Once again this year, our students entrusted their wishes to the Tanabata strips. Many of the messages expressed hopes for the happiness of their families back home, reminding us of the loved ones who worry about their children living far away in Japan. We sincerely hope that the lives of Culture and Language Academy of Yamanashi students in Japan will be full of growth and fulfillment, and we pray for a peaceful world for all.

２年生 Culture and Language Academy of Yamanashi faces Takeda Street, and about a 15-minute walk north along that street is Takeda Shrine. It is also a tourist attraction in Yamanashi prefecture, attracting about 300,000 visitors on the first day of the new year. All the students from the school went to Takeda Shrine to pass through the chinowa ring installed during this season. All the students passed through the ring of thatch, cleansed of impurity, and prayed for good health