This article explains Google's AI tool "Gemini" in a way that's easy to understand, even for beginners.
What You'll Learn from This Article
- The basics and features of Gemini
- The main things Gemini can do
- Step-by-step instructions for getting started for free
- Pricing plans and their pros and cons
- Who Gemini is best suited for
What Is Gemini?
Gemini is Google's latest generative AI tool. It was previously called "Bard," but was renamed in August 2024.
Gemini is an AI that can answer questions, write text, and generate ideas. It fully supports Japanese and can hold natural conversations. Anyone with a Google account can start using it for free.
As of May 2026, the latest model, "Gemini 2.5," has been released, and a variety of new features have been added, including code generation (writing programs) and real-time voice translation (a feature that converts spoken words into another language in real time).
What Gemini Can Do
Gemini has many features that are useful in everyday life and at work. Here, we introduce five of its main capabilities.
1. Answering Questions and Searching for Information
When you ask a question in Japanese, the AI answers instantly. It's convenient for school homework or looking up information you want to know.
2. Writing Text and Generating Ideas
Gemini supports text creation for things like drafting emails, outlining reports, and structuring presentations. It can also be used for brainstorming (generating and sharing ideas).
3. Code Generation and Programming Assistance
In Gemini 2.5, the ability to write program code has been significantly enhanced. Even beginners can tell it "I want to create a program that does ○○," and it will provide example code.
4. Real-Time Voice Translation
It can translate spoken words into another language on the spot. Since it preserves the speaker's tone and pace, it enables more natural communication.
5. Image Generation and Editing
When you give instructions in text, the AI creates images for you. Even with the free version, you can generate up to approximately 100 images per day (as of May 2026).
How to Use Gemini (Steps for Beginners)
Getting started with Gemini is very easy. You can begin on a computer or smartphone by following the steps below.
Step 1: Access Gemini
On a computer, open your browser and go to "gemini.google.com." On a smartphone, use the Google app (for iOS) or the Gemini app (for Android).
Step 2: Log In with Your Google Account
Click the "Log in" button in the upper right or lower left of the screen. You can log in with an existing Google account (such as Gmail). If you don't have an account, you can create one for free.
Step 3: Enter Your Question
In the input field at the bottom of the screen, type your question or instructions in Japanese. For example, try asking things like "What's the weather like tomorrow?" or "How do I write a report?" — feel free to ask anything.
Step 4: Check the Response
Within a few seconds, Gemini will reply in Japanese. If the response isn't sufficient, you can ask follow-up questions. Continuing the conversation allows you to get more detailed information.
Pros and Cons of Gemini
Pros
- Free to use: The basic features are available for free with a Google account.
- Natural Japanese: It understands nuances and cultural context unique to Japanese, providing responses that feel natural.
- Integration with Google services: It integrates smoothly with other Google services like Google Search and Gmail.
- Access to the latest information: It can generate responses by referencing the latest information on the internet (available with certain plans).
- Multimodal support: It can handle not just text, but also voice and images.
Cons
- Limitations in the free version: The free plan limits use of the high-performance model (Gemini 3.1 Pro) to approximately 100 times per day.
- Watch out for accuracy: AI can sometimes generate incorrect information (technically called "hallucination"). Always verify important information.
- Privacy considerations required: Be careful not to enter personal information or confidential data.
- Paid plans are expensive: The top-tier plan (Google AI Ultra) costs ¥36,400 per month, which is costly for individual use.
Gemini Pricing Plans
As of May 2026, Gemini offers four plans.
- Free Plan: Access to basic features. The fast model (Gemini 2.5 Flash) can be used without limit, and the high-performance model (Gemini 3.1 Pro) can be used up to approximately 100 times per day.
- Google AI Plus (¥1,200/month): ¥600/month for the first 2 months. Includes expanded text processing capabilities (context window extended to 128K tokens).
- Google AI Pro (¥2,900/month): First month free. Includes ultra-long text processing of up to 1 million tokens, detailed research features, and a trial version of video generation.
- Google AI Ultra (¥36,400/month): ¥18,000/month for the first 3 months. Includes top-tier features and an advanced reasoning mode (Deep Think).
Who Gemini Is Recommended For
- Students: Useful for writing reports, researching topics, and getting study support.
- Business professionals: Can be used to improve work efficiency through tasks like drafting emails, creating document outlines, and generating ideas.
- Programming beginners: The code generation feature makes learning programming smoother.
- Creators: Supports creative work such as writing text, generating images, and translating.
- Language learners: The real-time translation feature can be used for learning and practicing foreign languages.
Summary
- Gemini is a free generative AI tool developed by Google.
- It can handle Q&A, text writing, code generation, voice translation, image generation, and more.
- Anyone with a Google account can get started right away.
- The free version is more than sufficient for most uses, but paid plans are also available if you need more advanced features.
- It fully supports Japanese and can be used by a wide range of people, from students to business professionals.
- While you should be mindful of information accuracy, it can be a powerful support tool for everyday life and work.
Start by trying the free version casually and experience the convenience of AI for yourself.
This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.
