aWa life
GoodbyeMessages

Awa Shoku:What do I dowith sudachi??

The Next Morning:
Practicing the Awa
Odori

Gairaigo Galore:
ホッチキス

August 2019
# 347

1

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

August isn’t only hot due to the weather. Tokushima becomes heated every year with hundred thousands of people who come to see Tokushima’s most famous tradition: The Awa Odori. You can enjoy
performances and the rest of the festival in many places around the prefecture between August 8th and16th but the most intense experience probably waits for you in the Awa Odori center: Tokushima City.
Come to see all the famous dance troupes (ren) in the city or around the prefecture (have a look at our
Awa Odori map on page 8). Also, be sure to stay hydrated and enjoy the tasty foods and drinks at thefestival stalls.
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:

awalife@gmail.com

Your editors,
Daralyn and Nico

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:
Daralyn Yee and Nico Bohnsack
Contributors This Month:

Qing Liu, Jessica Dreistadt, Steven Cristi, Lance Kita, and Naoko Yoshida

2Contents
Pg. 2-4: Goodbye Messages
Pg. 4-5: The Morning After (Practicing the Awa Odori)Pg. 5:TOKYO 2020 Olympic Torch Relay

Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: ホッチキス

Pg. 6:

Awa Shoku: What Do I Do with Sudachi??

Pg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 8-9: Events and Memoranda
Goodbye Messages
Aloha A Hui Hou Tokushima!
By: Daralyn Yee
July 1st hit and I
suddenly realizedthat I will be closing
the chapter of one of
the greatest journeys
I’ve taken in my life.
I started writing up
thank you letters to allof the amazing people
that have been on thisjourney with me inTokushima, and sheda few tears looking
back on all of thegreat memories wehad. Can Tokushima
become the tenth island of Hawaii? (Fun fact:
Hawaii has eight actual islands. Our “ninth island”
is Las Vegas) I guess this isn’t physically possible,
but leaving Tokushima and going back to Hawaii
is really bittersweet.
I have gained an infinite amount of richexperiences in this three year chapter. Every job
was a learning opportunity, giving me the chance
to catch a glimpse of every part of Tokushima andthe world, build my Japanese vocabulary, andgain knowledge on local issues. Before becominga Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), I
would describe myself as a shy and quiet introvert

that wanted to do everything perfectly. But now
this job has made me an outgoing and talkative
introvert who is no longer afraid of spontaneousadventures and conquering insurmountablechallenges.

A good example of my newborn spontaneity
was my visit to Germany during Golden Week
this year. When I was in my first year, I had theopportunity to attend to German guests from
Niedersachsen and Lüneburg at a few exchange
events. I also made a lot of great German
coworker friends during my time here. I heard somany great things about Germany, that I madethe decision to visit Germany during Golden
Week this year. My partner in crime Franzi
took me around and everything that I heard
about Germany came alive right in front of myeyes. From seeing the world’s most important
historical properties, enjoying the well-cared forbeautiful natural environment, and indulging insome of the world’s best cakes and pastries, theGerman exchange inspired me to learn about and3

Goodbye Messages

experience a part of the world that is 11,989 km
away from my own hometown. It is my hope thatthe exchanges between Germany and Tokushimacontinues for many years to come.

forever thankful for this life changing experience.

Being a CIR was not only limited to my work, butalso extended into my daily life. It was one of
my goals to become involved in the community
during my time as a CIR, which influenced mydecision to dance Awa Odori. My time in Awa
Odori taught me not only how to dance, but also
gave me the chance to meet the people of thelocal community in Tokushima. In the end, I cameto love Awa Odori so much that I tell everyone
and anyone about it if they are willing to listen. As
a bonus, I came to understand Awa Odori lingo
and Awa-ben a lot better, and it’s helped during
my interpretation jobs. (I don’t know how I will
eliminate “Ikeru” from my vocabulary) I will be

I would like to use this opportunity to say thankyou to everyone who has made my time inTokushima amazing, especially my supervisorsand coworkers, lifelong friends, Musou-ren, andfellow JET Programme participants. Thanks toyou, not only was I able to enjoy my life and work
here, but I was able to learn valuable life lessons
from each one of you. I would like to extend a
BIG Mahalo (Thank you) to my family and friends
in Hawai’i and around the world who continued
to cheer me on during these three years. Lastly,
thank you to all of our Awa Life readers. This
project has grown me in unexpected ways andit has been a pleasure to share the latest on
Tokushima with you. As I always say, this isn’t
goodbye, it’s only a see you later. See you
somewhere in this world! Aloha!

Goodbye, Tokushima! Let's meet again!
By: Jessica Dreistadt

civilization and also has lots of beautiful sceneryto explore.

One year ago, when
I received my placement, a friend asked“So erm, is there evenanything in Tokushima?” and I jokingly
sent them a link to the
Aeon Mall’s homepage, proving Tokushima was at least civilized enough for a mall.
At the same time I wasworried I might get annoyed living there.
I knew nothing about the prefecture except for
the Naruto Whirlpools, Awa Odori, and the Bando
POW camp. I had technically been to Tokushima several years before, but only seen the areaaround the station.
If people ask me now, I can tell them much more:from udatsu, to Iya Valley, to the smallest “mountain” in Japan. My job as a CIR brought me toplaces I would have never visited otherwise and I
am very grateful for this. Tokushima might be veryrural overall, but it is by no means detached from

Something I really appreciated during my year
here was the community of JETs. I was not involved a lot, but when I was, it was a great experience. Although the prefecture is so spread out,
there are many occasions for JETs to get together
and have fun. I especially enjoyed helping withand watching the musical and hope this wonderfultradition will continue for many more years. It wasalso great to see that there are so many former
JETs who reside in Tokushima and join activities.
Finally, while my previous stays in Japan also often involved explaining and introducing my own
country, through my job in the Sports Promotion
Division, I learned many new things about Germany that I had never even thought about before.
Moreover, I gained a completely new perspectiveon the Olympics by meeting athletes and coaches.
I hope all new JETs come to enjoy Tokushima asmuch as I did. I will come back as a tourist forsure and also recommend many places to myfriends. See you again soon!

4

Goodbye Messages“You’re Lucky To Cry”
By: Steven Cristi
You’re lucky to cry.
From shaking your head, to Da Pump with the kids,
to crossing an ocean, and that Tsurugi trip.
From warming your desk (and omiyage chewed),
to letting love through—and loving them, too.
A final bow. A wave goodbye.
“See you!” … one more time.
I’d say you’re lucky. Yes, lucky.
You’re lucky to cry.

The Morning After
By: Qing LiuL

ast night, I
danced the Awa
Odori at TOPIA. The
morning after, bothmy legs and hip hurtwhen I went down
the stairs and as I left
my house in a hurry
I saw a light purple
hydrangea in front of
my entrance shining
in the light.
As I gazed at the green fields from the train, I
started to laugh out of nowhere after thinking
about last nights practice. Five new members
from different countries (Britain, Mexico, China,
Vietnam and Japan) came to practice yesterday.
One of the new members who came very earlylooked a bit anxious. But when he chose his tabi
(traditional Japanese socks) while speaking a mixof both English and Japanese, he began to relax
a bit.
When the music played the face of one of ourteachers quickly changed, her voice became
louder. Her dancing was fantastic and she also
explained everything in a very easy to understandway.
A 5-year-old girl came with her mother holding
hands but when she saw the dance she imme-

diately separated herself
from her mother and started
jumping along to the dance.
A 2-year-old boy in contrast
was a bit frightened in the
beginning. He held on to
his father tightly and turned
away from us.
Another new participant
experienced Awa Odori forthe first time ever. She has
been living in Tokushima for 2 years and since
she only commutes between her home and workplace she can’t speak Japanese very well yet.
She didn’t have much self-confidence but she
could dance and feel welcomed here.
Then there was a new participant from Mexico
who already was very good at dancing in general . When we first invited him to Arasowa-ren his
facial expression lit up as if he thought that thedance was a very simple one. At the first dance
practice, we focused on the legs and after threeminutes he mixed up his right and left side. After
five minutes he was exhausted and his legs became as stiff as a stick.
Everyone was very exhausted and when the
2-year-old boy who was crawling on the floor saw
the painful faces of the adults he stood up, took a
fan and joined the line. “Sekai wa hitotsu araso-

5

The Morning After

waren” is probably the longest phrase the 3-yearold boy has actually learned so far.
Arasowaren has a special atmosphere. People
often feel lonely because of the difference in language, face or skin color. However, at Arasowaren nationality does not matter, as there are no
language barriers and there is no discrimination.
It is an opportunity for all to immerse themselvesin the dance while sweating together.

Dance and music become a common language.
There is no frustration about not being able tocommunicate and there are also no fights. Just
simply glancing at each other is a source of encouragement. We’ll continue to dance happily witheveryone to the same rhythm, like a dancing fool.

TOKYO 2020 Olympic Torch Relay
Torchbearers Wanted!
Have you always dreamed about being atorchbearer in the Olympic Torch Relay? Thatdream could come true for a few people living inTokushima. Be sure to apply for this once in a
lifetime opportunity.
Application period: July 1st (Mon) - August 31st(Sat)
Number of torchbearers: 41
Application methods:
1. Apply Online

2. Application Form (print and send
through the post)
See the following page for more
information:
https://www.pref.tokushima.lg.jp/olympic-torchrelay/english/
Info: Tokushima Prefectural Executive Committee
TEL: 088-655-7361

Gairaigo Galore

ホッチキス (Hotchkiss; Stapler)
I remember learning this word in Japanese class in high school. As a beginner of Japanese
language, we were learning about different items used in the classroom. All of us became
stumped when we were asked what “stapler” is in Japanese. Despite our attempts to turn “stapler”
into katakanago, no one answered correctly. Then
our teacher told us that a “stapler” is ホ ッ チ キ ス
in Japanese. We all wondered how this could be
anywhere close to the actual English word, then our
teacher asked us “Do you know why it is called a ホッチ キ ス ?” We all responded with our blank stares. In
order to understand the real reason why it is called a
ホ ッ チ キ ス , we need to travel back in time to 1903.
During that year, a company imported the stapler toJapan for the first time. This stapler was from the E.H.
Hotchkiss Company and “Hotchkiss No.1” was written
on the stapler body. It is believed that since there was no specific name for a stapler in Japaneseat the time, the company decided on calling it based off of the “Hotchkiss” name written on theimported stapler. Imagine having the freedom and power of naming an item in your native languagethat will be continued to use for generations to come. Maybe one of you will end up naming an itemthat we will use in our daily lives in the future. If you ever do, please let Awa Life know so we canbe the first to hear and report about it!

Awa Shoku: What Do I Do with Sudachi??
By Lance Kita
95% percent of them are grown in Tokushima, its
flower is the official prefectural blossom, and ourofficial mascot character has a head made of one…
if there’s anything Awakko are proud of, it’s that little
green citrus fruit called sudachi 酢橘 .

6

9. Homemade chuhai. A glass of shochu and water,
with a wedge of sudachi. Iced or hot, it’s nice.
10. Make ponzu. Two parts soy sauce, one partvinegar, one part sudachi juice. Add a little dashi
powder.
11. Use ponzu. This is great for grilled shiitake
Although available year-round, summer is the mushrooms, tonkatsu 豚 カ ツ cutlets, and as apeak harvest for outdoor trees, and your neighbor dipping sauce for gyoza, shabu shabu, or hotpot.
may have already given you a large plastic bag 12. After ponzu, use the peels for marmalade. Slicefilled with them. I often get asked, “What am I thin (keep seeds), boil and drain twice, simmer
supposed to do with all of these sudachi?” Well, with sugar and water until syrupy and soft. Keep inyou could give them to me because I love them! sterilized jar in the fridge.
13. Use sudachi marmalade
Their fragrant tartness is a
at breakfast. Slather it on yourperfect complement for all
morning toast, bagel, or muffin.
sorts of food. Here is a list of
14. Use sudachi marmalade for
20 things you can do with adessert. Topping for ice creambunch of sudachi.
or cheesecake.
15. Make namasu な ま す .
1. Squeeze them over grilled
The easy way is to mix sushi
fish. Fatty fish like mackerel
vinegar with some salt and(saba 鯖 ), saury (sanma 秋
sudachi juice. Good for daikon
刀 魚 ), and salmon love theand carrots, or cucumbers andacid accent.
octopus (julienne some ginger
2. Squeeze them overfor the latter).
raw fish. Every Japanese
16. Dress your salad. Instead ofrestaurant in Tokushima will
Can
you
find
the
slice
of
sudachilemon juice, make a vinaigrette
serve their sashimi with ain each photo? It goes with everything!
with sudachi juice, olive oil,wedge of sudachi on the side.
You can do the same with a pack of store-bought salt, and pepper.
17. How about ceviche? This Peruvian dish is thinly
slices.
3. Squeeze them over grilled/fried meat. Pork sliced onions, raw white meat fish, sudachi juice,chops, chicken breast, yakitori skewers, fried fresh chilies, salt, and pepper. The acid will “cook”
the fish after 30 minutes. Great summer supper!
chicken pieces (karaage 唐揚げ ), etc. etc. etc.
4. Squeeze them over tofu. Tokushima-style 18. Make sudachi syrup. Wash sudachi well, slice
hiyayakko 冷奴 . Block of tofu, soy sauce, sudachi, off ends, and cut in half. Mix with equal weight ofrock sugar in sterilized glass jar. Shake every day.
green onions or ginger…done!
5. Brighten up your udon noodles. Whether hot or When sugar melts, it’s ready to use.
cold, in soup or with a dipping sauce, a splash of 19. Use sudachi syrup. Mix with soda water, tonic
water, or ginger ale for the best summer drink. Also
sudachi makes it all better.
6. Brighten up your ramen. What?! Yep, I know good for homemade shaved ice.
a ramen shop that asks you to squeeze some 20. And if you STILL have leftover sudachi after
sudachi after eating half of it…you should try it with all that… squeeze the sudachi into your ice cube
tray and freeze… you can enjoy the single-serving
instant ramen at home!
7. In your miso soup. WHAT?! A true Awakko will blocks all year long. Whew, I hope that gives
put a thin slice of sudachi in their miso soup, or you some inspiration to enjoy sudachi in all of its
versatility. Build up your repertoire, and you’ll besplash a little juice in it. You’ll be surprised!
8. Cocktail time! Wherever you use lime (Cuba squeezing and juicing like a true Awakko!
Libre, Mojito, Gin and Tonic), you can use sudachi.

7Japanese Lesson
By: Naoko Yoshida「～なければなりません」

This month we will study about the sentence pattern「～なければなりません」.
An international student is doing a homestay.
りゅうがくせい留 学生：はじめまして。
International Student: Nice to meet you.に ほんじん
日本人：はじめまして。どうぞおはいりください。
Japanese: Nice to meet you. Please come in.
りゅうがくせい留 学生：ありがとうございます。
International Student: Thank you.に ほんじん
日本人：あっ。
Japanese: Oh.
りゅうがくせい留 学生：なんですか。
International Student: What is it?
に ほんじん
くつぬ
日本人：靴を脱いでください。
Japanese: Please take off your shoes.
りゅうがくせい留 学生：どうしてですか。
International Student: Why?に ほんじんに ほん
いえくつぬ
日本人：日本では家のなかにはいるとき、靴を脱がなければなりません。
Japanese: In Japan, you must take off your shoes before entering the house.
けい

Using the pattern「 Ｖ（ な い 形 ）+ な け れ ば な り ま せ ん 」expresses that the verb is an obligatedけいand necessary action that must be completed.「Ｖ（ない形 ）+ なければいけません」also holds thesame meaning. Compared to「～なければなりません」,「～なければいけません」is often used inけいconversation. The negative form of this pattern would be「Ｖ（ない形）+ なくてもいいです」. Using「～なければなりません」「～なければいけません」implies prompting a person to take action and cansound forceful, so be sure not to use this with your superiors.
Practice: Change the verbs at the end of the sentence to the appropriate pattern in theparentheses.
す1) Ａ：かん、びん、ペットボトルを捨てます。ここですか。
ちが
ばこ
す
）
（捨てます）
Ｂ：いいえ、違います。あのごみ箱に（いそが
2) Ａ：忙しそうですね。
ど よう びか）から。
（書きます）
Ｂ：ええ、土曜日までにレポートを（
こ
かね
はら
）
（払います）
3) Ａ：子どもも、お金を（はら
Ｂ：いいえ、払わなくてもいいです。
み4) Ａ：パスポートを見せなければなりませんか。
みＢ：いいえ、（）（見せます）ひるはんた5) Ａ： 昼ご飯を食べにいきませんか。
びょういん
い
）
（行きます）
Ｂ：すみません。これから病院へ（
だいじ
Ａ：そうですか。お大事に。
答え①捨てなければなりません／いけません。②書かなければなりません／いけません。
はらみ③払わなければなりませんか／いけませんか。 ④見せなくてもいいです。
こた

す

か

8
Events & Memoranda
Rakugo in Easy to Understand JapaneseLet's enjoy Japanese Rakugo together! Rakugo
will be performed in an easy to understandmanner, using easy Japanese.
Storyteller: Shichifuku Katsura
Program: "Neko no Chawan"(There will be an explanation
and Q&A corner)

When: August 24th (Sat) 10:30-11:45 (Doors open
at 10:00)
Where: TOPIA, Tokushima Station Clement 		
Building 6F
Apply: TOPIA (088-656-3303) or
topia@topia.ne.jp*Participation is limited to the first 80 participants.

Dance With the Niwaka-ren!
にわか連で、踊ろう！
People who want to experience Awa Odori firsthand, can dance freely with the Niwaka-ren. No
experience needed!
When: August 12th (Mon) – 15th (Thu)
From 18:30 or from 20:30
Where: Meet in front of the Tokushima City Hall or
the Motomachi dance area
Cost: Free
Info: Tokushima City Tourism Association
TEL: 088-622-4010

本場徳島で阿波踊りを体験したい人は、にわか連
で自由に踊れます。阿波踊りを全く知らなくても大丈夫。
日時：8 月 12 日（月）－ 15 日（木）18：30 ～、20:30 ～場所： 集合場所
徳島市 徳島市役所前、 元町おどり広場
参加費：無料
問合せ：（公社）徳島市観光協会
TEL: 088-622-4010

Awa Odori Map 2019

9

Events & Memoranda
Tokushima Prefectural Disaster
Prevention Center Study TourThe chance of the Great Nankai Trough Earthquake occurring increases every year. If the earthquake
occurs, what will you do?
The Tokushima Prefectural Government, in conjunction with the Tokushima Prefectural International
Exchange Association (TOPIA) is proud to announce a study tour for foreign residents at the Tokushima Prefectural Disaster Prevention Center to provide information on what to do in case of a natural disaster.
During the tour you can experience simulated earthquakes, strong winds andmore as well as learn about what to do when a disaster occurs.
Date: 		Location:Target:Details:
Capacity:
Cost: 		September 1 (Sun), 13:00-15:45
13:00 – Leave Tokushima Station by bus for the center
15:45 – Arrive back at Tokushima Station by bus
Tokushima Prefecture Disaster Center (Kitajima-town, Tainohama Aza Onishi 165)
Foreign residents in Tokushima Prefecture
Disaster prevention guidance via video, simulation of strong winds/earthquakes, fire 		fighting etc. (English and Chinese interpreting)
30 peopleFree

How to Apply: Please send in the following information by fax to the address below. You can also apply
by sending the same information by email or postcard.
		① Name				⑤ Phone number② Gender		⑥ E-mail address③ Address		
⑦ Occupation④ Nationality

Deadline: August 26th (Mon)
Send Applications To:
FAX: 		
(088) 652-0616
E-mail:coordinator1@topia.ne.jp
Postcard:
Koekizaidan Hojin Tokushima-ken Kokusai Koryukyokai (TOPIA)		
Clement Plaza 6F, 1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi, Tokushima City, 				770-0831
		For more information please contact Ms. Kimura at (088) 656-3303.

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.
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)