THE TOMBO

Oita’s English Newsletter

January, February, March 2017

Issue 86

Lights, Camera, Oita!
If you are interested in a place or a region, then it’s only natural that you might want to read about it in a book or acomic book, or see it on the big screen. Oita Prefecture may not appear in fiction as frequently as Tokyo or Osaka, but
it has served as the backdrop or inspiration for many entertaining works of fiction.
Here is a quick guide to some notable instances where Oita has appeared in fictional works.

Films:● Kara-age USA, 2014

Usa City is famous for its delicious kara-age (fried chicken)
and so it’s only natural that kara-age would play a prominentrole in this drama film. Ai Takashi stars as a woman fromUsa returning to her home-town after an absence of many
years to help her family make make fried chicken. The title isa pun –the name Usa is often mis-read as “U.S.A.”, and thefilm features American characters.

● Tsunai Hiichatta! (“Play at Tug-of-War!”), 2012

Despite boasting many wonderful tourist spots and things todo, Oita City is somewhat overshadowed by the prefecture’s
more famous tourist destinations, Beppu and Yufuin. In thisgood-natured comedy, Oita City officials attempt to boost
the city’s profile through the formation of a women’s tug-ofwar team! For fans of underdog Japanese sports films suchas “Waterboys”, this is a must-see.

● Kao (“Face”), 2000

A dark film about sisters and murder. A woman commits a crime and runs from the law, traveling throughout Japan toevade the police. Although the majority of the film is not set in Oita Prefecture, the famous Himeshima Island Kitsune
Odori (fox dance), - which is part of the Bon-Odori festival - appears during one of the film’s most dramatic scenes.
Himeshima is a little-known area of Oita, famous for its delicious prawns, and the Fox Dance each summer is a popular
event for tourists. This film offers a chance to see one of Oita’s most unique festivals.

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April, May, June 2017

Manga:● Shingeki no Kyojin (“Attack on Titan”) by Hajime Isayama, 2009-PresentAlthough “Attack on Titan” is set in a fictional world, with inspiration for the setting drawn from multiple sources,
the author of the manga, Hajime Isayama, is originally from Hita City and so the manga has a strong link to OitaPrefecture. Isayama has continued to maintain a connection with Oita Prefecture since starting the manga. He cut theribbon on the opening day of the OPAM “Attack on Titan” exhibition in 2015, and also has drawn an illustration of thelead characters from “Attack on Titan” fighting alongside Mejiron (Oita’s mascot) and Kumamon (Kumamoto’s mascot)in honour of the victims of the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016. If you are a fan of the manga, why not take the train
to Hita City and see if the sweeping mountain vistas remind you of the mountains that are backdrop of many of thehuman vs. man-eating giants battles of “Attack on Titan”.

TV Programmes:● Kaze no Haruka (“Haruka of the Wind”), 2005-2006

Japanese asadora (serialised morning drama series made by NHK) have been broadcast since the early sixties. There
are two asadora each year, and episodes are shown daily. Asadora take place all over Japan, and in 2005 an asadora
set in Oita Prefecture was broadcast. In “Kaze no Haruka” a young woman named Haruka is living in Yufuin, but she
dreams of moving to Osaka to reunite with her mother and become a travel agent. The programme divides its time
between Haruka’s new life in Osaka and her old hometown in Oita where her father and sister remain.
● Gunshi Kanbei (“Kanbei the Tactician”), 2014

Junichi Okada (“The Eternal Zero”) plays Kuroda Kanbei, a famous
feudal lord of the Sengoku Period of civil war dating from the late
fifteenth century to the late sixteenth century. Those who livein Oita Prefecture will of course know that Kuroda Kanbei built
Nakatsu Castle, and those who wish to meet a (much cuter andless scary) mascot version of Kuroda Kanbei need only to hop on
the train to Nakatsu City. Viewers of this period drama can learn
about the history of Kuroda Kanbei, one of Oita’s most famous
samurai and a man who helped shape the history of northern
Kyushu.

Books:● Kyūnen Mae no Inori (“A Prayer of Nine Years Ago”) by Ono Masatsugu, 2014

This work won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, one of Japan’s biggest literary awards. The book is a collection of shortstories, and the titular story depicts a single mother returning to the small hometown village of her childhood in Saiki,
Oita Prefecture, now accompanied by her own young son. Masatsugu is a native of Oita Prefecture and has stated that
he draws inspiration from his hometown when writing his works.
(Continued on page 3)

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3

Date
Apr. 11th –Jul. 9th
Apr. 7th –Jun. 6th
Apr. 14th –May 7thApr. 15th –Jun. 11th
May 13th –Jul. 2ndJun. 9th–
Aug. 1stEXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS

Description

April, May, June 2017

Place

CostContact #Collection Exhibition

Oita City Art Museum¥300☎ 097-554-5800

OPAM 2017 Collection Exhibition I “Blend of Colors”

Oita Prefectural ArtMuseum¥300☎ 097-533-4500

CIAO! 2017 ~ Welcome to Ueno Mori ~Oita City Art Museum

TBC☎ 097-554-5800¥1000☎ 097-533-4500¥1000☎ 097-533-4500¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Kahitsukan Collection, Kitaōji Rosanjin – Asking
Oita Prefectural Art
about the Beauty of Japan
MuseumOorai Narayoshi THE ILLUSTRATOR – The Illustrator of Oita City Art Museum
Star Wars and Godzilla, Who Stands Apart
Oita Prefectural Art
OPAM 2017 Collection Exhibition II “Mizu wo Ikou”
Museum***Most Museums and Centres are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday. Student admissions vary, highest cost shown***

STAGE & MUSIC EVENTS
DateTime

Artist/EventVenue

Cost

Contact #Apr. 12th 18:30 Legally Blonde the Musicaliichiko Grand Theatre Prices vary

Apr. 15th 14:00 Final Fantasy Concert

iichiko Grand Theatre TBC

12:00
Apr. 22nd 14:30 Family Musical Thomas the Tank Engine
May 27th 18:00 DRUM TAO – Drum Rock Galeiichiko Grand Theatre Prices varyMay 9th19:00 Natharlie Stutzmann (Contralto) Singing Schubert

iichiko Otonoizumi Prices vary

☎ 097-533-4004

May 14th 14:00 24th Regular Concert by the Oita Wind Philharmonic

iichiko Otonoizumi ¥500
iichiko GrandPrices varyTheatre☎ 090-2398-0924

Jun. 24th

14:00 Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra☎ 097-533-4004

iichiko Grand Theatre Prices vary

☎ 097-533-4004**Ticket prices range from student to most expensive general admission. Prices shown otherwise indicate price for purchase on the day of the event, they may be cheaper if purchasedin advance. “+drink” prices require the additional purchase of a drink. Times shown indicate start times, doors usually open 30 minutes beforehand. N/A indicates information was notknown to the TOMBO at the time of going to print..

iichiko Grand Theatre= Oasis Tower 1F Oita CityVENUES

iichiko Otonoizumi=Oasis Tower 1F Oita City

Continued from page 2)● Shikisai wo Motanai Tazaki Tsukuru to, Kare no Junrei no Toshi (Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years ofPilgrimage”) by Haruki Murakami, 2013
Haruki Murakami is one of Japan’s most successful authors, but did you know that Oita has appeared in one of hisnovels? In this novel, the titular character attempts to find out why his childhood friends abruptly broke contact withhim many years ago. One of the characters in the novel tells a story about his experiences in a remote hot spring areain Oita Prefecture. Murakami is a very talented author when it comes to conveying a sense of place, and I am suremany of us with connections to Oita Prefecture will be interested in seeing his take on the Hot Spring Capital.

Farewell from the Editor

I am sad to announce that this is my last issue of the TOMBO and that from July onwards the TOMBO will be in thecare of a new editor. I would like to thank all readers of the TOMBO for their continued support and encouragement
over the last two and a half years. Having never edited a newsletter before, I was a little nervous when I started, but
I had great experiences compiling each issue of the TOMBO. I hope all the readers of the TOMBO continue to enjoy
reading the newsletter in the capable hands of its new editor.
Best wishes,Miri (editor, 2014-2017)

THE TOMBO

4April, May, June 2017

Festivals and EventsDate~May. 8th

Mar. 31st~Apr. 3rd

Event Description

LocationContact #Rokugo Liner - A limited period sightseeing tour bus service to/from Oita airport to/fromBeppu or Yufuin, running every Mon, Sat, Sun from Apr 29th to May 8th. 8:00am Beppu
Kitahama → 8:15 Beppu Kannawa → 8:45 JR Yufuin Sta. → Usajingu Shrine (stop) → Beppu City, Yufu City,Fukiji Temple (stop) → 12:40 Oita Airport 13:35 → Futagoji temple (stop) → MonjyusenjiTemple (stop) → JR Yufuin Sta. 17:45 → Beppu Kannawa 18:15 → Beppu Kitahama 18:30 Usa city, Kunisaki City
Single ticket(to/from airport): ¥4,000. Reservations are requested for up to 2 days inadvance.

☎ 097-532-6368

The 103rd Beppu Hot Springs Festival - This festival will include a number of events and Beppu City
attractions, including free entrance to approximately 88 designated hot spring locations. Ogi-yama mountain☎ 0977-24-2828

Bungo Ono City

Apr. 1st ~14thTulip Festa 2017 - The tulips in Ogata-machi (a rural town) are in full bloom in April. Funevents for visitors will be held each Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the festival. Ogata-machi, near the☎ 0974-42-2111

Apr. 3rd

The 69th Taketa Okajyou Sakura Festival – A Daimyo Gyoretsu (feudal lord’s procession), Taketa Citya samurai parade and more will be held around the castle from 11:00 AM. Oka Castle
Oka castle ruins
Ruins are also a highly recommended Sakura sightseeing spot.

☎ 0974-63-2638

Apr. 15th
May 20thJun. 17th

Kimono Appreciation Day - Held on the third Saturday of each month, with special offers Kitsuki Cityand discounts for kimono rental and professional photography.
Jouka-machi☎ 0978-63-0100

Apr. 15th~16th

The 17th Cento Miglia KAMITSUE - A gathering of cars and culture. This event promises Hita City, Kuju-Aso
non-stop fun.
Area,and more

☎ 045-591-6235

Harajiri falls

May 3rd ~ Ebine Festival - Exhibitions, game competitions, stage events, fresh agricultural produce Kitsuki Cityfor sale and a yakiniku corner!
Yamaga-Machi
4th☎ 0977-75-1211

May 3rd ~ Onta-yaki Pottery Karausu Festival - A great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn Hita City
more about Oita’s traditional arts. Ceramics are on sale and visitors can try their hand atMotoe-machi
4ththe spinning wheel used for making this classic craft for free.

☎ 0973-22-2036

Beppu City, Oita City,May.6th ~26th

The 19th MUSIC FESTIVAL Argerich's Meeting Point in Beppu - A music festival featuring
Mito City (Ibaragi) anda number of performances by famed pianist Martha Argerich and affiliated musicians.

☎ 0977-27-2300☎ 029-231-8000☎ 0557-84-2500

May 5th ~6thThe 30th Kitsuki Castle Festival - Centred around the castle town’s “Edo Village”, there
will be events such as samurai parade in addition to taiko performances. This year, Ken Kitsuki CityMatsudaira, a famous samurai actor, takes part in the Samurai parade on May 6th. If you Kitsuki Castle vicinity
want to join the parade, mail to info@kit-suki.com by Mar. 31st

☎ 0978-63-0100

May 14th

Hita Flower Festival - Visitors can purchase fresh flowers, enjoy a flower fashion show Hita Cityand maybe even win a prize in the lottery contest.
Rose Hill Amagase☎ 0973-57-3147

May 13th

Usa Air Base Peace Walk - A 10km walking tour will be held around the former Usa Usa City
air base. The tour will include guided explanation of the area. The tour departs from
Yanagigaura high school ☎ 0978-32-1111
Yanagigaura High School at 9AM.

May 13th

Spring rice field exploration - A fun, educational activity for parents and children to learn Kokonoe-Machi
about wildlife living in the local rice fields (participation fee ¥500, reservations necessary) Kuju Furusato Shizen
13:30-16:30
Gakkou☎ 0973-73-0001

May 18th~24thMankoji Temple Market - This gathering has taken place since 1425. Come to exchange Oita City
goods (May 20th), compete in costume and karaoke contests, and more.
Sakanoichi☎ 097-537-5764

May 21stKuju Furusato Shizen Gakkou rice planting - Participants can experience planting rice Kokonoe-Machi
by hand while learning about the local wildlife (participation fee free, reservations Kuju Furusato Shizennecessary) 13:00-17:00
Gakkou☎ 0973-73-0001

May 20th~ 21st

Hita River Opening Festival & Fireworks - Performances and other festivities to take Hita City
place to celebrate the the start of fishing for ayu fish. Don’t miss the grand fireworks!
Mikuma-River☎ 0973-23-3111

May 28th

The 18th Himeshima Karei Festival - There will be a Himeshima karei (flounder) tasting, Himeshima-mura
as well as other attractions including a Kitsune-odori performance. (Flounder tasting
Ferry port
participation costs approx. ¥1,500)☎ 0978-87-2211

Jun. 4th

The 65th Mt. Kuju opening - Events will be held at the mountain summit to commemorate Taketa City
the start of the summer mountain season. Schedule is subject to change.
Mt. Kuju☎ 0974-63-1111

Jun. 11thTashibunoshou rice-planting festival - This is a yearly event where visitors can experience Bungo Takada City
planting rice using traditional methods in the small historical rice-paddy village. ScheduleOzaki area
is subject to Change.

☎ 0978-22-3100

Jun. 17th

Lake Kagurame Iris Viewing Festival - A chance to see some eighty different types of Beppu City
irises, numbering more than 15,000 in total. Many events, such as a tea and kagurame
Lake Kagurame
dango (sweet rice dumpling) service will be held. Schedule is subject to change.

☎ 0977-25-3601

Jun.23rd~25th

The 20th Yufuin Culture Documentary Film Festival - Historical and cultural documentaries Yufu City
will be screened each day in the Yufuin Kouminkan.
Yufuin Kouminkan☎ 0977-85-4464

Jun. 26thRo-ten-buro No Hi (Free “Open-air bath” Entrance) - Four different facilities open their Nakatsu City
doors for bathers for FREE on this day every year.
Yabakei-Machi☎ 0979-22-1111

Jun. 24th~25th

The 24th Lavender Festival - 6,600 purple lavender trees at Oita’s Kenmin no Mori Forest
Oita’s Kenmin no Mori
Park are a sight to see! Come pick your own lavender for FREE (up to 100 branches)!

Atami City (Shizuoka)

Oita City

Forest Park

☎ 097-588-0656

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What’s Going On?

5April, May, June 2017

From the PlazaJapanese Lessons

Free Legal Consultations for International Residents
The Oita International Plaza is holding free legal
consultations for foreign residents on the third
Wednesday of every month.
●When: January 18th, February 15th, March 15th
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Sei Ito (Administrative Solicitor)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)

Himawari Japanese Volunteers

Free Consultations in Chinese
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Chinese every Thursday.
●When: Every Thursday (except January 5th).
●Time: 10:00-13:00●Consultant: Wenyu Kodama●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Consultations in Tagalog

The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultations inTagalog.

●When: J anuary 7th, February 4th, March 4th.
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Rhodora Yoshitake (President of the Oita
Philippines Friendship Association)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Consultations Regarding Immigration,Residency, and Citizenship
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultations
regarding immigration, residency, and citizenship on thefirst Sunday of each month.
●When: February 5th, March 5th●Time: 13:00-16:00●Languages available: Japanese and English●Interpretation into languages other than Japanese andEnglish may be available with a reservation (there areno guarantees). The reservation must be made 2 days
prior to the consultation day.
●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)

Support for people learning Japanese in order to help themenjoy their lives in Oita, now at three different locations.
Wasada Public Hall Wed. 10:00-11:30
Meiji Akeno Public Hall Wed. 14:00-15:30
Tsurusaki Public Hall Sat. 10:00-11:30
For more information contact Ms. Fukata TEL: 097-527-2614
E-MAIL: nihongo_himawari_oita@yahoo.co.jp

Nihongo Rakuraku-talk
Beppu City Hall offers free Japanese lessons every Monday
from 14:00-15:30. For more information contact Mr. Kii inthe Beppu International Affairs Division
TEL: 0977-21-6133 E-MAIL: int-ma@city.beppu.oita.jp
Sakura Japanese Class
Come study Japanese with friendly volunteers and teachers
in a pleasant atmosphere. Sakura Japanese Class is held
every Monday from 10:15-12:00 at the Oita University
International House in Nishiki-Machi, Oita City. Classes arefree of charge. For more information call Ms. Ohashi
CELL: 090-7866-2486
AIUEO Japanese Lessons
Volunteers offer free Japanese lessons on Tuesday andFriday from 10:20-11:50 at I-NESS near Oasis Tower as wellas Thursday nights at Compal Hall from 18:30-20:30. Lessons
are also offered in Beppu at the Beppu Foreign Tourist
Information Office on Tuesday mornings from 10:00-12:00.
For more information contact:
Ms. Miyase CELL: 090-8353-2485 (day lessons)
Ms. Kato TEL: 097-532-5940 (night lessons)Community Classes and Events
Happy Talk
Come practice speaking Japanese with other learners andnative speakers. Reservations not required, just show up onthe day.
Please bring your own drink if you like. Participation is FREE.
For more details and information on when Happy Talk isheld, please visit the Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/HappyTalkOita

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6April, May, June 2017

Changes to International Plaza
Opening Hours
From April, the Plaza's opening times will change.
The Plaza will now be open from 9:30 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday (closedon Sundays).

おおいた国際交流プラザ

公益財団法人 大分県芸術文化スポーツ振興財団大分市高砂町 2−33 OASIS ひろば 21（B1F）☎ 097-533-4021 FAX:097-533-4052

YOU ! !

Oita International Plaza

Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation

OASIS Hiroba21（B1F）2-33 Takasago-Machi, Oita-Shi 870-0029

THANK

A special thanks to all those who co-operated with us for

The International Plaza is located on the basement floor of OASIS
Hiroba 21（iichiko Culture Center）.

this issue. Your help was very much appreciated.
THE TOMBO is produced by:

Oita International Plaza
Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation
2-33 Takasago-Machi
Oita-Shi Oita-Ken 〒 870-0029☎097(533)4021

Fax 097(533)4052
E-MAIL: in@emo.or.jp
http://www.oitaplaza.jp/english/
HOURS: Monday-Friday

9:30am-7:00pm(closed weekends and the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. We
are open on the Saturdays before these Mondays)
Closed national holidays & Dec 29th - Jan 3rd

大分県立美術館 OPAM
Oita Prefectural Art Museum