aWa life

September 2017
# 325

New CIRs in
Tokushima City!

Winning Speech:"I Will Call When ICan"
Awa Shoku: New Queen ofMushrooms

1

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

As summer slowly transitions into fall, the weather has become cooler in the evening, and we haveentered in to the harvesting season. We hope that you were able to have an amazing summer full of
dancing Awa Odori, and enjoying the rich nature of our amazing prefecture. From August, our editorial
team has increased from two to three. Please give a warm welcome to our new editor Tom! You canread more about him in this month's issue.
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:
Coal Chris, Kazue Inoue, Lance Kita, Akiko Tsuji, Annie Woldman

2Contents
Pg. 2-3:

New CIRs in Tokushima City!

Pg. 4-5:Tokushima Prefecture Japanese Speech Contest

Pg. 5:

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

Pg. 6:

Japanese Lesson

Pg. 7:

Awa Shoku: New Queen of Mushrooms?		

Pg. 8-9:

Events and Memoranda

New CIRs in Tokushima City!
By Tom Wehrmann and Annie Woldman

A Friendly “Guten Tag” from the New German
CIR in Tokushima By Tom WehrmannGuten Tag! My name is
To m W e h r m a n n a n dsince August, I have started
working as the second
German Coordinator forInternational Relations at
the Tokushima Prefectural
Office. My main task will be
the coordination of various
exchange projects between
Tokushima Prefecture andthe partner state in Germany,called Niedersachsen (Lower
Saxony). Besides that, I am
also grateful for having theopportunity to join Franzi and Daralyn and work
as an editor for “Awa Life”. I am already reallyexcited, because I want to know, what kind ofstories will be covered each month. Please shareyour interesting stories with us!
But back to myself. I studied Japanese studies
and media/communication for five years both atthe Leipzig University and the Free Universityof Berlin. My first experience as an exchange

student in Nagoya changed my view of Japan,
because before I had so many stereotypes in myhead about the Japanese.
To improve my Japanese, I
spent an additional year inTokyo and I’m really proud tocall Japan my second home.
However, there are still someplaces in the country left that
I wanted to visit, and one ofthem is Shikoku. I can’t wait
to see the beautiful nature in
Shikoku, like the whirlpoolsof Naruto and to participate
in Tokushima’s really famous“Awa Odori”. I already wentout with my bike along theriver, while gazing at thestunning beauty of “Bizan” in the background.
If I would write about all of my hobbies here, I
think I could fill another three pages, so I will justmention that I like mountain climbing, playing
badminton and tasting the regional specialties ofplaces I visit for the first time. One of my “special
powers” is the ability to eat really spicy food, so
if anyone knows of a good restaurant that offers
spicy ramen, please tell me.

3

NEW CIRs in Tokushima City

I still struggle with the local dialect (Awa-ben),but at the same time that’s also a great thing ofJapan. No matter how long you lived here, there
are always some things that still surprises you.
Let me just say at the end, that I will put all myeffort in working for this newsletter, so you guys
can enjoy some interesting articles every month.
If you see me on the streets, just feel free to say
hello!

New CIR at Tokushima City Hall:
By Annie Woldman

Hello everyone! My name is Annie, and I am
the new CIR (coordinator for international
relations) in the Tokushima City Hall. I am
from Austin, Texas in the United States, but
I just graduated from Mount Holyoke college
in Massachusetts in May. I started studying
Japanese in my first year of high school. I quickly
fell in love with the language and the culture. After
three years of study, I had the opportunity to study
abroad in Nagoya for a year. I lived with a hostfamily who is still like a real family to me. I fell inlove with Japan during that time. In March of thatyear, I experienced my first big earthquake. I didn't
realize until days later how devastating it was tothe people more directly affected by it in Tohoku.
My life changed after that. All of our activities in
my study abroad program after the earthquake
were to raise money to help the affected regions.
It was during that time that I learned the valueof helping others. Even not in times of disaster,
there are always people who need our help, andthere are always ways in which we can help, evenwhen we feel helpless.
When I studied abroad in Osaka in college, I
started doing research on the Japanese foster
care system. I stayed in Nagoya the following
summer to do a research internship, during whichtime I was able to volunteer at three different
children's homes. After returning to the U.S., I
decided to take a year off from school to servewith AmeriCorps. I spent that year working in a

low income elementary school in my hometown
and teaching struggling Kindergarten, first, andsecond grade students how to read.
I feel so honored to be back in this country thattaught me the value of service. I am really excited
to be in Tokushima, and to be working in city hall,where I can continue to try to make a difference
and help people. I hope to get involved in thecommunity while I am here, and to find ways tovolunteer and contribute to this community, as
well as to the global community at large. I lookforward to getting to know all of you! Pleasecontact me if there is anything I can help you with,and say hi if you see me around Tokushima!

Tokushima Prefecture Japanese Speech Contest
Winning Speech by Enkhtur Enkhzaya; Translation by Annie WoldmanT

he Tokushima Prefecture Japanese SpeechContest was held on Sunday, July 23rd at
Awagin Hall. 13 participants from eight different
countries presented their speeches to membersof our community.
Here is a list of the top five winners of the speech
contest:Grand Prize: Enkhtur Enkhzaya (Mongolia)
Tokushima Prefectural Assembly International
Exchange Federation – Chairman’s Award:Nguyễn Thị Hồng Yến (Vietnam)
Runner up Awards: Wei Yani (China), Zhang
Jinxia (China), Rosalie Gunawan (United Statesof America)
This year Enkhtur Enkhzaya (Mongolia) won the
grand prize for her speech "I Will Call When I
Can". Please see the translation bellow for her
award winning speech.
－－－－－－－

4

to study abroad in Japan, but at that time it was
just a dream to me. However, when I worked withall my effort, before I knew it, my dream had beenrealized. When it was decided that I would be
studying abroad, I felt that I had achieved this by
my own strength. Because I had studied so hardfor so many years, I thought this was the result of
my hard work and was so happy. But after coming
to Japan, I realized that I had been completely
wrong.
Last year I studied Japanese in Tokyo for one
year. I came to Tokushima prefecture this year to
study at the National Institute of Technology, Anan
College for three years. People from different
countries all over the world came to my Japanese
language school. As I studied together with otherstudents and got to know them, my world view
became wider and allowed me to see a worldthat I didn’t used to know existed. An Indonesianstudent at my school had become my friend
because of how much we talked to each other.
We have so many things in common, and just as
many differences. We never ran out of topics totalk about, and it was never boring.
One day, my friend asked me “Are you not goingto call your family?” I replied without thinking: “No,I won’t. My parents always call me, so there isno need for me to call.” Actually, I hadn’t called
my parents even once since I came to Japan. My
friend, on the other hand, would call their family
every day, even during lunch time, to tell them
about their day and ask how they were doing.

"I Will Call When I Can"
Everyone in this hall, I think, has accumulated
successes in their lives both big and small.
Overcoming various obstacles to achieve yourdream and become the president of your country
is a success, but so is working hard to wake up
early when you really want to sleep in. I wonder
what kind of successes we all have had in ourlives. And I wonder who made them happen.
Ever since I was in middle school, I have wanted

After that, I started to think: Who is it that has
made my life until now possible? Who made surethat I was raised healthily and without suffering?
Who worked so hard for my education to thedetriment of their own health? My mother who
always helped me with my homework, and myfather who made me go to piano and swimming
lessons. Even when I said “Enough! I don’t want
to do it anymore! Leave me alone!” my parents
kept pushing me. Because they didn’t let me giveup, I now have the confidence that I can do thesethings better than anyone.

5

Tokushima Prefecture Japanese Speech Contest

What I learned most from studying abroad is
the importance of my family and the value of myhome country. Our parents won’t be by our sides
forever. No one can say when they will leave thisworld. So, no matter how far apart we are, nomatter how busy I am, while I still can, I will callto hear my parent’s laughing voices. My parents
and I are all in good health, and though that may
seem unimportant, it is enough for my happiness.
Studying abroad in Japan is the biggest success in
my life so far. Participating in this speech contest
and standing here in front of you was a way to test
myself, and I have succeeded. What is behind mysuccesses? Who? I have finally realized. It was
the family that has always been supporting me. I

think all of you have arrived at this point in yourlives safely because of the support of your family.
My parents andmy home country
are waiting for me.
When I go back to
my country, I will feelthe responsibility to
put what I learnedin Japan to gooduse. No matter how
difficult this road is,I cannot quit. Dad,
Mom, home country,
Mongolia, pleasewait a little longer.

Letter from SUKETO NAKAYOSHI

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

n recent years you would often hear about
dangerous living creatures in the news.
Recently, little creatures like fire ants and ticks
can cause serious diseases by stinging or biting
and sometimes even menacingly lead to death.
Especially children are interested in small living
creatures and love to play outside, that’s why it
is necessary that adults pay attention to them.
Until July, it couldn’t be confirmed whether fireants had already invaded the Tokushima Area but
because they were already spotted in the Osakaand Hyogo area, you do not want to be in directcontact with them. Fire ants are between 2.5 and
6mm long, have ginger colored bodies, havea strong will to fight, and possess a poisonous
stinger on their back. If you get stung, it will cause
an intense pain. In that case, please keep calm
and if you notice any bodily changes, pleasehurry and see a doctor. Some people may show
some signs of an allergic reaction. If this is thecase please call an ambulance immediately. Ticks
are about 3-8mm long and can grow even larger
by up to 1cm by biting people or animals, andfeeding on their blood. They live in mountains andbushes, and if a person gets bitten by them, it cancause serious diseases which can also lead todeath. If you are planning to go to the mountains,

please embrace your skin as less as possible.
Bug spray is also very effective. In case you
have been bitten, it is important to remove thetick quickly, but please be aware that one part of
the tick could remain in your skin and a diseasecausing agent could invade the body. If possible,
please leave this to a doctor. For your safety,
watch your condition, and if there are any signsof disease, like fever, vomiting or diarrhea, please
visit a doctor. Autumn is the best season to travel
in Japan, so if you go in to the mountains, pleasebe careful.
＊＊＊Handmade Toys: “Paper Cup Megaphone ”
Directions:1) Cut the bottom of the cup and take it out.
2) You can draw some pictures or put somestickers on the sides. Make it colorful.
3) Attach a ribbon at the bottom of the cup, so you
can hang it around your neck.

6

Japanese Lesson
By Akiko Tsuji

じょう ず

上 手です。
じょう ず「 上 手 で す ね。」You can use this expression if you want to praise somebody for something. But be
careful, if you use it wrong it could be misunderstood as impolite. Let us practice this time when you
じょう ず

can use「上手です」and when not.
もん だいに ほん ご

せんせい

がくせい

はな

やす

じ かん

がくせい

せんせい

おし

＜問題＞日本語の先生と学生が話しています。休み時間に学生は先生にわからないところを教えても
がくせい

こた

かた

らいました。学生の答え方はどちらがいいですか。
せんせい

先生：どうですか？わかりましたか？
がくせい

せんせい

おし

かた じょう ず

学生：a) はい、よくわかりました。先生は教え方が上手ですね。
b) はい、よくわかりました。ありがとうございました。
The right answer is b). Do you understand why a) is incorrect? The rules are as follows.
1) It is impolite, if you praise somebody who has a higher position then you, especially if it is related tohis or her work. It is also considered impolite when praising a professional as a non-professional. Even
if you met someone for the first time, you could hurt his or her feelings.
じょう ず2) In case you want to praise a professional or a higher person, please don’t use「上 手 だ 」but use
たす「ありがとうございました」「 助 か り ま し た (it helped a lot)」 or other expressions of gratitude or
す ば

emotions like「素晴らしいです (how wonderful)」.
3) If your praise is not related to somebody’s じょう
usualwork you can use it also for people in higher power.
ず
But please addにantoせい
it so it becomesつく「お」せん「お上手ですね」.
ほん ご（例）：日本語の先生：これ、私が作ったケーキです。どうぞ。
がくせい

			
れんしゅう

つぎ

い

せんせい

つく

じょう ず

学生：わあ！いただきます。おいしいです。先生、ケーキを作るのが上手ですね。
かた

ば あい

ば あい

か

い

かた

かんが

＜練 習 ＞次の言い方がいい場合は〇、
よくない場合は×を（ ）に書いて、いい言い方を考えてください。
に ほん ご きょうしつ①

日本語 教 室で（

）

がくせい

じ

せんせい

ふくざつ

かん じ

よ

A（学生）：先生の字はとてもきれいですね。複雑な漢字も読みやすいです。
(Teacher, your handwriting is really beautiful. Even difficult kanji characters are easy to read.)
せんせい

B（先生）
：そうですか。それはよかったです。 (Really? Thank you.)②

プロのカメラマンに（
ひと

）
しゃしん

と

かた

じょう ず

わたし

しゃしん

と

A（プロでない人）：写真の撮り方がとてもお上手ですね。私はこんな写真が撮れませんよ。
(You are really good at taking pictures. I could never take pictures that beautiful.)
ねんとB（カメラマン）：ええ。30 年ずっと取っていますから。
(Yes, it is because I have been taking pictures for 30 years.)

かいしゃ

会社で（

）

ぶ か

し りょう

ぶ ちょう つく

じょう ず

A（部下）
：この資料は部長が作られたんですか？ 上 手ですね。
(Did you make these documents, departmental manager? You made them really well.)
じょう し

きみ

B（上司）
：そのうち君もできるようになるよ。(You will also be able to do it after some time.)③×（例）この資 料 は部 長 が作られたんですか。とてもよくわかります。ありがとうございます。
れい

答え：①〇
こた

し りょう ぶ ちょう つく②×（例）とても素晴らしい写真ですね。私もこんな写真を撮ってみたいです。
れい

す ば

しゃしん

わたし

しゃしん

と

③

7

Awa Shoku: New Queen of Mushrooms?

Autumn is the season for mushrooms, so
versatile and meaty. Luckily, Tokushima isa treasure trove of Japan’s most representative
mushroom, shiitake ( 椎茸 ).
You can actually find shiitake all year, and thatis thanks to some advances in the way they’regrown. Traditionally, they were cultivated on tree
trunk sections, but it limited the harvesting season
and yield. Recently, Tokushima has started
growing them on blocks of sawdust and nutrientsin enclosed warehouses, so conditions can beclosely controlled. Not only do the mushrooms
grow faster, but can be harvested year-round.
Tokushima Prefecture is the #1 producer ofhouse-cultivated fresh shiitake, with 80% of theharvest sent to supermarkets and restaurants in
Kansai.
Whether it’s a summer beach barbecue or asimmering hot pot in the winter, shiitake are awelcome addition, and that’s also no accident.
Thanks to high concentrations of amino acids, it’s
one of the top three umami sources in Japanesecooking along with dried bonito and kelp. But you
need to apply heat to bring out the flavor, hence
the grilling or simmering.

By Lance Kita

hybrid pass the test and can be sold as Tenkeiko.
These are jumbo mushrooms the size of yourfist, 10 times the size of a regular shiitake. They
are thicker than a steak, and contain three times
the umami. I had some at a local bar last fall, andwhen they arrived, grilled with butter and splashedwith sudachi…they still looked like chunks ofmeat. Tenkeiko don’t shrink or lose their moisture,and retain their firm texture. This is the Kobe
beef of shiitake, and I hope you’ll look for them atyour favorite izakaya or restaurant. This fall, kickup your mushroom experience, whether on thecheap or as a splurge. Have fun, guys, with yourfungi!

These Tenkeiko mushrooms aren't just bigger,
they're better. (Note: beer crate is a miniature toy.)

Autumn is an extra busy time for shiitake growers,
and that is good news for us Awa locals. As themushrooms are harvested, there are many thatare too small, too big, or too misshaped for normal
distribution, so they are sold in bulk at reasonable
prices at local farmer’s markets, Michi-no-eki
roadside shops, and even supermarkets. The
tiny ones are great in pasta or a quick stir-fry withchicken. The large ones are perfect as vegetarian
burger patties. The odd-shaped ones can be
disguised in tempura, or sliced and sautéed ingarlic herb butter. The flavor is as wonderful as
the perfectly-shaped ones, so take advantage ofthis bargain.
But the best is yet to come in October…
I introduce Tenkeiko ( 天 恵 菇 ), the queen of
shiitake mushrooms. Only a select few of a selectTenkeiko mushrooms are so thick and meaty,
grill or fry them just like pieces of steak.

Events & Memoranda

8Japanese Classes 2017: Term 2 Schedule
Hour: 10:30-12:00
Location: Meeting rooms at TOPIA
Textbook: We will be using the “Minna no Nihongo I” or the “Minna no Nihongo II” (2nd edition)
textbooks (2,700 yen for the book and audio CD). Please prepare the textbooks on your own. As well,there will be themed lessons on various topics such as seasons and life in Tokushima.
Fee: All classes are free.
DAY

TEACHERLEVELCLASS DESCRIPTION

TUE

Ms.Tamaki

Beginner

We will take the first step towards learning basic expressions. The
Japanese language supporters will assist with conversation.
Text: Minna no Nihongo I – from Chapter 1

From
October 3(20 times)
From
October 4(20 times)

WED

Volunteers

Group
LessonThis is a flexible group study class split up in different levels.
*For parents of young children, a childcare worker will be on
hand to look after your child during the lesson (please inquirein advance). Due to unforeseen circumstances, the rooms maychange.

THU

Ms.
YamadaElementary1

We will study various verb forms and sentence patterns using
those verb forms.
Text: Minna no Nihongo I – from Chapter 14

Ms. Aoki

Elementary
2,3

We will study various forms and expressions such as potential,
volitional, imperative, prohibitive, conditional, reasoning, passive,
causative, and honorific expressions.
Text: Minna no Nihongo II – from Chapter 26~50

JTM

Elementary2

We will study various verb forms and complex expressions.
Text: Minna no Nihongo I – from Chapter 26

Volunteers

Group
LessonThis is a flexible group study class split up in different levels.

FRI

SUN

From
October
12(20 times)
From
October 6(25 times)
From
October 1(20 times)★ Please register for Group Lessons at least a day before class (if you do not sign up in advance andshow up on the day of class, we may not be able to find you a group to study with). As the number ofgroups are limited we may not always be able to form a group that fits your level.
★ If you are unable to attend class, please call and let us know.

TUE

Ms. Kimura
Ms. Fujii

SpecialBeginnersClass

A class for those who cannot read or write hiragana or katakana.
We will study the basics such as, the Japanese alphabet,greetings, numbers, and items. We will also be learning about
Tokushima.

You mayjoin atanytime★ Contact Info: Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA)

6F Clement Plaza, 1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi, Tokushima City 770-0831
		
TEL: 088-656-3303
FAX: 088-652-0616 E-mail: topia@topia.ne.jp★ Classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather such as typhoons, heavy rain, or snow. Pleaseconfirm by calling TOPIA at 088-656-3303.
*Japanese classes are also available at the Anan International Association, Aizumi Town International Exchange
Association, Yoshinogawa International Exchange Association, and NPO Mima no Sato.
*Please visit TOPIA’s Japanese Classes page on our official website for more information (available in Japanese,
English and Chinese).

9Events & Memoranda

White Horse Theatre
ホワイト・ホース・シアター上演実行委員会

The “White Horse Theatre” Group is coming toTokushima! The group is performing mainly infront of English-learning Audiences, to show themthat language learning doesn't have to be boring.
This time, they will perform two pieces: “Lizzie
and the Pirate” for English beginners and for
Advanced English Learners the “Twelfth Night”.
Don’t miss your chance to see them!

イギリスのプロ劇団“White Horse Theatre”を徳島に迎えることになりました。この駅団は、英語を外国語として学ぶ人たちに見せる劇団であり、劇を通じて見る人に英語で楽しめたという自信をつけます。今回、小・中学生向けの「リジーと海賊」と高校生・大人向けの「十二夜」という劇作品を上演する予定です。ぜひご覧ください。

When: October 1st (Sunday)
11:00 Lizzie and the Pirate 			(Doors Open 10:30), 60 minutes
15:00 Twelfth Night(Doors Open 14:30), 90 minutes
Where: Tokushima Kenritsu Bunka no Mori, 21
Seikikan Event Hall
Cost: Lizzie and the Pirate: 2,000 yen(2,200 yen at the door),
Students: 1,800 yen
Twelfth Night : 2,500 yen (2,700 yen
at the door)
Students: 2,300 yen
Tel:090-9452-8798
E-mail: masamimt.alley@gmail.com

日時： 2017 年 10 月 1 日（日）11 時 リジーと海賊（10 時半開場）、60 分
15 時 十二夜 （14 時半開場）、90 分
場所： 徳島県立文化の森
21 世紀間イベントホール
料金： リジーと海賊
一般 2,000 円（当日 2,000 円）
学生 1,800 円
十二夜
一般 2,500 円（当日 2,700 円）
学生 2,300 円
TEL: 090-9452-8798
Email：masamimt.alley@gmail.com

World Rafting Championship 2017
ラフティング世界選手権 2017
From October 3rd until October 9th, top athletes
from all over the world will gather at Yoshino Riverin the Miyoshi City area to participate in the World
Rafting Championship 2017. Watch the spectacle
live and cheer for your favorite athletes!

10 月 3 日から 9 日まで世界レベルの激流が流れる三好市の「吉野川」に、世界のトップアスリー
トが集結します！好きな選手達を応援しに来てください。

When: October 3rd - 9th (Opening Parade 15:30-)
Where: Around Awa Ikeda Station (Miyoshi City)
Cost: Free
Info: kankou@city.tokushima-miyoshi.lg.jp		
(English available)
Tel:0883-72-7628

日時： 2017 年 10 月 3 日～ 9 日（オープニングパレード開始 15 時 30 分）
場所： JR 阿波池田駅周辺
料金： 無料
情報： kankou@city.tokushima-miyoshi.lg.jp
TEL: 0883-72-7628

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)