aWa life
Tokushima's
Machi ★ Asobi

The Possibilities
of International
Understanding
Supporters

November 2022

Letter from SUKETO
NAKAYOSHI

Gairaigo Galore:
ユニバーサルデザイン

# 385

1

Awa Life is a Monthly Publication of the Tokushima
Prefectural International Exchange Association

Now that it’s November, it’s the perfect time to see the autumn leaves! There are plenty of beautiful spots in Japan, and in Tokushima as well. It’s also a season with a lot of delicious foods, and you
should be on the look out for tons of sweets and foods featuring chestnuts or sweet potatoes. Hopefully
you can have a great autumn!
For all of those who like writing, please feel free to submit an article to us at any point in time aboutbasically anything. There are a few limitations though, such as you can’t write about religion, politics,
commercial activities or businesses or anything that we deem inappropriate. But, other than that, we
would be more than happy to receive articles about anything and everything including but not limited
to concerts, lectures, other events, culture, sports, community group information or anything cool that’s
happening in your local community.
We highly appreciate all of your articles and we love reading them. So if that writing bug of yours isbuzzing about, grab a pen or a computer and write and send away! Please send all submissions to ouremail:Your editors,
Sydney and Nicoawalife@gmail.com
Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA)
1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi, Tokushima City 770-0831 JAPAN, Clement Plaza 6F
Tel: 088-656-3303 Fax: 088-652-0616
http://www.topia.ne.jp/
Download a PDF file of awa life or view the online version by going to TOPIA's website!

Editors:
Sydney Bartig and Nico Bohnsack
Contributors This Month:Mari Kimoto, Kazue Inoue, Qing Liu, Jiro Murakami, and Junko Nagamachi

2

Contents

Pg. 2-3: The Possibilities of International Understanding Supporters
Pg. 3:

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 4:

Tokushima's Machi ★ Asobi

Pg. 5:

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 千歳飴

Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: ユニバーサルデザイン

Pg. 6:

Introduction to the Komatsushima City International Exchange Association

Pg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 8-9: Events and Memoranda
The Possibilities of International Understanding Supporters
By: Mari KimotoI

am in charge of coordinating the dispatchof international understanding instructors
at TOPIA. I feel extremely grateful to all of theforeign resident instructors who give lecturesa b o u tinternational
understanding
to children
at schools in
To k u s h i m a ,and to us
citizens who
are living inTokushima.
Althoughf o r e i g nlanguages
like English
are taught
in schools,
I believe it
is importantfor students to learn about a variety of cultures,
languages, and traditions, not just those fromEnglish-speaking countries, as well as to have achance to actually experience other cultures firsthand through these international understanding
courses. These instructors teach about things thatcannot be found in a textbook, and by learning

about other cultures, students are able to realize
what makes Japanese culture unique. It also
allows for children to learn new values and to
broaden their perspectives.
I ’ v e a l s opersonally madenew discoveries
and had new
realizations,and I always
find listening to
the classes tobe extremelyinteresting. I alsofeel that culturale x c h a n g ethrough songs
and games fromthat country
helps to build a
fun atmospherethat cultivatesthe basis of international understanding. I
definitely can’t forget everyone’s bright smiles.
When talking about other cultures, it’s inevitablethat people tend to focus on the differences thatexist between countries. However, if they listen toconversations about other countries, then they will
also find that there are many similar and shared

3

The Possibilities of International Understanding Supporters

aspects of culture. I think that those realizations
are essential for all of us who are living in a
multicultural society.
From the international understanding classes I
felt how connected the world was, and I havefaith that it will be connected to the actions
that the children take in the future. In Japan,
approximately 1 in 40 people is a foreign resident,
and in Tokushima, about 1 in 110 people are. I
hope that the children will grow up to be adults
who can form good relationships with the foreign
residents who live here, and build a good society
together. I look forward to continue to work with allof the instructors.
Everyone, how about becoming an international
understanding instructor y o u r s e l f?

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

By: Kazue Inoue (Center for Early Childhood Education and Care SUKETO NAKAYOSHI)W

hen a child turns 2, one thing thatmany parents worry about is language
development. There are many parents who areconcerned when they are having their child enterpreschool and are told at the child’s medical
check-up that the child’s speech development
is delayed. Of course, participating in a groupsetting will have a good influence on language
development, however, there are also things thatparents can do with their child on a daily basis.
For example…
・ Look children in the eyes, listen when they are
speaking, and respond to them.
・ Put the child’s feelings into words. For example,“It’s delicious, right?” “That’s so great, right?”
・ Have fun playing together… This will lead to thechild wanting to tell their mom and dad how muchfun they had playing together. Of course, it is also
stimulating to play with friends' children and it
is important to have a place where parents andchildren can get together and play.
When it comes to words, once a child understands
them, they will start speaking with them. It’s
recommended to take a walk outside and talk to

the child while viewing the beautiful flowers andscenery.
Handmade Sweets Recipe: Kinako Rusk (1Serving)① Spread a fair amount of butter on half a sliceof bread. (It is easier to spread the butter if thebread is slightly toasted.)② Mix 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon
kinako and spread over the bread.
③ Place into the toaster for approximately 3
minutes and then cut into sticks.
*Kinako is madefrom soybeans
and is often usedin snacks forchildren. It is anutrient rich foodthat contains
dietary fibers,
protein, calcium,
isoflavone, etc.

Tokushima's Machi ★ Asobi
By: Qing Liu

T

he Machi ★ Asobi is an entertaining eventwith multiple side events held for the goalof allowing those to
enjoy (asobi) the town
(machi) of Tokushima.
Various entertainment
companies andpopular voice actors
come together toput on stage shows,
exhibitions, etc. atthis large event, with
events taking placeon the top of Mt.
Bizan, the symbol ofTokushima City, theBoardwalk along the
Shinmachigawa River,
the Awa Odori Kaikan,
PoPo Gai, andaround the Tokushima
Station.
This year, in
preparation forthe 2025 Osaka
Kansai Expo, foreign
residents were invitedto try out cosplaying
as a way to promote
the wonder of"Tokushima: The Landof Anime" throughthe Machi ★ Asobi.
Shikoku University
a n d To k u s h i m a
Prefecture teamed
up to hold the event,allowing participants
to participate in aphoto shoot, e-sports
events, and taking aride on the Hyotanjima
Cruise. Afterwards,
everyone enjoyedsome of Tokushima's

4warm and delicious obanyaki at the RiversidePark.
When Janel was inSouth Africa, sheenjoyed cosplaying, but
the clothes were quite
expensive there. Shesays that the materials to
make clothes are muchcheaper and easier tofind in Japan. On the
15th, she participatedin the event with acostume of the character“Utau Hoshina” that she
had made herself. Witha long, blonde wig andshiny pink dress, she
was transformed into her
favorite character andhad entered the world of
manga.
Participants from
Belgium, Spain, SouthA f r i c a , Tr i n i d a d a n d
Tobago, Kyrgyzstan,
Canada, and Vietnam
dressed up as thecharacters Utau
Hoshina, Shinobu
Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji,
Nezuko Kamado, Tanjiro
Kamado, and Kyojuro
Rengoku and took to thestreets, blending right in.
The Machi ★ Asobi
is held in spring andautumn in Tokushima,so make sure to visit
and check it out!

5

まいとし

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 千歳飴
By: Mari Kimoto

がつ

にちごろ

じんじゃ

てら

まい

こ

せいちょう

いわ

ぎょう じ

しち ご さん

毎年１１月１５日頃に 神社や お寺に お詣りをして、子どもの成長を 祝う行事を 七五三といいます。
いわ

か

か し

ちと せ あめちと せ あめ

こめ

ばく が

く

あ

つく

おな

そのお祝いに 欠かせない お菓子が、千歳飴です。 千歳飴は、米と麦芽を 組み合わせて 作られ、同
おお

こうはく

じ大きさの

あめ

ほん

紅白の飴が

いろ

ふくろ

い

に ほん

こうはく

しょく

えん ぎ

し

い 色として 知られています。
ちと せ あめ

き げん

え ど

じ だい

せんねん

なが

ねんげつ

い み

とう じ

千歳飴の 起源は江戸時代で、｢ 千年 ｣、｢ 長い年月 ｣ の 意味があります。当時は、
さ とう

き ちょう

あま

お

い

ちと せ あめ

いわが し

砂糖は 貴重な ものでした。甘くて 美味しい 千歳飴は、祝い菓子として
ちと せ あめ

ほさなが

ひ

ぱ

よろこ

喜

の

ばれました。千歳飴は、細長く、引っ張ると、どこまでも伸びることから、い
けんこう

なが い

い み

こ

がつ

つまでも 健康で 長生きしてほしいという 意味が 込められています。１１月
ごろ

じんじゃ

い

おや こ

しち ご さん

まいじっ

頃に 神社に行くと たくさんの 親子が 七五三で お詣りを しています。 実
さい

み

際に 見てみては いかがでしょうか。 かわいいですよ。

Vocabulary List
せいちょう

成長
ぎょう じ

行 事

GrowthEvent

しち ご さん

七五三 Event for Children 7, 5 and 3
ちと せ あめ

こうはく

紅白
えん ぎ

縁起
まい

お詣り
き げん

千歳飴 Type of Candy

起源

ばく が

けんこう

麦芽

Malt

よ

2 本セットで 袋に入れられています。日本では、紅白の 2 色は、 縁起の良健康

Red and White
Sign of Luck

なが い

長生き

Long Lifeか欠かせない Vital

Visit to a Religious Site
OriginHealthGairago Galore
ユニバーサルデザイン (Universal Design)
By: Sydney Bartig
Last month I introduced the word “barrier free ( バ リ ア フ リ ー )”. Continuing the trend of similarwords, this month I would like to introduce ユニバーサルデザイン . As you may remember, バリ
アフリー is a word used for making places accessible to those with disabilities, such as adding awheel chair ramp. Similarly, ユニバーサルデザイン , or universal design as it is written in English,
is used to describe designing the environment, buildings, etc. so that they are as accessible foreveryone, regardless of if they have a disability, their age, or otherfactors.
This word first came about thanks to an American architect named
Ronald Mace. Nowadays the idea has developed to include a variety
of factors, not just things like wheelchair ramps. In includes things
such as public transport, dishes made for those with sight impairments,
furniture designed for a variety of people, and many more.
Being a part of the Diversity Promotion Division, I’ve seen this word
come up a variety times, and it is now used often as people continue
to work towards diversity.

Introduction to the Komatsushima City International
Exchange Association
By: Jiro Murakami, President

6T

he Komatsushima City International
Exchange Association was founded on
October 1990 with the aim of fostering friendships
between the citizens of Komatsushima andforeign citizens based on mutual respect andunderstanding of cultures and traditions, the ideaof creating a rich and peaceful world, and thegoal of developing Komatsushima as a city withan international trade port where warm-hearted
people with an international perspective live.
Starting from the “Port Festival” that took place inJuly 1991, the “Foreign Awa Odori Contest” hasbeen held 20 times over 20 years.
I n N o v e m b e r o f t h e s a m e y e a r, t h e f i r s t“International Mandarin Orange Picking
Exchange” was held, and since then eachyear the citizens of Komatsushima and foreign
citizens come together to enjoy picking mandarinoranges. This event is extremely popular. Prior
to COVID-19, over 100 people participated in thefun.
From these international exchange activities,
support projects for foreign residents living in
Komatsushima also began. Foreign residents
living in Komatsushima consist of those who are
the spouses of Japanese nationals, those who
are trainees at companies, etc. We opened ourJapanese classes in 2003, and at the time, many
women from the Philippines who were married toJapanese came to study.
Afterwards, for 4 years from 2009 to 2013, we
held the “Wakaru! Dekiru! Japanese Class” as aproject of the “Daily Life Japanese for Foreigners”
commissioned by the Department of Cultural
Affairs. This program was designed for womenwith children who are living with their Japanesefamily. We provided childcare so that they could
study Japanese without any worries. We told thechildren old Japanese tales through pictures,and taught them traditional Japanese games. In
addition to studying Japanese, we held classes
to help with daily life issues, such as a Japanesefood cooking class, a bento class after problems

arose at preschools and schools, a disasterprevention class, etc. These classes were also
popular for the student’s families. We also helda Japanese class for foreigners seeking to workin Japan, and offered childcare services as well.
From this, and after receiving advice from theprefecture, city, and TOPIA, we founded the“International Childrearing Club Momotaro” in
2012. “Making acquaintances in the community.”
We were able to create a place for exchange, notonly for foreign mothers, but also for Japanesemothers and those involved in childrearing.
Due to COVID-19, it is difficult to hold events suchas mandarin orange picking or cooking classes,
but I hope that we will be able to resume themsoon.
Currently we are putting our efforts into “education
support for children with foreign roots”. Twice aweek we hold supplementary lessons for children
who came to Japan from overseas, as well as for
those with foreign parents. Volunteers help thechildren with preparation for high school/college
exams, studying kanji, or their homework.
For several years now we have had a foreign
resident on our board of directors who gives us
advise as someone with experience. They also
help plan and hold each of our events.
We would like to continue working towards a“Multicultural Komatsushima” where everyone cansee each other’s faces and engage in interactive
international exchange. We truly appreciate thesupport and guidance we have received fromTOPIA, related organizations, and other groups,
and we look forward to continuing to work witheveryone.

7

Japanese Lesson
By: Junko Nagamachi

なりました
Conversation
ひさ

こ

いま

Ａ：お久しぶりですね。子どもさんは今おいくつですか。
せんげつ

さい

Ｂ：先月、7歳になりました。
おお

げ んき

Ａ：そうですか。大きくなりましたね。お元気ですか。
まえ

か

ぜ

ひ

Ｂ：ええ、前は、よく風邪を引いていましたが、
いま

げ んき

今は、とても元気になりました。
Ａ：それはよかったですね。
おお

じてんしゃ

の

Ｂ：はい、大きな自転車に乗れるようになりましたよ。
Ａ：そうですか。すごいですね。
As shown in the examples, [なりました] is used when a person’s abilities or the state of an
じしょけい

object changes. The verb becomes 「〈Ｖ辞書形〉ようになりました」. Potential verbs or
みverbs that express ability or potential such as 「わかります」or「見えます」are often used.
Conjugationさい①

・・・・・〈Ｎに〉なりました
7歳になりました。

②

大きくなりました。
・・・・・〈いＡ（～い）く〉なりました③

元気になりました。・・・・・〈なＡに〉なりました④

・・〈Ｖ辞書形〉ようになりました
乗れるようになりました。

おお

げ んき
の

じしょけい

Practice Problems
Change the word in (しんぶんよ日本語の新聞がなりました。
（読めます）がつあたた① 3月になって、だいぶこ とばなりました。
（わかります）とくしま

す③ 友達ができて、徳島がとても
しゅうしょくかい しゃいん

なりました（会社員）

わかるようにそつぎょう④ 学校を卒 業 して、 就 職 しました。

③

がっこう

なりました。
（好きな）

暖かく

ともだち

あたた

すこ

②

む すこ

② 1歳の息子が、少し言葉がよ

さいなりました。
（ 暖 かい）①読めるようにに ほ ん ご) to the correct form and write it in the _________.

④

好きに
す

⓹

会社員に
かいしゃいんEvents & Memoranda

8

Misato Umeshu Festival
美郷梅酒まつりKnown for being Japan’s first ‘special ume
ward’, Misato in Yoshinogawa City of Tokushima
Prefecture will hold their annual Umeshu Festival
for the first time in 3 years.

全国初の「梅酒特区」徳島県吉野川市美郷地区で、The umeshu is made with love, using safe ume
plums that are produced in Misato by the familiar
faces of the townsfolk. During the event, visitors
can enjoy a wide variety of umeshu and foods.
How about enjoying the tastes of autumn while
leisurely enjoying the day? Come and enjoy therice nature of Misato!

開催期間中は、いろんな種類の梅酒や食事が味わ

When: November 26th (Sat.) & 27th (Sun.)
Where: Misato Hotarukan
Fee: Advance Tickets: 1,000 Yen (5 Tickets)
Same-day Tickets: 1,200 Yen (5 Tickets)
Inquiries: Misato Umeshu Festival Information
Desk (Misato Hotarukan)
Tel: 0883-43-2888
URL: https://www.misato-hotarukan.jp/?md=4

3 年ぶりに恒例の梅酒まつりを開催します。
生産者の顔が見える「安心・安全」な美郷産の梅を使って、梅酒を愛情込めて造りました。

えます。秋の味覚を楽しみながら、のんびりゆったりしませんか？豊かな自然あふれる美郷へどう
ぞお越しください。

日時：11 月 26 日（土）・27 日（日）場所：美郷ほたる館
料金：前売券：1000 円（5 枚綴り）
当日券：1200 円（5 枚綴り）
問い合わせ：美郷梅酒まつり総合案内所（美郷ほたる館）
Tel: 0883-43-2888
URL: https://www.misato-hotarukan.jp/?md=4

31st Anan City Chikkusai/JA Agri Anan Festival
第 31 回阿南市活竹祭・JA アグリあなん祭
Many fun events are planned, including a festivalwith specialty goods, various corners, stage
events, and more. ♪

特産品まつり、各種体験コーナー、ステージイベ

When: November 26th (Sat.), 27th (Sun.)
10:00 – 15:00
Where: Anan Agricultural Cooperative
JA Agri Anan
Inquiries: Anan Chikkusai Executive Committee(Within the Anan Commerceand Industries Policy Division)
TEL: 0884-22-3290
U R L : h t t p s : / / w w w. c i t y. a n a n . t o k u s h i m a . j p /docs/2022092800045/

日時：11 月 26 日（土）・27 日（日）ントなど楽しい催しが予定されております♪

10:00 ～ 15:00
場所：阿南農業協同組合 JA アグリあなん
問い合わせ：阿南市活竹祭実行委員会（阿南市商工政策課内）
TEL: 0884-22-3290
U R L : h t t p s : / / w w w. c i t y. a n a n . t o k u s h i m a . j p /docs/2022092800045/

9Events & Memoranda
Tokushima Fall Foliage Map
徳島紅葉マップ**NOTE**
Awa Life will be on break next month. We will be back in January with a new issue, so we hope to
see you then!
Please also note that TOPIA will be closed from December 29th - January 3rd
for the holidays.

Counselling Service at TOPIA・トピアの相談窓口
TOPIA provides consultation on everyday life, education, labor, medical institutions, and disasterprevention; and information on sightseeing spots to overseas residents and visitors. When necessary,
we will refer you to the appropriate organization that can assist with your needs.Counselling is available
in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Please note that although every effort will be made,we may not be able to deal with all cases.
Japanese, English, Chinese: Everyday, 10:00 - 18:00 (closed during the New Year's holidays)
Vietnamese: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 10:00 - 14:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 10:00 - 18:00 (closed during the New Year's holidays)