Vol.21

On Oct. 27 (Sat.), SIEA held its annual
Halloween Party with the indispensable

December 2018

help of the Saijo Shotengai Matchizukuri

Contents
Halloween Party

Association. Since we held advance sales ofthe participation cards, we could begin the1party smoothly and many could enjoy theevent and beautiful weather. In total, weOctober International 2
Exchange Events

sold 1,000 participation cards, and about
2,000 people came to the party in costume!

We are the World
60th Annual Saijo
Industry Fair23The children received snacks while trick-or-treating inthe shopping arcade. The party was not only an event forinternational exchange, but also for exchange amongst
local residents and regions and for regional revitaliza-Vietnam Folk Tales

3Dates with Diana

4

Events &Announcements

4tion. Over 100 volunteers helped in our efforts to create
an amazing event.
This year’s long-awaited parade float was the Queen ofHearts! During the parade, she traveled from one end of
the shopping arcade to the other with all the children.
Due to the help of many, we could hold the Halloween
Party without incident. Thank you all for your efforts!

≪Mayor Klinar of Seeboden City, Republic of Austria≫
Thank you for all of
your illustration
submissions!
Grand Prize Winner:
Mitsuki IshiharaInternational Relations Saijo
is a quarterly newsletter
published in Japanese, English, and Vietnamese by the
Saijo International Exchange Association (SIEA).
We welcome your comments,questions and submissions.

We enjoyed a special
appearance at theHalloween CostumeAward Ceremony.
Happy Halloween!

Honorable Mention:
Nariharu Watanabe
Noa Usami
Ryoma Hada
CONGRATS!!!

Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1230 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.city.saijo.ehime.jp

2International Relations Saijo≪October International Exchange Events≫
On Sept. 29 (Sat.), we invited Office Naturel’s Kenji Fujiyama to speak about
cuisine, the history of cafés and kissatens, and world affairs.
By the way, does everyone know the difference between a café and a kissaten?
Although they seem similar, they are rather different. A kissaten is actually a“teahouse.” Having originated in London, England, teahouses have a 300-yearhistory and, like pubs, offer a space to exchange information. However, unlike
pubs, they don’t provide alcohol. On the other hand, cafés originated in Paris,France in 1686. Called cabarets, cafés were venues where people could appreciateentertainment while eating and sharing information. Nowadays, they are calledcafés or bars, and alcohol is also available. At present, cabarets only remain in
Paris and New York. Cafés that feature talk shows and live performances perhaps reflect some of their former history as cabarets.
In the afternoon, we tasted coffee from the beans of three different countries. Although we ground the beansand prepared the coffee in the same way, each had a distinct aroma, acidity, and flavor. We also learned a newway to brew coffee. Many participants even explained, “Really? I had no idea! I have been brewing it incorrectly!” So it left quite an impression! Ultimately, we not only learned about coffee but also about the dietary culture and local economy associated with it. Learning from several perspectives was an enjoyable experience.

～International Understanding Lecture: Learning to Speak German – From Saijo to Europe～
On Oct. 3, we hosted a lecture for international understanding in the large conference room of Saijo CityHall. We invited Ms. Moeko Minami to teach us about the lifestyle, schools, and tourism of Germany and Austria, so we truly learned a lot in the mere hour and a half.
What is the merit of learning German? There are 4 countries that have German as a mother tongue: Germany, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria. If you speak German, you can communicate with 4 different
countries. Moreover, as England exits the European Union, speakers of German will form the majority of theEU, and the economically stable Germany will become an even more attractive country. Furthermore, the education system is of a very high quality. Unlike Japan, university tuition is around a mere 30,000 yen, andGermany is said to have a very good learning environment for students. German resembles English in someways, so it is also useful in the study of English.
Many students participated in this lecture. Afterwards, we held a Q & A session from which we can see thatSaijo residents have a keen interest in Germany and Austria (Europe).

We are the World Exchange Festival
Saijo City held an international exchange concert on Aug. 19, 2018, inviting theTarumi Violinists from New York and Ms. Yuko Itou, a soprano singer and Saijo native residing in Italy, to perform with the Saijo elementary and junior high school
choruses and the Saijo City Boy Scouts.
The Tarumi Violinists are based in New York and led by Ms. Yukako Tarumi. Using the universal language of music, these messengers of love and peace have performed in concerts worldwide,including one for the Pope and the King of Sweden. The media even refers to them as musical ambassadors oflove and peace. For many years, they have performed in the Peace Bell Ceremony held at the UN Headquarters
every year. Recognized for their activities for international friendship and goodwill, they received the Japanese
Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation in 2016. Ms. Yuko Itou was born in Omachi, Saijo. She graduatedfrom Saijo Senior High School and the Tokyo University of the Arts. After finishing her doctorate in vocal music, she began her career as a soprano soloist in the Italian Opera based in Milan. This year, she made her 2ndperformance in Saijo since 2014 with her husband, the pianist Andrea Schiavo.
The Tarumi Violinists arrived in Saijo on Aug. 16. They performed at asenior citizens home and communicated with Saijo’s youth using Englishand gestures at parties throughout their stay. As the students of Saijo encountered topics related to New York and Italy, it seemed as if Saijo grewcloser to the rest of the world. This year’s concert was the 3 rd since 2014 and2016. Each concert adds value to the opportunity for international exchange,
so we hope to lengthen the legacy of the We are the World concerts.
Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1230 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.city.saijo.ehime.jp

3International Relations Saijo

On Nov. 10 and 11, SIEA hosted the“Vietnam World” exhibit during the Saijo InSaijo Industry Fair
dustry Fair at Saijo Agriculture High School.
This year’s theme was “2 days of easygoing
Vietnam.” Visitors could enjoy the áo dài exhibit (traditional Vietnamese dress) and try them on. They couldalso make conversation with 7 of the current Saijo residents from Vietnam while drinking Vietnamese coffee
and tea and eating snacks together. The Vietnamese coffee roasted at the venue and served with condensed
milk was the most popular treat. Young children also attempted to say greetings in Vietnamese. Many of thevisitors enthusiastically asked questions about Vietnam and the neighboring countries Thailand and Laos.
JICA volunteers also exhibited photographs showing how internationally active the locals of Saijo are.
60th AnnualVietnam World

Exhibit Booth Members!

Ms. Thuy introducing Vietnam to guests

Saijo High School students
wearing áo dài

This year, we sold a Vietnamese dessert soup called chè bà ba. During the first 2 hours of bothdays of the event, we sold 100 bowls! We enjoyed an easygoing 2 days. We are so grateful to allof our volunteers! We are looking forward to next year!!!

Chè bà ba“Vietnam Folk Tales I Want to Share with the People of Saijo ~ No. 3「Milk Fruit」
Vietnam is also called the Kingdom of Fruit! At the Industry Fair, “Vietnam World”
featured a photo exhibit of fruit in Vietnam. There are many fruits that people havenever seen in Japan. Amongst them is the “milk fruit.” In Vietnamese, it is called VúSữa; “Vú” means breast, and “Sữa” means milk. If you translate it directly into Japanese, it means “breast fruit”! The name is said to have originated from its milk-white
fruit juice and shape, but every Vietnamese person knows this folk tale.
Once upon a time, there was a mother and a son in a village. Having lost her husband, the mother cherished her son and did everything for him. However, the more hewas spoiled, the more mischievous he became and trouble he caused. When his motherscolded him for his mischievousness, he grew angry and ran away from home. His mother was very sad andardently prayed for her son’s return. She waited for him in front of their house every day. No one knew how
far her son strayed from home.
The son went very far away, receiving food from strangers and playing every day. However, after some time,
he began to long for his mother. One day, it was cold, and he had an empty stomach. Some children started tobully him, so he decided to go home. Although nothing had changed about their house, he could not find hismother. No matter where he searched, in the house or in the garden, his mother was nowhere to be found. The
son started to cry, screaming “Mommy!” but there was no answer. He continued to cry as he hugged a tree inthe garden. Suddenly, the tree started to shake. He was so surprised that he looked up. As he did, a round
fruit fell before him. Completely exhausted, he bit into the fruit, but it was very hard. Then, another one fell
from the tree. This time, he peeled the fruit before tasting it, but it was bitter. Suddenly, another one fell. Thistime, he tried massaging the fruit. As he did, a white liquid started to flow from the fruit. The flesh of the fruit
also became juicy. It was really delicious. It seemed like a gift from his mother, so the son started wailing. As
he did, the tree’s branches extended as if his mother was embracing him.
Later, the son learned of his mother’s death from the people in the village, and he became contemplative.
He offered the delicious fruit of the tree in the garden to the people in the village. As the fruit was full of his
mother’s love, they called it “Vú Sữa (breast milk).”
Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1230 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.city.saijo.ehime.jp

4International Relations Saijo
Dates with Diana

Ｈｏｒａｇａｉ

Sometimes, fog envelops Mt. Ishizuchi, wrapping thepeak with a white veil. Within the mysterious atmosphere, you may hear an unusual sound; it’s as ifwhales are crying overhead, swimming amongst theclouds. Somewhere in the heart of the mountains, ayamabushi (a practitioner of Shugendō) is playing thehoragai (conch shell trumpet).
The horagai has a long history in Japan. Played as atrumpet, it also had over 1000 years of use as one ofthe tools for religious practices and military affairs.
Henceforth, it has been passed on from one generation
to the next. Special schools teach traditional horagai
music, and each school has a unique melody. Thehoragai is particularly associated with yamabushi because they are known to use horagai to communicate
with each other, as they can describe their location
and actions depending on how they play it.
Mt. Ishizuchi is a place of worship of Shugendō, so it
also has a rich history of horagai. Even now, you canget a taste of that history. Numerous Shugendō practitioners dedicate the horagai to Mt. Ishizuchi throughout the year. Furthermore, every November, the Ishizuchi Ryura no Kai Association gathers at Ishizuchi
Joju Shrine for a horagai certification exam, ceremony
and contest. This year, the exam took place on Nov. 2,and the contest took place on the following day.
Before any training can begin, the association members dedicate their horagai to Ishizuchi Joju Shrine.

Then, divided into appropriate ranks, they receive instruction on their playing techniques before taking thefirst exam. The participants receive more guidance inthe afternoon before taking the second exam and written test. They complete the first day with evening
prayers in the shrine. The second day features a ceremony with all of the participants and teachers playing
in unison before the contest. Seeing the white clad figures playing together is a remarkable sight.
Everyone gave me a warm welcome, allowing me toenjoy a truly meaningful 2 days. I had only ever seen
older men playing the horagai, so I was surprised toencounter several women and children gathered forthe examination. I was further surprised to meet participants from more distant prefectures like Niigata,Mie, Hyogo, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Amongst theparticipants, there was even an 87-year-old man facing
his 24th examination, and a 7-year-old boy completing
his first. I learned that people enjoy horagai regardlessof age. Although everyone had a different reason for
picking up the horagai, most became interested inhoragai due to a family member’s influence. Many
hoped to carry on the memory of someone dear.
Having attended the events, I didn’t only learn about
the proper way to play the horagai, but I also learned
about the rich religious heritage involved with thestudy of horagai, as people bring their horagai to Mt.
Ishizuchi as an offering to the god of the mountain.
When people play the horagai, I can sense the respect
for the god of Ishizuchi, but I can also feel the love offamily and community.

Events & Announcements＜Vietnamese Ikebana Course Information＞◆When: Dec. 9 (Sun.) 10：00～12：00◆Where: Public Welfare (Fukushi) Center ◆Cost: Free
＜3rd International Exchange Café＞◆When: Dec. 15 (Sat.) 10：00～12：00◆Where: Omachi Community Center◆Cost: 300円 (general) 200円 (members) 100円 (Age 3+)＜International Understanding Lecture: Fair Trade＞◆When: Dec. 15 (Sat.) 14：00～15：30◆Where: Omachi Community Center ◆Cost: Free
＜Conversations with the People of Vietnam＞◆When: Jan. 19 (Sat.) 10：00～12：00◆Where: Public Welfare (Fukushi) Center ◆Cost: Free
＜4th International Exchange Café＞◆When: Feb. 13 (Wed.) 18：00～20：00◆Where: SICS
◆Cost: 300円 (general) 200円 (members)
Tanbara-cho International Exchange Association
19th International Exchange Speech Contest◆When: Dec. 16, 2017 (Sun.) 13:00~16:30◆Where: Saijo City Tanbara Community Center◆Contents: Foreign residents・elementary・middle・
high school students’ speech contest ◇Free to Watch!◇◆Inquiries: TEL:090-2781-6502 (Mr. Ando)

NPO Regional Revitalization・Individualized Medical Care
3rd English Speech Contest◆When: Jan. 14, 2019 (Sun.) 13:00~16:30◆Where: Saijo City Library 2F Large Conference Room◆Contents:First half – 2018 Seattle, America International
Training Report
Second half – Elementary・middle・ high school student
English speeches◆Exchange Party: 17:00~19:00 SICS
◆Inquiries: Tel：080-6808-5059 (Mr. Ishikawa)
E-mail：toshihisa.ishikawa.r@gmail.com

Editor
Notes

Typical of the end of the year, this December feels as
if we are running to the end with vigor. Thank you
for all your support as we carried out many eventsand classes throughout 2018. It’s still a bit early, but
we hope you have a happy New Year! (石)International Relations Saijo Staff
Yuki Teraoka （寺）Miho Ishimura (石）
Emi Sasaki (佐）Diana Marie Linton (ダ）(English Translation)
Nguyen Bui Anh Thy (ア）Read in fullcolor！

Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1230 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.city.saijo.ehime.jp