THE TOMBO
Oita’s English Newsletter
July, August, September 2017

Issue 87

Let’s Go to the Beach

Let's talk about summertime in Oita. Let’s talk about ice cream and shaved ice. Let’s talkabout fireworks and Tanabata festivals. And, most importantly, let’s talk about the heat.
Was there any sweat on your brow when you headed into work this morning? Have you
spent an inordinate amount of time in one room of your house—just because it has air
conditioning? Are you already counting down the days until fall begins?
But before we get to fall, we get to Umi no Hi, or Marine Day, on July 17th. It’s time toappreciate Oita’s waters—which means it’s time to beat the heat at the beach.**Disclaimer: There is still heat at the beach.

姫島海水浴場

Himeshima Beach
Higashi Kunisaki District Himeshima-mura

I grew up in a landlocked area, so it's no wonder that my
new favorite spot in Oita is an island.Himeshima may takesome effort to get to (especially for those relying on public
transportation), but the destination is worth the hassle. Onceyou’re there, it’s easy to explore all 17 km of the island on arented bicycle, enjoy the tiger shrimp and seafood Himeshima
is famous for, catch a glimpse of the chestnut tiger butterfly in

Itogahama Beach
6842 Ōga Hiji-machi, Hayami-gun

Features & Facilities: Shallow waters perfect for bringing
children along, cooking area, (4) tennis courts, (2) athletic
fields (perfect for baseball), outdoor stage, (8) log cabins,
caravanning grounds equipped with electricity, tent camping
grounds, shop, administrative building

東国東郡姫島村May or October, and soak up every inch of the Himeshima Blue
Line. The Himeshima Blue Line is a road that stretches along
Himeshima’s beautiful coast and features Himeshima Beachas one of its attractions. Rent a bike from one of the souvenir
shops along the main street and head down to check it out.
Features & Facilities: Showers, toilets, administrative building
log cabin, rest house, lockers
Access, Hours, and Fees: Drive to Imi Port and take the ferry(vehicles may board the ferry) / To make a Himeshima day trip
without a car, take the 9:45 bus from Usa Station to Imi, get off
at Imi Port (about 1 hour), take the 11 AM ferry from Imi Port
to Himeshima Port, take the 3:20 PM return ferry and the 4:02
bus back to Usa Station / Beach season lasts from July 1st to
August 31st

糸ヶ浜海浜公園
大分県速見郡日出町大神 6842

Access, Hours, & Fees: Accessible by car from the HijiInterchange (about 15 minutes away, 185 spots of free parking
available) / Closed on Mondays except during July and August/ Open from 9 AM to 10 PM in July and August and 9 AM to 7
PM in September / Entry is free / Facility fees vary2

THE TOMBO

July, August, September 2017

神崎海水浴場
大分市本神崎Kozaki Beach
Honkozaki Oita City

Features & Facilities: Showers, toilets, changing rooms,
barbecue grill rental, rest house, campgrounds, cabin rental
Access, Hours, & Fees: Accessible by car via Highway 197

about 25 minutes from Oita City (250 spots of 500 yen parking
available) / 15 minute walk from Kozaki Station / Park openfrom 9 AM to 6 PM / Facility fees vary
大志生木海水浴場
大分市大字志生木 2296-1

Ōjūki Beach
2296-1 Ōaza Shiuki Oita City

Features & Facilities: Beach hut, accessible for aquatic sports(e.g. canoeing, etc.)
Access, Hours, & Fees: Beach hut open 9 AM to 6 PM in
Tanoura Beach

田ノ浦ビーチ

Tanoura, Oita City

大分市田ノ浦When I first moved to Oita, my all-time favorite view was
the sight of Beppu Bay on the train from Oita to Beppu. That
beautiful view (and the beach that goes along with it) can beexperienced up close and in person. You can swim there during
the summer, but the palm trees that dot the landscape willtake you back to warmer days no matter what season you visitin.
I'd recommend taking a bike ride with a friend on the roomy
paths alongside the shore. The path surrounding the beach has
multiple lanes and was designed with cyclists in mind. You cantake your time, stop when you please in front of the beach,and even check out some of the surrounding sightseeing
spots with ease. (The beach is located near Mt. Takasaki andAquarium Umi Tamago.)
Features & Facilities: Warm showers, coin lockers, onsite resthouse, huge boat-shaped piece of playground equipment
Kuroshima Camp & Beach
Kuroshima Kaisuiyokujō (Omoto, Sashiu, Usuki City)

Features & Facilities: Shower, changing rooms, toilet, shop,
rest area, vending machine, tent rental
Access, Hours, & Fees: Accessible by ferry (500 yen RT for

Takahama Beach
Takahama Kaisuiyokujō (Youra, Tsukumi City)

Features & Facilities: Toilets, changing rooms, showers
Access, Hours, & Fees: Parking available / Accessible by bus
Motosaru Beach(Motosaru) Kamae Takenouragouchi, Saiki

Features & Facilities: Toilets, cooking space, shower
Access, Hours, & Fees: Swimming from July 1st to August 31st
Accessible by car via Highway 388 (60 spots of free parking)season / Accessible by car via Highway 197 / Accessible by bus
from Oita Station (take the bus headed towards Saga no Sekifrom bus stop #6 and get off at “Ōjūki”)

Access, Hours, and Fees: Accessible by car via Highway 10(about 15 minutes from Oita Station, parking available) /Accessible by bus from Oita Station (take the bus boundfor Beppu from Oita Station bus stop #2 and get off at the“Tanoura” bus stop) / There are no entry fees. / The facilities
are accessible between 9 AM and 11:30 PM. / Swimming
possible during July and August.
黒島キャンプ海水浴場
黒島海水浴場（臼杵市佐志生字尾本）

adults) from Port Omoto ( 尾本港 ) in Sashiu, Usuki / Paidparking (500 yen) available at the port / Port accessible by train(15 minute walk from Sashiueki Station)
高浜海水浴場
高浜海水浴場（津久見市四浦）from Tsukumi Sta. (take the bus bound for Mamoto and get off
at "Takahama")
元猿海水浴場
大分県佐伯市蒲江竹野浦河内（元猿）Accessible by bus from Saiki Station (take the bus towards
Kamae, get off at Motosaru Kaisuiyokujō-mae)

You can always enjoy onsen water in Oita, but the ocean waters are a little more fickle. Swimming season in Japan only lasts a
short time, so now is the time to get out there! No matter what it might feel like right now, summer won’t last forever. ◆THE TOMBO

3July, August, September 2017

EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS
Date

Description

Place

Cost

Contact #Jun. 9th –Aug. 1st

OPAM 2017 Collection Exhibition II, “Mizu ni Ikou”

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Jun. 28th –Jul. 30th

The Allure of Drawings ~From the Artist’s Studio~

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Jul. 7th –Sep. 3rdThe Great Ghibli Exhibition ~From Nausicaä toMarnie~Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥1,400☎ 097-533-4500

Jul. 11th –Sep. 24th

Art Wonderland 2017: I’m a Curator, Too

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

Jul. 11th –Sep. 3rd

Cardboard Art Playground

Oita City Art Museum¥800☎ 097-554-5800

Jul. 28th –Sep. 24th

Family Medicine from Yesterday

Oita Prefectural
Museum of History¥310☎ 0978-37-2100

Aug. 4th –Oct. 3rd“Yakudō suru Katachi” (Lively Shapes)

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Sep. 14th–
Oct. 26th

Genius, Dali Exhibition

Oita City Art Museum¥1, 100☎ 097-554-5800

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)

FREE☎ 097-538-9647

Aug. 22nd – 35th Takayama Tatsuo Prize Junior Exhibition
Aug. 27th***Most Museums and Centers are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday. Student admissions vary, highest cost shown.***STAGE & MUSIC EVENTSArtist/Event

Date

Time

Jul. 9th

16:00

The Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

iichiko Grand Theater ¥3,000 -¥5,000☎ 097-533-4005

Jul. 29th

18:30

Cantaloop 20th Anniversary Live Show Vol. 4

Cantaloop II¥2,500 w/drinks☎ 097-548-5363

Aug.26th

18:30

Akira Inaba Acoustic Concert 2017 ~DistantYearning~

Brick Block¥6,000 +drink☎ 097-536-4852

Jul. 29th, 12:45 Sat., Pirate Ship 2017 (23 different bands in 2 days)
Jul. 30th 11:45 Sun.

T.O.P.S Bitts Hall

¥7,000 (2 day ticket) ☎ 097-533-0467

Sep. 8th

Brick Block¥7,500

19:30

Venue

Terumasa Hino Quintet

Cost

Contact #☎ 097-536-4852**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. “w/ drink” prices include a drink, “+drink” prices require the additional purchase of a drink. Times shown indicate start times, doors usually open 30 minutes beforehand.

VENUES
Brick Block= 5-7-5 Ikushi, Oita City
Cantaloop II=3-2-30 Miyako-Machi

Nakayama Dai 5 Building 6F Oita City
iichiko Grand Theatre= Oasis Tower 1F Oita City

T.O.P.S BittsHall.= Ikushi 5-783, Oita City

Greetings from the New Editor
Hello there! My name is Sheridan McKisick, and I’m going to be taking over for Miriam as theeditor-in-chief of the Tombo. I’m from the U.S., but I’m approaching my second year of life inOita. My hobbies include reading Yoshimoto Banana novels, eating strange ice cream flavors,
and wishing that the Forus in Oita City still existed. I’m still not an Oita expert (and I’m definitely
nervous about taking over editing the Tombo), but I look forward to us learning new things
together. Until next time!

THE TOMBO

4July, August, September 2017

Festivals and Events
Date~Mar. 31st(2018)
Jul. 1st
Jul. 8th
Aug. 19th
Sep. 9th

Event Description
Location‘Burari-hito-tsumami’ - Enjoy eating and drinking Taketa’s food and drink! You Taketa City
can 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 and drinks.
Tanabata Festival decorations making workshop - A hands on event for Oita City
children and parents to enjoy. Participation fee is 100 yen (incl. admission fee,
History Museum
9:30 - 14:00), reservations necessary.
Yufuin Onsen Kagura - Traditional Kagura dance performed by local groups Yufu City
(Participation fee is 500 yen, 20:30 - 21:30).
Kuaju Yufuin

Jul. 14th ~ Usuki Gion Festival - A traditional festival that started inth 1643. There are 3 Usuki City
portable shrines and 2 floats paraded, “Owatari” on the 16 (12:25 - 15:00) andCastle town
22nd
“Okaeri” on the 22nd (14:30 - 17:00).
Earthenware bell making workshop - A hands on event for children and Oita City
Jul. 15th
parents to enjoy. Participation fee is 60 yen (incl. admission fee), reservations
History Museum
necessary.
Jul. 15th
Kimono Appreciation Day - Held on the third Saturday of each month, with Kitsuki City
Aug. 19th special offers and discounts for kimono rental and professional photography.
Jyouka-machi
Sep. 16thth
Jul. 16th ~ Tsukumi Port Festival - A “Soiya Tsukumi” traditional dance on the 16 (19:15 - Tsukumi City), a fireworks display on the 17th (20:00 - 21:00), and much more!
Chuou-machi area
17th
Jul. 22nd~23rd

Contact #☎ 0974-63-0585☎ 097-549-0880☎ 0977-84-4881☎ 0972-64-7130☎ 097-549-0880☎ 0978-63-0100☎ 0972-82-9521

Hita Gion Festival - Hita Gion celebrates over 300 years of history. Here you
can see a portable shrine that is 10 meters tall! On the 20th from 19:00 -, all the Hita City
floats will gather in front of JR Hita Station for a taste of what is to come. This
☎ 0973-22-2036
festival is one of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals in Japan” and is listed on Mameda & Kuma Area
UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Kitsuki City

Jul. 24th ~ Tenjin Festival - Portable shrines will be carried throughout the city, and on the Tobimatsu Tenman
evening of the 25th there will be a shrine against shrine hitting competition.
25th☎ 0978-63-0100

Jul. 28th~
30th☎ 0977-24-2828

ShrineBeppu Summer Evening Festival - Over the three days there will markets, local Beppu City
food stalls, performances, and a fireworks display on the evening of the 30th
Kitahama Area

Jul. 28th ~ Nakatsu Gion Festival - This prefecture-designated “Intangible Cultural Nakatsu City
Property” has 580 years of history. Highlights include shrine processions andNakatsu Shrine Area
30th
more!A fireworks display on the 28th (20:00- ).
Aug. 4th ~ Oita Tanabata Festival - This exciting summer festival takes place across Oita City
downtown Oita and features parades, performances, and dances.
Downtown Area
6th
Oita City
Oita
River
Fireworks
FestivalTocelebrate
the
last
day
of
the
Oita
Tanabata
Aug. 6th
Festival, there will be a fireworks festival along the river.
Oita River
Himeshima
Bon-OdoriFestival
Himeshima
Bon-Odori
dances
are
said
to
th
Himeshima Village
Aug. 14
have come from Nenbutsu folk dances. Come see traditional local dances such
Chuo-Hiroba~ 15thas the ‘fox dance’, recreated and performed each and every year.
Haniwa (clay images) making workshop - A hands on event for children and Oita City
Aug. 19th parents to enjoy. Participation fee is 230 yen (incl. admission fee, 9:30 -/14:00 -),History Museum
reservations necessary.
Aug. 19th Sunflower Festa - 1.2 million sunflowers are in bloom, approx. 11.5ha of the Bungotakada City
Nagasakibana Resort campsite. Enjoy flowers and artwork (Yoko Ono’s “Invisible
Nagasakibana~Sep. 10th Benches” and Choi Jeong Hwa’s “Iro Iro Iro”)!
Tsukumi Sensu Dance Ceremony – 1,000 dancers will dance with Japanese Tsukumi City
Aug. 19th fans.
Tsukumin Park
Usuki Stone Buddha Fire Festival – 1,000 torches will be lit around the ancient Usuki City
Aug. 26th stone Buddha carvings, which are nationally designated treasures. It is the
Fukatabiggest fire festival in western Japan!
Kudatama and Marudama bead-making workshop - A great hands on eventfor parents and children. Come along and experience making traditional Oita City
rd
Sep. 3beads. Participation fee \270 (incl. admission fee, 9:30 -/14:00 -), reservations History Museum
necessary.
Free onsen entrance - September 9th is Kokonoe’s designated hot spring day Kokonoe-machi
Sep. 9thand designated facilities marked with posters let customers bathe for free!
Various locations
Sep. 9th ~ The Ajimu Fair “Wine Festival 2017” - Various events such as Ajimu wine Usa City
sampling and a bazaar. You can have your fill of Bungo Beef, wine, and more. Ajimu Area
10th
Rice field exploration - An outdoor exploration activity for adults to learn Kokonoe-Machi
about the harvest and how to cook rice. (Participation is FREE. Reservations Kuju Furusato ShizenthSep. 24
necessary. Bring clothes and shoes suitable for the outdoors and bring side
Gakkoudishes).

☎ 0979-64-6611☎ 097-537-5764☎ 097-537-5764☎ 0978-87-2111☎ 097-549-0880☎ 0978-23-1860☎ 0972-82-9521☎ 0972-64-7130☎ 097-549-0880☎ 0973-73-5505☎ 0978-44-1111☎ 0978-44-0381☎ 0973-73-0001

THE TOMBO
What’s Going On?

5

From the Plaza

July, August, September 2017

Mail: kobayashi-ikuyo@emo.or.jp

Japanese 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. (Except for May – please see
below)●When: July 19th, August 16th, September 20th●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Sei Ito (Administrative Solicitor)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,
B1F)
Free Tagalog Consultations
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Tagalog.
●When: July 1st, 18th; August 5th, 15th; September 2nd,
19th
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Rhodora Yoshitake (President of the Oita
Philippines Friendship Association)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,
B1F)
Free Chinese Consultations
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Mandarin.
●When: Every Thursday 10:00-13:00.
●Time: 10:00-13:00●Consultant: Cui Wenyu●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,
B1F)(*Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the Oita
International Plaza before coming.) TEL: 097-533-4021

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. (Except for May – please see
below)●When: July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd●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)
International Event Notifications
The Oita International Plaza will be announcing
some international events that take place within Oita
Prefecture on our social media pages in order to support
organizations proactively fostering international relations.
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/oitaplaza
Twitter - http://twitter.com/oitaplaza
If you are interested in relaying information about an
even, please send e-mail at the Plaza.

Himawari Japanese Volunteers
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 in
the 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 on
the 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

THE TOMBO

6July, August, September 2017

The Rules of Bicycling
Obey traffic signals. Avoid areas where entry is not permitted.
Mind traffic divisions. Ride on the left side of the road.
Do not enter under lowered railroad crossing gates.
Stop at intersections. Do not obstruct pedestrians on sidewalks.
Do not ride while under the influence of alcohol.
Do not cause accidents on your bicycle due to cell phone use.
Move out of the way of pedestrians when traveling on shoulder lanes.
Yield the right of way to cars turning right at intersections.
Do not ride bicycles without working brakes. Do not obstruct vehicles passing from the right at intersections.
Slow down on roads intended for pedestrians. Respect the right of way on roundabouts.
Use a raincoat instead of an umbrella when it rains. Always ride with your light on at night.
Do not let someone take a ride on the back of your bike. Do not bike side by side.
Keep one ear uncovered when using earbuds or headphones. Do not bike while “walking” a pet.

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

Oita International Plaza

Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation

OASIS Hiroba21（B1F）2-33 Takasago-Machi, Oita-Shi 870-0029

THANK YOU ! !
A special thanks to all those who co-operated with us for

The International Plaza is located on the basement floor of OASIS
Hiroba 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-6:00pm(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