#Japan #Tottori #TerraTalk #Joyz

Joyz Introduces TerraTalk in Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Project

In an innovative move to enhance the English communication skills of middle school students, Joyz Inc., a Tokyo-based company known for its AI English conversation application TerraTalk, has partnered with Tottori City Educational Committee. This initiative aims to provide licenses for TerraTalk to 20 students participating in an overseas training program in Australia from June 14 to the end of August 2026. The goal is to support pre- and post-training learning experiences.

Background of Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Project

The Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Project is aimed at cultivating students' international perspective through cultural exchange and homestays. This program, initiated in the fiscal year 2016 with an overseas segment to Singapore, shifted focus to Cairns, Australia, from the fiscal year 2019. After a temporary halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has resumed, offering a five-day training period during the summer vacation where students immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Feedback from past participants highlights their learning around respecting cultural differences and actively engaging in communication without fear of making mistakes.

TerraTalk’s Role in Student Preparation

The integration of TerraTalk into the project is structured around key strategies designed to ease students' anxiety regarding communication in English before their trip and to enhance their learning and cultural exchange experiences during their stay in Australia. The application will support students through the following:

Realistic AI Lessons

Realistic AI lessons are curated to reflect situations students will face in Australia, such as self-introductions at their homestay, engaging in classroom discussions, and shopping experiences. These interactive scenarios provided by TerraTalk allow students to practice practical English communication skills through real-time dialogue with AI.

Immediate Feedback and Independent Learning

TerraTalk's AI provides instant feedback on pronunciation and usage, allowing students to recognize their weaknesses immediately. They can practice repeatedly until they feel confident in their speaking abilities.

Interactive Teaching through Video Submissions

Students are encouraged to record and submit videos of their speeches or presentations. This allows instructors to provide tailored feedback remotely at their convenience, combining technology with personalized instruction.

Visualized Learning Progress

Through a management interface, teachers can monitor individual students' learning history, including speaking frequency and progress. This capability ensures that motivation is maintained and personalized support can be offered based on each student's needs.

Remarks from Stakeholders

Tottori City Educational Committee

The Tottori City Educational Committee outlines its mission to expose students to various cultures and enhance their international outlook. The introduction of TerraTalk provides a supportive environment for students preparing for their trip to Australia, helping to transform their anxieties related to communicating in English into confidence, inspiring them to engage actively with locals during their stay.

Yoshiyuki Kakihara, Representative Director of Joyz Inc.

With TerraTalk celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Kakihara expresses pride in contributing to education technology alongside initiatives such as the GIGA School Concept. He hopes that the five days in Australia will provide students not just with exposure to different cultures, but also the opportunity to express their authentic selves upon their return. The entire Joyz team is committed to providing full support for this initiative.

Through this collaborative project, Tottori City and Joyz Inc. are setting a precedent for innovative educational practices that harness technology to engage students in meaningful global experiences.