Mission Statement

Our Vision at We Languages

Throughout human history, conflicts between different ethnic groups have been a recurring theme. In the late 19th century, one visionary believed that the root of such divisions lay in differences of language and ethnicity. He set out to create a new, neutral language that could serve as a bridge across cultures—a common tongue for all. That language was Esperanto, whose name means “one who hopes.” Though Esperanto never became the global lingua franca its creator envisioned, its spirit has endured. By promoting mutual understanding and transcending linguistic boundaries, Esperanto helped shape the foundations of modern international communication. As time went on, English emerged as the de facto global language. Yet today, English is no longer bound to a single nation or people—it has evolved into a shared international tool, adapting to local cultures and diverse expressions worldwide. Founded in 1996 as an English school in Japan, We Languages was among the first to embrace this shift. We proposed the concept of World Englishes—a view that acknowledges the coexistence of multiple Englishes within a single world. It is an approach that encourages neutral, respectful communication while honoring each culture’s unique values and ways of thinking. The name We itself is inspired by this philosophy: a collective, inclusive view of language learning that reflects both global connection and local identity. On this planet, global languages like English coexist with deeply rooted local languages. We believes that peace and harmony are possible when we respect linguistic and cultural differences—as well as the diverse individuals who carry them. Expanding global languages while strengthening local ones—this is the mission of We Languages.

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
CEO	Koji Taruishi
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
Established	April 9, 1996
Affiliates:	Hiragana Times Inc., The Association of Super Japanese Coaches, Global Skills