aWa life

Farewell Messages

Japan Made Me HappierThan Ever

Introduction to Tokushima
International Association

Gairaigo Galore:
ナイター

April 2022
# 378

1

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

The beginningof the new school year and fiscal year in April is typically accompanied by a change in
じんじいどうpersonnel ( 人事異動 ), and hence, new colleagues. TOPIA, as well, will have to say goodbye to a few
people. You can read their messages on the following pages.
April is also the month that welcomes the beginning of Golden
Week,ひwhich actually consists of two
しょうわ
weeks
including four public holidays, namely
Showa Day ( 昭 和 の 日 ), ひConstitution Memorial Day
けんぽう き ね ん び
ひ( 憲法記念日 ), Greenery Day ( みどりの日 ) and Children’s Day ( こどもの日 ). While Golden Week ismost famous as a time to take a longer vacation, why not take the chance to also learn about the backgrounds of each public holiday?
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:
Yasuo Kuroishi, Isao Kobayashi, Tinn Puttheavy, Shoko Nomizu, Tokushima International Association,
Akiko Tsuji, and Kazue Inoue

2Contents

Pg. 2-3: Farewell Messages
Pg. 4:

Japan Made Me Happier Than Ever

Pg. 5:

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 遊山箱Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: ナイター

Pg. 6:

Introduction to Tokushima International Association

Pg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 8

Events & Memoranda
Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 9:

ゆさんばこ

Farewell Messages
Yasuo Kuroishi, Chief Director of TOPIA
ive years ago, I began working in theinternational exchange field for the first timein about 30 years. Looking back over these past
five years, I have many thoughts to share...

F

I began my independent study of English shortly
after taking office. I signed up for an online
English website and began learning English
from a Filipino instructor via Skype. This waspartially for the purpose of daily communication,
but also because, at the time, there had been
earthquakes in Kumamoto and Osaka, and there
was talk of conducting disaster drills at TOPIA
for foreigners to prepare for the Nankai TroughMega Earthquake. I barely used English in myordinary work, but I thought it might be helpful if I
could speak English in the event of a disaster, so
I would be able to make calls to confirm safety or
correspond with evacuation centers. Thankfully,
there haven't been any major disasters inTokushima over these past five years! I took
English conversation classes about three times
a week for two and a half years, but I still have aways to go.
Next, in my second year in office, I took theJapanese Language Teaching Competency Test,and for the first time in a long time, I had to study
hard for an exam. Since I had to travel all the way
to Osaka to take the test, I gave my best effort
to pass it. When I finished the exam, I thought I

had failed, but it turned outthat I had passed! However,
it is definitely not an exam I
would like to take again. After
passing the exam, I began
helping with the Japanese
language classes at TOPIA.
W h e n I f i r s t t o o k o ff i c e ,there was talk of reconstructing the Awa Odori"Arasowa-ren" dance troupe, but they did nothave a troupe leader, so the way it was operated
had to be changed. Even though I am from
Tokushima, I had never actually participated in
Awa Odori before, however, as my duty as thechairman of TOPIA, I decided to take on the roleof troupe leader. In May, I began participating
in weekly evening practices at the Marine-Pierwith the "Nonki-ren". In my first year, I danced on
the pier at the front of the Arasowa-ren, but after
suffering a serious ankle injury in the following
winter, I was no longer able to dance.
Three years ago, there were major changes madeto the Immigration Control Act, and it was decided
that we would be accepting a large numberof foreign workers into the country. With this,the government decided to establish one-stop
consultation centers in each prefecture, TOPIA
being designated as one such location. Througheveryone's hard work, we successfully handled
the situation by installing counters, desks,

3

Farewell Messages

and chairs, introducing multilingual translation
services, and increasing our staff.

will end in peace or have a turn for the worse, but
I pray that world peace will be restored.

Two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic began,and most events were cancelled, foreign tourists
were no longer able to visit Japan, overseas
exchange was interrupted, and the number ofpassports issued reduced drastically.

There were many things I hoped to do over the
past five years, but I can't say that everything
went exactly as planned. Nevertheless, I would
like to express my gratitude for the understandingof all of the staff at TOPIA, the many volunteers,
and all of the foreign residents who have helped
me to make it through this time.

At TOPIA, thanks to the determination of ourstaff, we have been able to continue conducting
meetings and Japanese language classes throughZoom, as well as hosting Japanese speech
contests at a limited capacity.
Now, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the endof last month, the world is currently in the midst ofchaos. We have yet to see whether this situation

I will be starting a new job in April, and I am
looking forward to making use of all of thedifferent experiences I had at TOPIA in order tosucceed in my future endeavours. I sincerely wish
you all good health and continued success. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart.

Isao Kobayashi, Coordinator for Local Internationalizationt has already been almost one year since I w i l l b e e a s e d , a n dbegan working at TOPIA. Looking back, this t h e g o v e r n m e n t i syear has been majorly affected by COVID-19. The considering expanding
entry of technical intern trainees and exchange t h e a c c e p t a n c e o fstudents into Japan was restricted, and the exchange students!
movement between Japan and other countries
was greatly reduced. At TOPIA, the Awa Odori I look forward to seeing
exchange project (Arasowaren), Japanese all of your continued work toward the revitalization
language classes, and other projects were forced of overseas exchange and the formation of ato be cancelled or scaled down, and the number multicultural symbiotic society.
of foreign nationals visiting Japan, as well as
general consultation services for foreign residents Lastly, I would like to thank all of the agencies
decreased considerably.
and organizations involved in supporting foreign
nationals, as well as everyone from TOPIA, forThings are beginning to look up, however, as your immense support over the past year. Thankstarting in March, the COVID-19 border measures you very much from the bottom of my heart.

IJapan Made Me Happier Than Ever
By: Tinn PuttheavyM4y name is Tinn Putheavy, I am from
Cambodia, and I am a participant of the
Asia Kakehashi Project 2021. Thanks to Japan, I
am happier than ever! Japan has granted me somany first-time experiences, all of which I havebeen keeping as memories in my diary.

new skills, making new friends, and especially,
relieving stress from their studies. The best
decision I made was to join the tea ceremony
club. Not only have I learned so much about
Japanese culture, but I have also met the mostcaring friends through it.

High school is a very emotional time. There havebeen many exciting times, but also times thathave made me question my actions, especiallyduring my first month at Joto High School. I
was truly
grateful forthe principle,
teachers, andclassmates
who tried
their best
to give me
the warmest
welcome, but
as time went
by, I realizedt h a t m yrelationshipw i t h m yclassmates was not as strong as it could be.
Japanese students are known to be quite shy,and they weren't showing any signs of interest or
affection towards me. However, I began to open
up to them first and share my own culture as an
exchange student, and not long after my second
month here, my classmates and I became thebest of friends. We have studied, eaten, played
our traditional games and sports, and talk about
almost everything together. This is my first time
having so many international friends, and I truly
adore them so much.

When I came here, I was placed with the kindest,
most loving host family. They have put so much
effort into helping me experience the best ofJapan, and with their help, I was able to quickly
adapt toJapanese
life. I've beenable to try
so many
Japanesefoods, andtake parti n m a n ycustoms,such as going
to onsen,s a y i n g"itadakimasu"
before eating,and many more. This is my first time experiencing
so much warmth and love from another family.

The Japanese educational system has absolutely
amazed me. I have noticed that school is notjust a place to learn, but also a place wherestudents can have lots of fun with their friends.
One major difference from Cambodian school isthe club activities. Rather than going back home
after school, Japanese students are given somany options to join any club they are interested
in. With that, students can have fun learning

My experience of coming to Japan for 5 months
will always be a great story for me to share. I havecome to meet the sweetest people and experiencethe most elegant culture. Before I came to Japan,
I had never smiled until my cheeks hurt or beenamazed every single day while spending the mostbeautiful time with my friends and host family. I
will always look back on this time fondly.
Thank you, Japan!

5
ゆさんばこ

ゆさんばこ

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 遊山箱
By: Shoko Nomizu
うつく

もよう

か

ちい

みだんがさ

べんとうばこ遊山箱とは、美しい 模様が 書かれた 小さな 三段重ねの 弁当箱のことです。
むかし
とくしま
きゅうれき
まつ
がつ み っ か
ちか
やま
うみ
か わ ら
昔、 徳 島 で は、 旧 暦 の ひ な 祭 り で あ る、 4 月 3 日 に な る と、 近 く の 山 や 海、 河 原 な ど へ
ゆさんばこ
も
かぞく
とも
あそ
で
ゆさんばこ
なか
ま
ず し
遊山箱を 持って、家族や 友だちと 遊びに 出かけていました。 遊山箱の中には、巻き寿司やてづく
つようかんなどの 手作りの ごちそうが たくさん 詰められました。
え ど じだい
とくしま
ふうしゅう
のうぎょう
はじ
はる
た
かみ
江戸時代から 徳島にあった この風習は、農業が 始まる春に、田んぼの神さまをまつかんがむかえる 祭りだったと 考えられています。
ふうしゅう
しだい
さいきん
とくしま
でんとう ぶ ん か
ふっかつ
しかし、この風習は 次第に なくなっていきました。 最近になり、 徳島の 伝統文化を 復活
ゆさんばこ
ちゅうもく あつさせようと 遊山箱が 注目を集めています。
はる
べんとう
も
で
春です。お弁当を 持って、出かけたいですね。

Vocabulary List
もよう模様

Pattern

で

出かける
ふうしゅう

風習

Go OutCustom

でんとう ぶ ん か

伝統文化

みだんがさ

三段重ね
のうぎょう

農業

Three-tiered

てづく

手作り

旧暦 Lunisolar Calendar

Hand-made

Agriculture

Traditional Culture

きゅうれき

ふっかつ

復活

た

田んぼ

ごちそう Feast
Rice Field

Revival

ちゅうもく

え

かわら

河原 Dry Riverbed
ど じだい

江戸時代 Edo Period

しだい

次第に Increasingly

さいきん

最近 Recently

あつ注目を集める Gather Attention

Gairaigo Galore

ナイター (night game)
By: Nico BohnsackNight games are sporting events held after sunset, which come with a very special, lively
atmosphere, thanks to the use of floodlights and the general nighttime vibes. They are very popularin many countries, Japan being no exception, where baseball and soccer matches often take placein the evening.
In Japan, night games are usually called ナイター ("nighter"), which is often categorized as wasei
eigo (Japanese-made English). However, since the word "nighter" is also used in some Englishspeaking countries to describe night games for certain
sports, some argue that the Japanese expression is not"self-made". Interestingly, the public broadcaster NHK
often uses the word ナ イ ト ゲ ー ム ("night game"), andthere are also other common expressions, such as ナ
イトマッチ ("night match"), which is frequently used by
Japan's soccer league, J1, or ナイトセッション ("night
session"), which is used in tennis. ナイター ("nighter") ismost commonly used in Japanese baseball, but can also
be seen as a general expression to describe a night game.
By the way, the Japanese professional baseball league's first night game took place between the
Chunichi Dragons and the Yomiuri Giants on August 17th, 1948 in Yokohama Stadium. How about
visiting a ナイター and cheering for your favourite team?

Introduction to Tokushima International Association
By: Tokushima International AssociationT

he Tokushima International Association
was established in 1981 to "contribute toworld peace and prosperity by promoting mutual
exchange between citizens of Tokushima Cityand various foreign cities
based on understanding
and friendship". Below is
an introduction to the main
activities of TIA.
* International Friendship &Exchange Projects
We host several events
throughout the year as anopportunity for exchange
between citizens ofTokushima City and foreign
nationals residing in theprefecture or people visiting
Tokushima from overseas.
This includes New Year's
parties, hanami ( cher r y
blossom viewing), cycling,b a r b e c u e s , Aw a O d o r i ,climbing Mount Tsurugi,
walking the Shikoku
Pilgrimage, etc.
* Educational Programs
We conduct foreign
language classes (English),
as well as Japanese/foreigncultural understandingclasses.
* Volunteer Programs
We host "English Discussion" study meetingsfor volunteer interpreters, as well as the "Enjoy
English: Fun with Picture Books" event, where
native English speaking volunteers can read
English picture books to children. We also arrange
volunteer interpretation delegations upon request.
* Information Gathering & Transmitting
The "TIA NEWS" periodical is published 4 times
per year (featuring articles regarding event
information, the necessary rules of everyday life

6

for foreign residents, etc.). We also operate alounge with free WIFI.
* Consultation & Support Programs for Foreign
Nationals & Exchange
Students
We have established theTokushima City One-stop
Consultation Center toprovide foreign nationals
with consultation services foreveryday living (multilingual
consultations are alsoavailable using a translation
device). We also offer
Japanese language courses,
and lend household items
to international exchange
students.
* Sister City Exchange
Programs
Tokushima City currently
has sister city partnerships
with Saginaw (USA), Leiria(Portugal), and Dandong( C h i n a ) . To k u s h i m aorganizes friendshipmissions by visiting eachsister city, as well as hosting
and welcoming people fromeach city to Tokushima.
In Saginaw, a Japanesegarden and a tea house, which has been named"Saginaw An", have been built, and every 5
years, members of TIA, the Tokushima Branchof Urasenke Tankokai, and other associations
coordinate joint visits to the city.
We hope our continued efforts will inspire more
people to be interested in international exchange,
and in turn, foster mutual understanding,cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
URL: http//www.tia81.com
E-mail: info@tia81.com

7Japanese Lesson

By: Akiko Tsuji

い らい

きょか

もと

「依頼」／「許可を求める」
When asking someone for a favour, how would you phrase it?
Please see the following conversation. What is wrong with what "A" says?
せん せい

ぶん ぽう

おし

１．（先生に文法を教えてもらいたいとき）
せん せい

ぶん ぽう

おし

：先生、この文法を教えてもいいですか。

A
せん せい

先生：？？？
つくえうえ

つか

２．（ 机 の上にあるペンを使いたいとき）
つか：このペンをちょっと使っていただけませんか。

A
B

：？？？
ねつ

やす

で んわ

３．（熱があるのでアルバイトを休みたいとき電話で）
てんちょう

ねつ

やす

A

：店 長 、すみません。熱があるので、アルバイトを休んでいただけませんか。

B

：？？？
い らい

1. "A" is asking the teacher to do something for him. Since this is a request, 「依頼」, you should use thefollowing expression:
せん せい

ぶん ぽう

おし

A：先生、この文法を教えていただけませんか。
きょ

2. "A" is asking someone if he can use the pen himself. This is an expression asking for permission,「許かもと可を求める」. When asking permission to do something simple, you can say it as follows:つか

A:このペンをちょっと使ってもいいですか。
きょ

3. "A" is asking someone if he can take the day off. This is also an expression asking for permission,「許かもと可を求める」. When asking permission to do something a bit more complicated, you can say it asfollows:
てんちょう

ねつ

やす

A：店 長 、熱があるので、アルバイトを休ませていただけませんか。
い らい

The sentence structures for 「依頼」 expressions, when asking someone to do something for you, and
きょ か

もと

those for「許可を求める」 expressions, when asking to do something yourself, are different. Try tomemorize the correct sentence structures, and you will be able to use them well!
い らい

き ょ か

依頼
ていねい

もと

許可を求める～（さ）せて＝使役～ていただけませんか。

～（さ）せていただけませんか。

～てもらえませんか。

～（さ）せてもらえませんか。

～てくれませんか。

～（さ）せてくれませんか。

～てください。

～（さ）せてください。
～てもいいですか。

～てほしいんだけど。

～（さ）せてほしいんですが。

～てくれない？

～（さ）せてくれない？

ともだち～てもいい？

れんしゅう＜練 習 ＞よいほうに〇をつけてください。
わたし

き ょう

わたし

はら

かね

はら

」→お金を払うのはだれですか。 （１． 私 「今日は 私 に払わせてください。
わたし

わたし

ぶん

はら

かね

わたし

あい て

私 ・相手

はら

）

」→お金を払うのはだれですか。（
２． 私 「ごめん、 私 の分も払っておいてほしいんだけど。
わたし

３． 私 「ちょっとこれ、コピーしてきてくれない？」→コピーするのはだれですか。（
わたし

に もつ

お

に もつ

お

（
４． 私 「ここに荷物を置かせていただけませんか？」→荷物を置くのはだれですか。

わたし

あい て

私 ・相手

わたし

あい て

わたし

あい て

私 ・相手 ）
私 ・相手 ）

）

答え

１．私

２．

相手

３．相手

４．私

8

Events & Memoranda
TOKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

2022 JAPANESE SPEECH CONTEST

1.

PURPOSE

True internationalization cannot be achieved without first coming in touch withother cultures and ways of life, fostering a sense of international awareness andgaining mutual understanding with people of the world to create a society inwhich we can all work and live together in harmony. This speech contest seeks
to give a voice to the international residents of Tokushima Prefecture and engage
them in a dialogue to further discourse on cross-cultural understanding andfostering multiculturalism.
2020

2.

DATE & PLACE

July 24th, 2022 (Sunday), 13:30 - 16:30
Awagin Hall (Tokushima Arts Foundation for Culture) Small Hall (5F)
Based on the COVID-19 situation, this event may be held so that
it is open only to related parties (staff, participants, supporters,
etc.)
We will notify everyone once the details have been decided.
Thank you for your understanding. Previous year’s contests →

2021

3.

ELIGIBILITY

Only foreign residents whose native language is not Japanese are eligible toapply.
(Additionally, foreign residents who have had over three years of compulsory
education in Japan, or those who have previously won the Grand Prize or theTokushima Prefectural Assembly's Chairman of the Federation of International
Exchange Assembly Members Award, are not eligible to apply.)

4.

SELECTION

Applications will be open to all foreign residents of Tokushima Prefecture that fulfil
the eligibility requirements. We will ask all applicants to submit an outline of theirspeech (about 800 characters), and after reviewing all of the applications, roughly
10 or so applicants will be chosen to proceed to the final contest.

5.

THEME

The topic is left to your discretion, but it should relate to the event's purpose of
fostering cross-cultural understanding and multiculturalism. (Speeches must notinclude political or religious content, and must not criticize a particular person orgroup.)

6.

LENGTH

Speeches should be no more than 6 minutes in length.

7.

AWARDS

Grand Prize, one person (Prize: 50,000 yen gift certificate)
The Tokushima Prefectural Assembly's Federation of International Exchange
Assembly Members Chairman’s Award, one person (Prize: 30,000 yen gift
certificate)
Awa Bank Award, one person (Prize: 30,000 yen gift certificate)
Tokushima Taisho Bank Award, one person (Prize: 30,000 yen gift certificate)
Tokushima Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award, one person(Prize: 30,000 yen gift certificate)
Tokushima City International Association Special Recognition Award, three people(Prize: 10,000 yen gift certificate)Special Effort Award, to be decided (Prize: 5,000 yen gift certificate)*All participants will receive a participation award.

8.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application form by mail or fax. Alternatively, you may submit yourapplication in person.

9.

DEADLINE

May 24th, 2022 (Tuesday)

Applications must be turned in by 5:00 PM.

10. ORGANIZED BY

Tokushima Prefecture & Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange
Association (TOPIA)

11. CO-ORGANIZER(Planned)

Tokushima Regional Conference for Promotion of Student Exchange

12. SPONSORS(Planned)

The Tokushima Prefectural Assembly's Federation of International Exchange
Assembly Members, Awa Bank, Tokushima Taisho Bank, Tokushima Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, Tokushima International Association (TIA),
Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Nichia Corporation

13.

NHK Tokushima, Shikoku Broadcasting, Tokushima Shimbun, Cable TV
Tokushima, FM Tokushima, FM Bizan

WITH THESUPPORT OF(Planned)

14. WHERE TO APPLYTokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA)〒770-0831 1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi, Tokushima City, Clement Plaza 6F
TEL: 088-656-3303
FAX: 088-652-0616 EMAIL:coordinator2@topia.ne.jp※Based on the COVID-19 situation, there may be changes made to the speech contest. Any changes will be posted
on TOPIA’s website, so please confirm.

9TLetter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

By: Kazue Inoue (Center for Early Childhood Education and Care SUKETO NAKAYOSHI)he warm spring weather, the colourful
flowers and little insects... we are met by anabundance of nature in spring. Why not spend
your days off enjoying the spring nature with yourfamily? Playing outside has many benefits forchildren! For example:
1. It stimulates the five senses, which activatesthe brain and fosters a strong sensibility.
2. It stimulates the frontal lobe, which improves
concentration.
3. Outdoor exercise and play increase physicalstrength and immunity.
4. Exposure to sunlight resets the body's internal
clock, improving sleep and regulating one's daily
rhythm.

flour mixture
4. Add a small amount of salad oil to the mixture,and combine
5. Pour the mixture into a mold or an aluminum
foil cup, and bake in the oven at 170°C for about
20 minutes
6. Once it is cooked all the way through, it isready to enjoy!
* This is a moist cake with a delicious, crunchy
texture from the sesame seeds and okara.
* "Okara" is a high fiber food created during theprocess of making tofu from soybeans. It is often
used in dishes such as "nimono" (simmereddishes) and "hambāgu" (Japanese hamburg
steak), and can be purchased at the supermarket.

5. Spending time outdoors offers the opportunity
to engage with others and learn the importance offollowing rules.
Getting outside and moving is a great way torefresh the mind and body, not only for children,of course, but for adults as well! Try to make eachday a productive, refreshing, and enjoyable day
for you and your family!
Okara Cake Recipe (1 serving)
1. Finely chop 2g of dried prunes
2. Sift together 12g of flour, 0.3g of baking
powder, and 7g of brown sugar
3. Mix 13g of okara, the chopped prunes, 1.5g ofwhite sesame seeds, and 18g of soy milk into theCounselling 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)