aWa life

August 2018

GoodbyeMessages

Awa Shoku: A“Green” Houseand Green Platewith GoyaInterview:
Nonki-renLeader Mr.
Masahito
Kondo

Awa Odori
Performances inTokushima

# 335

1

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

August brings one of Tokushima's most lively dance festivals, the Awa Odori! Dancers and audiences
dance to the two beat rhythm, and it is easily the highlight of the summer for local residents. Be sure tocheck out our Awa Odori map, so that you don't miss this lively event!
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,
Daralyn, Franzi, and Tom

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:
Daralyn Yee, Franziska Neugebauer and Tom Wehrmann
Contributors This Month:
Kazue Inoue, Lance Kita, Takako Yamada, Kiyomi Fujii

2Contents

Pg. 2-3: Interview: Nonki-ren Leader Mr. Masahito Kondo
Pg. 4-5: Goodbye Messages
Pg. 5:

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 6:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 7:

Awa Shoku: A “Green” House and Green Plate 				with Goya		Pg. 8-9: Events and MemorandaInterview: Nonki-ren Leader Masahito Kondo
By Kiyomi Fujii

A

wa Odori season is here. As you know, itsJapan's largest hands-on dancing carnival!
Now now, overseas residents of Tokushima, you
shouldn't sit still, don't miss your chance to catchwaves of happiness. Dancing fools are absolutely
much happier than watching fools. (Common
saying in Tokushima)Well, Arasowaren’s special dance team members
have been practicing extensively. They have been
putting their efforts in to becoming some of thebest dancers around. Our special coaches are thedancers of the famous group "Nonki-ren".
We interviewed Masahito Kondo,
the leader of the dance group,
Nonki-ren. He is a person
who holds true character andpresence, a passion for Awa
Odori, and a consistent policy for
his activities. In all he does, hekeeps an open mind. Let us introduce you to thispassionate, nifty Awa-man.
F: Could you tell us about your dance history?
When did you start dancing?

K: I used to enjoy watching Awa Odori. WhenI was in the first year of high school, I saw
sparkling and joyful looking dancers. That is when
I decided to dance. I caught notice of Nonki-ren’s
dancers wanted advertisement, and decided tojoin. At that time, none of my family members
or acquaintances were dancing, and I myself
decided to jump in Nonki-ren by myself.
(F: Being at the young age of 15, you devoted
yourself to Awa Odori! It sounds like all of sudden,
you were able to realize the special gift that you
held.)

3

Interview: Nonki-ren Leader Masahito Kondo

F: What are the characteristics of Nonki's
dance?
K: It's one of what they call,the three major styles of men's
dance. Unlike the other two
styles, such as, Gojahei's
disciplined slow, low shuffle,and casting movements; andAho-ren's grand stepping andjumping movements, in "Nonkistyle", dancers straighten theirback, look forward, dance
merrily with a spring in theirsteps, and appeal like they arecheerfully communicating with
their audience with eye contact.
With this, we seek unity andharmony with the audience.
The men's dance depicts
masculinity, as many of theearlier members were workmen. Women's dance
features the expressive old style with "uki-ashi"(lifting steps), soft, and elegant turns.
Our team was established in 1925, which meansthat we are the oldest ren. We will celebrate our100th anniversary in 2025 and plan to hold acelebratory performance.
F: How does a famous group like Nonki-ren
practice year-round?
K: We practice dancing throughout the year. We
work on individual technique and consistency
during January and February. In the spring, eachpart practices separately, and a performanceroutine is created. Right now we are practicing
almost every day. Each time we practice for about
two hours at Taen Park in Itano Town, Aizumi-cho
Residents Hall, and Okinosu Marine Terminal.
F: Please tell us about the characteristics,
attractive points, and anything about Awa
Odori that you would like to point out to ourglobal audience.

K: Anyone can participate and enjoy. Despite
language barriers, people are still able tocommunicate.
F: You have been aroundthe world and performed the
Awa Odori. Could you tell
us a little more about yourexperience?
For Japanese people, there is aslight disconnect with dancing,as most prefer to watch quietly
from afar. However, in foreigncountries, people start to gather
right away. They seem to beclose to the dancers physicallyand emotionally. Also, they
seem to feel the rhythm, andtake it in well. People from all
countries love to move to thebeat and are great at dancing.
F: Do you have any pointers for overseas
residents when they learn the basics of Awa
Odori?
K: Mastering the basics of Awa Odori is connected
to being able to share correct information about
the dance. It doesn’t end simply at watching andimitating. By playing the traditional instrumentsthat have been passed on, and learning to wear
the traditional clothing, you can experience thetrue Awa Odori and come to understand the heartof Japan. Then, when you return home to Japan,
you can properly explain and teach the dance.
F: Please give some words of encouragement
to Arasowaren.
K: We would like to continue to raise dance
leaders worldwide to share the message of Japanand would like to developmentally expand theplaces that the dance is performed. Our hope isthat the dancers will enjoy themselves and thatthe people watching will enjoy the performanceto the extent that they will also want to dance as
well.

Goodbye Messages

Franzi and Tom will be starting a new chapterof their lives. All of us at TOPIA send our best
wishes, and hope to see them again.
By Tom Wehrmann
Almost exactly one year ago, I was
contacted by the editors of Awa Life,
who asked me to write an article tointroduce myself since I would be an
editor too from August. At that time,
I was still in Berlin, busy writing mymaster thesis and also excited formy next adventure in Tokushima.
So I wrote some sentences about
spicy food, mountain climbing and
my struggle with Japanese dialects.
Now, it seems like I am again inthat same situation, and have beenrequested to write a few parting words. Rather thanwriting about myself, I just want to share one of mytravel highlights with you after being here for one
year in Tokushima, especially the things I enjoyed,
beside my experiences at work.
Two of my friends came from far away to visit
me during Golden Week. Like most tourists, theywanted to see the whirlpools of Naruto and the Iya
Valley, Tokushima’s top attractions. Because theweather was sunny but not too hot, we decided
to visit Naruto by train and rent a bike at the
tourism association to cycle along the beach to ourdestination: the whirlpools. Most people think it is
impossible to cross the bridges (like the Konaruto
Bridge) which are connecting the islands, by bike,and they are right. Although it is not forbidden in
the first place, there is no bike lane and the carspassing the bridge are really fast, so if you want to
go in a big group, crossing the bridge could become
By Franziska Neugebauer
How quick have two years passed! I realized thatmy time in Tokushima has come to an end when I
started packing my belongings to ship them backto Germany – two weeks before I had to leave…
Time went by way too fast! But I can honestly say,
I had a blast! Over time, I lived all around Japan indifferent places but Tokushima was definitely myfavorite. Why? I think it was due to a mixture ofgreat friends I was able to make, and the gorgeous

4

a game of life or death. So is there an alternative?
Yes there is and it is even free! Little boats calledwatashifune operate at three different spots every
hour to bring you safely to the other side. Onceyou are on the opposite riverside, there are two
ways to go to the whirlpool area: theRenaissance Beach and the Uchi no
Umi area. Most people take the first
option because it is the most direct
and fastest route, and offers you ascenic view of the bridge connecting
Tokushima Prefecture and Hyogo
Prefecture, but since I suppose
many of you Awa Life readers knowthat path already, I'd like to tell youa little more about the narrow andhidden trail along the Uchi no Umi
Sea of Naruto. The trail is curvy andsometimes also hilly (I fell once from my bike) but
the view of small houses between the still waterand the big green mountains, and some American
looking areas with many vacation homes, reallypaid off with the longer cycling time. I would also
highly recommend everyone to visit the Uchi no
Umi Park, with its vast flower gardens, adventurous
playgrounds and numerous sports facilities. This
captivating trip is not too exhausting, so it is suitablefor families as well.
Of course there must be many more hidden
treasures in our prefecture and I feel after only one
year, I was only able to see the tip of the iceberg.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of
my coworkers for helping me adapt to a Japaneseworking environment and of course our readers,
who enjoy Awa Life, for your continuous support.
Please support the new German CIRs coming inAugust.
scenery and landscapes of this beautiful prefecture.
I totally fell in love with this beautiful part of theworld. Let me share my favorite spots in Tokushima
with you: Naka with its lush green mountains, theTairyu-ji Temple and the beautiful blue Naka River.
The first time I went to Naka was actually becauseof work. I was attending a delegation of canoeists
from Tokushima’s partner state in Germany, Lower
Saxony. I was so impressed by the tall mountains
and the wild river winding its way through the valley

5

that it took my breath away.
Since that first visit, I cameto Naka many many times
and showed all my friends
visiting from Germany thatbeautiful area. If you havenot been to Naka or the
Tairyu-ji Temple yet, makesure to make your way
there. In autumn, the area
is well known for autumn leaves and in spring thecherry blossoms around Kawaguchi Dam are a
popular spot for Tokushima locals. Take a rafting
tour along the Naka river or try out some kayaking.
If you visit in winter, go to one of the hot springs in
the area or try to find a frozen waterfall. In summer,
taking the Tairyu-ji ropeway up the mountain will
give you the opportunity to cool down a little bit at
the mountain top area where you will be able toGoodbye Messages
see temple number 21 of
the pilgrimage, the “Dragon
Temple”. If you walk a little
further up to the Kobo
Daishi statue, you can enjoy
a fantastic view and on aclear day you can see Anan
City, Tokushima City,andeven as far as the Onaruto
Bridge. I will definitely comeback one day to see that beautiful scenery once
more. A big thank you to everyone who made mytime in Tokushima memorable. I am not only taking
great experiences back home, I also learned a lot
about myself and what I am capable of doing. But
most importantly I am taking back friends I madefor life. The biggest thank you goes to my partnerin crime and I am also waving over to Naruto! Bis
bald!

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

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

A

child’s sleep in the evening is vital, as it issaid that the secretion of growth hormonesthat are vital for a child’s growth occur from 10PM2AM. Also, if they are not able to receive a fullnight’s rest, their mood will be unstable, and there
will be a large impact on their health. Especiallybecause it is hot and it is easy to become tired,
it is important to put efforts in developing anenvironment where children can sleep well.
Points on Getting Your Child to Sleep:
・Have them be in bed by 9PM. (You can getthem there by reading a picture book.)
・Dim the lights and make the room darker.
・Turn of the TV.
・ Pat their back lightly. (You can also sing themlullabies at the same time.)
Putting your child to sleep can become an
opportunity to have a relaxing time with yourchild. It is also helpful to build a better relationshipbetween parent and child. When it is difficult to
get your child to sleep, adjust the time that you
wake up your child, and nap times to adjust theirlifestyle rhythm.

＊＊＊
Handmade Lantern

1) Prepare a 20cmx28cm piece of construction
paper. Glue two strips of construction paper cut to3cm, and paste it on the top and bottom. Draw apicture that you like in the main area, then make ahorizontal fold in the middle.
2) With the paper folded in half, make eight cuts inthe paper, then fold the part where you previously
put the two strips of constructions paper.
3) Open up the paper you have previously foldedin step two, then connect the two ends of thepaper in order to form a cylinder. (At this time, you
can also add a rolled piece of paper so that thelantern can keep its shape.)*Attach a piece of string to hang the lantern as
an ornament. It will give you the atmosphere of a
festival!

6

Japanese Lesson
By Takako Yamada

Comparative and Superlative Expressions of Adjectives

In this month’s lesson, we will learn about comparative and superlative expressions of adjectives.
Adjectives themselves do not change their forms in comparative and superlative expressions inJapanese. Instead, we use some fixed expressions. Be careful. The word order is quite different fromthat in English.
Comparative expressions Note: Words in ( ) can be omitted.
(1)「A は B より adjective です。
」
A is comparative adjective than B.
にほんおおEx: アメリカは日本より大きいです。(America is bigger than Japan.)(2-Q) 「A と B とどちらが adjective ですか。
」
Which is comparative adjective, A or B?
にほんご

えいご

むずか

Ex: 日本語と英語とどちらが難しいですか。(Which is more difficult, Japanese or English?)(2-A) 「A のほうが (B より ) adjective です。
」
A is comparative adjective (than B).
にほんご

えいご

むずか

Ex: 日本語のほうが英語より難しいです。(Japanese is more difficult than English).
「どちらも adjective です。」
Both are adjective.
むずか

Ex: どちらも難しいです。(Both are difficult.)
Superlative expressions Note: Words in ( ) can be omitted.
なか

いちばん

(3-Q) 「○○ ( の中 ) で、なにが / だれが / どこが / いつが一番 adjective ですか。
」
Among ○○ , what/who/where/when is superlative adjective?
なか

いちばん

Ex: スポーツ ( の中 ) で、なにが一番おもしろい ですか。
(Among sports, what is the most interesting?)
いちばん(3-A) 「○○が 一番 adjective です。
」○○ is superlative adjective.
やきゅう

いちばん

Ex: 野球が 一番おもしろい です。(Baseball is the most interesting.)
Now, let’s practice. Put the following sentences into Japanese.
Mt. Fuji is taller than Mt. Tsurugi.
_____________________________________________①② - Q Which is bigger, America or Japan? __________________________________________________________________________________________② - A America is bigger (than Japan).
③ - Q Who is the tallest in your family?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________③ - A I am (the tallest).			
日本より大きいです。③ -Qにほんおお家族でだれが一番背が高いですか。③ -A 私が一番背が高いです。
かぞく

いちばん せAnswers: ①富士山は剣山より高いです。② -Q
ふじさん

つるぎさん

たか

たか

わたし

いちばんせ

たか

アメリカと日本とどちらが大きいですか。② -AにほんおおアメリカのほうがI

7

Awa Shoku: A "Green" House and Green Plate with Goya’ll never get used to the intense heat of aJapanese summer, but a green curtain of goya
( ゴ ー ヤ ) just might make things a little bit morebearable. The quick growing vines of the bitter
melon (also called bitter gourd or balsam pear)
can climb up netting and create an all-natural
green wall in front of a window or sliding glass
door that keeps the direct sunlight from roasting
your room. Not only will this decrease yourdependency on air conditioning, but also provides
some privacy and natural ventilation.
Another of thebenefits is thatyou get freevegetables! If
you started yourgreen curtain
in late spring,
you should havewarty-skinned,
cucumber-like fruit
Bitter melon gets a lot of
hanging off theits bitter from the white pithvines by August.
and seeds inside,which should be scraped
These bitterout with a spoon.
melons are low incalories, and rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, andfolates. They also contains many minerals, betacarotene, and lutein. They’re also quite bitter(duh!) if eaten raw. Here are some tips on how to
prepare and cook them.
Salt!
First, cut the ends
off and slice thegoya lengthwise
down the middle.
You’ll find a white
pith with lots ofseeds in the center.
Take a spoon andscrape out all ofSalt your goya slices andt h a t s t u ff ( m a n ysqueeze out the bitter liquid
people say thatafter letting them sit for
the true bitterness
at least five minutes.
Muchmellower flavor.
comes from this).
Next, slice the halves into thin C-shaped slices.
Now comes the crucial part…throw a teaspoon or

By Lance Kita

more of salt over the slices and massage for a few
seconds. Let sit for a few minutes, and SQUEEZE
HARD. You’ll extract a lot of green water, which
you should discard. Give the goya a light rinse
and another squeeze. Voila! It should be less
bitter (no matter what, there will be bitterness, butthat is the allure of this gourd).
Stir-fry!
Now is time to cook
it. The best way
is to make goyachampuru ( ゴ ーヤ チ ャ ン プ ル ),an Okinawan stirfry (Okinawa isfamous for eatinggoya). Bitter melon
Goya champuru and spicy
loves oil, so start goya kimchee are some of thewith some sesame best ways to appreciate theo r v e g e t a b l e o i l . bitter flavor of this veggie.
Fry up some chopped pork luncheon meat (usecorned beef or canned tuna if you don’t like pork).
Throw in the goya slices and stir-fry. Add somebonito flakes, black pepper, and a splash of soy
sauce. Move everything to one side of the pan
and scramble a beaten egg or two on the otherside. When it’s half-cooked, toss everything else
together. Done! This is the perfect quick meal fora sweltering summer night with a bowl of rice.
Spicy!
Spicy condiments will also complement the bitter
flavor of this vegetable. Try stir-frying the goyaslices in some gochujang (spicy-sweet Koreanmiso) or doubanjiang (spicy Chinese miso)
and some soy sauce. Add some honey, brownsugar, or mirin to balance out the heat if you wish.
Garnish with sesame seeds. You can also makekimchee with goya and some kimchee sauce fromyour local supermarket. Store these side dishes
in the refrigerator for up to a week, and they’ll add
a punch to a plate of fried noodles, slices of cold
chicken or pork, or your bento lunch.
So boost your summer stamina and blow away
the heat fatigue with some bitter melon from yourshady, eco-friendly green curtain!

Events & Memoranda
Rakugo in Easy to Understand Japanese
やさしい日本語の落語会

8Let’s enjoy Japanese Rakugo together! Rakugo
will be performed in an easy to understandmanner, using easy Japanese.

日本の文化「落語」をいっしょに楽しみましょう！
やさしい日本語を使って、わかりやすく落語をしてくれます

Storyteller: Shichifuku Katsura
Program: “Chiritotechin” (There will be an 		
explanation of Rakugo and a Q&A Corner)
When: August 25th (Sat)10:30-11:45 (Doors open at 10:00)
Where: TOPIA, Clement Plaza 6F
Apply: TOPIA, 088-656-3303/topia@topia.ne.jp
Participation is limited to the first 80 participants.

落語家：桂七福さん
演目：『チリトテチン』（落語についての説明や質問コーナーもあります）
日時： 8 月 25 日（土）10:30 ～ 11:45（受付開始 : 10:00 ～）場所： 徳島県国際交流協会（TOPIA）会議室（徳島駅ビルクレメントプラザ６Ｆ）
申し込み：088-656-3303/topia@topia.ne.jp
定員： 80 名◆朝 8 時の時点で暴風雨警報が出ている場合は中止となります。

◆ This event will be cancelled if a storm warning
is issued by 8:00 on the day of the event.

Awa Odori Performances in Tokushima
県内の阿波踊り大会

9

Events & Memoranda
Let's dance with Niwaka-Ren
にわか連で踊ろう

Experience Awa Odori and dance together with
Niwaka-ren! You can join without any dance
knowledge.
When: August 12th (Sun) - 15th (Wed)(Two times every day, please gather at
18:30 & 20:30)
Where: Tokushima City, Tokushima City Hall &Motomachi Dance Plaza
Fee: Free
Info: Awa Odori Executive CommitteeTel:088-621-5298

本場徳島で阿波踊りを体験したい人は、にわか連
で自由に踊れます。阿波踊りを全く知らなくても大丈夫。有名連の手ほどきを受けて、演舞場へレッ
ツゴー！参加自由。
日時： 8 月 12 日（日）～ 15 日（水）毎日 2 回開催
場所： 徳島市

集合 18:30 ＆ 20:30

徳島市役所前、 元町おどり広場

料金： 無料
問い合わせ：阿波おどり実行委員会事務局
TEL： 088-621-5298

Naruto Summer Fireworks Festival
鳴門市納涼花火大会
This year 10,000 rockets will light the sky, tocelebrate the 100-year anniversary since holding
the first Ninth Symphony concert in Asia.

今 年 は『 第 九 』 ア ジ ア 初 演 100 周 年 記 念 と して、10,000 発 の 花 火 が 打 ち 上 げ ら れ ま す ♪
有料観覧席あり。詳しくはお問合せください。

When: August 7th (Tue), 19:45-20:50*In case of bad weather, the event will be
postponed to August 31th (Fri).
Where: Naruto City, Naruto City Bunka Kaikan
Fee: Middle school and up 1000 yen; 		
Elementary and below 500 yen
Info: Naruto City Uzushio Tourism Association
Tel:
088-684-1731

日時： 8 月 7 日（火）19:45 ～ 20:50※荒天の場合は 8 月 31 日（金）に順延
場所： 鳴門市 鳴門市文化会館
料金： 小学生以上 1,000 円
3 歳～小学生未満 500 円
問い合わせ：鳴門市うずしお観光協会
TEL: 088-684-1731

Join Futsal & Awa Odori
Organized by NPO 法人 AWA PROJECT
When: August 12th (Sun), 12:00-16:00
TIA Awa Odori Meal Time: 16:00-17:30
TIA Awa Odori Dance Kick Off: 18:00Where: Tokugin Tomoni Plaza Seishonen Center
Fee: Futsal: 3000 yen per team, 600 yen perpersonAwa Odori: 1000 yen for Overseas

Info:
Tel:

Residents, and 2,500 yen deposit for
Happi Coat (2000 yen will be returned,
500 yen for cleaning fee)
2014nippon@gmail.com
088-622-6066 (TIA/
Tokushima International 		
Association)Counselling Service at TOPIA・トピアの相談窓口
TOPIA offers a counselling and advisory service to all foreign residents to help with issues involving
accidents, working conditions, housing, visas, international marriage, and more. Counselling isavailable in English and Japanese. Please note that although every effort will be made, we may not beable to deal with all cases.
Everyday, 10:00 - 18:00 (closed during the New Year's holidays)
Tel: 088-656-3303 or 088-656-3320 (allows three-way conversations with an interpreter)