Also, during the lunch break, Bonjinsha hosted a book exhibition, which became a valuable opportunity for instructors to exchange opinions and share information with one another. It was a very fulfilling day. We look forward to the next training session!

I truly believe you have worked incredibly hard. From here on, this is an important time when each of you will move forward — further ahead — toward your own goals and dreams.

While there is a sense of sadness, seeing each of you walk your own path is the greatest joy our school could ask for. Please take care of your health as you continue to grow. We look forward with all our hearts to seeing your future success.

Also, congratulations to all those who received Perfect Attendance Awards! Continuing to come to school every day without missing a single day is a truly admirable accumulation of effort. That perseverance is what led to this award.

We hope you will continue to cherish that spirit of perseverance and grow even greater going forward. Once again, heartfelt congratulations on your graduation!

The event was also covered by the Chunichi Shimbun, and the ceremony was reported in the news. ASAHI文化学院, in response to recent rising food prices, presented 80 new students with gift cards worth 6,000 yen each to support students who are anxious about their daily living expenses. The students, who have come from Vietnam, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and other countries to study Japanese language and culture, were given gift cards that can be used at supermarkets and other stores — taking into account religious dietary restrictions — so that any student can use them. The school plans to provide the same support to the 220 currently enrolled students at a later date.

At the ceremony, new students received the gift cards directly from Chairman Ryotaro Hibino. School Administrator Takao Kinoshita expressed his hope that "the cards will support students' daily lives and give them the strength to study hard." Zhang Rongzhe (18), originally from China, had just started living in the student dormitory, and said with a smile, "I want to use it to buy Japanese ingredients and Chinese ingredients."

We invited two instructors from Human Academy and had them share difficult points, the latest information, and even valuable behind-the-scenes insights.

From new teachers to veteran teachers, everyone likely has different worries and concerns, but I believe our school's study session helped to ease those anxieties.

At ASAHI文化学院, we prepared a bamboo branch and had students write their wishes and hang them as decorations.

For Tanabata, everyone wrote all kinds of wishes.

Given the time of year, a very large number of students were wishing to pass the JLPT,

but tanzaku strips decorated with all sorts of wonderful wishes — world peace, family health, and success in their academic goals — were hung up as well.

Some unique wishes included:

"May I get permanent residency," "Fall down seven times, get up eight," and "I will become good at drawing"

— ranging from heartfelt wishes, to mottos in life, to personal declarations.

After decorating, everyone had a group photo session.

Watching students enjoying themselves so innocently, I find myself thinking:

"May all of your wishes come true."

It was published in the Chunichi Shimbun on May 19th.

Although it's only May, the weather has been getting as hot as summer lately.

In such conditions, ASAHI文化学院 held a yukata experience for international students.

Before noon, the temperature had exceeded 30 degrees Celsius and it was very hot and humid, but

the yukata created a cool atmosphere, and somehow the heat seemed to ease just a little.

Students enjoyed taking photos with their friends and creating wonderful memories.

Also,

in the afternoon, we invited a traditional Japanese dance instructor and were taught Japanese dance.

The students found it difficult at first and their movements and expressions were a bit stiff,

but as they got used to it, smiles and laughter gradually began to emerge, and by the end the event was a huge success.

I believe the cross-cultural experience was extremely enjoyable for the international students.

However, as the weather gets hotter, that also means the JLPT date is approaching,

so let's make sure to cherish our daily studies.

Heartfelt congratulations on your graduation! You truly worked so hard through three years in the midst of the pandemic. Please continue to believe in yourselves and keep pressing forward. The teachers at ASAHI文化学院 are always cheering you on.

Remember that ASAHI文化学院 is your alma mater and your home port — when you are tired, you are always welcome to stop by and rest your wings!

We received grateful comments from students who received support. "Thank you for your support over the past three years. I have received JASSO support on multiple occasions. During difficult times, the support funds, food items, and gift cards helped me through hard periods. I hope you will continue to provide support in the future."

"Thanks to your support, I was able to study hard for university even during the pandemic, and I believe my rich student life was thanks to JASSO. I am truly grateful."

"Thank you for distributing the gift cards this time. Thanks to JASSO, I can enjoy school life even more. Thank you."

"With the gift card distribution, I was able to buy reference books and stationery. Thank you so very much."

"I'll buy lots of delicious things and keep working hard at my studies."

"During the pandemic, when it was difficult to secure sufficient income, receiving gift cards was a tremendous help. Thank you. I am grateful that my daily life has been enriched."

Gujo Hachiman is a town nestled in the mountains with a river flowing through it, and the students who usually live in Nagoya seemed very happy to relax surrounded by nature.

At Bokka no Sato, we had fun seeing horses and alpacas, eating soft serve ice cream, and taking photos.

Everyone's carefree smiles are wonderful!

Just studying a language without experiencing the culture,doesn’t complete your knowledge about that language. Because of that reason ASAHI Cultural Academy organizing a Yukata program every year to give an opportunity to the foreign students to experience the Japanese culture. The annual Yukata program was held in 13th October.

Yukata is a simple kimono which can wear easily.And we were dressed by professional yukata dressers. I think it was the first yukata experience for most of the students in our language school.And every students were happy and excited. Not only that today we got a chance to play Japanese game named ‘Kamizumo’, which is called as paper wrestling.It was so fun and also we played other games too. These kind of experiences comforting the busy lives of foreign students.^^

(By Udeka)

And there were six teams of students as Red team,Blue team,Purple team,Green team,Orange team and Yellow team.All the students were doing their best to make their team to win the 1st prize.And all of them had such a great team work. Though we are from different countries it doesn’t matter, through this sports meet we got a good chance to improve our Japanese and also to strengthen our friendship.

We had a long fun day. We collected so many good memories. And it’s a pleasure to attend to a sports meet in Japan as a new experience.And as always I’m really thankful to our language school ASAHI Cultural Academy for giving us these kind of unforgettable memories.
（By Udeka)