aWa life
Farewell
Messages

Tokushima’s Hidden
Historical Treasure:the Hachisuka
Clan Cemetery

Japanese Culture
and Reading
Corner:
たいふう
台風

August 2020
# 358

Gairaigo Galore:
ジョウロ

A Summer 2020
Recipe Idea
A Word from
Arasowaren

1

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

We can finally enjoy the hottest month of the year here in Tokushima. Unfortunately, all the great events
we are used to (the Awa Odori and fireworks) have been cancelled this year. However, we hope that
this won’t destroy your summer mood. While the economy is trying to recover again, it is surely a goodtime to support local businesses, for example through traveling to regions across the prefecture you
maybe wouldn’t have visited otherwise. For those who really miss the Awa Odori, you can still enjoy itat the Awa Odori Kaikan every day. Everyone, have a great August!
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,
Sydney 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:
Sydney Bartig and Nico Bohnsack
Contributors This Month:
Abby Fisher, Emily Yocom, Shoko Nagano, Uka Teki, Pedro Movilla Fernandez, Danielle Gally,
Omar Camacho, Toshiro Taki, Alessa Peters and Kayo Miyoshi

2Contents

Pg. 2-3:Tokushima’s Hidden Historical Treasure: the Hachisuka Clan CemeteryPg. 3:

Farewell Messages

Pg. 4:A Word from Arasowaren

Pg. 5:

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 台風

Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: ジョウロ

Pg. 6:A Summer 2020 Recipe Idea

Pg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

たいふう

Pg. 8-9: Events and Memoranda
Tokushima’s Hidden Historical Treasure: the Hachisuka Clan Cemetery
By Abby Fisheroming from the Midwest United States, I
grew up in a vast sea of corn fields, andperhaps this is why I’ve always been fascinatedby Toksuhima’s mountainous landscape. On
weekends I explore the forgotten paths andlittle-known shrines of Mt. Bizan, and the mostintriguing place I’ve come across has been the
Hachisuka Clan Cemetery.
It’s a place for lovers of both
history and nature, and I
consider it a hidden gem ofTokushima.

C

So who were the Hachisukas,
and why is their resting placea nationally designatedhistorical site? The Hachisuka
Clan served as feudal lords ofTokushima from the 1500s to
the late 1800s. In those times,
land was always changing
hands and being fought over,
but the Hachisukas maintained
control of Tokushima all theway until the end of the feudal system. Becauseof their long, uninterrupted reign, the history of
the Hachisukas is intertwined with that of ourprefecture. The ruins in Tokushima Central Parkare remnants of the family castle, and many of theprefecture’s early-blooming cherry blossoms stemfrom trees specifically bred for the Hachisuka’s

garden.
The Hachisuka Clan Cemetery is another piece ofthe family’s legacy, albeit a lesser-known one. As
the name suggests, the location’s biggest draw is
its collection of burial sites, and every fork in thepath will lead you to another cluster of graves. The
oldest tomb dates all the way backto the 8th century, although themost interesting aspect of theseheadstones isn’t their age; it’s thelarge, perfectly circular moundsof earth that have been heaped
behind them. Burial mounds werecommon among ancient cultures– the Japanese even laid thoseof high status to rest in large,
keyhole-shaped mounds called
Kofun – but the piles of earth
at Hachisuka cemetery are of adifferent variety. They’re tied tothe introduction of Confucianism
into the clan, as in the 1700s, Lord
Shigeyoshi officially disallowed thepractice of Buddhism among his family members.
This explains why the Hachisukas were laid torest on the mountainside rather than on temple
grounds.
Although the Hachisuka Clan Cemetery holds
a certain appeal for history buffs, others may

3

Tokushima’s Hidden Historical Treasure: the Hachisuka Clan Cemeteryconsider touring a graveyard to be a bit morbid.
The cemetery offers a wonderful spot to enjoy
nature though, and in the spring, the sight ofcherry blossoms sprinkling their petals over theheadstones is beautifully serene. Photographers
will love the wide variety of animals and butterflies
that can be spotted along the pathways, andhikers can take advantage of the secluded
mountain trail that leads to the top of Mt. Bizan.
For anyone interested in visiting the Hachisuka

Clan Cemetery, you’ll find it at 5 Minamisako
4-Bancho in Tokushima City, or you can search
ま ん ね ん や ま on Google Maps. The entrance
to the site is a small gravel path tucked away ina residential neighborhood, so be prepared tofind parking elsewhere. A visit to the Hachisuka
Clan Cemetery is an opportunity to learn about
the roots of the prefecture that we call home,and I hope you too will come to consider it one ofTokushima’s hidden treasures.

Farewell Messages
By: Emily YocomA

nyone who knows me personally knows thatmy time in Tokushima was a challenge forme, which ultimately led me to the decision to
return home after just one year. However, despite
the hardship, there are many things I am gratefulfor that made my year in Tokushima one of new
experiences and personal growth.
About a month before I was set to arrive inTokushima, I received a guidebook in the mailfrom my soon-to-be supervisor. I read the bookfrom front to back, wondering what it might be liketo walk across the vine bridge in the Iya Valley or
to make Otani-yaki pottery by hand, or if sudachi
tasted any different from lime. Just about one
year later, I feel a sense of pride looking backand having experienced all these things I dreamtof. But more than that, I experienced things noguide book prepared me for, like taking a drunken
trip up a mountain to sample plum wines at the
Umeshu Matsuri (Plum Wine Festival), touring myfriends from Tokyo around Naruto and Tokushima
City, and "hiking" the 10 steps up Japan's shortest
mountain.
During my work as a CIR, I am fortunate to have
had the opportunity to learn so much about
Georgia. From interpreting for the Georgian rugby
team, to being gifted Georgian wine by an officialfrom the embassy, to actually visiting the country
on a business trip. I made ties with a country
that I never would have otherwise, for which I am
grateful.

I am also
endlessly
grateful for
my fellow
CIRs, who
were always
there toshare ameal at the
shokudo,t a k eaweekend trip
to a nearby
sightseeing
spot, ortrade insights about which grocery stores have thebest selection of fruit or mapo tofu seasonings.
Our camaraderie is one of the things I will missthe most when I leave Tokushima.
I will never forget eating wild boar and deer
hot pot and feeding birds by hand up in themountains, strolling along the riverside at
the Tokushima Marche every month it wasn't
cancelled, and pounding mochi with Ebessan.
The memories are the greatest omiyage I will takehome with me.
While I feel ready to move on to the next stage of
my life, I have to admit that leaving Tokushima will
be bittersweet. Thank you to everyone who hasmade this experience unforgettable.

A Word from Arasowaren
After practicing hard with everyone in Arasowaren, it’s very
unfortunate we won’t have a place to perform. However, it’s not
as if the Awa Odori will disappear. I’m building my stamina anddancing at home until the coronavirus situation settles down andeveryone is able to practice together. I’ve also been practicing
the shamisen, so I’m spending the summer looking forward to
the day when we can perform together, not just by dancing, butwith instruments as well. ~Shoko Nagano

4This year’s Awa Odori and other large events werecancelled. It’s unfortunate, but everyone's safety is the mostimportant. Right now, I’m going to work as normal, staying at
home as much as possible on my days off, avoiding eatingout, avoiding areas where many people gather, and feelingthe change in new lifestyle habits. I’m looking forward to when
the coronavirus situation settles down, and can’t wait to dance
again. ~Uka Teki
Despite the sad cancellation of the Bon Fest I'm trying
to keep up my Awa Odori spirit by practicing at home,as I'm also a member of one of the city's "rens", all ofwhich suspended group practices and appearances. But I
particularly miss Arasowaren, its culturally diverse crowd,
and hope to dance with those lovely people soon again.
~Pedro Movilla Fernandez

One good thing about Awa Odori is that anyone
can do it anywhere; even at home! But the best thing
about it is how it brings people together. We may not beable to meet as much this year, but we can support eachother and look forward to meeting and dancing again.
~Danielle Gally
My name is Omar and I’m from Mexico City, Mexico. It has been
almost a year and a half since I came to Tokushima. I have met amazing
people and had amazing experiences, but the Awa Odori is one of myfavorite experiences so far. As everyone knows, Latin American countries
are famous for people who love dancing, but I am an exception, believe it
or not. I didn't like dancing when I was in my own country and I don’t know
why, but when I tried Awa Odori I just fell in love with it. For me, it's not justa dance. It's a connection with the Japanese culture and all the people
dancing and playing around me. I’m so sad because this year’s Awa Odoriis canceled, but I’m sure next year my group (Arasowaren) and I will behappy to dance together once again. I'm looking forward to it.
~Omar Camacho

5
にほん

たいふう

Japanese Reading and Culture Corner: 台風
By: Toshiro Taki
なつ

あき

みなみ

うみ

はっせい

たいふう

日本には、夏から 秋にかけて、南の海で 発生した 台風が やってきます。
たいふう

ぼうふう

おおあめ

きけん

きんねん

ねん

こ くらい に ほ ん

じょうりく

台風は、暴風や 大雨の危険があります。近年では、年に ５個位、日本の どこかに 上陸して います。
ときどき

かわ

こうずい

どうろ

いえ

しんすい

ぼうふう

どせきりゅういえ

とうかい

そして、時々、川の 洪水による 道路や 家の 浸水、暴風や 土石流による 家の 倒壊が
ひと

いのち

ざいさん

おお

ひがい

う

なか

たいふう

あります。
しんろ

かぜ

そして、人の命や 財産が 大きな 被害を 受けています。その中で、台風の スピードや 進路、 風や
あめ

つよ

よほう

じょうたつ

たいふう

く

雨の 強さなどの 予報が 上達し、いつ、どこに、どのような 台風が 来るか、わかるように なりました。
たいふう

ひがい

ふせ

たいふうじょうほう

ちゅうい

つぎ

き

台風による 被害を 防ぐため、台風情報に 注意しましょう。そして、次のことに気をつけましょう。
かぜとたてものない

ぼうふう

とき

そと

で

かわ

ちか

①風に 飛ばされそうなものは 建物内にしまう。 ②暴風の 時には 外に 出ない。 ③川には 近づか
あんぜん

たてもの

ひなん

たいふう

ひがい

じぶん

いのち

からだ

ざいさん

まも

ない。 ④安全な 建物に 避難する。 台風の 被害から 自分の 命や 体、そして 財産を 守ってくだ
さい。

Vocabulary
List
たいふう
台風 Typhoon

暴風

こうずい

しんすい

洪水
とうかい

倒壊
しんろ

進路

Flood
Collapse(Typhoon's) Path

ジョウロ (Watering Can)By: Sydney Bartig

ぼうふう

Storm

浸水 Flooding
ざいさん

財産
よほう

予報

Property/Assets
Forecast

じょうりく

上陸
どせきりゅう

土石流
ひがい

被害
じょうたつ

上達

Make Landfall(Sand/Stone) Avalanche
DamageImprovement

Gairaigo Galore

I’m sure there are many of you out there who are interested in gardening, tending to flowers, or
who have their own small plants at home. Naturally, you need to keep your plants and flowers
watered so that they will grow well, but what is the word for the necessary tool in Japanese? Of
course, in English we use the word “watering can” or “watering pot”, but in Japanese the word is ジョ
ウロ . This word can also be written using the kanji 如雨露 , however, it is often written in just kanaalone.
Although it may not appear so at first, ジョウロ is actually a gairaigo
word, and originally comes from the Portuguese language. It is thought
to come from either the Portuguese word “jorro” which represents thegushing sounds of water, or from the Portuguese word “jarro” which is apitcher or water jug.
Actually, there are quite a few Portuguese words that have made theirway into the Japanese language. (For example, 金 平 糖 which you can read more about in the
March 2020 Awa Life issue!) The Portuguese were the first to establish trade between Japan andEurope in 1543, and even now there are many words from the Portuguese language that remain in
Japanese.

A Summer 2020 Recipe Idea
By: Alessa PetersA

wa Shoku will be on break this month, so
instead Alessa is going to introduce a greatsummer recipe for everyone to try!
********************************************************
One thing I enjoy about grocery shopping inTokushima is the large variety of local produce.
Oftentimes, the name of the farmer is evenwritten on the package. To me, this is a daily
reminder of where my food comes from, and lets
me appreciate the work that has gone into putting
it on my plate. During the global Covid-19 crisis
this has become even more important, and as
there are not many vegan options for me at local
restaurants, buying local produce has been agreat way for me to support the local economy.
Summers in Japan are hot and humid, and while
I’ve experienced a few of them in my life, they stilltend to knock me off my feet. I find myself craving
chilled food for lunch and I often rely on pasta
salads for this. So, without further ado, I would
like to introduce a soba noodle recipe that’s quick
and easy, made with mainly local ingredients, andperfect for the summer!

Soba Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients (makes one bowl):• 2 packages of Iya valley soba
• 1 medium sized cucumber• 1 small carrot• 1 head of bok choy
• 2 slices of fried tofu

6
For the Dressing:• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola oil)
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Topping:• A red pepper or chili spice mix of your choice,to taste (I use a Szechuan pepper mix)
• Sesame, to taste• Chopped welsh onion, to taste• The juice of 1-2 sudachi, to taste
Preparation:
Prepare the soba noodles according to the
instructions on the package, then rinse under cold
water and let cool down. Peel and thinly slice thecarrot, slice the fried tofu and bok choy, then stirthem in a fry pan with a little bit of sesame oil forabout 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool
down. Rinse, then cut the cucumber into bitesized pieces and add to the bowl. Add the soba
noodles. Prepare the dressing in a different bowl,
then add to the rest and mix well. Transfer to aplate or bowl and add toppings to taste.
The sweet-sour juice of sudachi, combined withthe spice mix, goes well with the nutty flavor of
the sesame oil and the soba. If you have any
leftover sudachi, I recommend squeezing the juiceof 1 sudachi into a glass of cold water, it’s veryrefreshing!

7Japanese Lesson
い

とき

かえ

By: Kayo Miyoshi

かた

ありがとうと言われた時の返し方
かんしゃ

あらわ

ほか ひょうげん

感謝を表す他の表現
How to respond when you are told 「ありがとう」 or 「ありがとうございます」 (Thank you).
* How you respond will depend on who you are talking with. This is also true when emailing someone.
1.) When your friend tells you「ありがとう」.
「は～い、いいよ」「どういたしまして (^-^)。
」

だいじょう ぶき

「いえいえ、大 丈 夫ですよ。
」
すこ

やく

た

「いえ、気にしないで」

うれたす「少しでも、役に立てたら嬉しい！いつも、助けてもらっているから (^-^)」
2.) When an acquaintance tells you「ありがとう」.
「こちらこそ、どういたしまして。
」
やくた「とんでもございません。
」

よ「お役に立てて良かったです。｣
3.) When your senpai or someone in a higher position than you tells you「ありがとう」.
おそい「恐れ入ります。」「またいつでもおっしゃってください。
」

やく

た

「こちらこそ、お役に立ててうれしいです。
」 「とんでもございません。
」
やく

た

よ

きょうしゅくよろこ

こうえい「お役に立てて良かったです。｣ 「恐縮です。
」「喜んでいただけて光栄です。
」
Phrases to Express Appreciation
れいもう「お礼申し上げます」
かんしゃ

き

も

かんしゃ

「感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです」
ふかかんしゃもうかんしゃ「感謝いたしております」
こと ば「感謝の言葉もありません」

あ「深く感謝申し上げます」
がん ば

1.) When your teacher praises you, saying「よく頑張ったね」.
おそい」「ありがとうございます。
」「恐れ入ります。
きょうしゅく「とんでもございません。
」「恐縮です。
」
きみし ごと

2.) When your boss expresses his appreciation by saying「君の仕事、よかったよ」.
やく

た

なに

」
「ありがとうございます。こちらこそ、お役に立てて、何よりです。
やく

た

うれ

おも

「ありがとうございます。こちらこそ、お役に立てて、嬉しく思います。
」
ちから

うれ

「お力になれたようで嬉しいです。
」
3.) When someone in a higher position helps you out. / When you receive a gift.
た ぼう

なか

て すう

もう

わけ

「ご多忙の中、お手数をおかけして申し訳ございません。
」
いそが

き づか

「お忙しいところお気遣いいただき、ありがとうございました。
」

Events & Memoranda

82020 Japanese Speech Contest
Broadcasting Information
Thanks to the cooperation of CATV Tokushima, the Japanese Speech Contest will be broadcast via
the various cable television networks in Tokushima (channel 12), as well as uploaded to YouTube. For
more information, please refer to TOPIA’s homepage.

Tokushima Marche
徳島マルシェ
The Tokushima Marche, where agricultural
products and processed goods from Tokushima
are sold, is held every last Sunday of the month at
the Shinmachi Boardwalk in Tokushima City.
“Marche” means market in French, and theTokushima Marche aims to create a fancy and fun
space in a French style where you “just go andimmediately feel energized”.

徳島産のこだわりの農産物や加工品をパラソルショップで販売する「とくしまマルシェ」が、徳島市の新町川ボードウオークで毎月最終日曜日に開催されます。
マルシェとは、フランス語で「市場」を意味する
言葉で、本場フランスのようなおしゃれで楽しい
空間で「行くだけで、元気になれる」場所を演出します。

When: Every last Sunday of the month
9:00 – 14:00
Where: Shimachi Boardwalk (Tokushima City)
Info: Tokushima Marche Bureau
TEL: 088-657-7511
URL: https://tokushima-marche.jp/

日時： 毎月最終日曜日
9：00 ～ 14：00
場所：徳島市しんまちボードウォーク
問い合わせ：とくしまマルシェ事務局
TEL：088-657-7511
URL: https://tokushima-marche.jp/

Tomoni SunSun Market
トモニ SunSun マーケット
The Tomoni SunSun Market is held every third 「トモニ SunSun マーケット」は毎月第 3 日曜に開Sunday of the month!
催されます！
Many kinds of products are sold, with a
農産物、海産物、特産加工品、惣菜、製菓等、徳focus on agricultural and fishery products,
島の安心で美味しい、地元の産品を中心に販売しspecial processed goods, household dishes,
confectionary, and other safe and delicious local ます♪
products from Tokushima.
When: Every third Sunday of the month
9:00 – 15:00
Where: Shinmachi Boardwalk (Tokushima City)
Info: Tokushima Chamber of Commerce andIndustry
TEL: 088-653-3211
URL: https://sunsun-market.com/

日時：毎月第 3 日曜日
9：00 ～ 15：00
場所：徳島市しんまちボードウォーク
問い合わせ：徳島商工会議所・朝市事業担当
TEL: 088-653-3211
URL: https://sunsun-market.com/*** Please make sure to check each event's homepage for the most up-to-date information
regarding cancellations/changes.

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?
Tokushima Prefecture Government, in conjunction with the Tokushima Prefectural International
Exchange Association (TOPIA) is proud to announce a study tour for foreign residents at the Tokushima
Prefecture Disaster Center to provide information on what to do in case of a natural disaster.
During this study tour you will be able to experience simulated earthquakes, strong winds, and learn
how to extinguish a fire. Let’s learn about the importance of disaster prevention.
September 27th, Sunday 13：00 ～ 16:00
13:00 － Leave Tokushima Station by bus for the center
13:30 － Disaster Prevention Center Experience
16:00 － Arrive at Tokushima Station by bus
Tokushima Prefecture Disaster Center (Kitajima-town,
Location:
Tainohama Aza Onishi 165)
Foreign Residents in Tokushima Prefecture
Target:Disaster prevention lecture, disaster prevention guidance via video, simulation of
Details:
strong winds / earthquakes, fire fighting, etc(English and Vietnamese interpretation is provided.)20
peopleNo. Places:
Free
Cost:
Applications: 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 Name② Gender		③ Address④ Nationality⑤ Phone number⑥ E-mail address⑦ Occupation
September 17th (Thu.)
Deadline:
Please make sure to wear a mask.
Attention:
There is a chance that this study tour may be cancelled due to the novel coronavirus(COVID-19).
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.
Date:

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: 088-656-3312 or 088-656-3313 (allows for three-way conversations with an interpreter)