Performance
Food Culture

International Friendship Party
By Narges Mojtahedi, from IranThe International Friendship Party is one ofthe major annual events of KUFSA. On Sunday December 11, 2011, KUFSA it was heldat the Centennial Hall in Maidashi Campus. A
good number of foreign and Japanese students, our sponsors and other non- student
guests gathered to end the year with KUFSA
in a grandiose style.
Information about the party and the invitation was disseminated through KUFSA’s
web page, Facebook page, mailing list andposters all around the various campuses.
The student guest were told to pick up theirtickets from International Student and Researcher Support Centers (ISRSC) in all Kyushu University campuses or make reservation by e-mail. Like in the previous year, afree shuttle bus conveyed guests from ItoCampus to the hall.
The party started at 6:30pm with brief
speeches delivered by the KUFSA president
and some of our sponsors. Ten teams, fromBangladesh, Canada, China, Indonesia, Iran,Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, each prepared two local dishes for oureating pleasure. This year, Halal food wasalso available for the first time. A varietyof refreshing alcoholic beverages and softdrinks made the party more fun as people
mingled and chatted with new friends whilegently taking sips of drinks of their choice. After refreshments, wonderful performancesfrom Iran, Laos, Mongolia and Thailand added more colour and excitement to the party.
The activities were designed by KUFSA tocreate a perfect atmosphere for guests tosocialize and make new connections.
Towards the end, all guests participated in
an amazing lottery and most people won
awesome prizes like external hard disks,
iPod Shuffles and so on. In the end, KUFA’s
next president for the 2012/2013 academic year was unveiled, in the person of Wei
Lun Ng, from Malaysia. After the party, afree shuttle bus also conveyed guests backto Ito campus.
KUFSA would like to acknowledge International Student and Researcher Support
Centers (ISRSC) and Fukuoka Friendly Clubfor their great supports. In addition, thanks
go out to SOLA members for their invaluable
help in making the party a success.

Eating the Japanese Style Food!!!

By Jacqueline Makatiani, from Kenya

My first arrival in Japan was with an endlesslist of “Things I must experience!” Top on thelist and one I could not avoid at all cost, wasa meal at a typical Japanese restaurant. I
went to one restaurant, sat at a table andgently glanced at a colorful menu provided...
with almost all writings in Kanji! A waitressshowed up and I shyly pointed at a picture on
the menu while mumbling some few words.
Somehow, she understood my order perfectly! …セット (setto, ‘set’) a word commonlyused for standard form of Japanese-stylecuisine.

the order to follow in taking them. I could noteven figure out what sauce accompanied
what dish and more so, which one was theappetizer. Language barrier prevented mefrom asking questions. I felt uneasy and wasafraid of being the subject of so much curious and perhaps negative attention. Being
careful not to be noticed, I gently glanced
at nearby tables, hoping to mimic otherpeople`s eating order. Unfortunately, thisproved to be more complicated than I had
thought as their foods were either different
from mine or if similar, much of it had been
consumed. I then decided to eat in the orderby which the dishes were arranged on mytray, while ignoring the sauces. This worked,
but I ate the `good` dishes first and ended
with the `bad` one.

My little knowledge of general etiquette, especially in Japanese setting, gave me some
sort of confidence and comfort. Shortly, Iwas served with yummy dishes. However,I quickly wondered whether I had placed
an order for three or so. Wow! That settocomprised of a bowl of miso soup, appetizer, sashimi, simmered, grilled and steamed
dishes, plus many other small quantities ofindividual dishes accompanied by a varietyof sauces. While salivating at the numerous
small dishes, I freaked out at the thought of

Typical Japanese foods excite me but,uuugggh!!! Getting the correct eating ordercan be stressful. However, I am still discovering and enjoying Japanese cuisine, with consolation that most Japanese people will nothave a negative impression of a foreigner
making a few mistakes.

The えええ section of KUFSA‘s bi-monthly
Newsletter... an opportunity to publish yourfunniest experience in Japan as a foreign
student.
Here is what you should do:
If you have interesting stories or experiences you would like to share, send yourstory to kufsainfo@gmail.com. The limit is350 words. Please include 2 photos, whichshould include a personal photograph.
Best stories get published, so what are you
waiting for?!

Nagasaki Trip

On Saturday 26th November, 2011, at
8.00am about 80 international students ofKyushu University and their families set out
on a trip by two buses to Nagasaki Prefecture. Thanks to the long distance between
Fukuoka and Nagasaki, we had fun making
new friends on the buses, and winning prizes
while playing exciting games. We arrived atChinatown after about a 3-hour ride on thebuses. The alluring sight of traditional Chinese handicrafts and decorations, not tomention the delicious taste Chinese cuisines
made the visit to the small town worthwhile.
Next, we gathered and walked to Glover
Garden, which is perched on Minamiyamate
hillside overlooking the harbor. It is Nagasaki’s foremost tourist attraction. Following
the end of national seclusion in 1859, Nagasaki was opened to free trade with foreigncountries and merchants of various nationalities flocked to the city. The successful
merchants built Western-style mansions,some of which still stand at the original sites
and convey the romantic atmosphere of the19th century. Glover House, built in 1863,is the oldest remaining colonial style building in Japan and has been designated as animportant cultural asset. As the house andits surroundings are reminiscent of Puccini’s

By Jiahui Jiang, from China
opera, it is also known as the “Madame Butterfly House.”
An ironic and sad twist of history caused thecity to suffer from an atomic bomb during
World War II. Since that tragedy, Nagasaki
has engaged earnestly in a global effort toachieve world peace. A tour to Nagasaki
would not be complete without making astop at the Atomic Bomb Museum andPeace Park. We visited the museum andtook a walk in the park. They were meant toshow the world the horror of the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki and the need for thepursuit of world peace. With donations fromall over the world, in 1955, a giant symbolicstatue, the Peace Statue, was constructedin the park. The visit aroused a feeling of empathy and introspection in the students.
In the end, we went to Megami Ohashi Bridge
for an awesome night view of Nagasaki. We
could not get back to Fukuoka until 9.00pm.
It was really an exciting day trip. Thanks to
all the hosts and organizers for such anamazing opportunity to share wonderful moments with new friends and acquire knowledge through travel. We look forward to seeing you on the next tour!

It’s here again…
the Valentine’s Day!
By Ekenechukwu Okafor, from Nigeria
The Valentine season is here again, you canfeel the frenzy in the air. Valentine’s Day, February 14, is a day of celebration of love andaffection. Celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world, it is a day of loveand romance for some people, and a dayof chocolate, roses, and cards for others.
However, for many young people, it is a dayof bitter desperation and longing for love.
They go on about how much better the day
would be if they had someone with whom toshare it. Why worry?! “Forget love, I’d rather
fall in chocolate!” an anonymous genius once
proclaimed.
Across the United States, lovers send cards
and roses to their sweethearts. Marriage
ceremonies and dinner dates are popularand roses are a pricey gift on Valentine’sDay. In Nigeria, nothing counts more thana romantic date at one of the exquisite restaurants in town. Gift sharing is also popular,
though there is more or less a unidirectional
flow of gifts – from men to women.
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently. Traditionally, women would give choco-late to men on Valentine’s Day. It is an opportunity for women to directly express interest
to men of their choice. There are two common kinds of valentine chocolate; 本命チョコ(honmei choco – “true feelings chocolate”)
given by women to men they have romantic feelings for, and 義理チョコ(giri choco –“obligatory chocolate”) given merely out of asense of obligation. Honmei choco is costlier
and of a higher quality than giri choco.
However, make no mistake about this – themore chocolates you receive on Valentine’sDay, the more cookies and candies you will
have to send back on White Day – March 14!
In the spirit of the season, here is a Valentine
poem for you;As the Christmas jingles and New Year vibe fade away,
In the heart of winter and the coldest month of the year,
Comes a beautiful season of warm feeling and love,
When we celebrate having each other all along
Having fun in games, parties, travels, and festivals,
And now it’s the season of love, so be our Val.

From your Valentine, KUFSA

International Student andResearcher Support CenterLocation Hospi tal Campus
Hospi tal Suppor t
Cen ter

2. Event Information (February – March) *Language:(E) English / (J) Japanese

Briefing session

1. Briefing session about New Rules for riding a bicycle and Personal Accident Insurance for students
was held in December
Support center hold a briefing session about new rules
for riding a bicycle and Personal Accident Insurance
for students on December 12.
Higashi police station explained about the basic rules
for cyclists and the notification from National Police
Agency. The number of traffic accidents caused bycyclists has been increasing, so the National Police
Agency revised the regulation that basically cyclists
are only allowed to pass the sidewalk that is over 3meters. But, there are not so many large sidewalks inFukuoka, so they don’t intend to apply this regulation
strictly for now. However, they are going to arrest serious and dangerous violators like a brakeless bicycle
user.
Also, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Company
explained about three insurances called “Gakkensai”,“Gakkenbai” and “Futaigakuso”, which are offered by
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. Gakkensai covers self injuries and Gakkenbai covers liabilities
when a student hurts someone or breaks someone’spossession. The situations covered under Gakkensai
and Gakkenbai are limited to university activities andon the way between university and home to do suchactivities. If you would like to cover your private activities including university activities, you need to join Gakkensai and Futaigakusou. If you haven’t joined any ofthese kinds of insurances, we highly recommend joining Gakkeisai and Gakkenbai or Futaigakusou to prevent troubles which will disturb your daily life by being
liable for a large amount of compensation.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
We hope your safety life in Fukuoka!

JOB FAIR on campus for Kyushu University Students
provided by Division of Career Support (J)[Date & Place] February 21 (Tue.) - 23(Thu.) at Central
Gymnasium in Kaizuka campus
February 27 (Mon.) - 29 (Wed.) at Gymnasium in Itocampus[Time] 12:00 - 17:00
h t t p : //w w w . k y u s h u - u . a c . j p/s t u d e n t /w o r k /seminar/12index2.php
EUIJ-Kyushu’s Environment and Energy Series No.1:
IKEA’s sustainability and ground heat pumping provided by EUIJ-Kyushu (J)[Date & Time] February 27 (Mon.) 19:00 - 21:00[Place] Centennial Hall Kyushu University School ofMedicine
http://www.euij-kyushu.com/
3. Introduction of each Support Center – No.2 : Hospital Campus –Hospital Support Center is located in Student Sectionof the Graduate School/School of Pharmaceutical Sciences on Hospital Campus providing comprehensive
support to the international students of faculties;
Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dental Sciences.
[Open Hour] 10:00AM to 5:00PM (MON to FRI, exclude
public holidays)[Contact Information] 092-642-6570 / supportcenter-byo@jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp[Comments from Hospital Campus staff]
Hello, everyone! My name is Yuka Hikichi. Please callme “YUKA”. I’m very happy to be staff of Support Center because it allows me to meet interesting people
from around the world.
At the Support Center I assist international students
with visa procedure, providing housing information,
residential assistance, interpretation and other assistance upon request. I can help you find ways to get
involved in student life on campus.
Please feel free to visit, email or call me with any questions about academics or student life at our university.
Please visit Support Center website!
http://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/supportcenter-e/index.html

留学生家族との交流

Cultural Exchange with International
Students and Spouses

スケジュール

Schedule
for tea time Japanese Culture

２０11年度 後期プログラム
場所Place
九州大学留学生センター分室
1F Annex of International Student Center主催Host福岡フレンドリークラブ
Fukuoka Friendly Club
活動Activity
日本語教室Japanese Class
Every Wednesday1300-1430
茶話会Tea Time
Once a Month14:00-1600

10月12日（水）ミニ パーティー

Mini Party

11月 2日（水）バザー

Bazaar (12:30-14:30)

12月 7日（水）茶道(さどう)Tea Ceremony

1 月 18日 (水)ミニ パーティー

Mini Party

2 月 1日 (水)フラワーアレンジメント Flower Arrangement
3 月 1日 (水)ひな祭り(ひなまつり)

The Doll`s Festival

日本人学生さんも、大歓迎！

Fukuoka Friendly Club

Please feel free to contact us at kufsainfo@gmail.com for any inquiries, comments andsuggestions. You may also join our mailinglist kufsa_news@googlegroups.com forthe latest announcements, advisories andevent invitations. We hope you can be partof a fruitful year for KUFSA.

KUFSA Newsletter Editorial Committee
Moses Abiodun
Jillian Gabo
Okafor Ekenechukwu
Wei Lun Ng
Roberto Recinos
Shuchuan Chiu design and illustration

Your partner in need,
KUFSA