Gaijin Mode careers
Gaijin Mode is a voice-based Japanese learning game that immerses learners in natural conversations with diverse AI characters from day one. We believe the fastest way to speak Japanese confidently is simply to speak it every day.
Our approach combines rapid language acquisition with fun gameplay by placing players in an immersive world of human-like AI characters, each shaped by unique personalities and social dynamics. We're starting with Japan, with a mid-term vision of expanding into larger 3D worlds and deeper social simulations.
Learners can build relationships with dynamic characters through conversation. Each character has unique quirks, memories, and emotions - the more you talk, the deeper your bond grows. You’ll find yourself laughing, debating, and discovering secrets, often forgetting you’re “studying” at all.
We’re a small and talented team (ex-You .com $1.5B valuation, YC, Stanford, VinAI) moving quickly. If the future of voice-driven gameplay and AI-powered social systems excites you, you’ll feel right at home here.
Our approach combines rapid language acquisition with fun gameplay by placing players in an immersive world of human-like AI characters, each shaped by unique personalities and social dynamics. We're starting with Japan, with a mid-term vision of expanding into larger 3D worlds and deeper social simulations.
Learners can build relationships with dynamic characters through conversation. Each character has unique quirks, memories, and emotions - the more you talk, the deeper your bond grows. You’ll find yourself laughing, debating, and discovering secrets, often forgetting you’re “studying” at all.
We’re a small and talented team (ex-You .com $1.5B valuation, YC, Stanford, VinAI) moving quickly. If the future of voice-driven gameplay and AI-powered social systems excites you, you’ll feel right at home here.
General Interest
In office • Ho Chi Minh City • Singapore
$60k – $100k • 0.0% – 1.0%Thu Nguyen
Co-founder Gaijin Mode • Created You.com ARI (TIME Best Inventions 2025) • Research Resident @ VinAI (now Qualcomm AI Research)
Jason Tang
Co-founder Gaijin Mode • Created You.com ARI (TIME Best Inventions 2025) • CTO @ Hypotenuse AI (YC S20) • Stanford AI Labs • Dropped out @Stanford
Valuation
$0
Funded over
1 round
Latest round
