Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Program Introduces Joyz's AI English Conversation App "TerraTalk"

Joyz Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yoshiyuki Kakihara; hereinafter referred to as "Joyz"), the developer and provider of the AI English conversation app "TerraTalk", is pleased to announce that as part of the Tottori City Board of Education's "Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Program", it will provide licenses for the AI English conversation app "TerraTalk" to 20 junior high school students participating in an Australian training program. The support will be provided from June 14, 2026, until the end of August upon their return to Japan, to assist with their pre- and post-trip learning.

This initiative aims to reduce the psychological hurdles and anxieties students often have about English communication before their overseas training, and to enhance the learning effects and value of intercultural exchange during their stay.

About the "Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Program"

The "Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Program" is an overseas dispatch training program conducted by the Tottori City Board of Education for junior high school students in the city. Through experiences such as interacting with local students and homestays, this program aims to foster international awareness and develop individuals with proactiveness and communication skills.

The program began with a dispatch to Singapore in fiscal year 2016, and since fiscal year 2019, training has been conducted in Cairns, Australia. Although temporarily suspended due to the impact of COVID-19, it resumed in fiscal year 2024. The dispatch period is five days during the summer vacation, during which students gain valuable experiences while encountering diverse cultures.

Participants have shared feedback such as learning "the importance of understanding cultural differences and respecting each other" and "the importance of actively communicating without fear of failure."

Specifics of the Initiative and Utilization of "TerraTalk"

In this program, 20 junior high school students will be supported in their pre-departure preparations and post-trip reflections through the following program:

AI Lessons for Realistic Situations

"TerraTalk" will offer lessons that simulate scenarios students are likely to encounter during their trip, such as "Self-introduction at a homestay in Australia," "Speaking in class at a local school," and "Shopping in town." Through realistic dialogues with AI, students will improve their practical English communication skills.

Instant Feedback from AI and Habituation of Self-Study

AI will instantly diagnose and score pronunciation and the appropriateness of expressions. Students can identify their weaknesses on the spot and practice speaking repeatedly until they are satisfied.

Interactive Instruction Using Video Submissions

A system will be established where students record and submit videos of their speeches or presentations, allowing instructors to provide individual feedback remotely at their convenience. This realizes a hybrid approach to instruction combining technology and human guidance.

Detailed Support Through Visualization of Learning Progress

Teachers and instructors can monitor each student's learning history (speaking volume, progress, etc.) in real-time via a management screen. This enables motivation maintenance and detailed support tailored to individual progress.

Comments from Stakeholders

Tottori City Board of Education

The Tottori City Board of Education conducts the "Tottori City Global Human Resource Development Program" with the aim of broadening students' international perspectives by exposing them to different cultures and values.

We are introducing the AI English conversation app "TerraTalk" as an environment where students participating in the overseas training program in Australia can engage in practical English communication even before their departure.

We hope that students will transform any anxiety about communicating in English into confidence and actively engage in interactions abroad without fear of making mistakes.

Joyz Inc. Representative Director Yoshiyuki Kakihara

TerraTalk celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. We have evolved alongside the societal implementation of the GIGA School Program and the development of IT infrastructure and AI technology in educational settings. We are delighted to support the Tottori City Board of Education's initiative in this milestone year. We, as a company, will provide our full support with the hope that the five days in Australia will be an experience where the students not only observe and listen to a different culture but also return having expressed themselves authentically.