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

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

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

There are many websites for learning Japanese. Today, we would like to share some websites, apps, and tools that work as great resources...

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!

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...

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

Finally, we're officially welcoming our first-year students with the Japanese entrance ceremony — 入学式 (nyūgakushiki)! We hope this marks...

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

When our students first arrive in Japan to study at CLAY, their sensei helps them find their first part-time job. However, with...

We would like to congratulate the students of the 2-year and 1.5-year Advanced Japanese Language Course on their graduation! It was an...

In today's Friends Questionnaire, we are gonna have the opportunity to get to know Nagai-sensei! She is kind and sweet and loves...

Today, besides our usual textbook studies, we had a practical lesson in Japanese calligraphy. 書道　（しょどう、shodō）ー Japanese calligraphy The...

A blue demon disturbed our classes! Say it loud and clear: "Demons out! Good fortune in!" Why? Because today is Setsubun!!!!

Hey everyone! Today was a special day—we had a police officer come to our school to give a lecture to all the first-year students. It was...

The Bowling Tournament in Culture and Language Academy of Yamanashi! Do you like bowling? What about digital bowling? Last Friday, Sensei...

Introducing to you Mizuno-sensei! Mizuno-sensei is a very kind and energetic teacher who always brightens the classroom with her...

Meet our teacher - Shimura-sensei! One of the main characters of CLAY's social media. He is very kind and positive but doesn't talk much...

In Japan, お正月 (おしょうがつ) , or New Year’s celebrations, is one of the most significant holidays. This period is filled with rich traditions...

Matsuzaki-sensei is a highly positive and dynamic individual. Before becoming a teacher, Matsuzaki Sensei had a successful career as a...