Contents
Introduction
In this article, we delve into current ASO trends in the Japanese App Store by analyzing popular marketplace apps. We aim to provide insights into keyword effectiveness and trends in creative assets, leveraging a trending keyword from the Discover section for a comprehensive review. This analysis is especially useful for those unfamiliar with the Japanese language, offering a clear view into the app market’s nuances.
Our primary tool for this exploration will be the “App Explorer” feature from ASO Index, which allows for real-time investigation and swift data gathering from the Japanese App Store.
Trending Keyword: 英会話
The keyword 英会話 (Eikaiwa), which translates to “English conversation,” is a keyword we found on Search’s Discover today, 31st of May 2024, in the Japanese App Store. This signals a significant interest among the Japanese populace in developing their conversational English abilities, a skill increasingly necessary in both professional and personal realms.
Top Apps for 英会話 (English Conversation) Keyword
Let’s explore the top five English conversation apps in the Japanese App Store:
1. AI英会話スピークバディ-日常英会話・ビジネス英語・発音学習
Subtitle: ストーリー仕立ての実践英会話。リスニング・発音練習・単語学習
This app, AI英会話スピークバディ, emphasizes practical English through story-based learning. It offers features such as listening practice, pronunciation exercises, and vocabulary learning, catering to both everyday and business English needs.
2. Duolingo-英語/韓国語などのリスニングや英単語の練習
Subtitle: 英語・韓国語など40以上の言語がゲームのように学べる！
Duolingo is a globally recognized language learning app that gamifies the learning process. In Japan, it stands out for its extensive language offerings, including English and Korean, providing a fun and engaging way to practice listening and vocabulary.
3. AI英会話 – 無限トーク
Subtitle: 英語や英会話をAIで初心者でも学習できる
AI英会話 – 無限トーク is designed for beginners, leveraging AI to facilitate English learning. Its user-friendly approach ensures that even novices can start speaking and understanding English effectively.
4. AI英会話スピーク – スピーキング練習で発音や英単語を学習
Subtitle: スピーキングに特化したAI英会話アプリ！発音や英単語も学べる
Focusing specifically on speaking, AI英会話スピーク helps users improve their pronunciation and vocabulary through dedicated speaking practice. This specialization makes it a valuable tool for those aiming to enhance their spoken English skills.
5. 英語勉強アプリmikan-TOEIC/英検®/英会話/英単語
Subtitle: 800万人が利用！英単語・リスニング・英文法・長文で英語学習
With a large user base, 英語勉強アプリmikan covers a broad spectrum of English learning needs, from vocabulary and listening to grammar and reading comprehension. It’s particularly popular among those preparing for standardized tests like TOEIC and Eiken.
Popular Japanese Keywords Used in the Titles & Subtitles
Analyzing the titles and subtitles of these top apps reveals several common keywords that highlight their main features and appeal:
- 学習 (Learning) – 5/5
- 英単語 (English Vocabulary) – 3/5
- AI – 3/5 apps
- スピーク (Speak) – 2/5
- 発音 (Pronunciation) – 2/5
- リスニング (Listening) – 2/5
- 練習 (Practice) – 2/5
- 学べる (Learnable) – 2/5
The prominence of AI and learning across these apps underscores a trend towards technology-driven education, emphasizing adaptive learning techniques and personalized study experiences. Additionally, these keywords are most probably what Japanese people are looking for when they’re searching for tools that can help them learn English.
Icons: Common Patterns
Examining the icons of these apps provides insight into their branding strategies:
- 3/5 apps used characters, giving a friendly and approachable feel
- 2/5 apps used sound wave illustrations, highlighting their focus on speaking and listening
- Only 1 app used text on the icon, suggesting a preference for visual simplicity
Screenshots: Common Patterns
The first three screenshots of these top apps often play a critical role in attracting users. Here’s a breakdown of their design choices:
- 3/5 apps used seamless cuts on the first two screenshots, positioning a phone screen diagonally to create a cohesive, large screenshot effect.
- 2/5 apps used characters, while another 2/5 used human illustrations, and 1 app used emojis.
- “No.1” on screenshots seems to be not popular compared to other Japan app category
- 3/5 apps highlighted the number of users, leveraging social proof to build trust and credibility.
Colors & Fonts
The use of color and fonts in these apps follows certain trends:
- The trend for icons is to use a main color predominantly, with just a hint of a secondary color.
- Most apps (4/5) maintained a consistent main color throughout, while one app used different colors per screenshot.
- The fonts were simple, typically Gothic (ゴシック体) or Sans-serif, prioritizing legibility over decorative elements.
Wrap-up
The ASO trends observed among the top English conversation apps in the Japanese App Store reveal several key strategies. Keywords like “AI,” “learning,” and “vocabulary” are commonly used in titles and subtitles, indicating their importance in attracting users. Icons and screenshots play a significant role in visual appeal, with many apps using character illustrations and seamless screenshot designs. The consistent use of main colors and simple, legible fonts suggests a focus on clarity and ease of use. By understanding these trends, app developers can better optimize their offerings to succeed in the competitive language learning market.
ASO tool used: ASO index
