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 はいった おみそしる

Miso soup with lots of vegetables.

Miso soup (お味噌汁) is a traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste (fermented soybeans) and often includes tofu, seaweed, and vegetables. The teacher especially likes it with lots of vegetables — making it healthy and hearty.

Favorite festival (any recommendations?) 　大好きな祭り（おすすめの祭りは？）

クリスマス（一度ヨーロッパでクリスマスを過ごしてみたいです）

信玄公祭り

Christmas (I'd like to experience Christmas in Europe at least once).

Shingen-ko Festival.

• Christmas (クリスマス) is widely celebrated in Japan with lights and decorations, though it’s not a national holiday.

• The Shingen-ko Festival (信玄公祭り、しんげんこうまつり) is a local historical festival in Yamanashi honoring Takeda Shingen, a famous samurai. People dress in armor and reenact parades and battles from the Warring States era. It’s very dynamic and colorful — and Yamanashi's pride! CLAY also participated in the festival once in 2023!

Favorite Dorama (Made in Japan) 　大好きなドラマ（日本製）

「今日から俺は！！」

「きょう から おれ は！！」

Kyou kara Ore wa!! (From Today, It's My Turn!!)

A comedy-action drama based on a manga about two rebellious high school boys. It's known for its retro 80s style, slapstick humor, and exaggerated characters. Great for students who enjoy humor and school-life stories!

Favorite anime 　大好きなアニメ

推しの子

おし の こ

Oshi no Ko.

Oshi no Ko is a popular anime about the Japanese entertainment industry, mixing drama, mystery, and idol culture. It gives insight into the pressures and secrets behind show business.

 Favorite Songs　大好きな歌 　

You can do that (Soulhead) なんでもできる気になります。

なんでも できる き に なります。

You can do that (Soulhead) – It makes me feel like I can do anything.

This is a motivational song by the Japanese R&B duo Soulhead. The message is about empowerment and confidence — perfect for boosting your mood or motivation to study! Check out our Sensei Jam playlist on Spotify.

Favorite novel 　大好きな小説

シャーロックホームの冒険　（コナン　ドイル）

シャーロック ホーム の ぼうけん（コナン ドイル）

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (by Conan Doyle)

This classic detective novel features the famous Sherlock Holmes solving clever mysteries. It's not Japanese literature, but very popular worldwide — and available in Japanese translation, too.

Favorite and famous place in Japan　日本で大好きな有名な所

河口湖、清里

かわぐちこ、きよさと

Kawaguchiko, Kiyosato

• Kawaguchiko is a lake near Mt. Fuji, famous for its beautiful views and nature.

• Kiyosato is a peaceful mountain area in Yamanashi, known for farms, art museums, and relaxing resorts — perfect for a nature escape.

What anime/dramas/novels do you recommend for students?  学生におすすめの　アニメ・ドラマ・小説は？

とにかく、なんでも。

日本のドラマ・アニメを見てください。好きなアニメが見つかると、日本語の勉強が楽しくなります。

とにかく、なんでも。にほん の ドラマ・アニメ を みて ください。すき な アニメ が みつかる と、にほんご の べんきょう が たのしく なります。 Honestly, anything. Please watch Japanese dramas and anime. If you find one you like, studying Japanese will become fun.

What do you recommend for students to study Japanese?　学生におすすめの　　日本語の勉強方法は？

恋人を作る（日本人の）

こいびと を つくる（にほんじん の）

Get a boyfriend or girlfriend (Japanese).

Places you definitely want people to visit when they are in Japan? 日本にいる時、絶対行ってほしい所は？

チームラボ

TeamLab

TeamLab is a group that creates amazing digital art exhibitions using lights, projections, and interactive technology. Their museums are popular among tourists for their dream-like, immersive experiences. Great for taking beautiful photos!

You can find out more here: https://www.teamlab.art/

What are some places you definitely want me to visit in Yamanashi?　山梨にいる時、絶対行ってほしい所は？

山梨県立美術館

やまなし けんりつ びじゅつかん

Yamanashi Prefectural Art Museum

ほったらかし温泉

ほったらかし おんせん

Hottarakashi Onsen

The Yamanashi Prefectural Art Museum exhibits beautiful landscape paintings and is a peaceful cultural spot. Hottarakashi Onsen is an open-air hot spring with an amazing view of Mt. Fuji — especially stunning at sunrise!

Things you liked to do as a child (e.g., hobbies and games)

子どもの頃、好きだったこと（例えば、趣味や遊び）

読書・水泳

どくしょ・すいえい

Reading and swimming

What do you like best about Japanese culture?　日本文化で一番好きなところは？

礼儀を重んじるところ

れいぎ を おもんじる ところ

That it values good manners and respect.

A word to students!　学生たちに一言！　

たくさん日本人の友達を作って下さい。

たくさん にほんじん の ともだち を つくって ください。

Please make lots of Japanese friends.

依田先生、ありがとうございます。