July 2021 English Edition No. ３１6 Messenger

COVID-19 Vaccination 64 years old and younger Schedule for making an appointment:

60 ~ 64 years old June 28, 10:00 am *Vaccination coupons for 16 ~ 64 years old were mailed out For those with underlying accordingly starting June 21st. July 9, 10:00 am conditions *Vaccination coupons for 12 ~ 15 years old will be mailed out in 16 ~ 59 years old *In preparation the middle of July.

Ways to make an appointment: ● By phone (Call center) 057-042-666 ● Online (reservation site) https://vaccines.sciseed.jp/koshigaya/login For inquiries: COVID-19 Vaccination Program Office (Municipal Health Center), Tel: 048 – 972 – 5538

National Pension Premium Exemption Applications for national pension contribution exemption and postponement of payment (for those younger than 50 years old) starts in July. You may apply for the exemption of payments, etc. for 2021 (for the period from July 2021 to June 2022). Full and partial exemptions of payments and contributions will be assessed and granted by Pension Service based on you or your sp ouse income in 2020. ●There may be no need to process an application if you have been granted a full exemption or postponement of contribution during the previous year. ●Basically, you need to file an application every year to be granted a partial exempt ion continuously (3/4, 1/2 or 1/4 exemption). ●Applications are also accepted for those who wish to apply for exemption before June 2021 or for the past 2 years. What to bring: ・My number card/notification ・Pension book ・Identification documents or valid ID ・Certificate of employment insurance benefits for those who resigned, etc. Where to apply: National Health Insurance and Pension Section (Pension In charge), City Hall Building 2 – 5F *From July 26, the office will be at the city hall building 2 – 1F For inquiries: Japan Pension Service, Koshigaya Pension Office, 048-960-1190 National Health Insurance and Pension Section, 048-963-9155 Preventing heatstroke while wearing masks While the administration of COVID-19 vaccine continues, it seems that we are still in a situation wherein we should continue wearing masks even this summer. Wearing masks this summer may increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat related illnesses. Let’s prevent heatstroke while wearing masks while keeping in mind the following: 1. Drink plenty of fluids 2. Do some light exercise to prepare your body for the summer heat 3. Use an air conditioner when necessary 4. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes when possible 5. Use an umbrella or wear a hat and avoid direct sunlight 6. Don’t push yourself too hard and take some rest if you need to 7. Get plenty of sleep/rest

Online Summer Courses (Zoom) at Bunkyo University ’s Institute of and When / What (Topic): August 2 – Chinese , writing and calligraphy August 3 – English education, Japanese education Target participants: Those who are interested and engaged in the topics mentioned above How much: ¥0 Application: Register or apply through the (2-dimensional) code For inquiries: Bunkyo University Institute of Linguistic Culture, 048-974-8811

Martial Arts Exercises When: July 18, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Koshigaya FM (86.8MHz) Where: AEON Laketown mori, 1F Ki no Hiroba Target: 50 participants Important of Koshigaya is How much: ¥0 aired at Koshigaya FM on Mondays What to bring: Sportswear, towel, water, sports shoes, from 12:30 pm. You may listen to it YOGA mat through your smartphone, PC or tablet. Application: July 1 ~ July 11 (electronic filing) *Applications at the venue on the day of the Just download the app ListenRadio event, and by phone will be accepted from and you will be able to get information July 12 ~ 16 when the number of participants has not reach the maximum. for free. For inquiries: Sports Promotion Section, 048-963-9284 Learning Japanese ~IRODORI Japanese for Life on Japan~ IRODORI Japanese for Life in Japan is a learning material developed by Japan Foundation. It is perfect for those non- native to learn practical Japanese through a variety of situations and topics related to daily life in Japan including work, shopping, and leisure and socializing with others . The material is divided into 3 levels so you can choose one that suits your needs. The material and its audio files are available online and can be downloaded for free. Feel free to use it according to your needs. For quick access, scan the (2-dimensional) code below.

This corner introduces thoughts and experiences of people involved and who supports in the promotion of multicultural coexistence projects in Koshigaya.

Illustrated by Saiinji This month, Dan will share one of her experiences in Japan. She is originally from Heilongjiang Province of China . She has been ~Tomoni Aruko~ working in Koshigaya City since 2019 as CIR or Coordinator for .

d à j i ā hǎo 大家好！ (Hello, everyone.) My name is Dan. I first came to Japan as a foreign student. I enjoyed my time as a student with the help of my teachers and classmates, including the warm welcome that I received from the international exchange groups of the local community . After I finished my studies, I went back to China and worked at a Japanese firm in Shanghai for about 3 years. Then I c ame back to Japan after I got married with my Japanese husband. I want to share with you about my experience living in Japan. I love to make friends and I always enjoy the company of others. However, I was hesitant and had worries getting along with the Japanese people around me in my first years. There may be different reasons to it but the first that came to my mind was language barrier. It ’s difficult to convey each other ’s thoughts and feelings if we can ’t understand the language. And even if we understand the language, we might not be able to convey its true meaning or get the message due to cultural differences and other factors. And this loses the opportunity to be more open. And with this experience, I tried to study more about Japan and get more involved in the community. At present, I am actively involved in the local community through my connection with Japan- China Friendship Association and International Association. I hope to use my experience and myself as a bridge between Japanese and foreigners in Japan. And I hope to continue this role as coordinator for international relations, supporting foreign residents and help promoting a multicultural coexistence in the community. Japanese Language Classes for July 2021 Note: Classes may be cancelled due to COVID-19. Contact the in-charge when necessary.

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat １ ２ ３ ★ No Class Lingual Koshigaya ★Tabunka Kodomo Gakushu Juku ４ ５ ６ ７ ８ ９ １０ ★Lingual No Class ★Nihongo No Class Koshigaya Circle

１１ １２ １３ １４ １５ １６ １７ ★Lingual No Class ★Nihongo No Class Koshigaya Circle ★Tabunka Kodomo Gakushu Juku １８ １９ ２０ ２１ ２２ ２３ ２４ ★Lingual No Class ★Nihongo No Class Koshigaya Circle

２５ ２６ ２７ ２８ ２９ ３０ ３１ ★ No Class No Class Lingual No Class Koshigaya

When: Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon ★Minna de Nihongo 【¥500 per month 】 Where: Koshigaya City Central Community Center, 5F Inquiries: Imaizumi-san,  048–989–6342 ★Nihongo Circle【¥200 per session 】 When: Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Where: Koshigaya City Central Community Center, 4F or 5F *Childcare: ¥100 per family Inquiries: Koshigaya International Friendship Circle http://kifc.webcrow.jp/  080-1108-0384 (Morita-san) When: Saturdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon ★Lingual Koshigaya 【Free】 Where: Koshigaya City Central Community Center, 4F Inquiries: Suzuki-san,  080-3478-3314 When: Fridays, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Where: ①Gamo Community Center “Pacom” ★Nihongo de GO! 【¥100 per session 】 ②Minami-Koshigaya Community Center “Palette” Inquiries: Takayama-san,  090-5574-7070 ★Tabunka Kodomo Gakushujuku When: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 【Free】Volunteers support the children Where: Koshigaya City Community Activity Support Center with multiple cultural backgrounds in (Koshigaya Twin City, B City 5F) learning Japanese and in their studies. Inquiries: Ogawa-san,  090-7422-2002 Koshigaya Messenger is issued around the 5th of every month and available at Koshigaya City Office, Koshigaya International Association (in Central Community Center), train station exits, community centers, libraries, children’s centers (JIDOKAN) “Cosmos” and “Himawari”, etc. For details, visit Koshigaya City International Affairs “KOKUSAIKA” through the code below. International Affairs (KOKUSAIKA): TEL: 048–963–9114 Community Activity Support Section (Koshigaya City Office, Main Building – 3F) *Accepts calls in English, Chinese, Filipino/Tagalog from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm