KCC NEWS Vol.99 1st, July, 2024

Kashiwa Cross-cultural Center

July, 2024

Kashiwa Cross-cultural Center,Palette Kashiwa
1-7-1-301 Kashiwa,
Kashiwa,Chiba,Japan 277-0005■TEL: 04-7157-0281 ■FAX: 04-7165-7321■E-MAIL: kcc@kira-kira.jp■URL: https: //www.kcc.kira-kira.jp

Vol.
99

Recruitment for Participants for the Pre-Briefing of the 40th Anniversary ofFriendship City Partnership "Citizen Tour to Chengde, China"
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the exchange programs with sister and friendship cities between
Kashiwa city and Chengde city ( Hebei Province, China) , we are organizing a citizen tour to Chengde andsurrounding areas for about 20 participants. The tour will feature programs that allow for exchanges
between citizens and participation in official events that are not possible on individual trips. Additionally,participants can enjoy sightseeing at places like Shanhaiguan (the eastern end of the Great Wall) and Beijing(including the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace). We warmly invite you to join us.
Tour Period: Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Tuesday, October 29, 2024 (5 nights, 6 days)
Participation Fee: Approximately 300,000 yen (including travel procedures)*Please note that costs may change due to increases in fuel taxes, etc.
* It is recommended that those wishing to participate in the tour attend the pre- briefing. Tourapplication forms will be distributed at the briefing.
Pre-Briefing Session:
Date & Time: Saturday, August 3, from 6:30 p.m. at Palette Kashiwa
Please make a reservation for the briefing by 12:00 a.m.on Saturday, August 3.
For reservations, please contact the KCC office directly or by email at boshu-1@ kira-kira.jp (please includeyour name [with furigana], address, and phone number).
Inquiries: KCC OfficeForeign Residents' Life Experience Seminar
Let's talk about any difficulties or concerns you have about living in Japan.
D Thursday, July 4, 1:00 p.m. ～P Palette Kashiwa, MTR-F
Target Audience: Foreign residents living in Kashiwa and neighboring areas.
Registration: Directly at the KCC office or by email at boshu-1@kira-kira.jp.

F FreeExperience the Coloring of a Yuzen Handkerchief
Enjoy coloring in the patterns of chrysanthemums and putting your names with gold line!
D July 16th （ Tues.） 10:30a.m. ～ 12:30
P Palette Kashiwa MTR-A＆B
F 1,000 yen* Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or bring an apron.
N First 15 participants
A From 9:00 a.m. on July 1st, come directly to Kashiwa Cross-cultural Center (KCC)or send an e-mail (boshu-1@kira-kira.jp) with your name and phone No.
Inquiry: KCC officeYuzen
handkerchief

Request for Donations for the Taiwan Earthquake
W e have placed a donation box in our office. W e kindly ask for your continued generous cooperation.

Upcoming Event Schedule (July onwards)

Torrance Youth Visit to Kashiwa (7/10 - 7/30)
Kashiwa Youth Dispatch to Torrance (8/5 - 8/23)
Lecture by a Mexican Embassy Official (9/21)

Chengde Youth Visit to Kashiwa (7/30 - 8/3)
Kashiwa Youth Dispatch to Chengde (8/22 - 8/27)<Request> When applying via email, please be sure to include the event name,your name, and phone number.
DDate & Time PPlace FFee NNumber of applicants LLecturer CContents AApplication RReservation.

KCC NEWS Vol.99 1st, July, 2024

"Revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act" (5/16)

Twenty-seven people, including the general public, participated in this one-hour Zoom session starting at 8 p.m.
This time, we invited Mr. Hatsuo Sugishita, an administrative scrivener and the chairman of the Multicultural
Coexistence Committee, as the lecturer. He explained in an easy- to- understand manner that the Immigration
Control Act exists to protect Japan and Japanese people, not foreigners. He also explained why there are few
refugees in Japan, and that other measures are needed to protect the rights of foreigners, among other topics.
Currently, Japan faces challenges such as population decline and labor shortages, necessitating an increase inforeign labor. Discussions on foreign status of residence, recognition systems, and the pros and cons of the Revised
Immigration Control Act, provided an opportunity to learn and think about refugees in Japan. This session was avery important training for guiding Japan's future direction.

Civic Activity Festa 2024 (5/ 19)
Held at the East Exit of Kashiwa Station, this event saw participation from 84
organizations. Each group introduced their activities through poster exhibitions andconsultation sessions, and the event ended with great success. The Kashiwa
International Relations Association set up a tent on the double deck to display activity
photos and distribute newsletters ( Kawaraban) , event flyers, and pamphlets about
sister city activities to promote our daily activities. Additionally, a dice game was held
where participants spoke simple words in foreign languages based on the numbers
rolled. Both children and parents participated in the game, making it a fun andmeaningful experience. Many foreigners living in Kashiwa also attended, making it agreat opportunity for interaction.

Many citizens visited.

Wagashi, Japanese Sweets-Making Experience (5/ 21)
Participants from Thailand, China, and Japan created nerikiri sweets shaped like pink
and purple hydrangea flowers, enjoying the experience of making seasonal wagashi.
Initially, participants said that creating delicate and cute hydrangea shapes was difficult,but they were very satisfied with the results under the instructor' s careful guidance.
They also learned that handmade wagashi, infused with the maker' s feelings, tastes
better. Additionally, wagashi related to May and seasonal topics were shared, making
the day an enjoyable one where participants experienced various Japanese traditions
Making wagashi that looks
and the spirit of wa (harmony) through wagashi.
like hydrangeas.

"Chad: The Country of the Scorching Desert and Gentle People" (June 1)

The lecturer, Shihoto Kamihashi, shared his experiences participating in a solar
power technology transfer project in the remote area of Tissi, Chad, as a member of
the NPO Solar Net.
In Tissi, many people had fled to neighboring Sudan during Chad's civil war, only
to return during Sudan's civil war with no work or means of livelihood. This project,funded by the International Organization for Migration ( IOM) , one of the United
Nations' refugee support agencies, aimed to aid these people. The members of Solar
Net developed a technique for manually making solar panels, and Kamihashi and hisMr. Kamihashi inteam taught this technique to refugee women. They also provided technical training
atraditional costume
to men on installing the solar panels. As a result, the refugees were able to live withlights at night and start new jobs using computers.
Kamihashi' s story moved the audience deeply as he described overcoming numerous challenges: the airport inTissi, about 1, 200 kilometers from the capital N' Djamena, lacked a control tower; during the rainy season, theairport would be submerged, forcing them to travel to Tissi by road under the protection of internationalorganizations; and obtaining a visa was a significant challenge since there is no Japanese Embassy in Chad. Despite
these difficulties, the support efforts led to substantial improvements in the lives of the people in Chad.

"Easy Japanese" - Phrases to Use in DisastersLet's think about Japanese phrases that are easy for foreigners to understand.
D Thursday, July 18, 8:00 ～ 9:00 p.m.
L Ms. Chie Uchida (Japanese language instructor)
F FreeN First 30 applicants
Registration: Directly at the KCC office or by email at boshu-1@ kira-kira.jp ( Please include yourname and phone number)
Note: The Zoom URL for participation will be sent to applicants on the event day.

KCC NEWS Vol.99 1st, July, 2024

To Future Delegates! Don’t Be Afraid of Failure and Take on Challenges!

Kurea Igarashi, 2017 Kashiwa Youth Delegate to Camden

What made you decide to apply for the delegation program? ― I had been learning English since I was
two years old, but I had never actually gone abroad and used my English skills, so I applied for this KIRA
program to experience a homestay. I was also attracted to the idea of going abroad on my own, rather
than travelling with my parents.
Please tell us your impressions of your time in Camden, such as what surprised you, what impressed
you, what troubled you, etc. ― Everything was new to me and very impressive, from the cold weather,which is the complete opposite of summer in Japan, to the beautiful mountains. In particular, the accentｓ unique to Australians confused me at first, but I got used to it as I lived with Australians every day. I
also remember the happy days when I experienced school life with my host sister, eating lunch with herclassmates and knowing their great interest in Japan.
How do you think the program has affected your life since then? ― Although I was a young eighth
grader, I believe that the memories of those two weeks will last a lifetime. I still keep in touch with thepeople I went to Camden with, and we talk about our memories of those two weeks every time we seeeach other. They are great friends to talk about our future paths and to motivate each other. Also, theexperience of going abroad gave me confidence in myself as a successful experience. I had only known
Japan, but I gained new experiences and discoveries by going to Australia. And most importantly, I wasable to have the idea that I could live my life the way I want to.
Please tell us about your life abroad since then. ― I studied as an undergraduate for 4 months at
California State University San Marcos in the U. S. during my sophomore year of college. After myexperience in Camden, I became moreinterested in English and decided tostudy at the International English
Department in a university in Japan,
which encouraged me to study abroad.
Even though my stay was only for
four months, it was a very preciousand wonderful time, It was morechallenging than I had expected toattend the same classes and take thesame exams as the local students inan environment without students
from Japan. There were days when I
stayed up late at night at the library,working on the computer. But more
Farewell party
than those challenges, I tried andUniversity campus
experienced many things, such as daily life with my roommates, Americanstyle home parties, skydiving, and so on. One of my roommates invited me
to her house for five days over the Thanksgiving holiday, and I was able toexperience a real Thanksgiving party. When I was leaving, my roommate's
parents told me, “This is your second home, so come back anytime," and I
will never forget the words they said. I think I achieved my motto of
studying abroad: "It is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.”
What do you expect for future delegates, or students who are thinking toapply for the program？ ― Staying abroad is a valuable opportunity. Try
various things without fear of failure. I myself had been shy since I was achild, but I tried to act as if “this opportunity comes only once in a lifetime."
Specifically speaking, I actively talked to my host family, spoke up inclasses, said what I wanted to do, etc. I am sure there are many morethings you can do, and your actions with a little courage will surely giveyou confidence in your future! Do not be afraid and challenge yourself toTrip to Mexico
do whatever you want to do. You will make memories that will last for alifetime.

KCC NEWS Vol.99 1st, July, 2024

Japanese Shonan Classes(Summer Vacation July 22-August 31)
Online Classes
Sat

Minna no Nihongo , Primary II(Unit 46~)

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sun 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I(Unit24~) and Intermediate (Unit1~)
In-person Classes (Shonan Community Center)

Thu 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I(Unit 18~) and Primary Ⅱ(Unit30~)

Sun 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I(Unit 8~)(Unit 19~)

Japanese Kashiwa/Kashiwanoha Classes(Summer Vacation July 23-August 31)
Online Classes
Tue 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I (Unit 19 - )Wed 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Conversation Elementary （Level 2）

Wed 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thu 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary II (Unit 42 - )Conversation Elementary (Level 2)

Fri

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Minna no Nihongo ,Primary Ⅱ (Unit 43 - )Sat

9:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Conversation Intermediate
In-person Classes (Palette Kashiwa)

Tue 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hiragana, Katakana

Tue 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Beginners, Minna no Nihongo, Primary 1 (Unit 6~)

Tue 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I（Unit 11 - ）Sat

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary I（Unit 3 - ）Sat10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Minna no Nihongo , Primary II (Unit 40 - )In-person Classes (Kashiwanoha Service Corner)

Thu 10:00 a.m .- 11:30 a.m.

Hiragana, Katakana

Thu 10:00 a.m .- 11:30 a.m.

Conversation Elementary Former・Latter

Sat

Intermediate

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Free Legal Advice and Administrative Procedure Support for Foreign Residents

To foreign residents. Are you in need of help? Lawyers and administrative procedure specialists areavailable for consultation. You can ask for specialists’ advice on issues such as family or partnerviolence, divorce, visa procedures, and problems at work. Reservation necessary.
D July 24 (W ed), 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. P Palette Kashiwa Room A R the KCC officeMembers Wanted! Kashiwa International Relations Association (KIRA)

W hy don't you become a member and join us in international exchange activities? Let's interact withforeigners by planning and organizing various events. You don't have to speak English. You can also
make friends. For more information, please visit our website. (Inquiries: the KCC office)Information for Foreign Residents from Kashiwa City

Consultation for Foreign Residents

Email distribution service from Kashiwa City

Sign up to receive email announcement from the city,
Available in English ( Thu) ,Chinese ( Wed and Fri) , Spanish such as information on natural disasters, crimes, and fires( Mon) , and Korean ( 2nd and 4th of your area in the language of your choice. Scan the QRTue) from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. code and register!
at the Consultation Counter for
Multilingual “Koho Kashiwa,” monthly official city bulletin
Foreign Residents (City Hall Main
Office Building, 3rd floor).
Scan the QR code and select your language under “ Foreign
Tel: 04 - 7168 – 1033
Language” to read the official city bulletin, “Koho Kashiwa,” selected
No reservation required.
and translated for foreign residents.

Links for Multilingual News & BOSAI INFO (Disaster prevention and Coronavirus)
NHK WORLD-JAPANQuestions?
Please contact the office ofKashiwa Cross-cultural Center (KCC)

Tel: 04-7157-0281
Fax: 04-7165-7321
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Closed on Sundays and national holidays

KCC Newsletter Edited and Published by: Public Relations Division of General Affairs Committee in Kashiwa International Relations
Association (KIRA), the specified non-profit organization and the designated administrator of Kashiwa Cross-cultural Center (KCC)