THE TOMBO

Oita’s English Newsletter

October, November, December 2016

Issue 84

An Imported Foods Selection That’s Out Of This World

Last year, around the Fourth of July, I found myself experiencing severe chili dog withdrawal symptoms. Since
moving here from the U.S. a few years back, I’d tried several times (with varying degrees of success) to use ingredientsfrom my local supermarket over in Beppu to replicate a recipe for the kind of chili dogs commonly found at American
baseball parks and cookouts.
I’m by no means an amazing (or arguably even good) cook, but most of my attempts ended up rather “meh,” evenby my low standards; each one definitely edible, but missing a certain zest. It turns out that not having easy accessto barbeque sauce can make it tricky to get the right mix of bitter and sweet needed to really capture the refinedessence of the noble chili dog.
Well, as it so happens, there actually is a store (right under our noses, too) that sells imported foods andingredients. Jupiter (officially “Jupiter Coffee, K.K.”) is an imported food chain store which opened a branch last year
in the newly-renovated JR Oita Station. This particular branch is the first one in Oita and the closest available within apretty fair distance – on Kyushu, there are only two other Jupiter stores, located in Fukuoka and Saga.
And while Jupiter is most definitely not the only imported foods store in Oita Prefecture, the prime location within
the commercial heart of Oita Station makes it extremely hard not to recommend it to homesick foreigners. Being
within a train station makes it perfect for picking up dinner ingredients on the way back, or for grabbing a soft drink
while waiting for a train; it’s become one of my favorite places to hunt for nostalgic comfort foods. However, I’ve
found a surprising majority of my fellow foreigners (particularly those studying at APU) are completely unaware of it –and then they complain that they can’t find any Campbell’s chicken noodle soup when they’re sick – which makes it aborderline civic duty of mine to spread the word.
Despite its somewhat limited floor space, the store’s inventory covers a surprising range of culinary products, likevarious pastas (including noodle shapes relatively rare in Japan, like farfalle and fusilli), sauces, canned goods, softdrinks, liquor, sweets, and comfort foods can all be found on their shelves.
These products largely fill the void between “obvious” products fora Japanese grocery store, and “obvious” products for an American
supermarket; taco shells and spice mixes, canned chile con queso andsalsas, tortilla chips, assorted Hersey’s products, imported coffee beans
and tea bags, dried fruits, jarred pickles, bratwurst, and olives, familiar
jams and dressings, Canadian maple syrup, and more seasonings than
I can count are among the items I know they sell just off the top of myhead, though my selective recollection is no doubt representative by my2

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October, November, December 2016

own American tastes (they’re the most reliable place I’ve found to get my root beer and Doritos fix on short notice).
A pretty decent portion of the items for sale originate from outside North America, too. In particular, their winecollection contains quite a few imported Italian and French wines. The store also sells its own line of coffee beans andother various products, like salad dressings, tea blends, nuts, and soup stock.
Manager Keiko Fujita took some time out of her day to talk a little about the store and its promotional plans. “We
do get many foreign customers, but yes, we would like to see much more customer awareness. We’re actually doing
a 50% off campaign on our coffee right now, and we’re planning to get a few of our advertisements listed in thenewspapers in local train stations, like Beppu and Oita. Eventually, we’d like to work our way up to TV commercials andhave even more people know about us.”
Jupiter is open every day from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Hogue William (Intern, Oita International Plaza)

Nishi Oita Deck: My "Peaceful Place"
Humans tend to look for peace in different things. It can be throughshopping, travelling, sleeping, eating or even dancing. It depends onthe character of the people, their hobbies and their preferences. I am
someone who finds comfort in observing the beauty of nature. Beingbrought up in a country like Nepal that is rich in natural beauty may havecontributed in the development of this interest in me. However, as it ourhuman nature to ‘‘seek for something that you don’t have,” my country
is landlocked but I have always been fascinated by the ocean more thanthe beautiful mountains and rivers in my country.
Pursuing my undergraduate studies in an island country like Japan has
given me the opportunity to enjoy the ocean that surrounds the country.
I enjoy walking around, taking pictures, reading books or listening tomusic while looking at the ocean in different coastal areas in Oita. While going to different places, I developed aparticular fascination in the Nishi Oita deck that I call my ‘‘peaceful place’’.
Nishi Oita deck is located in the coastal line below the Nishi Oita station in the Ikushi area. It is a 5 minute walk fromthe port of Oita where most of the ships and boats stop. TOPS Bitts Hall is a popular place that lies in the east end of
the stretch of the deck. There are many other small cafes’ that surround the area. Unlike the highly populated Tanora
beach and Umi Tamago deck that are close by, Nishi Oita deck is very peaceful. Common visitors in the area are dog
walkers, runners, fishers, old age couples and children along with their parents.
I enjoy walking around the deck area at noon time from around 5pm to 7pm. One can enjoy the sea breeze along with the viewof the sunset behind the mountains of Beppu and Hiji. It is beautiful to see the changing color of the sky and its reflection on theocean with the changing position of the sun. Additionally, it is relaxing to listen to the sound of the waves with the popping soundof the fishes jumping in the water every now and then. I also enjoy looking at people having a good time while playing with theirdogs and children or fishing. Especially, during the weekends, there are a lot of people like me who come to the place to be atpeace.

Continued on page 3.

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October, November, December 2016

Besides observing the nature and the people around you, there are many exciting things happening in the deck area.
As it is close the Oita port, one can see different ships along with the Sun flower ferry that leaves for Kobe from theport. Sometimes, one can see a wedding photo shoot or even an actual wedding as there is a wedding place in thearea. Occasionally, one can listen to the live music being played from the cafes’, jamming bars or the popular concerts
taking place in the TOPS Bitts Hall. You can also enjoy the atmosphere by lying down in the grass reading a book orlistening to your favorite music.
The atmosphere of the place helps me to think and concentrate. I usually go there when I need to plan aboutsomething or even to cheer up myself. Studying in a new environment with new people is not easy. Especially, ina country like Japan where the cultural values are so strong, it is hard for international people to adjust. However,finding a place where I can feel at peace has helped in my personal development and has motivated me to embrace
the challenges that come on my way.
--- Poudyal Ritu (Intern, Oita International Plaza)

EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS

Date

Description

Place

Cost

Contact #Oct. 7th –Nov. 29th

OPAM Collection Exhibition Vol. IV – “With FrenchWorks”

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum¥300☎ 097-533-4500

Oct. 8th –Dec. 4th

Alphonse Mucha Exhibition

Oita City Art Museum¥1200☎ 097-554-5800

Oct. 21st –Nov. 27th

Kingdom of Buddha – Sculptures of Buddha in Oita

Oita City History
Museum¥200☎ 097-549-0880

Dec. 2nd –Jan 22nd

Dutch Modern Design – Rietveld / Bruna / ADO –Playful Design and Life Art

Oita Prefectural art
Museum¥1000☎ 097-533-4500

Dec. 2nd –Jan. 31st

OPAM Collection Exhibition Vol. V “Life Poetry Seenin the Collection”

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum¥300☎ 097-533-4500***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
Date

Venue

Cost

iichiko Grand
TheatrePrices vary

☎ 080-2736-5108

S h o c h i k u K a b u k i – i i c h i ko p r e s e n t s O i t a iichiko Grand
Oct. 12th 13:00
17:00 Performance
TheatrePrices vary

☎ 097-533-4004

Oct. 1st
Oct. 2ndTime

Artist/Event

18:30 Die Fledermaus
13:30

Contact #Oct. 28th 19:00 namie amuro LIVE STYLE 2016-2017

iichiko Grand Theatre ¥9,400☎ 092-714-0159

Oct. 30th 18:00 KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2016 ~ Best Single Collection

iichiko Grand Theatre ¥8,400☎ 092-714-0159

Music and Pictures Concerning Satei – 150 th
iichiko Otonoizumi ¥3000
Anniversay or Erik Satei’s Birth☎ 097-533-4004

Nov. 19th 14:00

Nov. 23rd 14:00 Soprano and Guitar Duet Concert

Patria Hita

¥1000

☎ 0973-25-5000

Nov. 27th 17:30 Shoko Sawada Live Tour

Cantaloop II¥4500 +drink☎ 097-548-5363

Dec. 12th 13:30 One Coin Relay Concert Vol. 4 – Soprano

iichiko Otonoizumi ¥500

☎ 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.

Cantaloop II=3-2-30 Miyako-Machi
Nakayama Dai 5 Building 6F Oita City

VENUES

iichiko Grand Theatre= Oasis Tower 1F Oita City
iichiko Otonoizumi=Oasis Tower 1F Oita City

Patria Hita= 1-8-11 Sanbonmatsu, Hita City

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4October, November, December 2016

Festivals and Events
Date~Oct. 11th
~Nov. 20th
~Dec. 11th
Oct. 1st~
Nov. 30th
Oct.2nd~Dec. 25th
Oct. 9th
Oct. 9th~Oct. 30th
Oct. 10th

Event Description

LocationContact #Wear Yukata Kimono and Walk Beppu Event - Experience wearing Yukata. Heldon every Fri - Sun, and Holidays (Fee ¥3,000. If you would prefer other days, Beppu City
☎ 0977-22-1686
JR Beppu Station
please contact).
Oita Agricultural Park’s Autumn Harvest Festival - Experience fruit picking Kitsuki City
(11:00-, numbered tickets 9:30- ) and harvesting fresh vegetables (13:30- ).
Oita Agricultural Park ☎ 0977-28-7111
KUNISAKI ODAYAKA HAKU Events -A variety of workshops, events, and more Kunisaki City
☎ 0978-72-5168
to be held throughout Kunisaki City (inquire for more details).
Various Locations
18th Oita Art Culture Festival 2016 - A variety of exhibitions, performances, Oita Prefecture☎ 097-536-0522
workshops and more to be held throughout Oita Prefecture.
Various Locations
MUSIC FESTIVAL Argerich’s Meeting Pont in Beppu Film Concert- held every Beppu City
Sunday, 11 am – 12am
Shiiki Argerich’s House ☎ 0977-27-2299
th
29 Beppu Yukemuri Health Walk Rally/Marathon- This event will take place Beppu City
☎ 0977-21-6162
at lake Shidaka and Lake Kagurame in Beppu (inquire for more details)
Lake Shidaka
Sanko Cosmos Garden - 15 million cosmoses are in bloom, approx. 16ha of thefoot of Hachimenzan mountain. Places change every year; this year Haruguchi, Nakatsu City
☎ 0979-43-2050
Naritsune district will transform into a pink and white carpet. Shuttle bus Sanko Area
service (free of charge) from JR Nakatsu Station on Sundays.
42nd Beef Eating and Screaming Contest - Yes, you read it right! Come eat beef Yufu City
raised in Yufuin and scream to your heart’s content, or just enjoy watching Yufuin-cho Kawakami ☎ 0977-85-4464
others do so (held at Namiyanagi no bokujyou)

Oct. 15th
Nov. 19th
Dec. 17th
Oct. 15th~16th

Kimono Appreciation Day - A monthly event where visitors can try on rental Kitsuki City
kimonos, have their photos taken, and receive discounts at nearby facilities if Jouka-machi
they are wearing kimono.
Beppu Agriculture and Forestry Festival - An event promoting local goods at Beppu City
Beppu Park. Here you can enjoy local products, wood working and workshops. Beppu Park

Oct. 16th

11th Road of Xavier Walking Festival - Walking event to explore the road which Hiji Town
Christian Missionary Francisco Xavier walked in 1551 to go to Bungo-Funai via Hiji Town
Yamaguchi.
CommunityCenter☎ 0977-73-3158

Oct. 16th

32nd Oita Dialect Uncovered! Speech Contest - A comedic contest for linguistic Bungo Takada
contortionists at Chuo Community Center. Come along to test out your Oita- Chuo Kominkan
ben comprehension (reservations necessary)☎ 0978-22-3100

Oct. 22nd~23rd

Beppu Fisheries Festival - This event aims to local seafood produce. Held at Beppu City
Kamegawa Port, here you can enjoy lots of local cuisine.
Kamegawa Port

☎ 097-532-6611

Nov. 3rd
Nov. 5th~6th
Nov. 5th~6th
Nov. 11th~13th

27 th Shonai Kagura Festival - In conjunction with the 35 th Shonai Town Yufu City
‘Furusato’ festival. There will be kagura performances from a number of Shonai-Machi
groups, and specialty goods for sale.
Beppu Dance Festa 2016 - This contest will showcase talented dancers Beppu City
competing for the grand prize (to be held in Beppu Park in conjunction with Beppu Park
another local produce promotional event) 13:00-16:00

Nov. 12nd~13th

20th Usuki Takeyoi festival - Over this weekend, approximately 20,000 bamboo Usuki City
shoots are lit up with candles all over the city.
Nioza
Sennen Akari - Festival of lights in Hita City. Bamboo shoots will be lit up with Hita City
candles throughout town, and there will be concerts, food stalls, and more!
Mameda-Machi
Hita Tenryo Festival- This festival works to recreate Edo period Japan with a Hita City
samurai parade and various acts of local performing arts around Tsuki-kuma Mameda-Machi
Park.

Nov. 12nd~13th

Ono River Battle Festival – This is performed by cavalry, archers, and more Oita City
with the theme of the “Battle of Hetsugigawara” which happened 423 years Dainan-Ohashi bridge
ago between the Otomo allied forces and the Shimazu army
Hetsugihon-Machi

Nov. 18th~20th

Taketa Chikuraku Bamboo Light Festival - Over the three days 20,000 bamboo Taketa City
lanterns will be lit across Jyouka-Machi, and visitors can enjoy live music Jyouka-Machi
performances, and taste local delicacies at food stalls.
Oita City
Mt. Takasaki Free entrance day
Mt. Takasaki
Shimekazari and New Year's decorations making workshop - Experience Kokonoe-Machi
making Japanese New Year's decorations. Participation fee is \500, reservations Kuju Furusato Shizen
Gakkounecessary.
Wadako (Japanese traditional kite) making workshop - Experience making Oita City
Wadako. Participation fee is \220 (Incl. admission fee), reservations necessary. History Museum
Beppu Christmas hanabi fantasia- approximately 10,000 fireworks are to be Beppu City
fired into the clear winter sky to create huge original displays, accompanying a Spa Beachperformance of Christmas songs sung by 1000 people.

Nov. 19th
Dec. 3rd
Dec. 10th
Dec. 23rd~24th
Dec. 31st

Usa Shrine New Year’s Eve festival- this is the final festival to round off theyear.
Usa Cit
Visitors visit Usa Shrine to pray for things such as good health and good Usa Shriney
fortune.

☎ 0978-63-0100☎ 097-506-3544☎ 097-582-1111☎ 0977-24-2828☎ 0972-63-1111☎ 0973-23-3111☎ 0973-23-3111☎ 097-597-1264☎ 0974-63-2638☎ 097-532-5010☎ 0973-73-0001☎ 097-549-0880☎ 0977-24-2828☎ 0978-37-0001

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What’s Going On?

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October, November, December 2016

From the PlazaJapanese Lessons

International Understanding Talk
“The Land of Tulips and Windmills – The Netherlands”
To coincide with OPAM’s planned “Dutch Modern
Design – Rietveld / Bruna / ADO” exhibition, the Plaza
will be holding an event where you can learn about thehistory and culture of the Netherlands while enjoying
cheese and wine.
Date/Time: December 2nd (Friday), 18:00 to 20:00
Place: iichiko Culture Center, BF1, Small Screening Hall
Lecturer: P yke van Zon (Coordinator for International
Relations, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture)
Participation Fee: ¥500
●Participants must book beforehand. Please contact theplaza. Telephone 097-533-4021 or e-mail Ms. Ohata:
ohhata@emo.or.jp

Himawari Japanese Volunteers

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: October 19th, November 16th, December 21st●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Sei Ito (Administrative Solicitor)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,
B1F)
Free Consultations in Chinese
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Chinese every Thursday.
●When: Every Thursday.
●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 in
Tagalog.

●When: October 1st, November 5th, December 3rd●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: October 2nd, November6th, December 4th●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 in
the 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 on
the 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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October, November, December 2016

Happy Holidays!
As readers of the TOMBO will probably be aware, people inJapan hold bounenkai (“forgetting the year parties”) at the endof each year. Oita Prefecture has truly had an eventful year.
Understandably, many people in the prefecture hope to put
tragedies that occurred this year such as the Kumamoto andOita Earthquakes behind them. I hope that people in Oita werealso able to make many happy memories this year and arelooking forward to 2017. I would like to thank readers of the
TOMBO, and I hope to continue to make the TOMBO a more
informative and interesting newsletter. I would also like to wish
all our readers happy holidays and a happy new year!
--- With warm regards from the editor.

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