aWa life

November 2015
# 304

Japanese
LessonIn this issue:

Interview with theAmerican Players of theTokushima Indigo Socks

Waraji - The Only
Footwear Choice of
the Past

1

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

Every article you send us is appreciated so please consider becoming a writer! A few rules will apply
though so please look below to see what content we encourage you to write about and what kind of
stuff we cannot publish.
You can totally submit articles about concerts, lectures, and other event information, cultural,
sporting, and other community group information, etcetera.
BUT, the following will not be posted: Religious, political, or commercial activities, businesses
searching for clients or employees, things the Awa Life editors deem inappropriate.
If you have something you would like to share with the Tokushima community, email the editors at:awalife@gmail.com!
Tokushima Prefectural International
Exchange Association (TOPIA)			http://www.topia.ne.jp/
Clement Plaza 6F					topia@topia.ne.jp
1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi				tel: 088.656.3303
Tokushima City 770-0831 JAPAN			
fax: 088.652.0616
Download a PDF file of awa life or view the online version by going to TOPIA's website!
NOTE: In this issue I took the liberty to change the page layout from three columns to two, to have thewords and articles line up more smoothly. I hope this makes reading Awa Life a little easier.

Editors:
Jenifer Tanikawa & Till Dumke
Contributors This Month:
Till Dumke, Kazue Inoue, Shinobu Watari, Yasmin Bird, Fusa Tamaki,
David Moreton

2

Contents
Pg. 2-4:

Interview with the Tokushima Indigo Socks

Pg. 4-5:

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 5-6:

German Students

Pg. 6-7:

Fall Foliage of the Iya Valley

Pg. 7-8:

Waraji - The Only Footwear Choice of the Past

Pg. 9:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 10-11: Events and MemorandaInterview with the Tokushima Indigo Socks
By Till DumkeAt the end of September I had the chance togo visit the Tokushima Indigo Socks training
grounds and interview their two American players
Tomo Delp and Edward William Brandsema. I
was also able to catch a glimpse of their practicewhich was an interesting experience. The teammainly consists of young players who are highly
motivated to start a career as a baseball player.
Thus their training routine was marked by a highlevel of energy and ambition. It sure isn’t easy tomake it big in a highly competitive environment
like Japanese baseball but maybe that is exactly
what is needed to spur greatness. In the midst of
it two American boys who came to Japan with anopen mind and a strong arm. I hope the followinginterview will help you get to know our American
prospects for Tokushima.
Before coming to Japan Tomo Delp played for
the River City Rascals in the Frontier League
and Edward Brandsema played at Montevallo
University.
Let’s jump right into Interview and get an ideaof the players’ perspectives on life and playing
baseball in Japan.

Tomo: T
Edward: E
First of all where are you from?
T: Las Vegas.
E: Orlando, Florida.
What is your position on the field?
T: 1st and 3rd base.
E: Pitcher.
When did you come do Japan?
E: In the end of February 26th. It’s my first year
here.
T: I came on the same day, but I’ve been before
when I was 5 and 10. But that was just with mymum on vacation.

3

Indigo Socks

What made you come to Japan?
T: I was at a point where I had to decide what
I wanted to do and I thought it would be an
awesome experience [to go to Japan]. My ultimate
goal is to play in the NPB (Nippon Professional
Baseball). So right now it’s an experience all in
itself.
E: I had the chance to come and I wanted toexperience something new.

What do to eat to get in your best physicalcondition?
E: Pretty much Casserole. I and he make chicken
and onions and rice for pre-game meals.

How did you end up in Tokushima?
T: There was a team I played for last year andTokushima was really interested in me. Japanese
baseball is somewhat difficult to get into so ifthey’re interested you get lucky.
E: I had a trial in Fort Myers, Florida and Sakaguchi-san was there and he asked me to comeplay. So, it just worked out.

Do you have a pre-game routine?
T: I like to get here a little early just to be at thefield and get my mind set ready for the game.
E: If it’s a start day, yeah. I don’t have a routine
until an hour before the game. I get a massage
for about half an hour, then go on the field stretch
and throw for about 15 minutes then bullpen forten and then get ready for the game.

What were your expectations before coming
here?
E: My expectations were, worst case scenario,
I get paid to come and play some baseball inJapan. Maybe a little bit of sightseeing.
T: I just had a very open mind, so I didn’t reallyknow what to expect. They told me Tokushima isreally rural and kind of a country area. When I got
here I realized it is actually really far from being in
the middle of the city so it’s really different [frommy life before]. But baseball-wise it’s, you know,
baseball is baseball.

Do you have any music that gets you pumped?
E: Yeah, I like my work out song by Kriss Kross"Jump”. And here in Japan when you’re thestarting pitcher, from like 30 minutes up until
game time, they play your song on repeat. So you
just hear “Kriss Kross – Jump” for 30 minutes.
That’s pretty cool.

Are there any differencesin play style between
America and Japan?
T: Definitely but I think thebiggest one is the players
attitude towards the game.
Players respect the game more.
In America it is more laid back.
You can kind of do what youwant.
E: Yes, there are a

How does the motto of the Indigo socks “Connect
to the World” reflect on the teams activities?
T: We do a lot of community services. For
example we do stuff with the fans. I guess it’s a
Shikoku island league tradition that after the home
games you stand in a line and thank all your fansfor coming and they get to shake your hand andhave some face to face interaction. I like that,that’s one of the coolest things.
E: Exactly, and on top of that even when theAmerican expedition team was there, they were

lot of differences. Almost like two different sides
of a spectrum. As far as baseball philosophies go,they differ quite a bit. People take the game more
seriously here.

Have you been recognized on the street?
E: Not for being a being a baseball player. Just forbeing 6”4’ in Japan.
T: Just by like Tokushima fans, but not too often.

4

Indigo Socks
amazed and asked “Why are you guys doing
this?” Because it’s tradition.
What are your goals as a baseball player?
T: In Japan my ultimate goal is to make it to the
NPB and play in those big league stadiums.
E: Same. I just keep playing baseball until
someone tells me “You can’t play anymore”.
*Laughs*
Is there a particular pro team you really want toplay for?
E: Any pro team really.
T: I grew up as a Hanshin Tiger fan so that would
be my dream team.
Famous athletes like Michael Jordan or Russell
Wilson played baseball before switching tobasketball and football. Could there be a change
in profession for you guys?
E: *Laughing* No.
T: *Laughing* Unless someone offers me abasketball contract.

surprised. Every time I visited my family here
they would say “I can’t wait to see Tomo playing
in the NPB in Japan.” So I can tell him “Hey, it
happened!”
All right thank you guys!
E & T: Thank you, too.
The two of them seem like two really nice guys
and it was a pleasure chatting with them. It reallyseems like they’re enjoying their time in Japan.
The point they talked most enthusiastically about
was probably the fact that after their home games
they get to interact with the fans. A tradition
that appears to be unique to the Shikoku Island
League Plus. I hope the Indigo Socks will thrivein the league and help their players achieve theirindividual goals. Go Tokushima!

What would your 10 year old self say if you told
him that you play baseball in Japan for a living?
E: He’d be like “Wow, that’s crazy. When are youcoming to the Major leagues?” *Laughs*
T: I feel like my mum being Japanese and me
coming to Japan before, I wouldn’t be all that

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

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

n Japan, October 10th is “Me no Aigo Day( 目 の 愛 護 デ ー )”, which literally translates toProtect or Looking After Your Eye Day, and as
the name implies it is a day to think more about
the importance of your eyes and to give morelove to your eye. Younger children have a harder
time distinguishing whether they have a vision
problem or not, so it is important that the adults
around them are able to notice any irregularities
as soon as possible. Has your child ever done thefollowing? Squinting when they watch TV, putting
their face right up close to a book when readingor tilting their head to the side when staring at an
object. (You also need to watch out for things likeeye discharge and excess tearing.)
Sight disorders, such as amblyopia (lazy eye),must be treated before the development of vision
is completed, which occurs around the age of 6.
Any treatment after that is said to have limited

5

effect. That is exactly why its pertinent to get
diagnosed early and get early treatment. If you
notice anything at all, please get your child’s eye
checked at the eye doctors.
There are ways to look after your eyes in your day
to day lives so please give the following a try:1) Sit at least 2-3 meters away from your TV2) Avoid reading while lying down
3) Avoid rubbing your eyes with dirty hands
4) Keep your hair out of your eye5) Avoid watching TV or playing video games fora prolonged period of time (try setting a time limit)
6) Don’t be a picky eater and eat everything

SuketoStringDirections
1) Press the fallen leaves you collected from thepark between two newspapers and put a book on
top. Leave for a week.
2) Laminate the leaves (if you don’t have alaminator you can use wide clear tape). Cut out
the leaf, but make sure you leave a thick border
all around it.
3) Punch a hole into the border and thread astring through the hole. Slide on 2-3 leaves per
string to create your decoration.
*Feel free to decorate with crayons or stickers.

＊＊ This Month’s Craft ＊＊Autumn Leaves Decoration
Materials
Autumn leaves
Laminator or tape
Scissors

German Students

By Shinobu Watari and Students

Six students and two teachers from Lise
Meitner Gymnasiam (High School) located in
Lower Saxony, Germany visited Johoku SeniorHigh School in Tokushima Prefecture from
September 27 to October 4 as part of the Global
Challenge Support Project (a student exchange
program between Tokushima and Lower Saxony).
During their visit, they were able to visit various
tourist attractions, visited the German House,danced the Awa Odori and had the chance tolearn more about Japanese culture.

The following were written by two of the students
from Germany that took part in this exchange.
My Experience in Tokushima
Benjamin WeberMy first thought when I arrived in Japan: HOT!!!
I was not used to this temperature at this time of
the year. I experienced new and exciting smells,sounds and scenes.
Then I met my exchange partner Riki (利 樹). Rikiand his family welcomed me and showed mearound. I visited Johoku Senior High School, met
new people, made new friends and discovered
a new way of life. I was very surprised about
how much attention this exchange got from themedia. We were televised on the news program.
But what I enjoyed most was how excited, happy
and friendly the people at school were. I met
many kind, friendly, funny and beautiful people at
Johoku.

German Students

6

Sister School Exchanges: Germany and Japan
Christin Venneklaas

me because in Germany the audience does not
usually participate. It was great!

I am really enjoying my time in Japan. In the few
days that I am here, I have already learned andseen so many things! My host family is so lovely
and caring and my exchange student Rie ( 梨絵 )and I are really good friends.
It was also a pleasure to meet the students andteachers at Johoku Senior High School who werealways friendly and helpful. Talking to them, I
learned a lot about Japanese school life which isreally different from Germany.

In school I was not only able to learn Japanesewords and phrases, but also able to participate inclub activities like “Kyodo” (協 働 授 業: collaboratingwith other classes), chorus and tea ceremony.
“Kyodo” is really hard and I was glad that thestudents showed me what to do and helped mepatiently. It was a fun day and really interesting.
During chorus, we started stretching before
singing. This is not very common in Germany.

I especially love Japanese food like ramen, sushi
and okonomiyaki, and Japanese drinks like White
Water and Match Pink!
On my second day, I had the chance to see the
Awa Odori, which I really liked. I was even given
the opportunity to dance it too! This surprised

In my time here I also got better at using
chopsticks, which is not easy for me.
I am so happy to have met you all and to be here
in Tokushima with you!
I will miss you very much and I hope we see eachother again soon! Arigatou gozaimasu.

Fall Foliage of the Iya Valley
Yasmin BirdT

he Iya Valley classifies as one of the most
hidden mountain regions of Tokushima. Iya
Valley is one of Japans three hidden valleys; it
is a peaceful isolated place located in western
Tokushima. Iya Valley is a must see during theautumn season. The Iya River reveals turquoise
waters creating a spectacular vision against steep
narrow valleys enchanted with the colours ofautumn.
During the peak of Autumn you can experience
the spectacle of leaves that turn red and yellow
on maple and ginko trees. Autumn is one of themost popular seasons due to the blessed relief
from humidity. The captivating change of leaves
combined with the crisp air inspires adesire to embrace the scenery. Autumn
is the perfect time to immerse yourself
in the tranquillity of Iya Valley.
The finest autumn colours can beappreciated from early to late November.
The word "Koyo" refers to the ‘red leaves’
yet it is used to refer to the various
colours of autumn. The koyo season

undisputedly provides a magnificent vision in the
remote paradise of Iya Valley.
The most popular attractions are the 3 remaining
vine bridges out of the 13 that could once befound throughout Iya Valley. Iya Kazurabashi andthe Oku-Iya Kazurabashi bridges are a cultural
asset enriched with a traditional feel. The pairof surviving Oku-Iya Kazurabashi bridges standside by side deep back in the valley. The largest
bridge is known as the Husband Bridge (Otto no
Hashi) with a 44 meter spread across a river next
to a beautiful waterfall. The Wife Bridge (Tsumano Hashi) is lower and 22 meters in length. Bothbridges are connected by hiking trails.
The Iya Kazurabashi Bridge can be crossed in
one direction. The Bridge is 2 meters
wide and 45 meters long suspended 10
meters above the beautiful Iya River.
Iya Kazurabashi Bridge is said to havebeen built by the fleeing Heike samurai
after their defeat during the Gempei War(1180-1185). The vine was initially used
so it could easily be slashed by the
Heike clan if under threat. Although the

7

Iya Valley

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge has such an exhilaratingheight it is reconstructed every three years andsafely assembled with steel cables.
The Wild Monkey Bridge can be found next tothe Wife Bridge. It consists of a wooden cart thatwas used to transport people and supplies. The
monkey bridge can be used to pull yourself acrossthe beautiful river.
To fully relax and connect with nature, Iyaonsen
provides beautiful secluded views. The Nanoyado
Hotel IyaOnsen is highly recommended. IyaOnsen
provides open-air baths for men and womenor a private open-air bath that can be reserved
for up to an hour. The IyaOnsen open-air bath(rotenburo is accessible by a five minute cablecar journey allowing you to absorb the beautiful
panoramic valley view’s along the way.
The open –air onsen extends along the banks of
the Iya River. The cloudy white sulphur scented
mineral water evidently comes from the valley’s
hot spring. You can leave the world behind while

you take in the magical visions of bright red, rustic
orange and golden yellow enchanting leaves in atruly peaceful setting.
The peeing boy statue is situated near theonsen over an overhanging rock, a statue built to
discourage young daredevils who would display
bravery by urinating of the rock.
Autumn is the perfect time to escape into thenature of Japan’s Hidden treasure Iya valley
whilst capturing the vibrant Fall foliage of autumn.

Waraji - The Only Footwear Choice of the Past

H

ave you ever seen a pair of gigantic waraji(straw sandals) leaning against the main gateof a Buddhist temple? Some seem to be morethan two meters tall! Who made them and why
are they are there? According to the Internet andsome temple priests it seems that local people,
either children or adults, wove and donated themto the temple to protect the temple, to ward off
evil spirits, to bring happiness, and/or so thatpeople will have healthy legs and feet. These
gigantic sandals are placed beside the Niōmon
gate because it is said that the two Niō statues
standing guard on each side of the gate havestrong legs so people will pray to them so thatthey will have not have any leg or feet problems.
Others, a sign of thanks after a successful journey,
will attach a pair of regular or mini-sized waraji
to the giant one. Looking at these waraji makes
one realize that in the past travelers in Japan,
including henro (pilgrims) along the Shikoku
pilgrimage route, had to use such uncomfortable-

By David Moreton

looking, fragile footwear. What would it be like towalk in such and how long would they last? In
1775 Charles Peter Thunberg, a surgeon for the
Dutch East Indies Company, provided an answer
in his writings during his stay in Japan. He wrote,“There is nothing that a traveler wears out so fast
as shoes. They are made of rice straw and platted
and by no means strong…on the roads, it is not
unusual to see travelers who carry with them one
or more pairs of shoes, to put on when those thatare in use fall to pieces…. Old worn-out shoes arefound lying everywhere…and they last one or twodays of routine wear.” (Travels in Europe, Africa
and Asia, p152)
While such footwear was common throughout
Japan, Oliver Statler, author of Japanese
Pilgrimage (1983), learned that “[Shikoku] henro
did not wear regular sandals; they wore halfsandals that barely covered the foot. They werecheaper, which was important, but also one
slipped into them; so there were no strings toWaraji
be tied and untied, dirtying
the hands and making one
unclean when one wanted
to enter a temple hall. Henrousually carried extra pairs, forthey were of course fragile.”(p212) These ‘half-sandals’
are called ashinaka ( 足 半 )and were on average 15-19
cm in length. In fact they havea long history in Japan, withthe first pictorial proof of their
existence from 1293 or 1309
and the first reference in adocument about them occurring between 1394
and 1427! Ashinaka seemed to be convenientwhen running because they kept you on your
toes and were used between the Kamakura andSengoku periods in times of battle. By the Edō
period, the popularity of ashinaka had spread tothe common people, such as farmers, who werealso now wearing them.
There were many other qualities, which madeashinaka so appealing for such a long period oftime. They were easy to make (took approximately
thirty minutes); easy to put on and take off;
light for walking and running; did not splash up
mud; did not come off in rivers and did not hurt
one’s feet. However, for Shikoku pilgrims theseashinaka had a meaning more significant thanany practical use they provided for the pilgrims.
There is a reference from the 17th century of‘half-sandals’ in Shikoku Henro Michishirube(pub. 1687), which states: In the village of Noi,
there was a Kannon shrine. In this village, [a mancalled] Iemon, during the period of Enpō (167381), gave out ashinaka and lent out lodging.”
These ashinaka were also given the name of‘sandals that could ward off snakes’ (Mamushi
yoke zōri 蝮除け草履 ) and were believed to havebeen invented by Kōbō Daishi. Such sandals
would protect one’s feet from being bitten bypoisonous snakes (mamushi) or insects whentraveling through the mountains. There wereother beliefs that ashinaka would ward off bad
spirits and protect one from fever and sicknesses
such as whooping cough. Many people wore

8

ashinaka because they believed that Kōbō Daishi hadworn them when he walked
the pilgrimage. However, inother instances, instead ofwearing them, people would
make a miniature pair andcarry them it seems whengoing on pilgrimages as aremembrance of Kōbō Daishi.
Thus not only did thesesandals have numerous
practical advantages, they
were closely connected to thebelief in legendary figure of Kōbō Daishi.
Over time, people stopped wearing ashinaka
and began to wear full-length waraji. It is difficult
to determine exactly when the switch occurred,
but pictures of pilgrims from different eras offersome clue and it is clear that by the Bunsei period(1804-1830) ashinaka were no longer used. For
example, a travel record from 1819 states that
there were people who came from the easternpart of present-day Hiroshima prefecture to
give away money and waraji. A book from 1825
states, “On pine trees along the pilgrimage paththroughout Shikoku waraji are hung and dango(sweet, round dumplings made from rice flour)are put on a tray. If you take a dango, you are to
put two mon of money in the container.” Then,
about a hundred years later in 1927 Alfred Bohnerincludes a photo of an unmanned waraji stall in
his book, “Two on a Pilgrimage.” Here you can
see two pilgrims from Hokkaido standing in frontof the stall and next to a row of waraji there is abamboo pipe, on which the price of five sen is
written. As in 1825 a pilgrim would put money into
the pipe, take a new pair of waraji, and continue
on his journey.
I wonder if there is anyone out there who would
like to walk the
Shikoku pilgrimage
route in ashinaka
or waraji today.

9Japanese Lesson

By Fusa Tamaki

Some words in Japanese will hold completely different meanings depending on the context
it is used in. One example of this is the word, “ どうも .”い み1) When “ どうも ” is used to express gratitude
A: 田中さん、会議室に携帯電話を忘れてたよ。 A: Mr. Tanaka, you left your cellphone in themeeting room.
B: あ、ほんと！どうも。
B: Oh, thanks.

1)「ありがとう」の意味の「どうも」
かいぎしつ

けい たいでんわ

りゆう

わす

い み

2)「理由はよくわからないが」の意味の「どうも」
やさい

だいす

A: マリアさん、野菜が大好きなのに、そのサた

ラダは食べないの？
なか

はい

にがて

B: どうも中に入ってるセロリが苦手なの。
い み3)「いやだ」の意味の「どうも」A: クラシックコンサートのチケットあるんだ
いっしょいけど、一緒に行かない？
B: クラシックはどうも …。
い み

4)「すみません」の意味の「どうも」はなしちゅうA: お話 中 のところ、どうも。ちょっといいですか。
B: はい、なんですか。

2) When “ どうも ” is used to express that there
isn’t a clear reason
A: Maria, you usually love eating vegetables. Whyaren’t you eating that salad?
B: I don’t think I like the celery in this salad verymuch.
3) When “ ど う も ” is used to express dislike
towards something
A: I have tickets to a classical music concert. Do
you want to go with me?
B: I’m not really into classical music…
4) When “ どうも ” is used as an apology
A: Sorry to interrupt, but can I talk to you for a
moment.
B: Sure, what can I do for you?

ありがとう

いやだ

すみません

理由はよくわからないがり ゆう

Exercises
In the sentences below, what does the “ どうも ” mean? Please choose from the following choices andfill in the ( ) with the number that corresponds with the correct answer: 1) gratitude, 2) no clear reason,
3) dislike, or 4) apology.
せ

たか

ひと

あたら

き

せんせい

１．あの背の高い人が、どうも新しく来た先生のようね。
（）にちじょうかいわ

２．日常会話だったらいいですけど、スピーチをするのはどうも …。(
めいわく（
３．子供がご迷惑をおかけしました。どうも、申しわけございません。

）

せ わ

（
４． どうも、母がいつもお世話になっております。
かお（５．コーヒーはどうも …。香りは好きなんですが。

）

アルク
I think that really tall person might be our new teacher.
I’m fine with daily life conversations, but I’m not so great with doing speeches…
I’m sorry for the trouble my child caused you.
Thank you for always keeping my mother company.
I don’t really like drinking coffee...but it does smell good.

Reference：場面別表現 205）

すAnswers
1-(2) 2-(3) 3-(4) 4-(1) 5-(3)

はは

）

もう

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

こ ども

Events & Memoranda

10

Awa Dance in Autumn at Asty 2015
アスティ秋の阿波おどり～阿波おどり大絵巻 2015

Since it first began in 2008, the "Awa Dance 2008 年から毎年秋に開催している「秋の阿波おin Autumn" has been put on every year during どり」！今年は ” アスティ秋の阿波おどり～阿波
autumn. This year at "Asty Awa Dance in Autumn おどり大絵巻 2015 秋～ ” として、様々なイベン- Awa Odori Galore" you can enjoy a multitude of トが入場無料でお楽しみいただけます ♪ 28 日は
fun events for free. Takeshi Kitayama will perform 北山たけしさんのコンサート、29 日は全国阿波on the 28th and a national Awa Dance competition おどりコンテストを開催！阿波おどり公演は両日
will be held on the 29th. There will also be Awa とも午前・午後の 2 回あります。徳島の海山里のDance performances on both days, one in the 幸や特産品の展示販売、大谷焼・和紙細工・藍染
morning and one in the afternoon. Stands selling め・遊山箱づくりなどの体験コーナー、四国観光
and displaying Tokushima's food and famous の達人による観光や四国 88 ヶ所の案内・展示コー
products like Otani Pottery, washi handmade ナーがあります。ご家族、お友達を誘ってお越し
paper, Indigo dye, Yusanbako lunch boxes, plus ください ♪
information booths about tourism in Shikoku andthe Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage will be at the ・阿波おどり 1 日 2 回公演
event. Come join the festivities with your family 【午前】11:30-12:30 【午後】14:00-15:00
and friends!
- Two Awa Dance performances per day:
開催期間 : 11 月 28（土）・29（日）
Mornings 11:30 - 12:30, afternoons 14:00-15:00
10:00-16:00（土）、9:00-16:00（日）When: November 28-29 (Sat-Sun)
場所：アスティとくしま
10:00 - 16:00 (Sat), 9:00-16:00 (Sun)
料金：無料
Where: Asty Tokushima
問合せ：アスティとくしま
Fee: Free
TEL：088-624-5111
Info: Asty Tokushima
TEL: 088-624-5111

Tsunagari Festa 2015
つながりフェスタ 2015
4 years and a half have passed since the Great
East Japan Earthquake. You will get a chance to see
how the affected areas are moving forward andas always, there will be a marketplace, arts andcrafts corner, handmade crafts stores, and more!
All proceeds will be donated to the affected areas.
When: November 8 (Sun)12:30-16:30
Where: Warehouse #2 Aqua Citta
Fee: Free
Info: Tsunagari Festa 2015 Office
TEL: 090-1004-1974

東日本大震災から 4 年半。これまで支援してきた被災地の皆さんの今の様子少しずつ変化する街の様子などを詳しくご報告します。また、恒例のバザー、人気のこども工作や手作りのお店など、盛りだくさん！売上金はすべて被災地へ！
日時：11 月 8 日（日）12:30-16:30
場所：第二倉庫 アクア・チッタ
料金：無料
問合せ：つながりフェスタ 2015 事務局
TEL: 090-1004-1974

11 Events & Memoranda
2015 International Understanding Support Forum
平成 27 年度 国際理解支援フォーラム

Come join in on discussions surrounding international understanding. Part 1 will be a lecture by Mr.
Ryuzo Goto, who will be talking about his intercultural experience living overseas for work. During Part2, there will be two international understanding presentations held by foreign residents of Tokushima.
Lastly, Part 3 will consist of a networking and socializing event where you will have the chance to mix
and mingle with the lecturers and the attendees.
日時：平成 27 年 12 月 6 日（日）13 時 30 分～ 16 時 20 分
場所：（公財）徳島県国際交流協会 会議室 （徳島駅ビル 6 階）
内容：第一部 後藤 隆三 氏 による講話（元ホンダエンジニアリング ( 株）執行役員タイ国バンコク市駐在 ( 現地法人社長））「海外駐在で経験した異文化 ビジネスと生活」
第二部 協会登録在住外国人講師による国際理解プレゼンテーション
ワチュガ アイリーン氏（ケニア）		 ジョエル バクスター氏（カナダ）
第三部 意見交換 交流会
お茶やお菓子を準備しています。 在住外国人の方と楽しく交流しませんか。
参加費：入場無料
詳細については、当協会のホームページをご覧ください : http://www.topia.ne.jp
申し込み・問い合わせ：当協会 TEL. 088-656- 3303 FAX 088-652-0616
E-mail: coordinator3@topia.ne.jp※当日参加も大歓迎ですが、できれば事前に電話か FAX またはメールでお申し込みください。
*This is a free event. For more information, please check TOPIA's official website at www.topia.ne.jp.
*We highly recommend calling or faxing us in advance to confirm your attendance, but it is notnecessary, you may just show up on the day of the event.
*Part 1 through 2 will be conducted entirely in Japanese; however, if you would still like to join in just for
the networking and socializing event, you are more than welcome to.

B.B.Mo-Franck Concert
Come out and enjoy the sounds of Africa. There
will also be a dance performance and a talk abouthuman rights.
When: November 28 (Sat)
18:00-21:00 (Doors open at 18:00)
Where: Gallery Hana-anzu (Hachiman store)
Fee: 2000 yen (meal included)
TEL: 090-3180-9356 (Kitaoka)

アフリカの音楽を楽しもう。人権についてのトークやダンスも楽しんでみませんか。
日時：11 月 28 日（土）18:00-21:00（開場 18:00）
場所：ギャラリー花杏豆（八万店）
会費：2000 円（食事付）
TEL: 090-3180-9356 ( 北岡 )Counselling Service at TOPIA・トピアの相談窓口
TOPIA offers a counselling and advisory service to all foreign residents to help with issues involving
accidents, working conditions, housing, visas, international marriage, and more. Counselling isavailable in English and Japanese. Please note that although every effort will be made, we may not beable to deal with all cases.
Everyday, 10:00 - 18:00 (closed during the New Year's holidays)
TEL: 088-656-3303 or 088-656-3320 (allows three-way conversations with an interpreter)