FAQ

  • What devices work with Sail?

    You can use the computer, smartphone, and/or tablet that you already own!
    When using a computer, you can access Sail through the link below.
    https://sail.helte.jp/

    Please use one of the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
    For the best experience, please keep the following reccomended system environments in mind:

    • Operating system: Windows 8/macOS 10/iOS 12/iPadOS 13/Android 8.1, or higher
    • Camera: 640×480 resolution or higher
    • Microphone: 100-15,000 Hz
    • Browser: latest version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari

    Harmony OS is currently not supported. Some HUWAEI tablets and smartphones may not work.
    We have prepared a video detailing how to use Sail. Please feel free to ask us questions by mail or in our online community.

  • What kind of headphones/earphones can be used?

    Any type of headset with a microphone can be used.

  • What kind of internet connection is needed?

    Please use a Wi-Fi connection.
    Recommended internet speeds: 15 Mbps Upload/15 Mbps Download

  • Can I have Sail conversations anywhere I want?

    Please avoid having Sail conversations in public places, like coffee shops and restaurants, and while driving. It's best to wear a headset when possible. Quiet places are ideal for conversations.

  • What should I search to find the Sail app?

    Please search "Sail Helte" in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Is there a desktop/computer application?

    There is not a desktop/computer application. When using a computer, please access Sail through the URL below.
    https://sail.helte.jp/

  • How do I sign up?

    Signing Up on a Computer

    1. Visit https://sailglobal.helte.jp using a web browser.
    2. Click on "Get Started."
    3. After being redirected, click on "I'm a non-Japanese user." From there, you can sign up by email, or sign in using your other social media accounts, such as your Facebook and Google accounts.
    4. We recommend creating a desktop shortcut, and adding Sail to your favorites/bookmarks bar.

    When using Sail on a smartphone or tablet, after downloading the app, you can follow the same sign-up process by clicking on "I'm a non-Japanese user."

  • Am I required to upload a photo of my face?

    In order to provide a safe, comfortable environment, we ask all our users to regsiter using a photo of their actual face.

  • Can I change my profile picture?

    Yes, you can change your profile picture. By clicking on the menu button (the three horizontal lines) on the top right corner of the screen and choosing the "Edit Profile" option, you can chanfe your profile picture by clicking the camera icon at the top of the page. You can change not only your picture, but other parts of your profile as well.

  • How will my personal information be used?

    Your email address and password are necessary to log in. Additionally, your email address is used to contact you regarding reservation confirmations, regular and irregular notifications, and other inquiries. Please see our Terms of Service for more details.
    Furthermore, your conversation history can be referenced by Sail, and your conversation partners can also reference their conversation history with you.

  • What should I do if I forgot my password?

    Please contact the Sail team.
    Contact:support@helte-corp.com

  • Is it necessary to re-register when using Sail on another device?

    It is not necessary to re-register.
    Once you have regsitered, you can log in on any computer, smartphone, or tablet using the same email address and password you provided when regsitering for Sail.

  • What makes a profile a good profile?

    When a reservation is made, your Japanese conversation partner will be able to see your profile picture, self-introduction, and selected hashtags. Please choose a picture of your face that will leave your conversation partner feeling comfortable and at ease. By writing a self-introduction and choosing hashtags, you will be able to have better conversations based on your hobbies and interests.
    *By not choosing a picture of your face, it is likely your partner will cancel the reservation, so please be careful.

  • How can I make a reservation?

    Click on the Search (magnifying glass icon) at the bottom of the screen. After selecting a day, you will see a list of potential conversation partners for that day. Choosing a time and partner will create a reservation.

  • I can't find the person I always speak with. What should I do?

    Currently, our system does not allow you to make reservations with specific people. The best ways to speak with your favorite partners are by checking the reserving slots frequently, and by deciding on a date or time with your partner at the end of your conversation.

  • What does it mean when a reservation has "Accepting Request" written?

    These reservations must be confirmed by the Japanese person in question. When a reservation does not have "Accepting Request" written, that means the reservation was confirmed the moment you made the request.

  • Which time zone are the times for reservations displayed in?

    The times are displayed in the time zone you selected when signing up for Sail. If you need to change your time zone, you can do so by clicking "Menu" at the top-right of the screen, and choosing Edit Profile. From there, you can change your time zone under the "Time Zone" option. Please note that times are displayed using AM/PM notation, so take care in avoiding mistakes.

  • Are conversations 1-on-1?

    Yes, conversations through Sail are 1-on-1.
    There are many occasions where family members pass by to greet conversation partners, and situations where it feels like the two of you are in the same room talking to each other, but in general, please make sure the person tied to the account is the person participating in the conversations.
    *Please participate in conversations using your own account.

  • What should I do after the reservation is confirmed?

    You will receive a notification by email after the reservation is confirmed. One day before the conversation, and an hour before the conversation, you will receive additional notifications. When it is time for the conversation, you can participate in the conversation by opening Sail and clicking on the "Talk" button that appears automatically on the screen.

  • What should I do if my conversation partner does not appear?

    It is possible that your or your partner cannot connect due to an unstable connection.
    If your partner does not appear even after you click on the "Talk" button, first, please try ending the call, closing Sail, opening Sail again, and joining the conversation through the "Talk" button again.
    If your partner does not appear even after 10 minutes have passed, you can close the call. It is possible that the connection may be delayed due to the Internet connection needing to stabilize. It is possible that your partner may be late due to work or other commitments, and that they were glad to be able to talk to you for however long, but it is ultimately up to you to decide how long you wish to wait. In case your partner does not appear, they will be notified automatically by email.

  • What should I do if the buttons are not responsive, and I cannot press them?

    It is possible that it may take time for Sail to load, and that the buttons may be unresponsive, due to the strength of your internet connection and the condition of the device you are using. In such cases, you may be able to fix such issues by closing Sail or refreshing the page.

  • What should I do if the screen freezes during a conversation?

    You may be able to fix the issue by pressing the "Leave Conversation" button (the phone icon), closing Sail, opening Sail once again, and re-entering the conversation through the "Talk" button.

  • What should I do if something urgent comes up during the time I have a conversation?

    You can cancel the conversation by yourself. By pressing the "Details" button of a conversation, you can cancel the conversation through the "Cancel" button on the conversation detail page. If you cannot attend a conversation, it is best to cancel ahead of time.
    Since our users in Japan are looking forward to speaking with people from all over the world and also preapre in various ways for conversations, please refrain from cancelling conversations as much as possible.

  • What should I do if a conversation is cancelled?

    It is possible that your conversation has been cancelled due to your partner becoming unable to participate for one reason or another. The timing of the conversation is completely dependent on your partner and the situation they have found themselves in. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank your for your understanding.

  • I am nervous, becuase it is my first time speaking with a Japanese person.

    Our Japanese users are aware that there are many users speaking with a Japanese person for the first time, so please do not worry.
    You might be able to have smoother conversations if you prepare memos/notes on what you'd like to talk about before the conversation!

    Many natural conversations flow from speaking about the sightseeing sports and food of each other's countries, and about each other's hobbies and jobs. Try speaking to your partner as if you're speaking with a friend or family member, and enjoy daily-life conversation! Additionally, before the conversation, you can always check your partner's self-introductionand hashtags, and choose what to talk about based on those.

  • Is there anything that is not permitted, or anything I should be careful about?

    We ask you to refrain from exchanging personal information, such as email addresses and social media accounts. We understand that there are many people who are casual about asking for such information, but there are also many Japanese users who might feel perplexed or uncomfrotable. So that conversations are comfortable for everyone involved, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

  • How many conversations can I have during the trial period?

    You can have 3 conversations within 2 weeks.

  • What happens when the free trial ends?

    After the free trial ends, we ask you to choose and subscribe to the plan that suits you best. The cost for each plan is determined by the phone number (country) provided when regsitering for your account.

  • Do the subscriptions have a limit to how many conversations you can have per month?

    For the new Employment Support Plan starting on August 21, 2024, an additional 8 conversations will be added per month.

    If you continue to use the previous plan, it will be automatically renewed at the previous rate and there will be no limit on the number of conversations.

    Note: If you do not use the Employment Support plan, it will be automatically renewed at the previous rate.

    Please note that if you cancel once and apply again, you will be charged the Employment Support Plan rate.

    If you want to use the Employment Support Plan, please cancel your previous plan and apply for the Employment Support Plan.

    Even if you cancel soon, you can continue to use the plan until the expiration date.

  • Are subscriptions renewed automatically?

    Yes. Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of their respective periods. In other words, monthly subscriptions renew at the end of the month, 3 month subscriptions renew after 3 months, and so on.

  • Can subscriptions be cancelled at any time?

    Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. If you cancel before the end of your renewal period, you will be able to use Sail until your subscription ends, but please note that you will not be refunded for cancelling before your subscription ends.

  • I do not understand how to cancel my subscription.

    You can cancel your subscription from the "Cancel Subscription" page accessible from the menu. If you have any problems, please contact us.
    Contact: support@helte-corp.com

  • How can I change my hashtags?

    Please go to "Edit Profile" from "Menu." Under "Edit Profile," you can find "Hashtags" at the bottom. Click it and you will go to the "Edit Hashtags" page. Please choose hashtags to express your interests and the topics you are familiar with and would like to talk about.

  • Can everyone see my hashtags?

    Yes, Japanese people on Sail will see your hashtags on your profile. By adding hashtags, it will be easier to match to Japanese people who have similar interests.

  • What is the "Desire to Work in Japan" that appears on my profile?

    This part of your profile indicates your interest in working in Japan, or at a Japanese company.
    By answering, you can receive messages from the Japanese people you've talked to that support your dreams.

    These "Support Comments" are collected by Sail management, and if you desire, they can be passed on to the person representing the company you are interviewing with.
    Our hope is that this functionality helps our users face their interviews with peace of mind.

    *Please note that only users you have spoken to 3 or more times are able to leave you Support Comments.

  • Please tell me about Cafe Sakura and Cafe Runrun.

    Cafe Sakura and Cafe Runrun are the names of Sail's online communities. Each meeting has a different theme, with Sail's staff encouraging discussion. The staff speaks in easy Japanese. The events are held on Fridays about twice a month. Please check the email newsletter for information on dates and how to participate.

  • Other Questions

    For any questions or concerns not covered by the FAQ page, please contact Sail staff at the email address below:
    support@helte-corp.com

    We will respond to you within two business days.