Miyakonojo International Association

Miyakonojo International Association

4-1 Himegi-cho, Miyakonojo-shi,Miyazaki-ken, Japan 885-0073 TEL 0986-23-2295
http://miyakonojo-mia.com E-mail mia@btvm.ne.jp

MIA NEWS (201)ed., Mar (5)Chairman Inauguration Address
I, Nishida Kazutoshi, Miyakonojo City’s Deputy Mayor of Business have been appointed as
the Miyakonojo International Association’s (MIA)
Board of Directors Representative and Chairman.
As you are aware, yearly, there number offoreign residents in Japan is increasing. According
to a survey conducted by the International Promotion Office, as of December Reiwa 5 (2023), there are 2,215 foreign residents in Miyakonojo city; marking the largest ever recorded. Furthermore, an investigation by the town of Mimata confirmed 189 foreign residents. With this, foreigners already residewithin the Miyakonojo region in large numbers but from hereafter
will continue to increase.
With this scenery as a base, together with people of different citizenship’s and ethnos, in order for cross-cultural understanding and to shape our region hand in hand, I’m convincedseveral elements will gradually become more and more essential.
Those elements are symbiotic intercultural understanding, foreigner support and consultation operations, and the ability to connect
with those of different countries and cultures through our association’s international exchange events.
In regards to the events that, up until last year, were cancelled due to the coronavirus’s infection effects, they will gradually
be resumed. However, in efforts to further contribute to the Miyakonojo region’s international exchange/understanding and intercultural symbiosis, I’d like to sponsor events in the way before thetime of Corona.
To all our officials and members, thank you for providing
your ongoing cooperation and support.
Miyakonojo International Association (MIA)
Board of Directors and Chairman Nishida Kazutoshi

Departing Leads to an Even More Wonderful Reunion!
I am Miyakonojo’s 16th Chinese Coordinator for International
Relations: Karen Ei. Reluctantly, as my term nears its end, I offer
my parting words.
As a CIR, I worked towards the mission of imparting correction information and fostering Chinese interestand understanding. Even if limited tojust one person, I strove to contributeto Japan and China’s friendship.
Within this year, with 54 times totalingover 98 combined hours, 70 percent of the work was International
Exchange Classroom duties. From pre-school to senior citizenstudents, we presented to over 4899 attendees. Rather than onedirectional seated classroom learning, I attempted to implement astyle of participation-learning. I wore Hanfu, brought traditional
goods and toys such as a shadow theater and Jianzi(shuttlecock
kicking game), and started learning to play the Erhu (traditional
Chinese instrument) to then perform to the students. I received alot letters from the students saying “Chongqing was shocking!”and “I want to visit China!”. I subsequently felt enormous pride
when a Miyanichi E-press article wrote “Karen’s Chinese presentation left the biggest impression on our hearts”.
Miyakonojo’s allure lies in its plentiful nature and comfortableliving. For example, the iris’s, hydrangeas, and hibernating buzzards observable at Kanemidake, Mt. Takachiho, Mt. Karakuni,and Onamino Pond all manifest the year-round enjoyable climb
up Kirishima’s mountain range. Interacting with Mother Nature isnot only extremely moving, but also equally as inspiring.
Regarding the comfortable livelihood, starting with being able
to procure well balanced meals, I was satiated body to mind.
Thanks to home-delivery meal service, even during a busy everyday routine, I was able to cook on short-notice. Additionally,
thanks to the beauty salon worker’s brilliant technique, my hair
quality and nail shape significantly improved. From practicing
kendo and Erhu to studying for test qualifications, both in bodyand mind I lived a fulfilling everyday.
I’ll relay two points that surprised me about Miyakonojo.
The first is about beef. All of the beef in Miyakonojo has an
assigned number along with its parent’s information and birth plus

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

17-9 Nakamachi, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki
Godzilla –1.0
Demon Slayer World Tour-Miracle
Bonds, Hashira Training● Haikyu-Battle at the Garbage Dump

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physical growth reports attached. It was shocking that you cantrack it up until the moment it becomes meat. Additionally, there isa “beauty” contest where the winning female cow is used forbreeding. When I told my friends that Miyakonojo born calves areshipped to regions like Matsuzaka and Saga to be used as thenation’s representative calf, even my Japanese friends were surprised.
The second surprising point is about chicken. I’d understand if
it was fish or even horse but eating chicken raw? I first learned
about this in Miyakonojo when, I heard about “tataki” (fresh halfraw chicken with its front face cooked). At first, I resisted eating it,
but once I dug in, there was no sense of unpleasantness. I realized it was it just a part of Japanese cuisine and I came to like it
for its crispy-chewiness.
The first time I had Miyazaki’s staple food, “Chicken Nanban”,
its sweetness struck me. I’ve now become used to sweetness so
if something isn’t sweet I find it strange. My mountain climbing
friends taught me how to make it but I was taken aback uponlearning that even though they are Kyushu neighbors, Miyazaki
and Kagoshima’s cooking methods for adding wheat and eggs, aswell as the sweet vinegar production methods are different.
However, the true reason I became a fan of Miyakonojo is that
it is a town overflowing with kindness. During kendo, my teacher
instructed me without reserve. The townspeople treated me to allsorts of gourmet, invited me into their homes, made me sukiyaki
and gane (Miyakonojo and Kagoshima local cuisine), taught me
how to make Shimenawa (rope used to cordon off consecrated
areas or as a talisman against evil), and helped me make lots offun memories. Due to a recent leg injury, I was forced to live an
unfree lifestyle for 2 months but due to the help from my doctor,workplace, schools, and frequented stores, I felt Miyakonojo’s
kindness and zealousness all over again.
This job may be over, but I’ll continue to do international exchange. Not just with China, but I’ll also share about the Miyakonojo that I love. From the bottom of my heart, I am looking forward to the possibility of meeting you all again!

Departing Leads to an Even More Wonderful Reunion!

2/16
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