through English as a "global language," people can more deeply understand one another,
and as a result, learn to enjoy their differences.
Born in Japan, the land of "Yamato" (大和), a name that means "Great Harmony,"
We has made it our mission to create harmony in the world through language.
"Promoting global languages while strengthening local languages."
This is our mission.
The Story of We
The Journey of Innovation and Growth at We Languages
April 1996
The Beginning
We Languages was founded as an English language school in the cultural heart of Tokyo, Shibuya.
January 2001
Digitalization
With the dawn of the IT era, the first LMS (Learning Management System) was developed.
The digitalization of student records and progress tracking revolutionized language learning and enabled significant growth.
January 2009
Going Online
The LMS was transformed into a comprehensive platform and named "Welife".
It introduced online lesson reservations, class management, and replicated the entire school operation system on the web.
April 2017
Borderless Learning
Integration with web conferencing systems enabled the launch of English and Japanese online courses, marking the beginning of full-scale remote education.
October 2018
Strategic Partnerships
The publishing company Hiragana Times joined the We Group as a content partner.
This strengthened the quality of educational resources and enhanced promotional capabilities as a media platform.
April 2020
Further Global Expansion
In response to global changes brought about by the pandemic, We Languages fully transitioned to online language education.
The number of languages offered was significantly expanded, setting a new standard for global language education.
We Philosophy
Core Philosophy
Student-Centered Approach
Our Know-How is to Know Who
Purpose
Expanding Global Culture While Enhancing Local Culture
We believe that language is the DNA of culture. While promoting English as a global language, we also strive to honor, support, and enhance local languages and the unique cultures they represent. Our mission is to foster a world where people respect each other's differences, build mutual understanding, and nurture the rich cultural diversity that exists across the globe.
Vision
Creating a One-of-a-Kind Language Innovation Team
Language is more than just a tool for communication—it is a precious cultural asset nurtured through the course of human history. At We, we are a team dedicated to exploring and practicing how this irreplaceable human legacy—language—can be harnessed for the future of humanity and our planet. Our mission is not simply to teach languages. We strive to understand the deeper power of words and to help each learner discover what language means to them—supporting their growth so that their lives may flourish both intellectually and emotionally. For us, learning a language is not just about acquiring knowledge. It’s about offering a path to a richer, more fulfilling life. We continue to innovate on the front lines so that language becomes a true solution for personal and societal well-being. As a team unlike any other in the world, we are committed to shaping the future of language—and the future of people.
10 Core Values
・ Be Odd
・ Be Real
・ Be Honest
・ Be Open-minded
・ Be Adventurous
・ Be Resourceful
・ Be Consistent
・ Be Authentic
・ Be Humble
・ Be Happy
Business Outline
| Company Name | We Incorporated |
| Founded | April, 1996 |
| CEO | Koji Taruishi |
| Address | Tobu Bldg.6F, 6-28-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 Japan |
| TEL | +81-05-5490-2495 |
| Business Outline | ■ Online Language School ■ Corporate language and intercultural training ■ Language educational materials, APP/software development ■ Translation and language design service ■ Consultation and support for international and intercultural projects |
| Corporate Number | D-U-N-S Number : 71-144-7248 |
| T9011001032080 | |
| Authorized as a Designated School for tax exemption for the foreign diplomatic mission | |
| Affiliates: | Hiragana Times Inc., The Association of Super Japanese Coaches, nihongo.net |