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Halloween 2025
Today started a little differently than usual. Instead of our regular teachers, the morning meeting was attended by witches, wizards, a talking pumpkin, and the Lorax! Naturally, the lessons were also conducted by magical beings and other mysterious creatures. Even phone calls and interviews were handled in full costume! The whole school has been decorated for Halloween since the beginning of October to bring a Halloweeny autumn mood. We hope we managed to do that! 🍁🎃 Durin
5 days ago1 min read


入学式2025年10月
This time, our Entrance Ceremony was held at one of the hotels in Yamanashi Prefecture. During the ceremony, our school director, Shimura-sensei, and Mr. Masaharu Nakagawa gave their speeches. This year’s representative of the new students, Pempero-san, gave a speech to his fellow classmates and encouraged everyone to do their best and move toward success together. 入学式おめでとうございます! Dear new students, congratulations on your entrance ceremony! Starting a new life in another coun
Oct 211 min read


Dashain 2025
This year, we once again celebrated Dashain together at the girls’ dormitory. Our dormitory leader, Rajani-san, gave a short speech, greeting everyone and expressing her gratitude to the teachers and friends for their kindness and care. Yoda-sensei placed tika made of red rice on everyone’s forehead as part of the traditional blessing. The students prepared plenty of delicious food — rice, curry, and even chips! There were several kinds of curry, and each came in two versions
Oct 21 min read


Best Free Websites, Apps and Tools to Learn Japanese 2025
There are many websites for learning Japanese. Today, we would like to share some websites, apps, and tools that work as great resources...
Aug 224 min read


Study Holidays in Japan: Leonardo’s Story
Meet Leonardo, a professional rugby player who came to Japan just for 3 months on a tourist visa — enough to study basic Japanese, pass the JLPT, and prepare to apply for a student visa and university admission next year!
Jul 175 min read


CLAY in Tokyo 2025
We went to Tokyo — and it was AWESOME! Every year, we take our second-year students to Tokyo for the 進学説明会 (しんがくせつめいかい / shingaku...
Jun 231 min read


Japanese podcasts for beginners
One of the most common tips from Japanese teachers for improving your language skills is: listen more ! In one of our previous blog posts, we introduced some Spotify channels with Japanese podcasts . But… where should you start? Which one should you choose? This time, we've selected 5 specific podcast episodes that are perfect for beginners and a great way to get into the habit of listening to natural Japanese. ・ ことのは・日本語の会話 Ep33 【N5~】 せいとがまちがって使っている日本語🤨 Ep48 【N5~】 きびとやまむの趣
May 301 min read


入学式2025年5月
Finally, we're officially welcoming our first-year students with the Japanese entrance ceremony — 入学式 (nyūgakushiki)! We hope this marks...
May 191 min read


Meet our teacher: Yoda-sensei (Friend's Questionnaire #7)
Meet Yoda-sensei! Yoda-sensei is a principal and a true mother of our CLAY Academy! She is the first person you meet after arriving in Yamanashi, she helps students with adapting to Japan, as well as all their documents, visas, and helps them find their first part-time job. She is always supportive and encouraging. Let's get to know her better! Yoda-sensei 依田 先生 依田 礼子 ヨダ レイコ Here is the original 友達アンケート (Tomodachi Anketo). Favorite food 好きな日本料理 野菜がたくさん入ったお味噌汁 やさい が たくさん
Apr 154 min read
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山梨外語学院
Culture and Language Academy of Yamanashi
Monday-Friday: 8:30-17:30
Saturday, Sunday: closed
055-255-1100
support@clay-academy.jp (for students)
400-0016, Takeda 4−1−29, Kofu city, Yamanashi prefecture, Japan
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