My Lifestyle and the Local Community

Ms. Wu Xiaobei (China),working at municipal community center at Orionishi, Kitakyushu
1. Self introduction*Studied as an international student and found employment in Sapporo, Japan.
*Married, moved to Ashibetsu City, gave birth to first child.
*Moved to Kitakyushu City due husband's work transfer.
*After giving birth to second child, registered as court interpreter.
*Participated in start of "Inai-Inai Ba," which provides free space for child rearing andsocial events for mothers and their children to interact.
*Began teaching Chinese at Orionishi Community Center.
*Worked as coordinator at Orionishi Community Center.
*Have been employed at Orionishi Communication Center since the beginning of thecurrent fiscal year.
2. Life in Kitakyushu City
When I wasan International student >>>>>>>> Teacher, school
working>>>>>>>>> Superior or associate, company
married, getting birth, childrearing >>>>> No one to consult--> Lonely, lonesome, seems that I will lose confidence.
--> Want to melt in with and have closer relationship with local community; want to know
more about and enjoy Japanese culture.
(1) Dwelling, human relations, etc.
Experienced in a group leader in my town
My questions are:Name of those performing activities and separate surnames for married couples,
Do Japanese couples fight?
Don't ask age.
(2) Childrearing*Birth / before and after birthpg. 1

*Encounter with picture books
Also offered opportunity for physical contact with children and to understand the heartsof Japanese people through Old Japanese Tales.
*Childrearing free space "Inai-Inai Ba"
Photograph 1

Associate with various mothers and find that you yourself are not the only one who isisolated (mother with children with special needs also participate in the activity).
(3) Child education, kindergarten, elementary school*Language is not the only problem. Parents do not have experience with Japanese
obligatory education, so they do not know about school events such as athletic meetingseven if notifications, etc., are provided with furigana.
*Parent(s) are foreigners, separate surnames for married couples(4) Problems*Relationship with hospital, your hospital and referral form
*Elderly parents, after parents become elderly, after you yourself become elderly(5) Work*Teaching Chinese at Orionishi Community Center.
Teaching Chinese to local volunteers looking after children.
They are still active in functioning as a childrearing supporter.
Photograph (2)*Coordinator at Community Center
What I learned at the volunteer course for coordinator training --> A person's attitude isa reflection of myself, etc.
Photograph (3)*Worker at Orionishi Community Center
Started lightheartedly, but once started, I realized it was really difficult!
Language problem, Japanese is difficult, unique expressions
Power of communication, reading feelings, (unexpectedly everyone is brimming withindividuality), what one really thinks, maneuvering behind the scenes, etc.
After receiving a lot of help and associating with people while studying, I have become
quite positive.
Photograph (4)(6) What I am happy about recently:
I have recently obtained employment and made friends with some of the people I workwith and have met people I can get advice from.

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3. My suggestions(1) Concerning foreigners*I would like people to talk to foreigners, exchange greetings and associate with themutual feeling of assistance (usually nice but cautious when necessary).
*I would like foreigners to be invited to join groups in the town, be given jobs ofresponsibility, be allowed to participate in events and be recognized as a member ofthe local community.
*Have people understand that foreigners are interested in things that you yourself may
not be interested in such as separate surnames for married couples, husbands cooking
and sense of values.
*Attempt to associate with foreigners without preconceived notions.
*Culture class or Japanese language follow-up class for understanding Japanese culture
and customs*An explanation of hospitals, schools and social workings would be helpful.
International interchange can be realized by associating with foreigners living in thelocal area (you don't have to go overseas). You might find something good.
(2) Women's childrearing
Provide care for women who are raising children so they can get the kind of job they want.

Finally, one of the initial objectives of studying overseas was to build a bridge between
Japan and China. I always impatiently wanted it to be completed quicker. I now think myroutine lifestyle and job are serving as a bridge.

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