MIA NEWS 193ed., Jul. (4)Miyakonojo International Association

Miyakonojo International Association
6-21 Himegi-cho, Miyakonojo-shi,Miyazaki-ken, Japan 885-8555
TEL 0986-23-2295
FAX 0986-23-3223
http://miyakonojo-mia.com
E-mail mia@btvm.ne.jp

Five Years of Gratitude! - (Australian CIR George Goonan)
In the blink of an eye, five years
went from hearing about Bonchi Matsuri for the firsthave passed, and it is now mytime, to teaching all of our international residents howturn to say farewell to everyone
fun it is to dance the Samba Yassa down the mainhere in Miyakonojo. While thestreet! It’s been my absolute pleasure to prepare
incessant march of time stops
dauntingly difficult questions for the trivia night eachfor no man, reaching this inevitime, and everyone always manages to exceed our extable eventuality still comes aspectations. Hosting the World Festa stage performanca surprise; as all good thingses (as well as taking to the stage to play some pianomust come to an end, so toomyself) was always nerve-racking, but I hope that evemust my time here in Miya- This photo was taken ryone who came along to see our talented international
konojo. That being said, I would during a Challenge
residents show off their skills had a great time. I look
like to finish my time here talk- Video shoot!
forward to spreading the word further about Miyaing at some length about all of
konojo’s summer festivals, and maybe next time trivia
the wonderful things I have had the pleasure of experi- is happening, I’ll be able to take part alongside all ofencing and taking part in whilst living in the ‘city of you instead!
smiles’. Apologies in advance for the rambling to While I have certainly explored a vast portion of Miyacome!
konojo over the course of the last 5 years, there areUpon arriving in Miyakonojo, I was immediately intro- still so many places I have yet to go to, and they’re all
duced to cuisine that would become instant and per- awe-inspiring in their own right. Most of the places thatmanent favourites, such as Chicken Nanban and Jidori Lewis mentioned in last month’s article were entirely
Sumibiyaki (locally raised char-grilled chicken). As a new to me! That being said, Sekino-o and Mochio Parkside note, I think that the comment I made about Sho- hold a special place in my heart. Sekino-o was the very
chu being ‘not bad’ will certainly live on in infamy! first place that I was able to visit after arriving in MiyaThanks to my compatriots in the Internationalisation konojo; walking amongst the trees and seeing the falls
Promotion Office, my transition to life in Japan was up close was a sight to behold. As for Mochio Park, afmade effortless, and my work environment was a truly ter having heard about the cherry blossom season inenjoyable one. I can’t thank you all enough for all of Japan for so long, I was blown away by how the feel ofthe support that you have given me over the course of the city, and Mochio Park in particular, changed entirethese five years.
ly once they were in bloom. I am certain that there isI have had the opportunity to translate for City Hall dur- much still left for me to explore, and I hope to have theing visits to Australia, and vice versa, when Australians opportunity to do so in the coming years.
have come to visit Miyakonojo City. I’ve even had the Finally, I would like to say thank you to my fellow CIRs.
opportunity to regularly perform live on radio, and From guiding me through my first few weeks as I learnt
made a brief appearance on local TV. Whilst having the ropes of being a CIR, to preparing for all of our
successfully undertaken such roles fills me with a events and seminars, shooting our all-new challenge
sense of pride, I must admit that it has been my many videos together and more; every moment of these pastschool visits and seminars that give me the greatest five years is precious beyond words. It is amazing tosense of satisfaction. From young children to adults think of what we have managed to accomplish togethand senior citizens, seeing everyone fascinated by Aus- er over the course of a few short years, and I look fortralian culture and customs, and witnessing such genu- ward to what our newest additions to the team manine interest in international exchange and multicultur- age for themselves in the years to come.
alism is heartening beyond words. As discussions have While there is still so much more that I could write
ranged from general knowledge to national census about, it is about time for me to finally wrap this up
methodology, technological developments, Australia’s and say my farewells for now. It has been an honour torehabilitation & healthcare systems and more, I have be able to work here in Miyakonojo City with everyone.
been able to learn a great deal myself about both of While it may be true that all things must pass, it is that
our countries, and the innumerous similarities and dif- self-same transience that makes each moment all theferences between them. I am truly grateful to everyone more precious. I hope that those I have met feel much
who has come and been a part of these seminars and the same, and I look forward to the next time I haveschool visits.
the opportunity to come and visit everyone here.
I’ve also been lucky enough to experience and take Cheers, and I’ll see you all again soon!
part in a variety of events, form local festivals to MIA’s
premiere events, World Festa and the World Beer & *See the next page for a few photos from George’sTrivia Night. Within my first month in Miyakonojo, I time in Miyakonojo.

MIA NEWS 193ed., Jul. (5)Miyakonojo International Association

Miyakonojo International Association
6-21 Himegi-cho, Miyakonojo-shi,
Miyazaki-ken, Japan 885-8555
TEL 0986-23-2295
FAX 0986-23-3223
http://miyakonojo-mia.com
E-mail mia@btvm.ne.jp

Top: Characters used to represent, from left to right,
Khishige, Soyolmaa, George and Qian in their videos.
Middle Left: George’s piano performance at MIA’sWorld Festa in Miyakonojo 2019.
Middle Right: A group photo taken at our World Beer &Trivia Night, where George MC’d for the evening.
Bottom Left: George during one of his school visits,
teaching Miyakonojo’s youth about Australian culture.
Bottom Right: A group photo of, from left to right,George, Khishige and Karen, Miyakonojo’s latest CIRs.
Below Left: George at Miyazaki’s International Festa.
Below Right: George, Qian and Soyolmaa at BTV for
their live TV appearance on ‘Tege Jado News’.

Aussie Bites! (Childhood Memories, Australian CIR George Goonan)
My family often went travelling around
Australia on holidays when I was a child,and today, I want to share a couple of interesting photos I found from some of those trips. Firstly, there’s theabsolutely GIANT 20 meter long crocodile statue, which
you can find in Wyndham, Western Australia. By comparison, me and my brother are little more thansnacks! For those into the extra-terrestrial, there’s aplace in the middle of Australia known as Wycliffe
Above: Edward (rear) andWell, where you might just catch a glimpse of a MarGeorge (front) at Wycliffe
tian or two! You can always find something a bit differ- Right: Edward (bottom) andent in Australia, you just need to know where to look!
George (top) at Wyndham

Information & Notices
to wet weather, MIA will not be participating)◇ Bonchi Matsuri is Back!
MIA is getting involved in Bonchi Matsuri’s Dance Line Dance Location: Chuo-doori, near Nakamachi
once again! Join MIA and dance the Samba Yassa and Gather at Miyakonojo City Hall’s North Annex 2nd Floor
the Yasuhisabushi together! We look forward to seeing at 16:00 (this area will be used to practice the dances)
20 people (must apply in advance)
you all there! *MIA will be dancing in Happi. These Capacity:
Inquiries:
Please contact MIA Inc.
Happi will be provided for all participants.
TEL:0986-23-2295
Date:
August 5th (Sat), 18:00~18:50
mia@btvm.ne.jp(In the event of postponement to August 6th (Sun) due E-mail:Movies info

C-Plaza Cine-port (Tel: 0986-24-2571)

17-9 Nakamachi, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Map-Code (GPS): 117 488 540*55●Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween Finale (Japanese)●Meitantei Conan: Kurogane no Submarine (Japanese)●Fast X (Japanese Dub)
●The Super Mario Brothers Movie (Japanese Dub)
●The Flash (Japanese Dub)
●Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Japanese Sub)

●The Little Mermaid (Japanese Dub)
●The First Slam Dunk (Japanese)*The 1st of every month is ¥1,100 for everyone.
*Every Wednesday is ‘Ladies’ Day’, all ladies ¥1,100.
*The cinema is closed every Tuesday.
*For session times visit: http://movie.walkerplus.com/th286/
schedule.html (Japanese)