aWa life

Some Fuzzy Memoriesof Shikoku

March 2021

Esports Exchange
Event

Gairaigo Galore:
ハラ

Vegan Recipe
Japanese Culture& Reading Corner:
ひな祭り

# 365

1

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

Unfortunately, the coronavirus is still playing a large role in all of our lives. Luckily, however, the weather
is starting to get nicer, so why not spend some time outside? You can enjoy the lovely sakura blossoms
in late March and April, and Tokushima Prefecture offers some particularly gorgeous spots. Check out
the “Tokushima Hanami Map 2021” in the “Events” section for more details! For those indoor types,
why not try your hand at making the delicious vegan recipe that Alessa has written for us this month? If
you enjoy shiitake then it’s certainly the dish for you!
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:Isreal Lutes, Toshiro Taki, Alessa Peters and Kayo Miyoshi

Contents

Pg. 2-3: Some Fuzzy Memories of Shikoku

2

Pg. 4:

Esports Exchange Event

Pg. 5:

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: ひな祭り

Pg. 5:

Gairaigo Galore: ハラ

Pg. 6:

Vegan Recipe

Pg. 7:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 8-9: Events and Memoranda
Some Fuzzy Memories of Shikoku
By: Isreal LutesMy first few weeks in Japan felt like a barrageof non-stop sights, smells, and tastes. My
mind was an expanding balloon. I was “reborn”
into a new environment and culture, “assailed
by eyes, ears, nose, skin . . . feel[ing] it all as
one great blooming, buzzing confusion.”1 But,
despite the new experiences and challenges, I
was aware that something was missing - animals.
More specifically, I was keenly aware and a bit
saddened that I hadn’t yet seen any mammals.
I’d seen plenty of frogs, a few snakes, lizards,
and even rescued a turtle from an irrigation canalby my apartment. There were plenty of insects
too. For the first few months, there was theomnipresent background drone of “semi song.”
But, I saw no wild mammals for a few months
after I arrived in Japan.
Each of us has a unique relationship to theplaces we stay that is shaped by our identities,
interests, habits, and modes of interaction. Just
as speakers of different languages experience
the same sounds differently, individuals withdifferent interests and backgrounds experience
the same environments differently. This can havea powerful impact on our lives. In most cases,
however, it results in rather banal differences: ajanitor’s notice of dirt when at a supermarket, oran experienced driver’s innate sense for when thelight will turn.

Just as we relate to our environments differently,
we form our own unique mental maps that are
related to our interests and interactions. As achild fascinated with animals and whose hero was
Steve Irwin, many of the vivid memories of places
I lived are related to animals. From my time in
Malta, for example, I remember that at one timeor another my family had a hawk in our garage2,
a hedgehog3, a Mediterranean chameleon4, anda litter of puppies5. While the rest of my family
enjoyed barbeque on the beach on Sunday
evenings, I would often be on my own, hunting
for crabs and other sea critters among the rocks.
Even as a grown adult, I still like to catch snakes,
frogs, geckos, newts, turtles, and whatever else I
can get my hands on.

3
While I couldn’t tell you what restaurants serve
the best foods or which tourist attractions in Japan
live up to the hype, I am happy to have hiked,
scrambled, and crawled up and over hills andmountains, along meandering streams, throughbushes, briars, and stickers. I can remember
most of the places I’ve hiked in Shikoku, and I
know the general whereabouts of many of my firstanimal sightings: the badger on Mt. Miune, theJapanese serow (looks like a deer-goat mix) neara campground in Naka-cho, a giant flying squirrel
soaring over the Sadamitsu river, a masked
palm civet along the dike road by my house, awhole slew of fire belly newts in the kiddy poolof an abandoned elementary school, a large owl
standing stoically on a local bridge rail as cars
sped past, the sea turtle at Cape Ashizuri, alongwith other memories of monkeys, hawks, rabbits,
deer, wild boars, foxes, tanuki, weasels, mice,vipers, and other critters.
I can’t brag about my travels in Japan, and thevariety of animals that I’ve seen is not particularly
impressive. If you’re willing to spend some time in
the mountains and valleys of Shikoku, you’re very
likely to spot quite a few of the creatures yourself. I
have chosen to pursue a little deeper appreciationfor Shikoku and its natural abundance, and thatmeans that I have missed out on a wider range ofexperiences around Japan. But, I can’t complain
because the memories I take with me will reflect
who I am.
A memory I made: I was reminded of the richness
of Tokushima’s wildlife one day when I saw morethan thirty deer and five pheasants in the space ofSome Fuzzy Memories of Shikoku
around two hours. I was driving over a little-usedmountain road in early spring. All the plants werebright green and glowing with life. In fact, someparts of Tokushima are so heavily populated bywildlife that it is possible to make a living hunting.
A memory I hope to make: I was surprised lastyear to find that Shikoku has bears, though
their population is very low. To my knowledge,
Japanese black bears live in the southern
section of the Tsurugi mountain range, along
the Tokushima-Kochi border. There are only
an estimated 20-30 left. Before I leave Japan, I
sincerely hope to see one in the wild. I know the
chance is slim, but I also know, if I did, it would be
one memory of Shikoku that I would have for the
rest of my life.
Happy trails
everyone!

1 William James’s, philosopher and psychologist,
description of a baby’s experience.
2 It had been captured and its wings had been clipped.
If I remember right, our family turned it over to a bird
sanctuary.
3 Caught and (eventually) released.
4 Caught and (eventually) released. I was so proud tocatch a chameleon at the time, but thinking back on it I
realize just how pathetically slow the chameleon was andhow unimpressive the feat of catching it was.
5 My sister found them. They had been stuffed into aplastic bag, thrown into a nearby valley, and left to die.
Thankfully, I believe that we were able to find a home forall of them.
*Mamushi photo credit to Bradley Daniel Skinner

4Esports Exchange Event
By: Toshiro TakiAn e-sports exchange event was held on
December 19th (Sat.) at the Tokushima
International Strategies Center on the 6th floorof Clement Plaza. The event was held by theDiversity Promotion Division of the Tokushima
Prefectural Government, in cooperation with theTokushima Para Esports Club, a club primarily
centered around those with disabilities.
Esports has been garnering attention as
something that, as long as you have a game
console or computer, anyone can participate andcompete in regardless of age, gender, nationality,
or if they have a disability. Additionally, if you
play online then you can compete with people
regardless of where you are. In the midst of
the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great way tointeract with others while still preserving yourpeace of mind.
For this event, those with disabilities served asteachers, and through esports, everyone was able
to have a great time together. Unfortunately, due
to COVID-19, there have been fewer chances forthese kinds of events.
Six foreign residents from 5 different countries(Vietnam, Germany, America, Mexico, andAustralia) participated in the event and were able
to experience the fun of esports alongside thosewith disabilities. They tried out a racing game anda puzzle game.

Puzzle Game Tournament

Starting off, the foreign participants tried out the
racing and puzzle games while receiving guidanceon how to play. Afterwards, they listened to apresentation about esports and were able to learn
about it more in depth. Next, everyone sat in acircle, introduced themselves, and then engaged
in discussion. One of the participants then gave ademonstration of the racing game. To finish things
off, everyone participated in a tournament-style
battle with the puzzle game, sparking a lot of funand excitement.
Esports is something that anyone can freely enjoy,
so if you ever have the opportunity, definitely try itout!

Racing Game Demonstration

5
にほん

まつ

にんぎょう

Japanese Culture and Reading Corner: ひな祭りとひな人形
By: Toshiro Taki

ねんちゅう ぎょうじ

ひとつ

もも

せっく

さんがつ み っ か

まつ

おんな

こ

すこ

せいちょう

いの

日本の年中行事の一つに、桃の節句（三月三日）のひな祭りがあります。女の子の健やかな成長を祈
まつ

おんな

こ

いえ

まつ

ひ

ぜんご

い っ か げつかん

にんぎょう

ひなさま

るためのお祭 りです。女 の子 のいる家 では、祭 りの日 の前 後、約１ ヶ月 間、ひな人 形（お雛 様）を
かざ

にんぎょう

だいりさま

さんにん かんじょ

ごにん ばやしへいあん じ だ い

せいき

飾 ります。ひな人 形には、お内 裏様、三 人官 女、五 人囃 子などがあり、平 安時 代（8 ～ 12 世 紀）のきゅうちゅう

しょうぞく

み

つ

宮 中 での装束を身に着けています。

Vocabulary List
ねんちゅうぎょうじにんぎょう

年 中 行事 Annual Event

人形

せいちょう

すこ

成長
ひなさま

お雛様
へいあん じ だ い

平安時代
もも

せっく

桃の節句

GrowthHina Dolls
Heian Period
Doll's Festival

健やかな
しょうぞく

装束
さんにんかんじょ

三人官女
だいりさま

お内裏様

Doll
Healthy

ごにんばやし五人囃子 Five Court Musician Dolls
きゅうちゅう宮中

Imperial court

Dress
Dolls of the Three Court Ladies
Dolls Representing the Emperor and Empress

Gairaigo Galore

ハラ (harassment)
By: Nico Bohnsack
Have you already watched or read Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba? If not, you are in danger ofgetting harassed in Japan. Kimehara is a word which describes the phenomenon when somebody
makes you feel uncomfortable because you haven’t watched or read the famous anime/manga.
The “kime” in the word stands for “Kimetsu no Yaiba” while the “hara” stands
for “harassment”. Such combinations, which are perfect examples of wasei
eigo (Japanese-made English), are often used to describe different formsof harassment, with famous ones being sekuhara (sexual harassment),
pawahara (power harassment), matahara (maternity harassment), andaruhara (alcohol harassment). It’s obvious that of all these expressions“sexual harassment” is probably the only one used in English speaking
countries. All the other forms of harassment might also exist but aredescribed in a different way, such as “abuse of power”, “workplace discrimination against pregnant
women” or “alcohol related harassment”.

In Japan, the formula "abbreviation of a word + hara" is a convenient way to describe different
forms of harassment or discrimination, and the list becomes longer every year. The existence ofmany forms of harassment, combined with the excessive use of the various terms, also brought
up another problem: to be falsely accused of having done something in a harassive way. But don’t
worry, Japan also found a word for that: harahara (harassment harassment).

Vegan Recipe: Japanese-style Pasta with Shiitake
Mushrooms
By: Alessa PetersAlittle-known fact is that Tokushima is not only
a major producer of sudachi, but also ofshiitake mushrooms! Shiitake from Tokushima are
known for their thick, meaty texture and strong
flavor. They can be harvested year-round andmake a great addition to not only Japanese, butalso Western dishes.
Living in Japan, you will very likely have comeacross some very interesting fusions of Japaneseand Western food. Pasta dishes are popular here,
and there are countless ways to fuse the Italianstaple with Japanese ingredients and flavors.
A quick and easy dish I sometimes make athome is pasta with mushrooms and leafy green
vegetables, and of course lots of umami flavor!
* If you prefer, you can of course only use
mushrooms or add any vegetables of your choice.
I never use measurements, but remember thatmushrooms and leafy green vegetables shrink
when you cook them, so make sure you use
enough even when it looks like too much! I usedfour large shiitake mushrooms for my one serving.

Ingredients:• Pasta of your choice• Shiitake mushrooms• Champignons or one or two other types ofJapanese mushroom of your choice

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

6

Komatsuna (Japanese green leafy vegetable(*Alternatively, use some komatsuna andsome spinach for more variety.)
Leek
GarlicSoy sauce
Konbu dashi
Mirin
Sake

Instructions:• Cook pasta according to the instructions on
the package until nearly done.
• In the meantime, cut the garlic and heat it in afrying pan with some sesame oil.
• Cut the mushrooms and add them. Stirfrequently.
• Add the soy sauce, konbu dashi, mirin, andsake and let simmer for a few minutes until
the mushrooms are brown.
• Cut the green vegetables and add them,stirring.
• Just before the pasta is al dente, drain andthen add to the frying pan. Finish cooking
pasta in the sauce (add water if needed).
• Transfer everything to a bowl and top withshichimi togarashi and / or green onions (ifyou're not using leek) to taste.

7Japanese Lesson

By: Kayo Miyoshi

Japanese Words with Multiple Meanings(Part 2)
Some words in Japanese have multiple meanings, which can invite misunderstandings.
た1.)「ごはんを食べますか？」This「ごはん」can mean 2 different things.

しょく じ

しろ

「食事」

こめ

「白いお米」

2.)「おかしい」can have different meanings.

からだ「おもしろい」ぐ あい

わる「体の具合が悪い」

き かい ちょう しか「機械の調子がよくない」「変わっている」

か3.)「パンツを買います。
」This「パンツ」can mean 2 different things.

か「ズボンを買います。
」

した ぎ

か

」
「下着を買います。
つか4.)「えらい」means「すぐれている」, but in Tokushima it can also mean「疲れた」.

からだ

つか

「体が疲れる。
」

かんしん「すばらしいです。感心します！」

8

Events & Memoranda

TOPIA Japanese Classes 2021 (Term 1)

Japanese Classes 2021
Time: 10:30-12:00

Term 1 TOPIA Japanese Classes Schedule

Location: Meeting rooms at TOPIA

Textbook: We will be using the “Minna no Nihongo I” or the “Minna no Nihongo II” (2nd edition) textbooks (2,750 yen for the bookand audio CD). Please prepare the textbooks on your own. Additionally, there will be themed lessons on various topics suchas seasons and life in Tokushima.
Fee: Free *There may be changes due to the COVID-19 situation. Please check TOPIA’s website for the latest information.
DAY

TEACHERLEVELCLASS DESCRIPTION
We will study verb conjugations, te form, nai form, dictionary form, etc.,

TUE

Ms.Tamaki

Elementary 1

as well as sentence patterns that utilize these.
Text: Minna no Nihongo I – from Chapter 14~25

START
DATE
April 6(20 times)

This is a flexible group study class split up into 3 different groups.
(Beginners included.)
WED

Volunteers

Group Lesson*For parents of young children, a childcare worker will be on hand to lookafter your child during the lesson. (Please inquire in advance. Depending

April 7(20 times)on the current COVID-19 situation, this service may not be offered.)
We will practice Japanese conversations relating to a variety of topics.

THU

Ms.
YamadaConversations

Additionally, while studying Japanese we will experience Japanese& Cultural

culture and seasonal events firsthand.

Activities*For those who have finished up to Chapter 13 of Minna no Nihongo I.

April 8(20 times)(Schedule is subject to change.)
We will study various forms and expressions, such as potential,
FRI

Ms. Aoki

Elementary
2, 3volitional, imperative, prohibitive, conditional, reasoning, passive,
causative, and honorific expressions.

April 2(25 times)

Text: Minna no Nihongo II – from Chapter 26~50
JTM

Elementary 3

Volunteers

Group LessonSUN

We will study reasoning, passive, causative, honorific expressions, etc.
Text: Minna no Nihongo II – from Chapter 39~50
This is a flexible group study class split up into 3 different groups.

April 4(20 times)(Beginners included.)* Please register for Group Lessons at least a day before the class. (If you do not sign up in advance and show up on the day of theclass, we may not be able to find a group for you to study with.) Additionally, as the number of groups are limited, we may not beable to find a group that suits your level.
* If you are unable to attend class, please call and let us know. (088-656-3303)* The Volunteer Classes on Wednesday and Sunday will be cancelled if no students show up within the first 30 minutes.

TUE

Ms. Kimura
OthersSpecialA class for those who cannot read or write hiragana or katakana. We

You may

Beginners

will study the basics, such as the Japanese alphabet, greetings,

join atnumbers, and items. We will also be learning about Tokushima.

anytime.

Class*Classes may be cancelled if there is a typhoon, heavy rain, heavy snow, etc. Please call and confirm if classes will still be held.
Japanese classes are also available at the Anan International Association, Aizumi Town International Exchange Association,
Yoshinogawa International Exchange Association, Mima no Sato, Miyoshi City International Exchange Association, Minami
Multicultural Coexistence Network "Harmony", the Club for Thinking about Multicultural Coexistence "Tomoni" in Tsurugi Town,
Awa International Exchange Association, and the NPO "Attakaiyou" in Kaiyo Town.

9

Events & Memoranda

Tokushima Hanami Map 2021
徳島県花見案内図 2021

18th Katsuura Cherry Blossom Festival
第 18 回 勝浦さくら祭り

The Katsuura Cherry Blossom Festival will beheld for the 18th time at the Ikuna Romantic Road
in Katsuura-cho.
Events include boat rides down the Ikunatanigawa
River, a farm fresh market, an amego fishing
pond, treasure hunting, and many more! ♪
When: March 25 (Thur.) - April 10 (Sat.)
Light Up: From 18:00 ~Where: Ikuna, Katsuura-cho, Katsuura-gun
TEL: 090-8970-6728
URL: http://awa-sakura.jp/about-awa-sakura/

勝浦町の生名ロマン街道では、『第 18 回 勝浦さくら祭り』が開催されます。
期間中は生名谷川の舟下りや産直市、あめごの釣り堀や宝さがし等、楽しい催しが盛り沢山♪
日時 :3 月 25 日（木）～ 4 月 10 日（土）ライトアップ：18:00 頃～

場所：勝浦郡勝浦町生名
TEL: 090-8970-6728
URL: http://awa-sakura.jp/about-awa-sakura/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)