No. 429 October 2023

Niigata English Journal
Edited & Issued by the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
Mail magazine: Email us to receive this newsletter every month★★ Subscribe to stay up to date! ★★

Free Medical Testing and Consultation

Doctors will be performing chest x-rays and healthchecks, as well as providing advice on internal medicine,surgery, dental health, and more! Social workers andinsurance experts can also answer questions on treatment,
insurance, etc. Interpreters are available for English,
Chinese, and Vietnamese. An interpreting device will be
used for other languages. For foreign residents only.
Date: Oct. 15th (Sun) 10:00 – 14:30
Location: CrossPal 2nd floor
Fee: Free!
Sign up: Scan the QR code to sign up
Contact: Tel: 025-225-2727, email: kyokai@nief.or.jp

Korean Cooking Class

Learn how to make “dak gomtang” (chicken soup)! Thisis a simple but comforting dish, perfect for the cool, autumn
weather.
Date: Nov. 25th (Sat) 10:30 – 13:00
Location: CrossPal 5th floor Cooking Room
Fee: Free!
Spots: 24 people (high school students and older); if morethan 24 people sign up there will be a lottery, results will beannounced in early November
Sign up: By Oct. 27th (Fri) send in a post card (with replycard) to NIEF

School Enrollment for Foreign Nationals

At the end of September, the Niigata City Board of
Education (BOE) sent out information about enrolling inelementary or junior high school to families in Niigata City
with children born between the following dates:
Elementary: April 2, 2017 – April 1, 2018
Junior High: April 2, 2011 – April 1, 2012
To enroll, go to the BOE’s School Affairs Division or
your local Ward Educational Support Center. You will need
your child’s residence card ( 在 留 カ ー ド ) or Special
Permanent Resident Certificate (特別永住者証明書). All
children have the right to an education, no matter their levelof Japanese language ability.
Contact: Niigata City Board of Education
TEL 025-226-3168

Fun Japanese Class Social

Come and watch foreign students show off their Japaneseskills with speeches and presentations! There will also be
traditional music and dance performances, as well as prizes.
Date: Nov. 4th (Sat) 13:30–15:00
Place: CrossPal 5th floor Exchange Hall
Fee: Free!
Spots available: 50 people
For more info/sign up: 025-225-2727 or
kyokai@nief.or.jp

Free Administrative Scrivener Consultation

Get free consultation on visa qualifications, applying forpermanent residency, doing business in Japan, carregistration, traffic accident compensation, and more!
Date: Oct. 21st (Sat) 10:00 – 16:00
Location: CrossPal 3rd floor Room 306
Fee: Free!
Sign up: Call Niigata Prefecture Administrative
Scrivener Society, Mr. Takano at 070-1189-8555

Salon Exhibit: Japanese Manga & Anime in the
USA + Showa Era Japanese Anime & Manga

This exhibit features slides from the lecture last month,
as well as manga and figures from the Showa era. Comeand learn about how Japanese manga and anime wasintroduced to the USA and check out the items on
display!
Date: Sep. 16th (Sat) – Nov. 16th (Thu) 9:00 – 17:00
Closed: Sundays, holidays, and Oct. 23rd
Location: CrossPal 2nd floor

CrossPal Niigata Culture Festival

CrossPal’s culture festival returns after 4 years! Various
international associations, including the Niigata-Galveston
Committee, will share about their international exchange
activities, host quizzes, sell fair trade goods, and more! For
more information, please check the NIEF website.
Date: Oct. 20th – 22nd (Fri – Sun)
Location: CrossPal 2nd floor
Fee: Free!

Niigata Kimjang Day!!

Learn how to make kimchi from a professional Korean instructor! Since long ago, neighbors in Korea would cometogether to make kimchi – this practice of gathering to make kimchi is called “kimjang.” At this kimjang event,participants will get to experience to feeling of solidarity and community by making kimchi together. Participants
will make two types of kimchi (cabbage and radish) and get to take both home. Bossam (pork wraps) will be served
to eat with the kimchi afterwards at the tasting party. A recipe pamphlet will also be provided! Don’t miss out on thisrare opportunity to experience an important part of Korean culture!
Date: Dec. 1st (Fri) 13:00 – 16:00 (for everyone)Dec. 2nd (Sat) 13:00 – 16:00 (students given priority but everyone can apply)
Location: CrossPal 5th floor Cooking Room
Fee: ¥2,000 (for kimchi ingredients, bossam, and cookware)
Spots: 24 people per day (pick one day); there will be a lottery if more than 24 people apply, lottery results
will be announced in the beginning of November (this event is for high school students and older)
What to bring: Bandana, handkerchief, towel, and containers to take home kimchi in
Sign up: By Oct. 25th fill out the form (QR code) or send in a post card (with reply card) with thefollowing: name of the event, your name, age group (20s, 30s, etc.), phone number, and desired date
(Dec. 1st or 2nd). You are allowed to bring one other person, please also write their name and age group
Contact: 025-225-2727

Niigata English Journal

October 2023

Page 2Introducing Mr. Satou Takashi
Meet Mr. Satou, NIEF’s new representative director! As the representative director, Mr.
Satou helps organize and promote international exchange events.

My name is Satou Takashi and I am the new representative
director of the Niigata International Exchange Foundation. It’s apleasure to be here.
After 40 years of working at the Niigata City Office, I retired
from my post as the executive director of the Water Supply Bureau
on March 31st. During my time there, I worked in several different
areas doing regular clerical work. Unfortunately, I never had theopportunity to be directly involved in any foreign affairs work. I’msure there is a lot I don’t know, but I hope everyone will teach me
and help to deepen my understanding.
The circumstances surrounding the world and Japan sometimes
change in ways that we don’t expect and at times we are forced to facedifficult circumstances, but it is during these times that steady exchange
and mutual understanding at the citizen level becomes important.
With your understanding and guidance, I hope to make some
contributions in the development of Niigata City’s international
exchange. I look forward to working with all of you.

Autumn Tokimeki Concert

Folk dances are said to be the heart of Japan, so why not come and learn how to dance one?
Participants will learn the Niigata Jinku, Niigata’s folk dance. The dance will be accompanied byshime-daiko drums and shinobue flutes played by elementary school students. Participants will betaught the dance on stage as part of the Autumn Tokimeki Concert. Kimono will be provided for the
event. Come and wow the locals with your dance skills! (Foreign residents only)
Date: Nov. 3rd (Sat) Meet up at 11:30
Location: Konan Ward Culture Hall, 3-1-14 Chinoyama, Konan Ward
Fee: Free! Also comes with free bento lunch!
Spots: 20 spots
What to bring: Tabi socks or zori sandals if you have them, if not bring beach sandals
Sign up: By Oct. 15th, Call Mr. Murata @ 070-5450-6614 or Email: tsymurata@yahoo.ne.jp*When you sign up, please say your name, nationality, phone number, gender, and height
For those interested in attending the concert and not participating in the performance, the details forthe event are below.
Part 1: Professional performances of the Niigata Jinku, Sado Okesa, Niigata Sasadangobushi, andother folk dances as well as popular songs like Totoro played on the shinobue flute.
Part 2: Children’s performances on shime-daiko drums and shinobue flutes, as well as a folk dance
performance by foreign residents of Niigata.
Date: Nov. 3rd (Sat) 13:00 (doors open at 12:00)
Location: Konan Ward Culture Hall, 3-1-14 Chinoyama, Konan Ward
Fee: ¥500 (same day tickets available)
Sign up/Contact: Ms. Satou 090-8849-6506

October 2023

Niigata English Journal

Page 3

Momo with Special Momo Sauce
This recipe was provided to us by Ms. Limbu Iksha from Sunsari, Nepal.
Momo are steamed dumplings filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, andcheeses depending on the region. This recipe features ground chicken or pork
and vegetables. Check it out and try it for yourself!
Ingredients for Momo

Amount(makes 12 dumplings)

Ingredients for Sauce

AmountDumpling wrapper

12

Garlic3 cloves

Ground chicken or pork

200g

Onion

1/2

Green onion

1

Green onion

To taste

Tomato1

Tomato

1

Onion

1

Salt and pepper

A pinchCabbage

1/4

Cumin powder

1/2 tsp

Garlic2 cloves

White sesame

1/2 tbsp

Ginger

1/4

Peanuts

10 kernels

Soy sauce

1 tbspChili peppers

To taste

Ajinomoto

1/2 tsp

Lemon

1/4

Salt and pepper

A pinchOil

1 tbspCumin powder

1/2 tsp

Steps for Momo:
1. For filling: finely chop vegetables, thenadd ground meat, salt and pepper, andspices. Mix well.
2. Apply water around the edges of the
dumpling wrap and place filling in thecenter.
3. Bring the outer edges of the wrap to thecenter and press them together.
4. Squeeze the edges together tightly toseal the dumpling so that it doesn’t leakwhile cooking. If the filling leaks out
while sealing it, remove some filling andseal the dumpling again.
5. Place the dumplings in the steamer andsteam for about 20 minutes. (Placeparchment paper or oil at the bottom of
the steamer so the dumplings don’t stick.)

Steps for Sauce:
1. Finely chop the vegetables (except the tomato, whichshould be diced) and set aside. Fry the chopped garlic in oil,then add the onion. Soak the white sesame and peanuts inwater for 30 minutes.
2. Once the onions have browned and softened, add the green
onions, tomatoes, white sesame, and peanuts and fry for
another 5 minutes. (Be sure to remove excess water from thetomatoes, white sesame, and peanuts before adding)
3. Add salt and pepper and cumin powder and simmer for
about 5 minutes.
4. Cool the sauce and puree in a blender. Add squeezed
lemon juice. (Add cilantro if desired.)October 2023

Niigata English Journal

Page 4

Classes
Japanese Courses offered by the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
Beginner throughIntermediate 2-Classes of varying difficulties are available at different times throughout the week.
-Pricing info & the schedule for the current session are available on the NIEF
website: https://www.nief.or.jp/

Ms. Kiyoko Tanaka
Tel: (025) 225-2727

Japanese Study Support Group for Children & Students: NicoPal Club (Free of charge)
Day of the Week & Hours
Every Wed 9:30 – 11:30*Please register beforehandEvery Sat 10:00 – 11:30*except 10/14 and 10/21*Please register beforehand

Room
No.

Content

For more info.

202

To help students get the Japanese language skills needed to go to school in Japan.

201

This Japanese study circle offers support to children in the international
community who are struggling with Japanese and other school studies.

Ms. Kiyoko Tanaka
Tel: (025) 225-2727

International Cooking Class

Volunteer JapaneseClasses

When: Oct. 28th (Sat), 29th (Sun), 30th (Mon)
11:00-14:00
Fee: Foreign residents, students: ¥1,800
Japanese citizens ¥3,800
Menu: Fall Harvest (European style) – 2 types of bruschetta, non-alcoholic beverages, creamy chicken
Normandy, bean pilaf, decorated cake, and more!

https://www.nief.or.jp/en/jcvg

Where: Ms. Ueno’s residence (3-4-16 Ogijima, Akiha Ward)
For more info/sign-up: TEL: 0250-24-6859 (Ms. Ueno) – Please sign up at least three days before class

Notices
World Children’s Book Illustrations

The art of Japanese and Korean artists from the 2021 Biennialof Illustrations Bratislava competition will be displayed at theNiitsu Art Museum.
When: Sep. 9th (Sat) – Nov. 5th (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Where: Niitsu Art Museum
Fee: ¥1,000 (¥800 students, free for JHS students and under)

SDGs World in Niigata 2023 (Ukraine)This event aims to promote the understanding of SDGs andto support Ukraine. Come and enjoy stage performances in
traditional dress and booths with fair trade goods, food, drinks,
and handmade items. Donations can also be made to Ukrainian
refugees in Japan.
When: Nov. 3rd (Fri) 10:00 – 16:00
Where: Dekky 401, Basement Floor 1, 4-12-20 Kamiomi,
Chuo Ward

Autumn Noh PerformanceThis year’s autumn noh performance will be
Shakkyō (Stone Bridge), featuring an impressive
lion dance with not one, but two lions! Thisauspicious performance is a celebration of
Ryutopia’s 25th anniversary.
If you’re worried about not understanding the archaic
language, don’t worry! Tablets with English and Japanesecommentary and translations are available to rent for ¥500.
For more information, please visit the Ryutopia website.
When: Oct. 29th (Sun) 13:30 (doors open at 13:00)
Where: Niigata City Performing Arts Center Ryutopia,
Noh Theater
Fee: S seat: ¥7,000; A seat: ¥5,500; B seat: ¥4,500;
U25 (B seat for ages 25 and under): ¥2,000
Contact/Tickets: 025-224-5521 (11:00 – 19:00)

Consultation Services
Niigata Help Association

Everyday 10:00 – 23:00
English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, etc.

TEL: 025-228-2212

Niigata International Association TEL: 025-241-1881
Email: nia21c@niigata-ia.or.jp URL: https://www.niigata-ia.or.jp/

Weekdays 10:00 – 17:00
English, Russian, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish,Portuguese

Helpline for Foreigners

Press 2 after the Japanese guidance

TEL: 0120-279-338 (toll-free)

Niigata Medical Care Information Network

URL: http://qq.niigata-iyaku.jp/

Hello Work, Foreigner Advisory Service TEL: 025-280-8609
Niigata Misaki Godo Chosha #2 (1-2-1 Misaki-cho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City)
Immigration Bureau Consultation
Gyoseishoshi Association of Niigata Consultation
Free Legal Consultation for Foreign Residents
Length of Consultation: 40 minutes per person

Education Consultation

2nd Tue. of the month (10/10) 13:00–17:00
Thai, Vietnamese, RussianEnglish, Chinese, Korean
1st – 4th Wed 13:00 – 16:00
English & Chinese
Make a reservation by phone or email in advance.

th

4 Wed. of the month (10/25) 10:00–17:00
Chinese, Russianrd

3 Thur. of odd numbered months (11/16)
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian
Every Tue.
13:00–17:00 English,
Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, RussianPlace: Multilingual Consultation Center of Niigata(formerly Foreign Resident Consultation Center)(2nd floor of Toki Messe)
Contact: TEL: 025-241-1881
Email: nia10@niigata-ia.or.jp

Edited and Issued by the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
3-2086 Ishizuecho-dori, Chuo Ward, Niigata City 951-8055
Homepage: https://www.nief.or.jp/
Tel: (025) 225-2727
E-mail: kyokai@nief.or.jp(Written and edited by Alyssa Williams & Ayako Homma)

CrossPal will beclosed Oct. 23rd