The story began with the question, "Message apps now, really?"
Chapter 1: The Day Everyone Opposed It
"Let's create a messaging app."
When that topic came up, many of the staff members were puzzled.
We have LINE. We have email. We have social media. There are more than enough ways to communicate.
"Message apps now, really?"
The opposition was well-founded, as we ourselves used those apps every day.
Chapter 2: Beyond "Yes, I'm fine"
Even so, throughout the discussion, one question remained unanswered.
With so many more ways to communicate, have the distances between us and our families who live far away truly narrowed?
"fine?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
Text exchanges are over in an instant. But from the text on the screen, you can't tell whether that "yes" was said in a cheerful voice or a slightly tired voice.
It's not important enough to warrant a phone call. But there are some things that can't be conveyed through text alone.
What's lacking isn't the number of apps, but rather a way to deliver that "little word" that falls between text and phone calls. When we considered this, we saw what we needed to create: not another text app, but an app that delivers the warmth of the voice directly.
Chapter 3: The Messenger Without Buttons
An app that transmits voice messages is useless unless it's easy for anyone to use. Even grandparents who aren't comfortable using smartphones.
So we decided to stop even pressing the button.
- Select a person you want to call, hold your smartphone to your ear, and their voice will play.
- Once you finish listening, the recording of your voice will begin.
- Once you've finished speaking and moved the device away from your ear, the transmission is complete.
Just the same actions you would use to answer the phone.
Message length is limited to a maximum of 10 seconds. You don't have to talk for long, so you can send a message casually. And because it's short, unspoken feelings like laughter or a small sigh can be conveyed exactly as they are.
Chapter 4: "A familiar voice" can provide peace of mind in times of need.
As we started receiving messages every day, we realized something else.
Receiving the usual "Good morning" is the best way to know that someone is well.
If that's the case, this app should be useful in times of emergency. This is how "Smart SOS," which lets loved ones know your location in an emergency, and the safety check function that lets you ask your family "Are you okay?" were created.
Everyday voices, SOS calls—all in one app, so you can stay connected with your loved ones.
Chapter 5: To ensure people feel comfortable entrusting their voices to you.
Family members' voices are very important personal information.
Therefore, RisTalk messages are encrypted between the sender's and receiver's devices. Even we, the operators, cannot read their contents. And once a message reaches the recipient, it is deleted from the server to avoid leaving any unnecessary traces.
Chapter 6: October, the month that changed its name
This app was originally called "RisMe".
We began recruiting testers in June 2026, and in the same month, with support from JETRO, we decided to expand into the United States. Then came October. It was the time when we were finally ready to deliver the app to a wider audience.
I realized that there was already a service with a very similar name.
If things continued as they were, people looking for RisMe might get lost. We had to quickly come up with a new name.
There are two conditions: First, the name and image should not be drastically changed so that existing RisMe users are not confused. Second, it should not overlap with any other service.
I eventually found "RisTalk".
We kept "Ris" and the squirrel mark as they were, and added "Talk" to represent the core concept of this app: "speaking with your voice."
Listening. Speaking. We want to convey our feelings not just by "reading" words, but by embracing each other with our voices. The name change came suddenly, but it has become a name that more clearly expresses what we have always cherished.
→The origin of the name RisTalk
Chapter 7: The thoughts behind the squirrel mark
The name "Ris" has another meaning.
Listen and squirrel.
We chose a squirrel as the symbol for our voice-listening app.
In Japan, you don't see squirrels very often. But in America, squirrels are very common creatures, found in parks and even in people's yards. They're perhaps like sparrows in Japan. Before you know it, they're always nearby, and everyone is used to seeing them.
We wanted RisTalk to be that kind of app. Not just for special occasions, but always there for you, delivering the voices of your loved ones when you need them most.
The logo has a soft shape that everyone can easily recognize. The color is orange so that it can be easily found on the home screen.
Even though the name has changed from RisMe to RisTalk, this squirrel mark will remain the same. Just like the initial feeling of wanting to convey our thoughts through our voices.
Final Chapter: Connect GLOBAL Hearts
Information technology has been expected to eliminate national borders. However, in reality, it has only increased division and misunderstandings.
Nevertheless, we believe that people are inherently capable of understanding one another.
Our goal, "Connect GLOBAL Hearts," is to use technology to create a network where thoughts and feelings can be understood, transcending language barriers.
RisTalk, which started with the question, "A messaging app now?", is the first step in that direction.
