Help

Cross Talk is a video-call service that connects people who want to share Japan with people who want to discover it. Basic matching and calls are free.

Each call ends automatically after 6 minutes. AI subtitles help keep the conversation going even if you're not confident in English.

1-1 Where you can use it

Calls are available from Asia, Oceania and the Middle East, as well as Europe, North America, Latin America and parts of Africa — countries where English is commonly used. We're expanding to more countries step by step.

2-1 Sign-up and login

Sign up and log in with your Google account. Sign-up and login use the same button ("Start for free"). No password is needed — passwords are managed on the Google side.

2-2 Profile items

After your first login you'll set the following, one step at a time. You can change them later from My Page.

• Display name (it doesn't have to be your real name; it may be shown to the other person after a call)
• Country / region of residence (may be shown to the other person after a call)
• English level (a rough guide to find the right pace)
• Gender (used for matching only if you choose "Only match with the same gender"; never shown to the other person)

2-3 Modes (how you'd like to enjoy today)

Each time you start a call, you choose how to enjoy that conversation. You can pick again every time, so your account is never locked into one type.

• Share Japan: introduce the Japan you know
• Discover Japan: ask people who know Japan
• Exchange cultures: ask each other about Japan and the other person's country

2-4 English level guide

• Level 1: Hardly speak — single words and short phrases
• Level 2: Simple words — short sentences and basic questions
• Level 3: A little everyday conversation — can talk about hobbies
• Level 4: Fairly smooth — can share opinions
• Level 5: Speak freely — can discuss abstract topics

2-5 Deleting your account or data

If you'd like to delete your account or data, please contact us through the contact form. See the Privacy Policy for how personal information is handled.

3-1 How matching works

Choose "Start a call", pick a mode and a topic, and start matching. When someone waiting meets your conditions, the video call starts automatically. Until then you'll see "Waiting".

3-2 Matching conditions

• By default you're matched with someone with the other mode (Share Japan ⇄ Discover Japan)
• Two people with the same mode are matched only if both agree to "match with the same mode too"
• "Exchange cultures" can talk with anyone, whatever their mode
• If you choose "Only match with the same gender", you're matched only with people of the same gender
• Choosing countries is a Premium feature

3-3 If you can't get matched

• Few people are waiting under the same conditions (it can take longer at quiet times)
• Your conditions are too narrow
• It's outside the LIVE hours (once LIVE hours apply, you can connect only during the set times)
• Camera / microphone access isn't allowed, or your connection is unstable

3-4 LIVE sessions and attendance

Cross Talk sets times when everyone gathers (LIVE sessions). Tick "I'll join" on the home page and we'll email you the day before.

3-5 Call length (6 minutes)

A call ends automatically 6 minutes after it connects, and the rating screen appears. You can end it early anytime.

3-6 Topic ideas

During a call, topic ideas appear to help you start talking. Press "Next topic" for another one. The ideas match the mode and topic you chose.

3-7 AI subtitles & translation

Use AI subtitles & translation when you can't catch something. They may contain errors. On the free plan, subtitles can be used in up to 3 calls a day (turning them on several times in the same call counts as one) (nearly unlimited with Premium).

3-8 Camera and microphone

Calls need access to your camera and microphone. When your browser asks, choose "Allow". Without it, calls won't start.

3-9 Black screen, no sound, or lag

• Camera / microphone permission and your browser settings (not blocked)
• Your device volume
• Your Wi-Fi or mobile connection (a stable connection is recommended)
• Reload the page, or try another browser

4-1 What the other person can see

After a call, for example, your display name, profile picture and country / region of residence may be shown to the other person. Your email address is never shown.

4-2 About call recording

Calls may be recorded in case of a report. If no report is filed, the recording is deleted after the call. Only when a report is filed is it kept so our team can review it. Other users cannot play it back.

4-3 No recording or screenshots

Recording or taking screenshots during a call — or suggesting it — is prohibited and may lead to suspension. We can't prevent the other person's device from filming outside Cross Talk.

4-4 Blocking

You can block the other person from the screen after a call. You won't be matched with a blocked person again.

4-5 Reporting

Use the Report button during a call, or the screen after it, and pick a reason. Our team reviews it and takes the necessary action.

4-6 When rules are broken

Depending on the case, we send a warning (by email) or restrict or suspend the account. See the Safety page and the Terms of Service for the prohibited conduct.

4-7 GDPR

If you live in the EU/EEA, you have rights over your personal data, including access, rectification and erasure. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Basic matching and calls are free. Premium gives you nearly unlimited AI subtitles, choosing countries and more. See the Pricing page for prices.

Cancelling

You can review or cancel your Premium plan from My Page anytime. After cancelling, you keep Premium until the end of the billing period.