The 2018“ Prize”Japanese Language Speech Contest 2018 N I A Activity Report was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. December 2018 Fiscal Year Seminar to Support vol.16 and Mongolia have advanced their interactions with each Letter other in a variety of sectors through a number of cooperative means, including but NIA Employment for Exchange Students not limited to the placement of the Honorary Consulate of Mongolia in Niigata, the This seminar, held on November 2, 2018 (Fri.) reached its prefecturally funded foreign exchange student program and technology support. eighth year this year, with a great number of participants, In addition, several of Niigata’s municipalities have registered as host towns for the including 104 foreign exchange students, and 17 representatives 2020 Olympics & Paralympics. from eleven corporations. At the 2018“Niigata Prize” Japanese Language Speech Contest that was held on Feature Thursday, September 13th, eight students of Japanese from universities in Mongolia Enjoying Global Life in Niigata! We had lecturers from Hello Work and from the Niigata Office of the Immigration Bureau of come to explain the basics of job hunting and obtaining permission to work in Japan. In order to give the participating exchange students gave speeches under the theme of“how to further friendly interactions with Japan,” a closer feel for what job hunting in Japan is like, we also had former exchange student alumni that now work in the watched over by roughly 200 spectators. As an extension of the grand prizes, the participants with the top three scores prefecture talk about their own experiences and give specific advice based on that, as well as company introductions by were also awarded gift certificates for a trip to Niigata. It is expected that by personally visiting Niigata Prefecture, they will Published by: the participating business representatives. come into contact with its scenery, industry, and culture, and later play a role as a bridge between Niigata and Mongolia. The Niigata International Association (NIA) After the seminar, we provided a space where participating students and companies could have time to converse and (A Public Interest Corporation) interact freely over a light meal, where a stimulating discourse took place. Ms. Amarjargal Jargalmaa Ms. Buyanjargal Soyol-Erdene Students asked about what Japanese businesses look for in an employee, and points about working in Japan. From (Center) (2nd from the right) those students, we also heard that they love Niigata, and therefore want to do their best to find employment here. After researching where young people in Mon- How about we move towards exporting beef CONTENTS At NIA, we plan to continue supporting foreign exchange students from now on, through helping them be informed golia get their information about Japan from, I from Mongolia to Japan? Exporting beef comes about job hunting in Japan at an early stage, in the hopes that they will become active human resources who support the learned that the sources are limited to anime and with concerns such as safety and whether or not globalization of businesses in the prefecture. ■Feature - Enjoying Global Life in Niigata! manga. Students from both countries need more Japanese people would choose to buy Mongolian ・From Niigata SAKE Lovers : Ms. Tomomi Duquette time to interact with each other. beef. It is, however, important to give things a try. I want to work in Japan, ・From Sado Aida Rice Farming : Mr. Tadaaki Aida but what kind of things do ・From Japan Snow Access : Mr. Shiro Shimizu I need to prepare? ・From the Mutsumi-kai : Ms. Satoko Higuchi Ms. Gundegsuren Khulan nd (2 from the left) ■NIA Information How about introducing topics including the culture and history of both countries through the internet, ・Tidings from the International Exchange Plaza television, and social-networking-sites? I believe that as the people of both nations gain interest in ■NIA Activity Report each other’ s countries, friendly exchanges will ・Seminar to Support Employment for Exchange Students deepen if they treat each other with consideration, and they will be able to form better relationships. ◀Standing with the grand ・Lecture for Host Families & The Homestay Experience prize winners (center, 3) ・Mongolia’s Japanese Language Speech Contest 2018 Lecture for Host Families & the Homestay Experience

Lectures for host families were held on August 4 (Sat.) in Joetsu, August 5 (Sun.) in Kashiwazaki, and August 26, 2018 (Sun.) in Niigata City. A foreign exchange To help participating households feel at ease when receiving a foreign person in their student introduces Except at this rate… １ I’m from Malaysia. I won’t make it in time… ４ home for the first time, we welcomed lecturers from the American Field Service Japan of their experiences This is my first New It’s raining harder now Happy New Year!! too. (NPO) Niigata and Joetsu offices to speak about their own experiences, and to explain during their life in Year’s in Japan. in easy terms the things to be prepared for and mindset to have when hosting. Japan through manga! Similarly, we had a lecture about things to keep in mind and etiquette when staying ３ over at a Japanese household for the first time for the participating ALTs (assistant language teachers) and foreign exchange students currently studying in universities Manuals for homestay guests around the prefecture. This was so that they, too, could interact with the host families are available in Japanese, New Looks like life in English, and Chinese. ２ Japan is going to get without feeling nervous. fun from now on ! Finally, the actual homestay experience was held over 2-days and 1-night on the Year’s It’s almost time!! weekend of October 13 to 14, with 18 households hosting 19 participants from seven Ah, Yahiko Shrine・ seconds left different countries. From the survey held after the On New Year’s in Japan, 5 well ! Foot baths・ people go pray to the end of the homestay, we were able to hear about the Lake Hyoko Pen name: Kohane (Malaysia) kami at the shrine as Ack! On the Cover (From the top) fun interactions that surpassed national, cultural, and Japan Animation & Manga College (JAM), the new year begins. １ ２ ３ Bad Luck ４ language borders. Manga Illustration Master Course International Exchange Plaza Fair, held from ７/21-8/26 Hospitality with Niigata’s provincial (Top) Mini Lecture on China/By the Prefectural CIR, Ms. Wang ■ Bandaijima Bldg.（Toki Messe） 2nd floor, cuisine made with noppe broth & Published by the Niigata International Association （NIA） (Center) Coloring pages and Origami of traditional Korean 5-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 950-0078 Phone: 025-290-5650 Fax: 025-249-8122 edible chrysanthemums. clothes made by children E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp (Right) Members of the Intl. Student Exchange Club (ISEC)

１ Enjoying Global Life in Niigata! N I A Information Feature ～Tidings From the International Exchange Plaza ～ Interview Niigata Prefecture has developed as the main gate on the coast, which connects Japan to countries all over the world, beginning with Northeast Asia. As companies continue to globalize and Niigata makes a proactive effort to introduce its independent culture and topography overseas, we introduce to you four people who are based in Niigata ★Summer Break Plaza Fair and play active roles through their connections overseas. They speak about what makes Niigata attractive, as well as some of the ways they participate in international exchange. 7/21/2018 (Sat.) through 8/26/2018 (Sun.) This summer, we once again planned a variety of public events at the International Exchange Plaza during children’s summer break so that The Niigata Sake Culture Niigata Fostering trust during our activities Myoko everyone could have fun with their families. Niigata SAKE Lovers Japan Snow Access Our Mini Lectures for Kids featured lecturers from South Korea, China, Intl. Exchange Project City Represented by Ms. Tomomi Duquette to attract overseas skiers City Represented by Mr. Shiro Shimizu and the United States, with whom attendees danced and played, while experiencing other cultures up close and personal. This International Exchange Project activities. In fall of 2017, we had the“Hoku- 14 years ago, when we first began activities featuring homes and people living in amazing In the Cultural Exchange Party with ISEC Members (Intl. Student Exchange was established in 2013 with the following hoku SAKE Lovers Train” event in celebration to attract skiers from overseas to Myoko amounts of snow. The posters made by Club), 19 people challenged themselves into making a rendako, or series of th thoughts: “I don’t want to drink sake to of the Hokuetsu Express’s 20 anniversary. Kogen, there were hardly any people who Myoko City were exhibited at the overseas kites all on the same thread, and actually flew the kites outside as well. Mini Lecture on South Korea: just get drunk. I should study and deeply Five different breweries joined us in the were familiar with the name“Myoko.” We SNOW EXPO and at resort displays. These Every Sunday, we had a Caricature Corner event. Apparently, participants Prefectural CIR Ms. Hwang (top left), understand Niigata’s sake culture from the Hoku-hoku SAKE Lovers Train, and everyone first began promotions targeting Australia, were put under the spotlight by attending were encouraged to converse with the students until their caricatures were and ISEC member Ms. Park (top right) actual breweries. I want to nourish my love enjoyed the mariage of delicious sake and the starting systematically by going around to the visitors, and thus were very useful in breaking completed. Thank you very much to the great number of people who visited of sake culture, and taste sake with these specially made cuisine that were paired with large travel agencies in major cities including into the markets. feelings in mind.” the sake individually. Sidney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Starting in Australia, and moving on to the for this event. A variety of events, including lessons for The rice planting event has been held in The situation at that time was that the travel U.K., Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and enjoying sake are planned and managed at Kashiwazaki three times, and in the 3rd year, agencies only knew the Niseko and Hakuba other places, we have gone out to all sorts Our ISEC Member the cafe we run in Niigata City, as well as a Taiwanese member who participated in the ski resorts, so it was like,“What’s prominent of travel expositions and fairs, and over the in restaurants and community facilities in first year reached out to their friends, and from Mongolia, Ms. in Myoko?”“What will overseas skiers see years the number of skiers and snowboarders Caricatures the prefecture. Many people from overseas ten of his friends flew to Niigata for the rice Munkhzaya colored this participate in the hands-on events as well. planting experience! This project has hosted that will surprise them?”“Are you targeting that visit Myoko have increased. The number with our ISEC drawing, illustrated by Additionally, we have sake rice planting members from a variety of participating families as clientele?” While we considered of visitors from Europe and the Americas Member a student of the Japan these, we came up with“Outstanding location has also expanded, and it is estimated that events for eating onigiri (rice balls) at rice countries, and as of today, over 200 members from Thailand, Animation & Manga conditions with deep snow where families can the 2017 – 2018 season will have had 60,000 paddies in the spring. In the fall, we have rice from 14 different countries have participated. College, who goes by harvesting activities and a gathering to eat Rice, that the people of Niigata are proud ski with peace of mind” and“accommodations overnight guests. Mr. Titat the nom de plume“Uta”. charcoal-grilled mackerel pike and drink hiya- of. Sake, which is made of this same rice, and restaurants are located in the same In light of the ever expanding number of oroshi sake (seasonal sake). In the winter, truly is the manifestation of the spirit of the space.” With these as our selling points, we visitors, we hope to work in cooperation with we team up with local breweries to brew people of Niigata. Let us all come together, strengthened the promotion Myoko. We didn’t those around us to fine-tune our welcoming sake using the sake rice that was grown, have fun learning, making friends, and use any skiing imagery on the posters either, stance. Experience planting sake rice and overall have a diverse, broad variety of showing our love for Niigata’s sake culture! The Shimizus and some visiting skiers and instead used images of landscapes ★Halloween Event (Sun.) 10/21/2018

We held a mini event on the same day as the Niigata Environmental Festival. We had an area Bringing Sado Island Sado Sado Aida Rice Farming 30 Years walking hand in hand with Nagaoka The Mutsumi-Kai with a collection of books about the environment, City City and distributed free candy with designs of the flags Brand Rice to the World! Represented by Mr. Tadaaki Aida foreign exchange students Ms. Satoko Higuchi, Director of the countries of the world to children who gave us the password:“trick or treat.” I farm rice along with my seven-member family our product for exhibition at local goods business Held by the Mutsumi-kai, this fiscal year’s 30th annual students. Our Chinese and Vietnamese ISEC members, in the Kuninaka Plain, located in central Sado fairs in places including Singapore and Hong Japanese Language Speech Contest for foreigners A great number of the foreign exchange students live Mr. Zhang (left) and Ms. Anh (right) respectively. 写真データが Island. I succeeded my father this year (2018), Kong in 2013. Since sales are in small amounts opened with 13 speakers from 6 different countries. with their families, and we provide advice with all of our ありませんでした。 and completed my ninth rice farming season. (2 to 3 tons/year), the shipping costs make it so After the competition, there was a cultural exchange collective ladies’ know-how to those who are preparing Due to the drop in rice prices and both domestic that profits are not so great in value, but since party with the foreign exchange students which got to give birth, advise on consultations about childcare, Where is the Intl. Exchange Plaza? and foreign competition, rice farmers must not individual exportations are rare, it has helped local residents involved, and the entire event concluded provide clothes, and more. We have assisted with only depend on the agricultural cooperatives for to raise our knowledge of our company’s name successfully. insurance procedures after a motorbike accident, and Do you have overseas newspapers and books? help, but instead also need to look for means to domestically, and we were able to get picked up As of last fiscal year and thanks to the support and provide specialized information needed for negotiation What is an ISEC expand their markets on their own. Our company by the Japanese media, and form connections cooperation of the Nagaoka･Youth･Work Organization, with a company, and have played a large role. member? is taking a variety of different measures to expand with high-end stores in the Kanto region. high school students have been in charge of At the spring and fall bazaars, they bring in residents The International Exchange Plaza our independent sales routes. In 2015 we exhibited our rice and some of hosting the speech contest. Some of the attractions by providing goods used in daily life. is located on the second floor of the As each region of the country creates their Sado’s arts at Expo in Milan. We have since held included enjoying the wadaiko drum performance In 1988, we named the Mutsumi-Kai according to the Bandaijima/Toki Messe Building (Chuo- Here at NIA, in order to invigorate own brands of rice and competition between our own individual project, the Sado Matsuri by the Nagaoka Institute of Design, the Mexican and 63 foreign exchange students that were around during international exchange activities and promote regions escalates, rice produced abroad has also World Tour, and went to New York in 2017, and Vietnamese dance performance by the Nagaoka that time, in the hopes of creating good relationships. ku, Niigata City), adjacent and connected begun to secure a spot in the Japanese markets. to Munich, Milan, and Paris in 2018. In those four University of Technology, and other diverse and “Mutsu” is one possible reading for the number“6” to the NIA administrative office. In addition a society of multicultural cohabitation, we Japanese people continue to move away from countries we met approximately more than two- colorful arts. Many of the speeches featured cultural in Japanese, and“Mi” is one of the readings for the to foreign language newspapers like bestow the title of International Student rice, and our food culture continues to become thousand people, and were able to capture their differences and discrepancies in ways of thinking, but number“3”; 63 students, thus the Mutsumi-Kai was The Japan Times and People’s Daily, we Exchange Club Member to foreign exchange more international. As interregional competition hearts through Sado’s food, history, and culture. more than anything I was moved each time by the born. I believe that the reason that this group has have a vast collection of printed material students at universities around the prefecture continues to escalate, I felt strongly that, if fellow Being born in, working in, and living as a person participants’ energy, positivity, and readiness to take been able to continue for 30 years is because we have Japanese farmers continue with“Mine is the from this region, I experienced first-hand that on the challenges of life. observed the foreign exchange students of Nagaoka as related to international exchange, including picture books, informational who proactively and willfully conduct these best!” while trying to crush each other despite the going out and facing the world, forming bonds The Mutsumi-Kai gathers every Wednesday at the they seriously approach their research, and enjoy life magazines about studying abroad, multilingual tourism pamphlets, and more. types of activities in regions all over Niigata, fact that every region has its own delicious rice, with the world, that is what this generation is Nagaoka University of Technology, and their staff offer even as they wipe the sweat from their brows in their There are about 20 seats, including our kids’ corner, where visitors can spend and provide support for their activities. there will be no future for agriculture in Japan. really asking of us. tea and snacks, occasionally also offering handmade part-time jobs. Sado Matsuri World Tour Cultural Experience: Tea Ceremony and Wearing Yukata time and relax. It is open to the public, so please do not hesitate to stop by. (From (This fiscal year we have 20 students from 5 Amongst all this, we began sending out some of sweets, and enjoy chatting with the foreign exchange there, you can see the sunset by the through the windows.) different countries enrolled.) Enjoying Global Life in Niigata! N I A Information Feature ～Tidings From the International Exchange Plaza ～ Interview Niigata Prefecture has developed as the main gate on the Sea of Japan coast, which connects Japan to countries all over the world, beginning with Northeast Asia. As companies continue to globalize and Niigata makes a proactive effort to introduce its independent culture and topography overseas, we introduce to you four people who are based in Niigata ★Summer Break Plaza Fair and play active roles through their connections overseas. They speak about what makes Niigata attractive, as well as some of the ways they participate in international exchange. 7/21/2018 (Sat.) through 8/26/2018 (Sun.) This summer, we once again planned a variety of public events at the International Exchange Plaza during children’s summer break so that The Niigata Sake Culture Niigata Fostering trust during our activities Myoko everyone could have fun with their families. Niigata SAKE Lovers Japan Snow Access Our Mini Lectures for Kids featured lecturers from South Korea, China, Intl. Exchange Project City Represented by Ms. Tomomi Duquette to attract overseas skiers City Represented by Mr. Shiro Shimizu and the United States, with whom attendees danced and played, while experiencing other cultures up close and personal. This International Exchange Project activities. In fall of 2017, we had the“Hoku- 14 years ago, when we first began activities featuring homes and people living in amazing In the Cultural Exchange Party with ISEC Members (Intl. Student Exchange was established in 2013 with the following hoku SAKE Lovers Train” event in celebration to attract skiers from overseas to Myoko amounts of snow. The posters made by Club), 19 people challenged themselves into making a rendako, or series of th thoughts: “I don’t want to drink sake to of the Hokuetsu Express’s 20 anniversary. Kogen, there were hardly any people who Myoko City were exhibited at the overseas kites all on the same thread, and actually flew the kites outside as well. Mini Lecture on South Korea: just get drunk. I should study and deeply Five different breweries joined us in the were familiar with the name“Myoko.” We SNOW EXPO and at resort displays. These Every Sunday, we had a Caricature Corner event. Apparently, participants Prefectural CIR Ms. Hwang (top left), understand Niigata’s sake culture from the Hoku-hoku SAKE Lovers Train, and everyone first began promotions targeting Australia, were put under the spotlight by attending were encouraged to converse with the students until their caricatures were and ISEC member Ms. Park (top right) actual breweries. I want to nourish my love enjoyed the mariage of delicious sake and the starting systematically by going around to the visitors, and thus were very useful in breaking completed. Thank you very much to the great number of people who visited of sake culture, and taste sake with these specially made cuisine that were paired with large travel agencies in major cities including into the markets. feelings in mind.” the sake individually. Sidney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Starting in Australia, and moving on to the for this event. A variety of events, including lessons for The rice planting event has been held in The situation at that time was that the travel U.K., Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and enjoying sake are planned and managed at Kashiwazaki three times, and in the 3rd year, agencies only knew the Niseko and Hakuba other places, we have gone out to all sorts Our ISEC Member the cafe we run in Niigata City, as well as a Taiwanese member who participated in the ski resorts, so it was like,“What’s prominent of travel expositions and fairs, and over the in restaurants and community facilities in first year reached out to their friends, and from Mongolia, Ms. in Myoko?”“What will overseas skiers see years the number of skiers and snowboarders Caricatures the prefecture. Many people from overseas ten of his friends flew to Niigata for the rice Munkhzaya colored this participate in the hands-on events as well. planting experience! This project has hosted that will surprise them?”“Are you targeting that visit Myoko have increased. The number with our ISEC drawing, illustrated by Additionally, we have sake rice planting members from a variety of participating families as clientele?” While we considered of visitors from Europe and the Americas Member a student of the Japan these, we came up with“Outstanding location has also expanded, and it is estimated that events for eating onigiri (rice balls) at rice countries, and as of today, over 200 members from Thailand, Animation & Manga conditions with deep snow where families can the 2017 – 2018 season will have had 60,000 paddies in the spring. In the fall, we have rice from 14 different countries have participated. College, who goes by harvesting activities and a gathering to eat Rice, that the people of Niigata are proud ski with peace of mind” and“accommodations overnight guests. Mr. Titat the nom de plume“Uta”. charcoal-grilled mackerel pike and drink hiya- of. Sake, which is made of this same rice, and restaurants are located in the same In light of the ever expanding number of oroshi sake (seasonal sake). In the winter, truly is the manifestation of the spirit of the space.” With these as our selling points, we visitors, we hope to work in cooperation with we team up with local breweries to brew people of Niigata. Let us all come together, strengthened the promotion Myoko. We didn’t those around us to fine-tune our welcoming sake using the sake rice that was grown, have fun learning, making friends, and use any skiing imagery on the posters either, stance. Experience planting sake rice and overall have a diverse, broad variety of showing our love for Niigata’s sake culture! The Shimizus and some visiting skiers and instead used images of landscapes ★Halloween Event (Sun.) 10/21/2018

We held a mini event on the same day as the Niigata Environmental Festival. We had an area Bringing Sado Island Sado Sado Aida Rice Farming 30 Years walking hand in hand with Nagaoka The Mutsumi-Kai with a collection of books about the environment, City City and distributed free candy with designs of the flags Brand Rice to the World! Represented by Mr. Tadaaki Aida foreign exchange students Ms. Satoko Higuchi, Director of the countries of the world to children who gave us the password:“trick or treat.” I farm rice along with my seven-member family our product for exhibition at local goods business Held by the Mutsumi-kai, this fiscal year’s 30th annual students. Our Chinese and Vietnamese ISEC members, in the Kuninaka Plain, located in central Sado fairs in places including Singapore and Hong Japanese Language Speech Contest for foreigners A great number of the foreign exchange students live Mr. Zhang (left) and Ms. Anh (right) respectively. 写真データが Island. I succeeded my father this year (2018), Kong in 2013. Since sales are in small amounts opened with 13 speakers from 6 different countries. with their families, and we provide advice with all of our ありませんでした。 and completed my ninth rice farming season. (2 to 3 tons/year), the shipping costs make it so After the competition, there was a cultural exchange collective ladies’ know-how to those who are preparing Due to the drop in rice prices and both domestic that profits are not so great in value, but since party with the foreign exchange students which got to give birth, advise on consultations about childcare, Where is the Intl. Exchange Plaza? and foreign competition, rice farmers must not individual exportations are rare, it has helped local residents involved, and the entire event concluded provide clothes, and more. We have assisted with only depend on the agricultural cooperatives for to raise our knowledge of our company’s name successfully. insurance procedures after a motorbike accident, and Do you have overseas newspapers and books? help, but instead also need to look for means to domestically, and we were able to get picked up As of last fiscal year and thanks to the support and provide specialized information needed for negotiation What is an ISEC expand their markets on their own. Our company by the Japanese media, and form connections cooperation of the Nagaoka･Youth･Work Organization, with a company, and have played a large role. member? is taking a variety of different measures to expand with high-end stores in the Kanto region. high school students have been in charge of At the spring and fall bazaars, they bring in residents The International Exchange Plaza our independent sales routes. In 2015 we exhibited our rice and some of hosting the speech contest. Some of the attractions by providing goods used in daily life. is located on the second floor of the As each region of the country creates their Sado’s arts at Expo in Milan. We have since held included enjoying the wadaiko drum performance In 1988, we named the Mutsumi-Kai according to the Bandaijima/Toki Messe Building (Chuo- Here at NIA, in order to invigorate own brands of rice and competition between our own individual project, the Sado Matsuri by the Nagaoka Institute of Design, the Mexican and 63 foreign exchange students that were around during international exchange activities and promote regions escalates, rice produced abroad has also World Tour, and went to New York in 2017, and Vietnamese dance performance by the Nagaoka that time, in the hopes of creating good relationships. ku, Niigata City), adjacent and connected begun to secure a spot in the Japanese markets. to Munich, Milan, and Paris in 2018. In those four University of Technology, and other diverse and “Mutsu” is one possible reading for the number“6” to the NIA administrative office. In addition a society of multicultural cohabitation, we Japanese people continue to move away from countries we met approximately more than two- colorful arts. Many of the speeches featured cultural in Japanese, and“Mi” is one of the readings for the to foreign language newspapers like bestow the title of International Student rice, and our food culture continues to become thousand people, and were able to capture their differences and discrepancies in ways of thinking, but number“3”; 63 students, thus the Mutsumi-Kai was The Japan Times and People’s Daily, we Exchange Club Member to foreign exchange more international. As interregional competition hearts through Sado’s food, history, and culture. more than anything I was moved each time by the born. I believe that the reason that this group has have a vast collection of printed material students at universities around the prefecture continues to escalate, I felt strongly that, if fellow Being born in, working in, and living as a person participants’ energy, positivity, and readiness to take been able to continue for 30 years is because we have Japanese farmers continue with“Mine is the from this region, I experienced first-hand that on the challenges of life. observed the foreign exchange students of Nagaoka as related to international exchange, including picture books, informational who proactively and willfully conduct these best!” while trying to crush each other despite the going out and facing the world, forming bonds The Mutsumi-Kai gathers every Wednesday at the they seriously approach their research, and enjoy life magazines about studying abroad, multilingual tourism pamphlets, and more. types of activities in regions all over Niigata, fact that every region has its own delicious rice, with the world, that is what this generation is Nagaoka University of Technology, and their staff offer even as they wipe the sweat from their brows in their There are about 20 seats, including our kids’ corner, where visitors can spend and provide support for their activities. there will be no future for agriculture in Japan. really asking of us. tea and snacks, occasionally also offering handmade part-time jobs. Sado Matsuri World Tour Cultural Experience: Tea Ceremony and Wearing Yukata time and relax. It is open to the public, so please do not hesitate to stop by. (From (This fiscal year we have 20 students from 5 Amongst all this, we began sending out some of sweets, and enjoy chatting with the foreign exchange there, you can see the sunset by the Shinano River through the windows.) different countries enrolled.) TheThe 2018“Niigata 2018“Niigata Prize”Japanese Prize”Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest 20182018 NN II AA ActivityActivity Report Report waswas held held in in Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mongolia. DecemberDecember 20182018 Fiscal Fiscal Year Year Seminar Seminar to to Support Support volvol.1.166 NiigataNiigata Prefecture Prefecture and and Mongolia Mongolia have have advanced advanced their their interactions interactions with with each each LeLettterter otherother in ina varietya variety of ofsectors sectors through through a numbera number of ofcooperative cooperative means, means, including including but but NIANIA EmploymentEmployment for for Exchange Exchange Students Students notnot limited limited to tothe the placement placement of ofthe the Honorary Honorary Consulate Consulate of ofMongolia Mongolia in inNiigata, Niigata, the the ThisThis seminar, seminar, held held on on November November 2, 2,2018 2018 (Fri.) (Fri.) reached reached its its prefecturallyprefecturally funded funded foreign foreign exchange exchange student student program program and and technology technology support. support. eightheighth year year this this year, year, with with a agreat great number number of of participants, participants, In Inaddition, addition, several several of ofNiigata’s Niigata’s municipalities municipalities have have registered registered as as host host towns towns for for the the includingincluding 104 104 foreign foreign exchange exchange students, students, and and 17 17 representatives representatives 20202020 Tokyo Tokyo Olympics Olympics & &Paralympics. Paralympics. fromfrom eleven eleven corporations. corporations. AtAt the the 2018 2018“Niigata “Niigata Prize” Prize” Japanese Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest that that was was held held on on FeatureFeature Thursday,Thursday, September September 13th, 13th, eight eight students students of ofJapanese Japanese from from universities universities in inMongolia Mongolia EnjoyingEnjoying GlobalGlobal LifeLife inin Niigata!Niigata! WeWe had had lecturers lecturers from from Hello Hello Work Work and and from from the the Niigata Niigata Office Office of ofthe the Immigration Immigration Bureau Bureau of ofJapan Japan come come to toexplain explain the the basicsbasics of ofjob job hunting hunting and and obtaining obtaining permission permission to towork work in inJapan. Japan. In Inorder order to togive give the the participating participating exchange exchange students students gavegave speeches speeches under under the the theme theme of “how of“how to tofurther further friendly friendly interactions interactions with with Japan,” Japan,” a acloser closer feel feel for for what what job job hunting hunting in inJapan Japan is islike, like, we we also also had had former former exchange exchange student student alumni alumni that that now now work work in inthe the watchedwatched over over by by roughly roughly 200 200 spectators. spectators. As As an an extension extension of ofthe the grand grand prizes, prizes, the the participants participants with with the the top top three three scores scores prefectureprefecture talk talk about about their their own own experiences experiences and and give give specific specific advice advice based based on onthat, that, as aswell well as ascompany company introductions introductions by by werewere also also awarded awarded gift gift certificates certificates for for a tripa trip to toNiigata. Niigata. It isIt isexpected expected that that by bypersonally personally visiting visiting Niigata Niigata Prefecture, Prefecture, they they will will PublishedPublished by: by: thethe participating participating business business representatives. representatives. comecome into into contact contact with with its its scenery, scenery, industry, industry, and and culture, culture, and and later later play play a rolea role as as a bridgea bridge between between Niigata Niigata and and Mongolia. Mongolia. TheThe N Niigataiigata International International A Associationssociation (NIA) (NIA) AfterAfter the the seminar, seminar, we we provided provided a spacea space where where participating participating students students and and companies companies could could have have time time to toconverse converse and and (A (A Public Public Interest Interest Corporation) Corporation) interactinteract freely freely over over a lighta light meal, meal, where where a stimulatinga stimulating discours discourse tooke took place. place. Ms.Ms. Amarjargal Amarjargal Jargalmaa Jargalmaa Ms.Ms. Buyanjargal Buyanjargal Soyol-Erdene Soyol-Erdene StudentsStudents asked asked about about what what Japanese Japanese businesses businesses look look for for in inan an employee, employee, and and points points about about working working in inJapan. Japan. From From (Center)(Center) (2(2nd ndfrom from the the right) right) thosethose students, students, we we also also heard heard that that they they love love Niigata, Niigata, and and there thereforefore want want to todo do their their best best to tofind find employment employment here. here. After After researching researching where where young young people people in inMon Mon- - How How about about we we move move towards towards exporting exporting beef beef CONTENTSCONTENTS AtAt NIA, NIA, we we plan plan to tocontinue continue supporting supporting foreign foreign exchange exchange students students from from now now on, on, through through helping helping them them be be informed informed goliagolia get get their their information information about about Japan Japan from, from, I I fromfrom Mongolia Mongolia to toJapan? Japan? Exporting Exporting beef beef comes comes aboutabout job job hunting hunting in inJapan Japan at atan an early early stage, stage, in inthe the hopes hopes that that they they will will become become active active human human resources resources who who support support the the learnedlearned that that the the sources sources are are limited limited to toanime anime and and withwith concerns concerns such such as assafety safety and and whether whether or ornot not globalizationglobalization of ofbusinesses businesses in inthe the prefecture. prefecture. ■■FeatureFeature - Enjoying- Enjoying Global Global Life Life in inNiigata! Niigata! manga.manga. Students Students from from both both countries countries need need more more JapaneseJapanese people people would would choose choose to tobuy buy Mongolian Mongolian ・From・From Niigata Niigata SAKE SAKE Lovers Lovers: Ms.: Ms. Tomomi Tomomi Duquette Duquette timetime to tointeract interact with with each each other. other. beef.beef. It is,It is,however, however, important important to togive give things things a try.a try. I wantI want to towork work in inJapan, Japan, ・From・From Sado Sado Aida Aida Rice Rice Farming Farming: Mr.: Mr. Tadaaki Tadaaki Aida Aida butbut what what kind kind of ofthings things do do ・From・From Japan Japan Snow Snow Access Access: Mr.: Mr. Shiro Shiro Shimizu Shimizu I needI need to toprepare? prepare? ・From・From the the Mutsumi-kai Mutsumi-kai: Ms.: Ms. Satoko Satoko Higuchi Higuchi Ms.Ms. Gundegsuren Gundegsuren Khulan Khulan nd nd (2(2 from from the the left) left) ■■NIANIA Information Information How How about about introducing introducing topics topics including including the the culture culture andand history history of ofboth both countries countries through through the the internet, internet, ・Tidings・Tidings from from the the International International Exchange Exchange Plaza Plaza television,television, and and social-networking-sites? social-networking-sites? I believe I believe thatthat as asthe the people people of ofboth both nations nations gain gain interest interest in in ■■NIANIA Activity Activity Report Report eacheach other other’ s ’countries,s countries, friendly friendly exchanges exchanges will will ・Seminar・Seminar to Supportto Support Employment Employment for for Exchange Exchange Students Students deependeepen if theyif they treat treat each each other other with with consideration, consideration, andand they they will will be be able able to toform form better better relationships. relationships. ◀Standing◀Standing with with the the grand grand ・Lecture・Lecture for for Host Host Families Families & The& The Homestay Homestay Experience Experience prize prize winners winners (center, (center, 3) 3) ・Mongolia・Mongolia’s Japanese’s Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest 20182018 Lecture Lecture for for Host Host Families Families & & the the Homestay Homestay Experience Experience

LecturesLectures for for host host families families were were held held on on August August 4 (Sat.)4 (Sat.) in inJoetsu, Joetsu, August August 5 (Sun.)5 (Sun.) in in Kashiwazaki,Kashiwazaki, and and August August 26, 26, 2018 2018 (Sun.) (Sun.) in inNiigata Niigata City. City. A Aforeign foreign exchange exchange ToTo help help participating participating households households feel feel at atease ease when when receiving receiving a foreigna foreign person person in intheir their studentstudent introduces introduces one one ExceptExcept at thisat this rate… rate… １１ I’mI’m from from Malaysia. Malaysia. I won’tI won’t make make it init time…in time… ４４ homehome for for the the first first time, time, we wewelcomed welcomed lecturers lecturers from from the the American American Field Field Service Service Japan Japan ofof their their experiences experiences ThisThis is ismy my first first New New It’s It’s raining raining harder harder now now HaHpappyp Ny eNwe wYe Yaera!!r!! too.too. (NPO)(NPO) Niigata Niigata and and Joetsu Joetsu offices offices to tospeak speak about about their their own own experiences, experiences, and and to toexplain explain duringduring their their life life in in Year’sYear’s in inJapan. Japan. in ineasy easy terms terms the the things things to tobe be prepared prepared for for and and mindset mindset to tohav have whene when hosting. hosting. JapanJapan through through manga! manga! Similarly,Similarly, we we had had a lecturea lecture about about things things to tokeep keep in inmind mind and and etiquette etiquette when when staying staying ３３ overover at ata aJapanese Japanese household household for for the the first first time time for for the the participating participating ALTs ALTs (assistant (assistant languagelanguage teachers) teachers) and and foreign foreign exchange exchange students students currently currently studying studying in inuniversities universities ManualsManuals for for homestay homestay guests guests aroundaround the the prefecture. prefecture. This This was was so so that that they, they, too, too, could could interact interact with with the the host host families families areare available available in inJapanese, Japanese, NewNew LooksLooks like like life life in in English,English, and and Chinese. Chinese. ２２ JapanJapan is going is going to getto get withoutwithout feeling feeling nervous. nervous. fun funfrom from now nowon ! on ! Finally,Finally, the the actual actual homestay homestay experience experience was was held held over over 2-days 2-days and and 1-night 1-night on on the the YYeearar’s’s It’sIt’s almost almost time!! time!! weekendweekend of ofOctober October 13 13 to to14, 14, with with 18 18 households households hosting hosting 19 19 participants participants from from seven seven Ah,Ah, YahikoYahiko Shrine・ Shrine・ secondsseconds left left differentdifferent countries. countries. From From the the survey survey held held after after the the On OnNew New Year’s Year’s in Japan,in Japan, 5 5 wellwell ! ! FootFoot baths・ baths・ peoplepeople go go pray pray to to the the endend of ofthe the homestay, homestay, we we were were able able to tohear hear about about the the LakeLake Hyoko Hyoko PenPen name: name: Kohane Kohane (Malaysia) (Malaysia) kamikami at at the the shrine shrine as as Ack!Ack! OnOn the the Cover Cover (From (From the the top) top) funfun interactions interactions that that surpassed surpassed national, national, cultural, cultural, and and JapanJapan Animation Animation & Manga & Manga College College (JAM), (JAM), the thenew new year year begins. begins. １ １ ２ ２ ３ ３ BadBad Luck Luck ４ ４ languagelanguage borders. borders. MangaManga Illustration Illustration Master Master Course Course InternationalInternational Exchange Exchange Plaza Plaza Fair, Fair, held held from from ７/21-8/26７/21-8/26 HospitalityHospitality with with Niigata’s Niigata’s provincial provincial (Top)(Top) Mini Mini Lecture Lecture on on China/By China/By the the Prefectural Prefectural CIR, CIR, Ms. Ms. Wang Wang ■■ BandaijimaBandaijima Bldg. Bldg.（Toki （Toki Messe） Messe） 2nd 2 floor,nd floor, cuisinecuisine made made with with noppe noppe broth broth & & PublishedPublished by by the the Niigata Niigata International International Association Association （NIA） （NIA） (Center)(Center) Coloring Coloring pages pages and and Origami Origami of of traditional traditional Korean Korean 5-15-1 Bandaijima, Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Chuo-ku, Niigata Niigata City City 950-0078 950-0078 Phone:Phone: 025-290-5650 025-290-5650 Fax:Fax: 025-249-8122 025-249-8122 edibleedible chrysanthemums. chrysanthemums. clothesclothes made made by by children children E-mail:E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website:Website: http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp (Right)(Right) Members Members of ofthe the Intl. Intl. Student Student Exchange Exchange Club Club (ISEC) (ISEC)

１１ TheThe 2018“Niigata 2018“Niigata Prize”Japanese Prize”Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest 20182018 NN II AA ActivityActivity Report Report waswas held held in in Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mongolia. DecemberDecember 20182018 Fiscal Fiscal Year Year Seminar Seminar to to Support Support volvol.1.166 NiigataNiigata Prefecture Prefecture and and Mongolia Mongolia have have advanced advanced their their interactions interactions with with each each LeLettterter otherother in ina varietya variety of ofsectors sectors through through a numbera number of ofcooperative cooperative means, means, including including but but NIANIA EmploymentEmployment for for Exchange Exchange Students Students notnot limited limited to tothe the placement placement of ofthe the Honorary Honorary Consulate Consulate of ofMongolia Mongolia in inNiigata, Niigata, the the ThisThis seminar, seminar, held held on on November November 2, 2,2018 2018 (Fri.) (Fri.) reached reached its its prefecturallyprefecturally funded funded foreign foreign exchange exchange student student program program and and technology technology support. support. eightheighth year year this this year, year, with with a agreat great number number of of participants, participants, In Inaddition, addition, several several of ofNiigata’s Niigata’s municipalities municipalities have have registered registered as as host host towns towns for for the the includingincluding 104 104 foreign foreign exchange exchange students, students, and and 17 17 representatives representatives 20202020 Tokyo Tokyo Olympics Olympics & &Paralympics. Paralympics. fromfrom eleven eleven corporations. corporations. AtAt the the 2018 2018“Niigata “Niigata Prize” Prize” Japanese Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest that that was was held held on on FeatureFeature Thursday,Thursday, September September 13th, 13th, eight eight students students of ofJapanese Japanese from from universities universities in inMongolia Mongolia EnjoyingEnjoying GlobalGlobal LifeLife inin Niigata!Niigata! WeWe had had lecturers lecturers from from Hello Hello Work Work and and from from the the Niigata Niigata Office Office of ofthe the Immigration Immigration Bureau Bureau of ofJapan Japan come come to toexplain explain the the basicsbasics of ofjob job hunting hunting and and obtaining obtaining permission permission to towork work in inJapan. Japan. In Inorder order to togive give the the participating participating exchange exchange students students gavegave speeches speeches under under the the theme theme of “how of“how to tofurther further friendly friendly interactions interactions with with Japan,” Japan,” a acloser closer feel feel for for what what job job hunting hunting in inJapan Japan is islike, like, we we also also had had former former exchange exchange student student alumni alumni that that now now work work in inthe the watchedwatched over over by by roughly roughly 200 200 spectators. spectators. As As an an extension extension of ofthe the grand grand prizes, prizes, the the participants participants with with the the top top three three scores scores prefectureprefecture talk talk about about their their own own experiences experiences and and give give specific specific advice advice based based on onthat, that, as aswell well as ascompany company introductions introductions by by werewere also also awarded awarded gift gift certificates certificates for for a tripa trip to toNiigata. Niigata. It isIt isexpected expected that that by bypersonally personally visiting visiting Niigata Niigata Prefecture, Prefecture, they they will will PublishedPublished by: by: thethe participating participating business business representatives. representatives. comecome into into contact contact with with its its scenery, scenery, industry, industry, and and culture, culture, and and later later play play a rolea role as as a bridgea bridge between between Niigata Niigata and and Mongolia. Mongolia. TheThe N Niigataiigata International International A Associationssociation (NIA) (NIA) AfterAfter the the seminar, seminar, we we provided provided a spacea space where where participating participating students students and and companies companies could could have have time time to toconverse converse and and (A (A Public Public Interest Interest Corporation) Corporation) interactinteract freely freely over over a lighta light meal, meal, where where a stimulatinga stimulating discours discourse tooke took place. place. Ms.Ms. Amarjargal Amarjargal Jargalmaa Jargalmaa Ms.Ms. Buyanjargal Buyanjargal Soyol-Erdene Soyol-Erdene StudentsStudents asked asked about about what what Japanese Japanese businesses businesses look look for for in inan an employee, employee, and and points points about about working working in inJapan. Japan. From From (Center)(Center) (2(2nd ndfrom from the the right) right) thosethose students, students, we we also also heard heard that that they they love love Niigata, Niigata, and and there thereforefore want want to todo do their their best best to tofind find employment employment here. here. After After researching researching where where young young people people in inMon Mon- - How How about about we we move move towards towards exporting exporting beef beef CONTENTSCONTENTS AtAt NIA, NIA, we we plan plan to tocontinue continue supporting supporting foreign foreign exchange exchange students students from from now now on, on, through through helping helping them them be be informed informed goliagolia get get their their information information about about Japan Japan from, from, I I fromfrom Mongolia Mongolia to toJapan? Japan? Exporting Exporting beef beef comes comes aboutabout job job hunting hunting in inJapan Japan at atan an early early stage, stage, in inthe the hopes hopes that that they they will will become become active active human human resources resources who who support support the the learnedlearned that that the the sources sources are are limited limited to toanime anime and and withwith concerns concerns such such as assafety safety and and whether whether or ornot not globalizationglobalization of ofbusinesses businesses in inthe the prefecture. prefecture. ■■FeatureFeature - Enjoying- Enjoying Global Global Life Life in inNiigata! Niigata! manga.manga. Students Students from from both both countries countries need need more more JapaneseJapanese people people would would choose choose to tobuy buy Mongolian Mongolian ・From・From Niigata Niigata SAKE SAKE Lovers Lovers: Ms.: Ms. Tomomi Tomomi Duquette Duquette timetime to tointeract interact with with each each other. other. beef.beef. It is,It is,however, however, important important to togive give things things a try.a try. I wantI want to towork work in inJapan, Japan, ・From・From Sado Sado Aida Aida Rice Rice Farming Farming: Mr.: Mr. Tadaaki Tadaaki Aida Aida butbut what what kind kind of ofthings things do do ・From・From Japan Japan Snow Snow Access Access: Mr.: Mr. Shiro Shiro Shimizu Shimizu I needI need to toprepare? prepare? ・From・From the the Mutsumi-kai Mutsumi-kai: Ms.: Ms. Satoko Satoko Higuchi Higuchi Ms.Ms. Gundegsuren Gundegsuren Khulan Khulan nd nd (2(2 from from the the left) left) ■■NIANIA Information Information How How about about introducing introducing topics topics including including the the culture culture andand history history of ofboth both countries countries through through the the internet, internet, ・Tidings・Tidings from from the the International International Exchange Exchange Plaza Plaza television,television, and and social-networking-sites? social-networking-sites? I believe I believe thatthat as asthe the people people of ofboth both nations nations gain gain interest interest in in ■■NIANIA Activity Activity Report Report eacheach other other’ s ’countries,s countries, friendly friendly exchanges exchanges will will ・Seminar・Seminar to Supportto Support Employment Employment for for Exchange Exchange Students Students deependeepen if theyif they treat treat each each other other with with consideration, consideration, andand they they will will be be able able to toform form better better relationships. relationships. ◀Standing◀Standing with with the the grand grand ・Lecture・Lecture for for Host Host Families Families & The& The Homestay Homestay Experience Experience prize prize winners winners (center, (center, 3) 3) ・Mongolia・Mongolia’s Japanese’s Japanese Language Language Speech Speech Contest Contest 20182018 Lecture Lecture for for Host Host Families Families & & the the Homestay Homestay Experience Experience

LecturesLectures for for host host families families were were held held on on August August 4 (Sat.)4 (Sat.) in inJoetsu, Joetsu, August August 5 (Sun.)5 (Sun.) in in Kashiwazaki,Kashiwazaki, and and August August 26, 26, 2018 2018 (Sun.) (Sun.) in inNiigata Niigata City. City. A Aforeign foreign exchange exchange ToTo help help participating participating households households feel feel at atease ease when when receiving receiving a foreigna foreign person person in intheir their studentstudent introduces introduces one one ExceptExcept at thisat this rate… rate… １１ I’mI’m from from Malaysia. Malaysia. I won’tI won’t make make it init time…in time… ４４ homehome for for the the first first time, time, we wewelcomed welcomed lecturers lecturers from from the the American American Field Field Service Service Japan Japan ofof their their experiences experiences ThisThis is ismy my first first New New It’s It’s raining raining harder harder now now HaHpappyp Ny eNwe wYe Yaera!!r!! too.too. (NPO)(NPO) Niigata Niigata and and Joetsu Joetsu offices offices to tospeak speak about about their their own own experiences, experiences, and and to toexplain explain duringduring their their life life in in Year’sYear’s in inJapan. Japan. in ineasy easy terms terms the the things things to tobe be prepared prepared for for and and mindset mindset to tohav have whene when hosting. hosting. JapanJapan through through manga! manga! Similarly,Similarly, we we had had a lecturea lecture about about things things to tokeep keep in inmind mind and and etiquette etiquette when when staying staying ３３ overover at ata aJapanese Japanese household household for for the the first first time time for for the the participating participating ALTs ALTs (assistant (assistant languagelanguage teachers) teachers) and and foreign foreign exchange exchange students students currently currently studying studying in inuniversities universities ManualsManuals for for homestay homestay guests guests aroundaround the the prefecture. prefecture. This This was was so so that that they, they, too, too, could could interact interact with with the the host host families families areare available available in inJapanese, Japanese, NewNew LooksLooks like like life life in in English,English, and and Chinese. Chinese. ２２ JapanJapan is going is going to getto get withoutwithout feeling feeling nervous. nervous. fun funfrom from now nowon ! on ! Finally,Finally, the the actual actual homestay homestay experience experience was was held held over over 2-days 2-days and and 1-night 1-night on on the the YYeearar’s’s It’sIt’s almost almost time!! time!! weekendweekend of ofOctober October 13 13 to to14, 14, with with 18 18 households households hosting hosting 19 19 participants participants from from seven seven Ah,Ah, YahikoYahiko Shrine・ Shrine・ secondsseconds left left differentdifferent countries. countries. From From the the survey survey held held after after the the On OnNew New Year’s Year’s in Japan,in Japan, 5 5 wellwell ! ! FootFoot baths・ baths・ peoplepeople go go pray pray to to the the endend of ofthe the homestay, homestay, we we were were able able to tohear hear about about the the LakeLake Hyoko Hyoko PenPen name: name: Kohane Kohane (Malaysia) (Malaysia) kamikami at at the the shrine shrine as as Ack!Ack! OnOn the the Cover Cover (From (From the the top) top) funfun interactions interactions that that surpassed surpassed national, national, cultural, cultural, and and JapanJapan Animation Animation & Manga & Manga College College (JAM), (JAM), the thenew new year year begins. begins. １ １ ２ ２ ３ ３ BadBad Luck Luck ４ ４ languagelanguage borders. borders. MangaManga Illustration Illustration Master Master Course Course InternationalInternational Exchange Exchange Plaza Plaza Fair, Fair, held held from from ７/21-8/26７/21-8/26 HospitalityHospitality with with Niigata’s Niigata’s provincial provincial (Top)(Top) Mini Mini Lecture Lecture on on China/By China/By the the Prefectural Prefectural CIR, CIR, Ms. Ms. Wang Wang ■■ BandaijimaBandaijima Bldg. Bldg.（Toki （Toki Messe） Messe） 2nd 2 floor,nd floor, cuisinecuisine made made with with noppe noppe broth broth & & PublishedPublished by by the the Niigata Niigata International International Association Association （NIA） （NIA） (Center)(Center) Coloring Coloring pages pages and and Origami Origami of of traditional traditional Korean Korean 5-15-1 Bandaijima, Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Chuo-ku, Niigata Niigata City City 950-0078 950-0078 Phone: Phone: 025-290-5650 025-290-5650 Fax: Fax: 025-249-8122 025-249-8122 edibleedible chrysanthemums. chrysanthemums. clothesclothes made made by by children children E-mail:E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: Website: http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp (Right)(Right) Members Members of ofthe the Intl. Intl. Student Student Exchange Exchange Club Club (ISEC) (ISEC)

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