Language learning app platform Duolingo has debuted its first anime-inspired short animated miniseries The Final Test on its official YouTube channel. The first episode was released on October 13, 2025 and the overall series will contain five 60-second animated shorts.
The first episode’s video description lists the following Japanese voice cast:
- • Aino Shimada as Zari
- • Ryoko Shiraishi as Junior
- • Takayuki Nakatsukasa as Eddy
- • Tsuguo Mogami as Oscar
- • Yukako Kiuchi as Lily
- • Ambrose Yu as Duo
The Final Test was produced in partnership with animation studio Titmouse. All the voice acting in the miniseries is in Japanese, with subtitles available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and Thai.
An official press release for the series describes the main premise of The Final Test as:
“The Final Test” builds on the growing connection between anime fandom and language learning. The series introduces a new backstory for Duo and his friends: before they became streak guardians, they were ordinary people. Recruited by Duo to help learners stay motivated, the team must navigate different challenges to keep their streak – and each other – alive.
The release of the animated miniseries coincides with the debut of Duolingo’s updated Japanese courses, which are now available to learners in all languages. Duolingo app integrations also now include custom lesson-complete animations and widget illustrations themed around The Final Test.
Source: press release
