THE TOMBO

Oita’s English Newsletter

January, February, March 2017

Issue 85

Worlds Collide: Europe Meets Oita
The “Sakoku Period” (1633-1866) refers to the over two hundred years the Edo shogunate in Japan practiced apolicy of isolationism. Foreigners were not to enter Japan, and the Japanese were not to leave. Any potential violatorsof this law would be harshly punished. To Westerners who already viewed Japan as a mysterious land, this only served
to make Japan seem more unknowable and secret. Although Japan re-opened to the world following the visit ofCommodore Perry and his Black Ships and the subsequent Meiji Revolution in 1868, to this day, the image of Japan isa closed off and hidden away country still resonates strongly to those in the West. Japan is seen by many as a country
that experienced limited cultural influence from Europe before the late 1800s, and it therefore often comes as a shock
to visitors to Kyushu when they see signs of European contact with Japan throughout the region. The legacy of theseinteractions can be found almost everywhere on the island and this is particularly true in Oita.
When I first moved to Oita, one of the things that surprised me most were the statues of Christian missionaries dottedaround Oita City. I was aware that the Dutch had been permitted to trade on Dejima, a small island in Nagasaki, evenduring the Sakoku Period. However, I had not given much thought to the influence of European culture in Kyushu
before the Sakoku Period, nor had I thought that such cultural influence played such an interesting role in Oita’s
history. With the recent “Cultural Understanding Event: Holland” at the Oita International Plaza and OPAM’s Dutch
design exhibition, I thought it was the perfect time to explore Oita’s historical links to Europe. Here is some trivia
about Oita’s history of interactions with Europeans before the Sakoku Period.

●S aint Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary in the 1500s, is famous
for traveling extensively in Asia. Xavier visited Oita as part of his
mission to spread Christianity in Japan. There remain signs ofXavier in Oita today. You can find his statue in Oita City. You can buy
a delicious Oita omiyage (snack) called a “Xavier.” The little cakes
were named in his honour and combine Japanese and European
cake-making techniques.

●Ōtomo Sōrin served as the daimyō feudal lord of Funai, which islocated in present-day Oita Prefecture, in the 1500s. Japan had
many feudal lords during that period, but what differentiated Sōrinfrom many of his counterparts in other regions was his conversion
to Catholicism following his meeting with Francis Xavier. It is said
that his divorce second wife was due to her refusal to convert toChristianity.

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2January, February, March 2017

● Visitors to the Sala de Usuki in Usuki City are greeted by an elaborate model of alarge ship. This is a replica of the Dutch vessel de Liefde, which in the early 1600s ran into
trouble in the shallow waters near Usuki. The crew were subsequently taken to Osaka,and this was one of the first interactions between Dutch traders and the Japanese. During
the Sakoku Period, the only European nation permitted to trade with the Japanese on
Dejima were the Dutch, meaning that the arrival of de Liefde in Usuki shows that Oita
played an important role in Japan’s early interactions with Europe.
● Did you ever wonder why Miyazaki Prefecture’s famous chicken dish is called “chickennanban”? Nanban is an old term referring to foreigners in Japan originating from Portugal
and the goods that they brought with them to Japan. The Portuguese didn’t invent
chicken nanban, but the word nanban started to become affixed to dishes and productsthat had a foreign style or connection. The Portuguese also travelled to Oita Prefecture
for trade or missionary work – and as a result nanban culture also flourished in Oita
Prefecture.
Oita Prefecture is a treasure trove for anyone interested in history. Whether it is the ancient Buddhist relics in theKunisaki Region, the beautiful Shinto shrines or samurai castles dotted throughout the region, or more modern
historical artefacts such as those that can be seen on site of a Second World War airbase in Usa, there is something
to interest all historians of Japan. I hope that this article has sparked people’s interest in another fascinating aspect ofOita’s history – its history involving Europe!

Date
Dec. 2nd –Jan 22nd
Dec. 2nd –Jan. 31st
Jan. 11th –Apr. 9th
Feb. 3rd –Apr. 4th

EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS
PlaceCostContact #Dutch Modern Design – Rietveld / Bruna / ADO –Playful Design and Life Art

Description

Oita Prefectural art
Museum¥1000☎ 097-533-4500

OPAM Collection Exhibition Vol. V “Life Poetry Seenin the Collection”

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Fourth Collection Exhibition

Oita City Art Gallery¥300☎ 097-554-5800

OPAM Collection Exhibition Vol. VI “CelebratingSpring”

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum¥300☎ 097-533-4500***Most Museums and Centres are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday. Student admissions vary, highest cost shown***

STAGE & MUSIC EVENTS
DateJan.22ndArtist/EventVenue
Cost
Recommended Japanese Music! Touch the Japanese
17:00
iichiko Otonoizumi ¥1,000
Culture – Japanese Dance
Beethoven – All String Quartet Compositions –19:00
iichiko Otonoizumi ¥3000
First Night- Verus String Quartet
18:00 Masaki Ueda R&B Band Tour 2017
Brick Block¥6000 +drink☎ 097-536-4852

Feb.5thN/A☎ 0973-25-5000

Feb.15th

13:30 One Coin Relay Concert - Harp

Mar.11th

N/A

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”

Mar.20th

N/A

Oita Broadway Musical Theater

Jan.9thJan.18th

TimePatria Music Festa Vol. 10

Patria Hita

¥500

Contact #☎ 097-533-4004☎ 097-533-4004

iichiko Otonoizumi ¥500☎ 097-533-4004
iichiko Grand
Ticket prices vary ☎ 097-533-4004
Theateriichiko Otonoizumi v1000☎ 097-533-4004**Ticket prices range from student to most expensive general admission. Prices shown otherwise indicate price for purchase on the day of the event, they may be cheaper if purchasedin advance. “+drink” prices require the additional purchase of a drink. Times shown indicate start times, doors usually open 30 minutes beforehand. N/A indicates information was notknown to the TOMBO at the time of going to print..

iichiko Grand Theatre= Oasis Tower 1F Oita City
iichiko Otonoizumi=Oasis Tower 1F Oita City

VENUES

Brick Block= 5-7-5 Ikushi, Oita City

Patria Hita= 1-8-11 Sanbonmatsu, Hita City

THE TOMBO

3January, February, March 2017

Festivals and Events
Date

Event Description

LocationContact #~Mar. 31st

‘Burari-hito-tsumami’ - Enjoy eating and drinking Taketa’s food and drink! Taketa City
You buy 3 tickets for 300 yen (1 ticket = 100 yen). This will be a big chance to
Various locations
find something special among Taketa’s local snacks or drinks.

☎ 0974-63-0585~ Jan. 3rd

Free hot springs entrance - 7 Municipal Hot Springs - Takegawara Onsen Beppu City(except the sand bath), Tanoyu Onsen, Furosen, Kaimonji Onsen, Nageshi
Various locations
Onsen, Hamada Onsen, and Hamawaki Onsen - will have free entry!

☎ 0977-21-1129

Jan. 1stFirst sunrise of the new year- The Beppu ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi will open Beppu City
at 4:00AM giving visitors the chance to make their first sunrise of the year aMt. Tsurumi
memorable one. Come along and enjoy the beautiful view.

☎ 0977-22-2277

Jan. 1stUsa Shrine New Year visit- Every year around half a million people visit Usa Usa City
Shrine on this day to pray for good fortune and for things such as the healthof their family, business prosperity, road safety and success in their studies. Usa Shrine☎ 0978-37-0001

Jan. 2nd

New Year Shonai Kagura - This will be the first Shonai Kagura performance of Yufu City
the New Year.
Shonai-Machi☎ 097-582-1111

Jan. 15th

Houran-Enya Boat Festival - Vibrantly decorated boats float down Katsura Bungotakada City
River accompanied by traditional flute and drum music, dancing and more! Ebisu Bridge ~This is a very colourful, lively event.
Katsura Bridge☎ 0978-22-3100

Jan. 21stFeb. 18th
Mar. 18thKimono Appreciation Day - A monthly event where visitors can try on rental Kitsuki Citykimonos, have their photos taken, and receive discounts at nearby facilities if
Jouka-machi
they are wearing kimono.

☎ 0978-63-0100

Fugu Festa - Selected famous fugu (blowfish) restaurants throughout Oita City
Jan. 28th~ OitaOitaCitywill be offering discounts on fugu cuisine so that everyone can taste ParticipatingthFeb. 5
the deliciousness of fugu.
restaurants☎ 097-537-5764

Feb. 5thOita CityThe 66th Beppu Oita Mainichi Marathon- Well known as a stepping stone for Umitamago Aquariummarathon newcomers. Held alongside the Beppu coast, come along to cheer☎ 093-511-1119~ Oita Athleticon the runners (if you’re not already competing!).
Stadium

Japanese Plum Blossom Festiva l - During this festival there will be Oita CityFeb. 12th~ Yoshino
events such as kagura and taiko performances every Sunday amongst theMar. 5thYoshino bai-en
some 450 plum blossom trees.

☎ 097-597-1000Ōyama Japanese Plum Blossom Festival - The Ōkubo and Furuya plum Hita CityFeb. 19th~ Hitaparks will hold events such as outdoor tea ceremonies (Mar. 5th),
Mar. 19th blossomŌyama-machi
poem-reading meetings and blossom viewing walks.

☎ 0973-52-3101

Mar. 1stTsujibasha opening - This day marks the beginning of spring in Yufuin, when Yufu City
the horse drawn carriages recommence operations. A ceremony will be held. JR Yufuin station

at the Sea Hell - Three Fantastic projection mapping Shows event Beppu CityMar. 18th~ Nightfor children, parents, and tourist to enjoy. Participation fee is 600yen (Incl.
20thSea Helladmission fee). 19:20~/20:00~/20:40~/21:20~☎ 0977-85-4464☎ 0977-66-0121

Hina Doll Exhibitions
The Hina Doll Festival is a yearly tradition beginning in mid-February and continuing until mid-March. Families
display Hina dolls to celebrate Girl’s Day on March 3rd. Displays feature a number of tiers, and each doll
represents a different figure from the Emperor and Empress, to court ladies and samurai.
DateFeb. 10th~Mar. 20th

Event Description

LocationContact #Usuki Hina-meguri - Hina dolls will be displayed at various locations Usuki City
Various locations
throughout the city.

☎ 0972-64-7130

Hina-meguri - Hina dolls will be displayed at various locations Kitsuki City
Feb. 11th Kitsuki
the city. And the Hina dolls that were owned by a feudal lord will Various locations~Mar. 12th throughout
be displayed at Historical Museum.

☎ 0978-63-0100

Feb. 15thst~ Hita Hina Doll festival - Families in Mameda-Machi and Kuma-Machi will Hita CityMar. 31
Mameda, Kuma
display their hina dolls to the public.

☎ 0973-23-3111

Feb. 25th~ Castle town Nakatsu Hina Doll festival- Various events will be held to Nakatsu City
Various locations
Mar. 12th coincide with the local hina doll displays.

☎ 0979-22-3060

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4January, February, March 2017

Cherry Blossom Viewing~ Prime Viewing Spots ~In Oita Prefecture, cherry blossoms (sakura) begin blooming from late March, and the blossoms generally last until early tomid April. Below is a short list of some well-known cherry blossom viewing spots in Oita Prefecture. These spots are ideal forenjoying your own little hanami (cherry blossom viewing) party with friends, food and drinks.
CityLocation

Blossom period

Beppu CityBeppu Park
別府公園

Late March ~Early April

Beppu City

Mt. Ogi Sakura
Garden
扇山さくらの園

KunisakiCity
NakatsuCity

Aki Dam Park
安岐ダム公園

Nakatsu-kita Park

中津北（二の丸）
公園

Address/directions

Number of trees

Contact #15 minutes by car from Oita IC
5 minutes by bus from JR Beppu station100☎ 0977-21-1111

Early April

5 minutes by car from Beppu IC
20 minutes by bus from JR Beppu station

6000☎ 0977-21-1111

Early ~Mid April

30 minutes by car from JR Kitsuki station
20 minutes by car from Oita Kukodouro Aki IC

3000☎ 0978-72-5168

Late March ~Early April

15 minutes on foot from JR Nakatsu station

150☎ 0979-22-1111

Oita City

Heiwa-shimin
Park

Late March~
Mid April

15 minutes by bus from JR Oita station (to‘Hanazuru’ bus stop)
20 minutes by car from Oita IC650☎ 097-558-8135

Taketa City

Oka Castle
Ruins

Early April

20 minutes on foot from JR Bungo Taketa station

1500☎ 0974-63-0585

Early April

10 minutes by bus from JR Usa station

1200☎ 0978-37-0001

Late March ~Early April

10 minutes on foot from JR Usuki station

1000☎ 0972-64-7130

3700☎ 0972-82-9521

Usa City
Usuki CityTsukumi
City平和市民公園

岡城跡

Usa Shrine
宇佐神宮

Usuki Castle
臼杵城跡

YouraPeninsula
四浦半島

Mid-February 25 minutes by car from Tsukumi IC
Early MarchDid you know?
Japanese cherry blossoms are loved for their beautyand because they signal the coming of spring andwarm weather. But cherry blossoms have also
been historically revered because they represent
the transience and beauty of life. They bloom onlyfor a short while before they fall from the tree.
Traditionally, it was believed that this symbol oflife’s fragility and impermanence was tragic but also
beautiful. Sometimes it’s hard to remember thedeeper meaning behind the history of cherry blossom
viewing when you’re sitting on a picnic blanket below
beautiful blossoms and enjoying your food and drink!
Even though cherry blossoms symbolise life’s brevity,
in a way you could say that cherry blossoms connect
us to earlier generations – both hundreds of years
ago and today, people in Japan stop to appreciate thebeautiful pink blossoms.

THE TOMBOWhat’s Going On?

5January, February, March 2017

From the PlazaJapanese Lessons

Free Legal Consultations for International Residents
The Oita International Plaza is holding free legal
consultations for foreign residents on the third
Wednesday of every month.
●When: January 18th, February 15th, March 15th
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Sei Ito (Administrative Solicitor)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)

Himawari Japanese Volunteers

Free Consultations in Chinese
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Chinese every Thursday.
●When: Every Thursday.
●Time: 10:00-13:00●Consultant: Wenyu Kodama●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Consultations in Tagalog

The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultations inTagalog.

●When: January 7th, February 4th, March 4th●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Rhodora Yoshitake (President of the Oita
Philippines Friendship Association)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Consultations Regarding Immigration,Residency, and Citizenship
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultations
regarding immigration, residency, and citizenship on thefirst Sunday of each month.
●When: February 5th, March 5th●Time: 13:00-16:00●Languages available: Japanese and English●Interpretation into languages other than Japanese andEnglish may be available with a reservation (there areno guarantees). The reservation must be made 2 days
prior to the consultation day.
●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)

Support for people learning Japanese in order to help themenjoy their lives in Oita, now at three different locations.
Wasada Public Hall Wed. 10:00-11:30
Meiji Akeno Public Hall Wed. 14:00-15:30
Tsurusaki Public Hall Sat. 10:00-11:30
For more information contact Ms. Fukata TEL: 097-527-2614
E-MAIL: nihongo_himawari_oita@yahoo.co.jp

Nihongo Rakuraku-talk
Beppu City Hall offers free Japanese lessons every Monday
from 14:00-15:30. For more information contact Mr. Kii inthe Beppu International Affairs Division
TEL: 0977-21-6133 E-MAIL: int-ma@city.beppu.oita.jp
Sakura Japanese Class
Come study Japanese with friendly volunteers and teachers
in a pleasant atmosphere. Sakura Japanese Class is held
every Monday from 10:15-12:00 at the Oita University
International House in Nishiki-Machi, Oita City. Classes arefree of charge. For more information call Ms. Ohashi
CELL: 090-7866-2486
AIUEO Japanese Lessons
Volunteers offer free Japanese lessons on Tuesday andFriday from 10:20-11:50 at I-NESS near Oasis Tower as wellas Thursday nights at Compal Hall from 18:30-20:30. Lessons
are also offered in Beppu at the Beppu Foreign Tourist
Information Office on Tuesday mornings from 10:00-12:00.
For more information contact:
Ms. Miyase CELL: 090-8353-2485 (day lessons)
Ms. Kato TEL: 097-532-5940 (night lessons)Community Classes and Events
Happy Talk
Come practice speaking Japanese with other learners andnative speakers. Reservations not required, just show up onthe day.
Please bring your own drink if you like. Participation is FREE.
For more details and information on when Happy Talk isheld, please visit the Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/HappyTalkOita

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6January, February, March 2017

Happy New Year!

The TOMBO would like to wish all of its readers a very happy new year! We hope that everyone has a brilliant 2017!

おおいた国際交流プラザ

公益財団法人 大分県芸術文化スポーツ振興財団
大分市高砂町 2−33 OASIS ひろば 21（B1F）☎ 097-533-4021 FAX:097-533-4052

YOU ! !

Oita International Plaza

Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion FoundationOASIS Hiroba21（B1F）2-33 Takasago-Machi, Oita-Shi 870-0029

THANKA special thanks to all those who co-operated with us for

The International Plaza is located on the basement floor of OASISHiroba 21（iichiko Culture Center）.

this issue. Your help was very much appreciated.
THE TOMBO is produced by:

Oita International Plaza
Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation
2-33 Takasago-Machi
Oita-Shi Oita-Ken 〒 870-0029☎097(533)4021

Fax 097(533)4052
E-MAIL: in@emo.or.jp
http://www.oitaplaza.jp/english/
HOURS: Monday-Friday

9:30am-7:00pm(closed weekends and the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. We
are open on the Saturdays before these Mondays)
Closed national holidays & Dec 29th - Jan 3rd

大分県立美術館 OPAM
Oita Prefectural Art Museum