aWa life

Farewell Messages

Awa Shoku: Spring Shoots
Herald the End of WinterJapanese Culture &Reading Corner:
出会いと別れGairaigo Galore:
アイスキャンデー

April 2021
# 366

1

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

April in Japan is always a good time for optimism. The nice weather and pleasant temperatures create
a great environment for positive thinking while the start of the new fiscal year, together with its accompanying effects, often comes with new periods of life and challenges. The same goes for TOPIA where
five of our staff members will leave and five new members will come. Check out their messages in thisand next month’s issue! For the Japanese learners among you, our yearly Japanese Speech Contest
could be a nice challenge (check out page 8 for more info)! Not only are nice prizes waiting for you, but
it could also be a chance to set new standards and goals for the next 12 months after which maybe
your life will change once again.
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:
Chie Suzue, Toshiro Taki, Kayo Miyoshi, Yukari Nagata, Lance Kita, and Kazue Inoue

Contents

Pg. 2-4: Farewell Messages

2

Pg. 5:

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 出会いと別れ

Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: アイスキャンデー

Pg. 6:

Awa Shoku: Spring Shoots Herald the End of WinterPg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 8:

Events and Memoranda
Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 9:

Farewell Messages
job has given me the opportunity to rediscover
Chie Suzue
Approximately 5 years ago, while searching some of the amazing things about Tokushima.
for work, I heard from a friend about a posting
In regards to
on Hello Workconsultations, I
for a job at thehave assisted with
To k u s h i m aa variety of issues,
Internationalsuch as thoseE x c h a n g e
concerning one’s
Association. Since
daily life, procedures
I had experience
for updating a visa
studying abroad
for work, medical
and the job
related issues,entailed using
etc. Unfortunately,
English, theyh o w e v e r, s i n c esuggested I apply.
l a s t y e a r, t h e r e
I ended up at
has been a sharp
TOPIA’s door, notdecrease in foreign
really knowing
tourists due to theanything, andentry restrictions
now that I think
From left to right: Chie Suzue, Kayo Miyoshi,
caused by COVID-19.
back, this is a very
Toshiro Taki, and Yukari Nagata
As a result, theren o s t a l g i c m e m o r y.
has also been a sharp decline in tourism
As the multilingual consultation staff in charge related work on my side. I hope that soonof English, my primary duties include providing t h i n g s c a n r e t u r n t o n o r m a l a n d f o r e i g nforeign tourists with sightseeing information as tourists can once again visit TOPIA with awell as providing consultation support for foreign smile on their face and a friendly “hello”.
residents living in the prefecture who may have
any issues in their daily lives. As I was born and Additionally, being able to participate andraised in Tokushima Prefecture, I thought I would assist with supporting the daily Japanese
have no problems with providing sightseeing lessons at TOPIA, TOPIA’s large Japanese
information to tourists. However, with each day speech contest, Arasowaren, the International
I’ve had to deal with unique inquiries and this Understanding Support Forum, etc. has allowed

3

me to rethink my own actions and thoughts
in the midst of this world as it progresses
towards becoming a more multicultural place.
It has truly been a great experience for me.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude
for being a part of TOPIA and ending these
5 years without any issues. From thebottom of my heart, I pray for the health andp r o s p e r o u s a c t i v i t i e s o f t h o s e a t TO P I A .
Toshiro Taki
Let’s work together and aim for a multiculturalsociety! In April 2019, I started working at TOPIA
as a coordinator for local internationalization,
and after 2 years I am now leaving my postat TOPIA. In Japan, there was a shortage oflabor, so a new status of residence known
as “specified skilled worker” was establishedand there was a higher intake of workers fromforeign countries. Along with this, comprehensive
countermeasures for the aim of building a
multicultural society began to take place.
My work has included playing a part in theestablishment, development, and managementof a “multicultural comprehensive consultation
one-stop center”, of which there are 100
e s t a b l i s h e d n a t i o n - w i d e . A d d i t i o n a l l y, I
helped hold a drill for how to support foreign
residents when a large-scale disasteroccurs, and promoted cultural exchange
between local citizens and foreign residents.
As I look back on these 2 years, I still feel that
there are many issues that remain. At TOPIA, wehave consultation staff who can speak English,
Chinese, and Vietnamese. We also have asystem that allows for a 4-way conversation withan interpreter (18 languages available), so wehave an entire consultation system in place.I think
it would be great to have a system that manydifferent foreign residents can more freely utilize.
Japan is a country with many natural disasters
such as typhoons and earthquakes. The future
occurrence of a magnitude 9 class earthquakek n o w n a s t h e N a n k a i Tr o u g h M e g a t h r u s t
Earthquake is particularly concerning.

Farewell Messages
Therefore, we hold a drill every year, but alongwith expanding the scope of participants, I
would like everyone to thoroughly prepare fordisasters by researching evacuation sheltersin advance, purchasing disaster prevention
goods, and confirming the safety of their homes.
As we aim for a multicultural society, it’s importantto promote a relationship between foreign
residents and the local people to the point thatthey “know each other ’s faces” and deepen
their relationships to the point where they help
each other during their daily lives and in timesof disaster. I think this is incredibly important.
During these 2 years at TOPIA, I have had thechance to meet a number of foreign residents
and to learn and try many new things. I feltthat we were all the same humans and didn’t
take notice of things such as differences innationality. I’m leaving TOPIA, but I hope towatch over TOPIA’s endeavors to realize amulticultural society and support them froma different position. Thank you to everyone.
Kayo Miyoshi
In April 2020, I started my long-term work
experience at TOPIA with anticipation. My firstexperience with TOPIA was in regards to the“international understanding support instructors
project”. At the school I first worked at as ateacher, we invited a foreign instructor who
lived here in Tokushima Prefecture. “Foreign
residents, not just ALTs, come and conduct aclass! There’s no way we can’t make use ofsuch a wonderful TOPIA project!” I thought, andthen sent an application. Finally, when the longawaited day came, the instructor gave an indepth explanation about their home country
and language. They explained how to wear asari, and also made marshmallow rice krispies
and marshmallow cookie sandwiches withthe students. For the students and myself as
well, this was a completely new experience,and I still remember the strong impression thatsuch a multicultural experience left on me.
When I began work in April, the state of
emergency had been issued and work relating toassisting foreign tourists had almost completely

Farewell Messages
disappeared. Due to elementary, junior high,and senior high schools closing, and in orderto make use of what few classes they had,requests to TOPIA for junior high school student
work experience programs, senior high school
and university internships, etc. decreased alongwith the spread of COVID-19. Although it was
only a few classes, we were able to do some“international understanding support instructor
projects”. I’m truly thankful to the instructors who
visited these schools and conducted passionate
classes for the students. Moving forward, I hopethat I can return to schools and further develop
this wonderful project in order to promoteinternational understanding and understanding of
cultural differences to the children in Tokushima.
I also had the opportunity to plan 2 different
events. The first was the “International
Understanding Support Forum”. 3 instructors gave
lectures under the theme of “child rearing andeducation for children with foreign roots”. I listened
to their talks about differences between theirhome country and Japan’s educational system,
support at schools, building human relationships,
and education/career paths. I strongly felt theneed for creating schools where everyone canunderstand and accept diversity. The second
event was the “International Understanding
Support Instructors Skill Improvement Training”.
There are many international problems such as
the recent pandemic and environmental issues
which are impossible for one country to solve.
From the view of achieving SDGs (sustainable
development goals), I believe that there are
initiatives that schools must take part in as well. In
order to respond to the needs of the times, I hopefor the further development of the “international
understanding support instructors project”.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for
the training I have received at TOPIA. I want tobecome a teacher who can utilize what I learned
at TOPIA, who are conducting many activities
under the idea of promoting a multicultural society,in order to think together with students about
issues from a global perspective. I have many
shortcomings, but thanks to everyone at TOPIA’s

4

kind guidance I was able to make it through. I’mtruly thankful. From the bottom of my heart, I’dlike to express my thanks to everyone who helpedme during my training. Thank you for everything.
Yukari Nagata
During the 3 years that I have worked att h e J I C A To k u s h i m a d e s k , I f e e l t h a t t h edistance between the world, Japan, andTo k u s h i m a h a s s h r u n k , a n d t h a t t h e i r
relationship has also grown much deeper.
When I first began my work, under the themeof “Connecting to the World with Regional
Revitalization from Tokushima”, I had the goal ofconnecting Japan (local areas) with developing
countries and working to realize a better society.
Through the Japan Overseas Cooperation
Vo l u n t e e r p r o g r a m a n d f r o m w i t n e s s i n g
Tokushima’s unique points and strengths inregards to agriculture such as the Nishi Awa
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System,
education, consumer policies, etc. I have beenable to personally feel Tokushima’s ties tothe world. Additionally, due to emigration andimmigration management law revisions in April
2019, it has become necessary for Tokushima
to strive to be chosen by foreign personnel as
we enter an age where people coexist together
and work to develop Tokushima. Many of thesepeople are from developing countries, and theirstay in Tokushima has greatly contributed tointernational cooperation. While working withforeign staff and deciding how best to shape
Tokushima’s future, I believe that now is thetime for industries, academics, governmental
institutions, private institutions, and economici n s t i t u t i o n s t o t h i n k a n d w o r k t o g e t h e r.
There are 9 years left until 2030 to achieve
the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Under the motto of “leave no one behind”, andaiming for a Tokushima that is connected to
the world, I hope to continue to do my best
as a citizen of the prefecture. I’m extremely
grateful for all of the relationships I wasable to make thanks to my time at TOPIA. I
look forward to working with you all again.

5
にほん

で

あ

わか

きせつ

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: 出会いと別れの季節
By: Kayo Miyoshi

がっこう

かいしゃ

いちねん

がつ

はじ

がつ

お

がつ

しんねんど

はじ

日 本の学 校や会 社の一 年は、４月 から始 まり、３月 に終 わります。４月 から新 年度が始 まります。
ねんがつついたち

れいわ

ねんど

がっこう

がつ

そつぎょうしきがつにゅうがくしきかいしゃ

2021 年４月１日から令和３年度なります。学校では、３月に卒業式、４月に入学式があります。会社
しゅうしょくひとがつにゅうしゃしき

がつ

わか

がつ

で

あ

きせつ

い

がつ

に就職した人は４月に入社式があります。
「３月は別れ、４月は出会いの季節」と言われます。４月に、
おお

ひと

あたら

ばしょ

き

あたら

かんきょう

あら

にんげん かんけい

きず

べんきょう

多くの人が新しい場所でスタートを切ります。新しい環境で、新たな人間関係を築きながら、勉強や
しごと

はじ

あたら

じぶん

ひと

で

あ

たいせつ

あたら

ひら

仕事などを始めます。新しい自分や人との出会いを大切に、みなさんも新しいドアを開いてくださいね。

Vocabulary List
しんねんど

新年度 New Fiscal Year

そつぎょうしき

卒業式

しゅうしょくにゅうしゃしきで

きせつにゅうがくしき

Graduation Ceremony 入 学 式

就 職 (Finding) Employment 入 社 式 Welcome Ceremony
あ出会い Encounter, Meeting
かんきょう

環境

Environment

アイスキャンデー (Popsicle)
By: Sydney Bartig

Season季節にんげんかんけい

人間関係 Human Relations

Entrance Ceremony

わかFarewell

別れきスタートを切る To Make a Start
きず

築きながら

While Building

Gairaigo Galore

In Japan, especially in the sweltering summer months, you may comeacross the word ア イ ス キ ャ ン デ ー . At first glance it may be hard to
imagine what exactly this is: a candy made from ice? Ice in the shapeof candy? However, this is actually a wasei eigo word (Japanesemade English word) which means popsicle - a beloved summer treatof children and adults alike. (Depending on the country/region, this canalso be known as an ice lolly, ice pop, freezer pop, etc.)
The popsicle was actually born in San Francisco back in 1905 thanks to a simple mistake by ayoung boy named Frank Epperson. He inadvertently left a cup of soda and a stirring stick out on
his porch. That night happened to be especially cold, and the next morning Frank found that his
drink had frozen into a delicious treat. He originally referred to his creation as the ‘Epsicle’, butwhen he grew older and had children of his own, they called them ‘Pop’s ’sicle’, a name which
ended up sticking.
The Japanese word アイスキャンデー is a bit more of a literal name for the frozen treat comparedto the word popsicle. By the way, the Japanese word for ‘ice cream’ is simply アイスクリーム , andyou can say gelato in Japanese as ‘ ジェラート ’.

Awa Shoku: Spring Shoots Herald the End of Winter
By: Lance Kita

The end of winter brings new growth from thefrozen earth, and foragers move out with thewarm-ing weather to pick sansai 山菜 (mountainvegetables) from forest and field. Here are
four of the most common sansai you will find insupermarkets, farmer’s markets, and restaurants(if you want to forage,
do it with someone
knowledgeable about
what to pick andwhere to pick them).

6

Warabi ワラビ (bracken fern shoots)
There are several ferns with edible young coiled
fronds. Warabi is the most common, but it requires some soaking and boiling to wash out
the bitter compounds. It is easiest to buy presoaked, water-packed, brown-stemmed warabi.
These tender stems
should be cut into
1 cm pieces, andbraised with soy
sauce, dashi, andother ingredientslike carrots, bamboo
shoots, or thin fried
tofu. They are also
often eaten as a
Korean namul. Try
adding them to yourrice before you cookit.

Ts u k u s h i
土 筆(Horsetail shoots)
Horsetails aree x t r e m e l y h a r d y,
thriving in untilledfields, ditches,
grassy flatlands, androadside green areas,making these someFuki-no-tou 蕗の薹of the most easily(butterbur shoots)
foraged sansai for(Clockwise, from upper left) Fuki-no-tou (butterbur
These huge buds
newbies (but get advice
shoots), Tsukushi (horsetail shoots), Tara-no-mef r o m e x p e r i e n c e d (Japanese angelica shoots), and Warabi (bracken fern s u r r o u n d e d b y alight-green leaf
people). The shoots
shoots). (Photo credit to Mr. Jiro Kasahara for the
sheath are also
have slender stems
tsukushi photo)commonly foundand an oval head.
They contain lots of bitter compounds, so after the during this season at supermarkets and farmer’souter sheath is removed, the stems are blanched markets. The meaty, bitter shoots are usuallyin water with some salt and vinegar before rinsing served as tempura (matcha or shiso salt arein fresh water several times. Tsukushi add a particularly good with it), or minced and sautéed
lovely bitter accent to a bowl of miso soup, can be with miso. Fuki-no-tou miso is all you need with apickled, sautéed with miso or sweet soy sauce, or bowl of hot rice, on a square of tofu, or as a grilled
topping for a skewer of konnyaku 蒟 蒻 starch
scrambled with eggs.
blocks. You can find this miso in markets as well.
Tara-no-me タ ラ の 芽 (Tara-no-me, JapaneseFresh sansai shoots have a very short season,
Angelica shoots)
These clusters of newborn leaves actually come so pick them up right away if you see them infrom the tips of Japanese Angelica tree branches. the markets. Bitterness is not usually a flavor
You can find them in regular supermarkets, or associated with something delicious, but to thefarmer’s markets in mountain towns. These also Japanese, these shoots are a tangible and edible
have a distinctive but pleasant bitterness, and sign that a season of new life is ready to spring
are best eaten as tempura (sprinkled liberally forth.
with salt) or sautéed in oil. You can also make adressed salad with them (May 2018 Awa Life) if
you are used to the bitterness in vegetables.

7

Japanese Lesson

By: Kayo Miyoshi

Japanese Words with Multiple Meanings(Part 3)
Some words in Japanese have multiple meanings, which can invite misunderstandings.
1.) There are many ways to use the word [ ちょっと ].
- First Meaning: A little bitに ほん ごはな

ま

日本語をちょっと話します

ちょっと待って- Second Meaning: A lot, very much

たかしちょっとひどい
ちょっと高いたか( かなりひどい )( とても高い )- Third Meaning: To refuse something, such as an invitation
さけ
すみません。ちょっと、お酒は ...
の( 飲めません )が かちょっと知られた画家
しが か( とても知られた画家 )- Fourth Meaning: When calling out to someone/stopping someone
あの～、ちょっと
か げん2.) There are also many ways to use the word [ いい加減 ].
- First Meaning: To express something that is just right

しお か げん

めい し

か げん

Usage:「いい＋名詞＋加減」

ゆ か げん

いい塩加減
いい湯加減- Second Meaning: To express something that is sloppy, careless, or incomplete
せんせい

か げん

て

先生：「いい加減に 手をざつて
あら（雑に 手を洗うとあらのこ

洗うと ウイルスが残ります。
のこウイルスが残ります。
）- Third Meaning: Warning someone to stop doing something after you have reached your limit
かあ

か げん

お母さん :「いい加減に しなさEvents & Memoranda

8

TOKUSHIMA PREFECTURE
2021 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 in which
we can all work and live together in harmony. This speech contest seeks to give avoice to the international residents of Tokushima Prefecture and engage them in a
dialogue to further discourse on cross-cultural understanding and fostering
multiculturalism.

2.

DATE & PLACE

July 18th, 2021 (Sunday), 13:30 - 16:30
Awagin Hall (Tokushima Arts Foundation for Culture) Small Hall (5F)
Based on the novel coronavirus (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 yourunderstanding.

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.

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 25th, 2021 (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
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.

9R

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

By: Kazue Inoue (Center for Early Childhood Education and Care SUKETO NAKAYOSHI)

ecently, due to COVID-19, children havebeen playing inside the home more,causing stress for both parents and the children
themselves. Today I will introduce some tips tohelp reduce irritation for children!

Handmade Sweets: Steamed Matcha Bread(For 4 People)<Tip 1> If children are getting fed up withconstantly doing the same thing, rethink theirenvironment.

2. Add 80 g of sifted wheat flour and 2.8 g ofbaking powder to the ingredients in 1.) and mix.

•

If they can’t clean up their toys: In order tomake it easier to clean up, reduce the numberof toys or think of a place that makes it easy
to take out/put away toys. If children get tiredof a toy, try replacing it with something else.

<Tip 2> Eliminating the root of irritation (refreshing
the body-mind equilibrium)•

Rather than having them watch TV or amovie, go to a nearby park so they can movetheir body and play as much as they want.

•

Make sure they are following a schedule, suchas waking up early, going to bed early, andmaking sure to eat breakfast.

•

Avoid battle shows and play fighting. Provide
relaxing activities they can do inside such as
playing with clay, drawing pictures, playing
with blocks, etc.

1. Pour 32 g of sugar and 60 g of milk into a bowl
and mix.

3. Add 1.6 g of matcha and mix.
4. Add the ingredients to a ramekin(microwaveable cup) and fill 6/10ths of the way.
Heat for 3 min. 30 sec. in a 600-watt microwave (ifusing a steamer, steam on medium heat for 15 –20 min.).
5. Pierce the dough with a toothpick. If nothing is
attached to the toothpick, it is ready to be served.
* Please don’t give matcha to children under 1.

*If their mother is stressed, then this will also
affect the child’s mood. Therefore, it’s important
for the mother to find some form of stress relief as
well.
Notice: TOPIA has published a variety of videos for studying Japanese. Take a look at TOPIA's
website for more details!
https://www.topia.ne.jp/english/docs/2018083000051/

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)