Apr.’15-Mar.’16
Published by Kagoshima International Association

Regional International Exchange Promotion ProgramThis initiative aims to stimulate interest in international exchange
through the setting up of international exchange booths at local
festivals with the cooperation of foreign residents and international
exchange associations. This fiscal year we have participated in theMBC Summer Festival in Kagoshima City, the International Exchange
Festa commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment ofSatsumasendaishi International Friendship Association in Satsumasendai
City, the Chi Kaete Matsuri in Ichikikuchino City, and the Marugoto Ijuin
Introducing ethnic costumes at the MBC Summer Festival
Festival in Hioki City.
At the MBC Summer Festival in July 2015, we set up a booth together with Kagoshima International Exchange
Foundation. Besides distributing our Association’s pamphlets, we introduced various types of ethnic costumes
and held activities where children collected stamped greetings in various languages and made bookmarks using
stamps from around the world with the help of Prefectural Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), foreign
students and residents. The festival gained a notch in vibrancy when the CIRs and foreign students went on stage
in their colourful dresses to introduce the ethnic costumes.

Copyright: Kagoshima City

Let’s Talk About the World in Kagoshima - The 21st Japanese Speech Contest for Foreigners
From the 32 contestants from 14 countries/regions whotook part in the preliminary rounds on 9 January 2016,
10 foreigners from 5 countries/regions were selected toServices at the International Exchange Plaza・Events bulletin board
・Rental of flags, ethnic costumes, maps, and UNICEF videos
・Foreign language newspapers, books and magazines forbrowsing
・Consultation for foreign residents
・Chinese Language Lunchtime Conversation (Tue; 12:00 - 13:00)
・Korean Language Lunchtime Conversation (Wed; 12:30 - 13:30)
・Lunchtime English Club (Fri; 12:00 - 13:00)
We also handle queries on international exchange
matters and JICA volunteer work, registration ofhomestay host families, language studies volunteers,etc. All personal information will be kept confidential,
so do not hesitate to stop by if you have any enquiries.
Opening hours: Tue – Sun; 9:00 – 17:00
Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, theoffice will be closed on Tuesday) and during the New
Year holiday (29 Dec – 3 Jan).

participate in the finals held on 23 January. The winner
was Mr Muhamad Syukri bin Ghazali from Malaysia, aCoordinator for International Relations (CIR) for Hioki City,
with his speech “Kuwazugirai” (disliking something without
having tried it).
Mr Syukri spoke of his experiences when introducing
Winner: Mr Muhamad Syukri bin Ghazali

Malaysia’s culture in Japan. The durian, Malaysia’s typicalfruit, would be disliked by the Japanese audience, evenby those who had not tried it before, for its pungent smell. But how can one decide that something smells bad
without actually seeing or touching it? People’s tastes and preferences differ, so how can one determine that ittastes bad? Mr Syukri described how this unfounded prejudice is undeserved with an anecdote of his Japanese
friend’s encounter with the durian in Malaysia, and called for the importance of actually seeing, feeling andexperiencing for oneself before deciding, to an audience of approximately 360 people.
Among other speeches, there were those who spoke of striving towards their dream in Japan, peppering theireloquent Japanese speech with humor and having theaudience break out in laughter, and then there werethose who moved the listeners to tears.
The venue was moved to Kenmin Hall as of thisyear. And while we are sure there were contestants
who were nervous speaking before the huge crowd,
they delivered their speeches with much aplomb andTo contact us about the International Exchange Plaza and/or South Wing publication,
Kagoshima International Association
Kagoshima Prefectural Citizens Exchange Centre, 1F 14-50 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City, Japan 892-0816
TEL : 099-221-6620
E-mail (general enquiries): kia@po.synapse.ne.jp
E-mail (consultations only): kia8@po.synapse.ne.jp
FAX : 099-221-6643
URL : http://www.synapse.ne.jp/kia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kagoshima.Intl.Assoc/

4

captured the hearts of the audience. We hope tocontinue providing the opportunity for the citizens
Front row: participants; back row: judgesof Kagoshima to interact with people of different
nationalities and cultures.

1

Multiculturalism ProjectJapanese Language Chat RoomOn 27 June 2015, Kagoshima International Association(KIA) organized a workshop on etiquette at weddings
and funerals in Japan for foreign residents to familiarize
themselves with the local customs and social manners
expected at ceremonial occasions. A speaker fromSoroptimist International of Kagoshima came to speak to21 attendees from 7 different countries.
At the workshop, the participants learned throughexplanations and actual practice on how to RSVP to a

At the Japanese etiquette seminar

wedding invite, how to use a shugibukuro (an envelopefor monetary gifts), and how to offer incense at aThe Japanese Language Chat Room, for foreigners with a grasp ofJapanese, was held between May 2015 and March 2016 for a total of20 sessions.
Guest speakers including officials specializing in administrative
procedures and information systems were invited to provide topics
useful for living in Kagoshima, such as on residence permits and theMy Number system. We have also invited speakers well-versed inJapanese culture such as shochu liquor and tea ceremony to enable
Free discussion on volunteerism
participants to interact with Japanese culture. Some feedback include“I gained confidence in my Japanese”, “I realized there are many things I do not know even after living in Japanfor a long time”, “I enjoy coming as I can make friends from different countries”. We hope this class will provide
participants the opportunity to make new friends and fuel their desire to learn Japanese.

Public Seminar on International Understanding by Foreign Lecturers

funeral. One of the participants said, “I was moved by
the Japanese culture’s politeness and respect for others”.
Following last year’s success, we also organized ahospital tour that aims to educate foreign residents
on the healthcare system and procedure for visiting ahospital, and the “Mount Sakurajima Eruption Evacuation
Exercise” co-organized with Kagoshima City. We hope theknowledge gained from these events would serve thePracticing a Shinto tamagushi offering

attendees well in their day-to-day life in Japan.

Japanese Language and Culture ClassThe Japanese Language and Culture Class was heldfrom May 2015 to February 2016 to teach foreigners
living in Kagoshima about Japanese customs and usefulThis year, KIA organized 2 public seminars on international
understanding, led by foreigners residing in Kagoshima who introduce
their home culture to the locals.
The seminar led by New Zealand-born speakers had participants
make poi - a ball on a cord - and then use them to perform a traditional
Maori poi dance. Feedback from participants include “I was able tofeel a familiarity with New Zealand”, “the workshop-style seminar wasPublic seminar on New Zealand’s culture
educational and gave me a direct experience of the culture”. We would
like to organize more of such seminars to allow for greater interaction between foreigners and locals and provide
them the opportunity to become better acquainted with one another’s cultures.
In addition, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japanand South Korea, we have held 3 different cultural seminars relating to South Korea. The participants listened
attentively to the Korean speakers, and one commented that “despite being a neighboring country, there are somany things I did not know, and this talk helped expand my horizons.”

Alumni of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Foreign Students as Teachers

everyday phrases. The Wednessday and Thursday classes
each met 30 times for a combined total of 60 sessions.
This fiscal year, the activities held include opinions
During classexchange sessions about current affairs and topics, andpresentations on the students’ home country’s dishes.
The students actively engaged in learning the language
despite being nervous. They also took part in etiquetteworkshops, hospital tours, and evacuation drills as partof the Multiculturalism Project. Through this one year ofstudy, the students deepened their knowledge not just ofDuring class

Japanese language, but also on local culture and lifestyle.
2At Soo City Takarabekita Elementary School

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) dispatches
volunteers known as Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)
to countries around the world, and upon their return the JOCVs fromKagoshima Prefecture participate as guest speakers in the “JOCV
Alumni and Foreign Students as Teachers” school visit program jointly
organized by KIA, the Supporting Organization of JOCV in Kagoshima,
and the JOCV Kagoshima Alumni Association. This program dispatches
speakers to over 40 schools every year and since its inauguration in1995, the speakers have visited more than 830 elementary and juniorhigh schools in the prefecture.
Teachers have praised the opportunity to listen to experiences from the JOCV alumni and foreign students as
opposed to gaining information through the media, saying it allows the children to experience the world more
intimately. Comments from children include “I want to do what I love and work for the benefit of someone”,“I want to create a future where everyone in the country work together to stop wars”. Besides educating thestudents about international understanding, these lessons also provide a good opportunity for them to think
about their future.
3

Multiculturalism ProjectJapanese Language Chat RoomOn 27 June 2015, Kagoshima International Association(KIA) organized a workshop on etiquette at weddings
and funerals in Japan for foreign residents to familiarize
themselves with the local customs and social manners
expected at ceremonial occasions. A speaker fromSoroptimist International of Kagoshima came to speak to
21 attendees from 7 different countries.
At the workshop, the participants learned throughexplanations and actual practice on how to RSVP to a

At the Japanese etiquette seminar

wedding invite, how to use a shugibukuro (an envelopefor monetary gifts), and how to offer incense at aThe Japanese Language Chat Room, for foreigners with a grasp ofJapanese, was held between May 2015 and March 2016 for a total of20 sessions.
Guest speakers including officials specializing in administrative
procedures and information systems were invited to provide topics
useful for living in Kagoshima, such as on residence permits and theMy Number system. We have also invited speakers well-versed inJapanese culture such as shochu liquor and tea ceremony to enable
Free discussion on volunteerism
participants to interact with Japanese culture. Some feedback include“I gained confidence in my Japanese”, “I realized there are many things I do not know even after living in Japanfor a long time”, “I enjoy coming as I can make friends from different countries”. We hope this class will provide
participants the opportunity to make new friends and fuel their desire to learn Japanese.

Public Seminar on International Understanding by Foreign Lecturers

funeral. One of the participants said, “I was moved by
the Japanese culture’s politeness and respect for others”.
Following last year’s success, we also organized ahospital tour that aims to educate foreign residents
on the healthcare system and procedure for visiting ahospital, and the “Mount Sakurajima Eruption Evacuation
Exercise” co-organized with Kagoshima City. We hope theknowledge gained from these events would serve thePracticing a Shinto tamagushi offering

attendees well in their day-to-day life in Japan.

Japanese Language and Culture ClassThe Japanese Language and Culture Class was heldfrom May 2015 to February 2016 to teach foreigners
living in Kagoshima about Japanese customs and usefulThis year, KIA organized 2 public seminars on international
understanding, led by foreigners residing in Kagoshima who introduce
their home culture to the locals.
The seminar led by New Zealand-born speakers had participants
make poi - a ball on a cord - and then use them to perform a traditional
Maori poi dance. Feedback from participants include “I was able tofeel a familiarity with New Zealand”, “the workshop-style seminar wasPublic seminar on New Zealand’s culture
educational and gave me a direct experience of the culture”. We would
like to organize more of such seminars to allow for greater interaction between foreigners and locals and provide
them the opportunity to become better acquainted with one another’s cultures.
In addition, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japanand South Korea, we have held 3 different cultural seminars relating to South Korea. The participants listened
attentively to the Korean speakers, and one commented that “despite being a neighboring country, there are somany things I did not know, and this talk helped expand my horizons.”

Alumni of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Foreign Students as Teachers

everyday phrases. The Wednessday and Thursday classes
each met 30 times for a combined total of 60 sessions.
This fiscal year, the activities held include opinions
During classexchange sessions about current affairs and topics, andpresentations on the students’ home country’s dishes.
The students actively engaged in learning the language
despite being nervous. They also took part in etiquetteworkshops, hospital tours, and evacuation drills as partof the Multiculturalism Project. Through this one year ofstudy, the students deepened their knowledge not just ofDuring class

Japanese language, but also on local culture and lifestyle.
2At Soo City Takarabekita Elementary School

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) dispatches
volunteers known as Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)
to countries around the world, and upon their return the JOCVs fromKagoshima Prefecture participate as guest speakers in the “JOCV
Alumni and Foreign Students as Teachers” school visit program jointly
organized by KIA, the Supporting Organization of JOCV in Kagoshima,
and the JOCV Kagoshima Alumni Association. This program dispatches
speakers to over 40 schools every year and since its inauguration in1995, the speakers have visited more than 830 elementary and juniorhigh schools in the prefecture.
Teachers have praised the opportunity to listen to experiences from the JOCV alumni and foreign students as
opposed to gaining information through the media, saying it allows the children to experience the world more
intimately. Comments from children include “I want to do what I love and work for the benefit of someone”,“I want to create a future where everyone in the country work together to stop wars”. Besides educating thestudents about international understanding, these lessons also provide a good opportunity for them to think
about their future.
3

Apr.’15-Mar.’16
Published by Kagoshima International Association

Regional International Exchange Promotion ProgramThis initiative aims to stimulate interest in international exchange
through the setting up of international exchange booths at local
festivals with the cooperation of foreign residents and international
exchange associations. This fiscal year we have participated in theMBC Summer Festival in Kagoshima City, the International Exchange
Festa commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment ofSatsumasendaishi International Friendship Association in Satsumasendai
City, the Chi Kaete Matsuri in Ichikikuchino City, and the Marugoto IjuinIntroducing ethnic costumes at the MBC Summer Festival
Festival in Hioki City.
At the MBC Summer Festival in July 2015, we set up a booth together with Kagoshima International Exchange
Foundation. Besides distributing our Association’s pamphlets, we introduced various types of ethnic costumes
and held activities where children collected stamped greetings in various languages and made bookmarks using
stamps from around the world with the help of Prefectural Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), foreign
students and residents. The festival gained a notch in vibrancy when the CIRs and foreign students went on stage
in their colourful dresses to introduce the ethnic costumes.

Copyright: Kagoshima City

Let’s Talk About the World in Kagoshima - The 21st Japanese Speech Contest for Foreigners
From the 32 contestants from 14 countries/regions whotook part in the preliminary rounds on 9 January 2016,
10 foreigners from 5 countries/regions were selected toServices at the International Exchange Plaza・Events bulletin board
・Rental of flags, ethnic costumes, maps, and UNICEF videos
・Foreign language newspapers, books and magazines forbrowsing
・Consultation for foreign residents
・Chinese Language Lunchtime Conversation (Tue; 12:00 - 13:00)
・Korean Language Lunchtime Conversation (Wed; 12:30 - 13:30)
・Lunchtime English Club (Fri; 12:00 - 13:00)
We also handle queries on international exchange
matters and JICA volunteer work, registration ofhomestay host families, language studies volunteers,etc. All personal information will be kept confidential,
so do not hesitate to stop by if you have any enquiries.
Opening hours: Tue – Sun; 9:00 – 17:00
Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, theoffice will be closed on Tuesday) and during the NewYear holiday (29 Dec – 3 Jan).

participate in the finals held on 23 January. The winner
was Mr Muhamad Syukri bin Ghazali from Malaysia, aCoordinator for International Relations (CIR) for Hioki City,
with his speech “Kuwazugirai” (disliking something without
having tried it).
Mr Syukri spoke of his experiences when introducing
Winner: Mr Muhamad Syukri bin Ghazali

Malaysia’s culture in Japan. The durian, Malaysia’s typicalfruit, would be disliked by the Japanese audience, evenby those who had not tried it before, for its pungent smell. But how can one decide that something smells bad
without actually seeing or touching it? People’s tastes and preferences differ, so how can one determine that ittastes bad? Mr Syukri described how this unfounded prejudice is undeserved with an anecdote of his Japanese
friend’s encounter with the durian in Malaysia, and called for the importance of actually seeing, feeling andexperiencing for oneself before deciding, to an audience of approximately 360 people.
Among other speeches, there were those who spoke of striving towards their dream in Japan, peppering theireloquent Japanese speech with humor and having theaudience break out in laughter, and then there werethose who moved the listeners to tears.
The venue was moved to Kenmin Hall as of thisyear. And while we are sure there were contestants
who were nervous speaking before the huge crowd,
they delivered their speeches with much aplomb andTo contact us about the International Exchange Plaza and/or South Wing publication,
Kagoshima International Association
Kagoshima Prefectural Citizens Exchange Centre, 1F 14-50 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City, Japan 892-0816
TEL : 099-221-6620
E-mail (general enquiries): kia@po.synapse.ne.jp
E-mail (consultations only): kia8@po.synapse.ne.jp
FAX : 099-221-6643
URL : http://www.synapse.ne.jp/kia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kagoshima.Intl.Assoc/

4

captured the hearts of the audience. We hope tocontinue providing the opportunity for the citizens
Front row: participants; back row: judgesof Kagoshima to interact with people of different
nationalities and cultures.

1