(2022.12.21) Advisor Yoshihara Delivers Lecture at Takino Junior High School

On December 9, at the request of Takino Junior High School, Advisor Hisao Yoshihara gave a lecture to 135 first grade students.
In his lecture, Mr. Yoshihara introduced some of the joys and difficulties he had experienced while working abroad, and hoped that the students would develop an interest in foreign affairs and languages. He hoped that the students would continue to strive to achieve their goals, imagining themselves 10 years from now.

(2022.12.19) Special Presentation at the December Friendship Cafe

The December 15 Friendship Cafe featured a special presentation by Ms. Chikako Kodera (from China) on "Surprise! Japan and China are so different! More than 20 people attended the event, including citizens interested in China and the Chinese language. In fluent Japanese and Chinese, she spoke about the differences between Japan and China in various aspects such as child-rearing, work styles, retirement, and dietary habits in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way. The presentation was a great success, with participants asking questions one after another.

(2022.11.30) Advisor Yoshihara Delivers Lecture at Inzai Citizens' Academy

On November 25, former Chairman and Advisor Hisao Yoshihara gave a lecture on cross-cultural understanding at the Inzai Citizens' Academy at the request of the Inzai City Board of Education. In his lecture titled "Tonga's Current Situation: Volcanic Eruption Disaster and Response to COVID-19 Infection," Mr. Yoshihara explained with abundant photos the enormous damage caused by the undersea volcanic eruption in January of this year, the situation of people who stood up for recovery, and the COVID-19 infection situation in Tonga and the support from countries around the world, including Japan. He also talked about the history of the country, the lives of its people, the deep relationship with Japan, and his work as a JICA Senior Volunteer with the Ministry of Agriculture in Tonga, where he provided agricultural assistance, and the friendships he formed with the local people.

Prior to the lecture, Mr. Shoji Bando, Chairman of IIFA, introduced the activities of the Association.

The lecture was a valuable opportunity for the Academy students to learn about a country and culture with which they were previously unfamiliar.

Prior to the lecture, Mr. Shoji Bando, Chairman of IIFA, introduced the activities of the Association.

(2022.11.24) Ribbon Students Invited as Lecturers to Cross-Cultural Understanding Class at Takino Elementary School

On November 24, three students (from Taiwan, the Philippines, and India) from our Ribbon Japanese language class and an American resident of the city were invited to give a cross-cultural understanding lecture hosted by Inzai City for fifth graders at Takino Elementary School, as they did last year.

The four lecturers gave the children presentations enthusiastically in Japanese, introducing the geography, climate, lifestyle, culture, food, school life, etc. of their own country and its differences from Japanese culture while showing pictures and actual objects.

After that, the children, in return, presented Japanese culture, food, sightseeing spots, etc. to the foreigners. They also experienced Japanese games such as "Koma" and "Daruma Otoshi" together and conversed with each other in English. At the end of the program, the lecturers received warm words and handmade souvenirs from the children. They said with smiles on their faces, "I was nervous but it was fun," "I am grateful for this opportunity," "I would like to do it again," "They asked me questions and it was a lot of fun," "It was good to know what schools in Japan are like," It would be good if more people would give it a try," etc. The day was a great learning experience for both the foreign lecturers and the 71 5th graders.

(2022.10.01)Cooperated in Kimono Experience Event for International Students of Tokyo Christian University

On October 1, 11 international students from Tokyo Christian University in Inzai City enjoyed a kimono dressing experience.

This event was organized by Ms. Tomoko Nagata, a member of our Association and an expert dresser, and we provided full cooperation to ensure smooth operation of the event.

The international students, dressed in their favorite kimonos, enjoyed the beauty of Japanese autumn and kimonos as they took pictures of each other in the precincts of Kechienji Temple. We believe it was an unforgettable day for the international students.

(2022.08.29)Pear Picking and International Exchange Gathering

On Saturday, August 27, we had a gathering for pear picking and international exchange with 45 participants, including 17 from foreign countries. In the morning, the participants boarded a bus provided by Inzai City visited a pear orchard in Shiroi City. It was a very hot day, so, sitting in the shade of trees in the orchard, they introduced themselves to each other, listened to a story about how to grow pears, and then experienced pear picking. The children enjoyed picking pears for the first time, and were happy to eat lunch while enjoying talking with each other.

In the afternoon, the participants returned to Inzai City and, at the recreation hall in the Chuo Station Community Exchange Center, received a video presentation by Ms. Nose of the Inba Museum of History and Folklore of the "Three Lion Dancers of Inzai". The presentation in Japanese may have been a little difficult for foreign participants to understand, but it was a good opportunity for them to know about Inzai's festivals and cultural assets.

(2022.08.29)Summer Class for Children with Foreign Roots Held

A summer study class for children with foreign roots, co-hosted by Inzai City and our association, was held from August 23 to 25, 2012. Five children from Sri Lanka and China participated in the three-day event. Seven volunteers provided one-on-one support to the children. The children brought their summer vacation homework and worked diligently on it, asking the volunteers questions about what they did not understand.

On the second day, they had an exchange meeting with Japanese children from "Omori Children's Square" and enjoyed games and rhythm exercises. The children played lively and differently from when they were studying, and we could not feel any difference in their nationality. On the 25th, after the study session, both parents and children made uchiwa (Japanese fans) and had a fun time with the volunteers.

Through this study session, we were aware that all of the children had difficulty in particular with Japanese language subjects. It was especially difficult to complete the writing exercises without support.

We felt that further support from schools, government, and local communities is urgently needed to ensure that children with foreign roots are not left behind in school learning and in society.

(2022.07.29)Our Volunteers Participated in This Year’s English Summer Camp

On July 21 and 22, the Inzai City Board of Education hosted the English summer camp for local elementary school students called "English Academy Hop & Step" at the Matsuyamashita Park General Gymnasium Arena.

Seven volunteers from our association participated on both days to help facilitate the event, which was led by ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). After the event, all the participating students seemed to have further interest and joy in learning English.

〇Hop Class for 3rd & 4th graders

〇Step Class for 5th & 6th graders

(2022.05.31) The 22nd General Meeting Held

On May 21, 2022, our 22nd General Meeting was held at the Omori Machizukuri Kaikan in Inzai City.

At the meeting, all the activity reports, financial statements, and accounting reports for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, as well as the business plan for the fiscal year ending March 2023, were approved.

This year marked the reelection of officers, and Hisao Yoshihara retired as chairperson, Shoji Bando was elected as the new chairperson, and four new officers were also elected.

In this fiscal year, we will continue to actively engage in exchange activities while paying close attention to countermeasures against infectious diseases.

During the Q&A session, we received a comment that we should do more to promote activities to high school and university students. We will continue to hold events that are easily accessible to students and other young people.

(2022.04.15)Ribbon Learners Receive Food Assistance

On April 13, we donated 50 servings each of alpha rice donated by Food Bank ISS to two young men from Burkina Faso studying at our Japanese language class Ribbon.

We hope that the two young men will continue to work hard to learn Japanese.

We also deeply appreciate the generosity of Foodbank ISS.

(2022.04.13)Inzai World Fest 2022" Held

"Inzai World Fest 2022," our international exchange event which was held on March 26, after cancellation since 2020, was a great success with 68 participants, including foreigners from 11 countries and regions. At the beginning of the event, participants prayed for world peace and observed a moment of silence, after which they enjoyed Japanese and foreign songs and dances. Thai dances led by foreign students from Tokyo Christian University, Jerusalema dance, which is now very popular around the world, and Inzai Ondo, in which all participants danced in a circle. Participants also enjoyed the depth of each culture through a gorgeous Uyghur folk dance and a demonstration of the Japanese martial art of iaido.

The event was introduced on Cable Net 296's "296 News" on March 30 at 8:00 p.m.

(2022.03.07)(2022.03.07)A mini lecture on the Kingdom of Tonga held at the February Friendship Cafe

On January 15 of this year, Tonga was devastated by an undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami. As an emergency project, we held a mini lecture on the Kingdom of Tonga at the Friendship Café on February 24.

The title of the lecture was "Nature and Life in the Kingdom of Tonga: Damage Recovery from Volcanic Eruption and Corona Response" and the lecturer was Mr. Hisao Yoshihara, Chairperson of our Association, who, as a former JICA senior volunteer, worked for two years at the Ministry of Agriculture in Tonga to promote export of agricultural products.

Using PP, Mr. Yoshihara explained in detail about Tonga's rich natural environment and the lives, clothing, and shelter of the people living there, as well as the damage to infrastructure caused by the ash fall and tsunami resulting from the volcanic eruption, especially food and water shortages. Mr. Yoshihara also introduced the latest information of his friends such as high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and business leaders.

Mr. Yoshihara also expressed his passionate belief that Tonga is a country that supported Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and that it is time for us to return the favor. About 20 people attended the event, including a lady who worked for the Tongan Ministry of Health as a nurse in JICA's Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and another lady who visited Tonga about 50 years ago and was deeply moved by the kindness of the people.

(2022.02.25)Inzai World Fest 2022

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our international exchange event, Inzai World Fest, which has not been held since December, 2018. This year's "Inzai World Fest 2022" will be a hopeful gathering where Japanese and non-Japanese citizens can meet each other and regain their energy and vitality for tomorrow overcoming the present tough situation of Corona.

We are planning a fun program in which everyone can participate in singing songs and dancing around the world.

We are also looking for voluntary performers for the event.

Please let us know the type and content of your performance and the number of participants when you apply.

(2022.02.15)Disaster Relief for Tonga

(2022.01.24)January Friendship Cafe Cancelled and February Friendship Cafe Presentation on the Kingdom of Tonga

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron strain, the Friendship Cafe on the 27th of this month has been cancelled.

The February Friendship Cafe will be held on the 24th as scheduled. We are planning a presentation on the Kingdom of Tonga, which was severely damaged by the recent eruption of an underwater volcano and tsunami. The lecturer will be Mr. Hisao Yoshihara, Chairperson of the Association, who was formerly a JICA senior volunteer supporting agriculture in Tonga. By learning about the Kingdom of Tonga, which provided Japan with heartfelt support in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we hope to provide an opportunity to get closer to the people living there. We look forward to your participation.

Date and time: Thursday, February 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Place：Shimin Katsudo Shien Center, 2nd floor, Chuo Ekimae Chiiki Koryukan Building 2

(2022.01.11)The December Friendship Cafe became a fun event in the Christmas feeling!

Our December Friendship Cafe was held on December 23 last year. On the day of the event, the venue was decorated with Christmas decorations, and James, a member of our association, made a surprise appearance dressed as Santa Claus, making the cafe full of fun and Christmas mood.

This time, as a special program, we had two young men from Burkina Faso give a presentation about their home country. Although they have only been learning Japanese for a short period of time at our Japanese Language Class "Ribbon", they did their best to introduce the geography, people, culture, etc. of Burkina Faso, an African country that is still unfamiliar to Japanese people, in Japanese.

This month's Friendship Cafe will be held at the Citizen's Activity Support Center on the second floor of the Chuo Ekimae Chiiki Koryukan Building No. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, January 27. It is free of charge and no reservation is required, so please feel free to join us.