#270 awa life "TOPPY" January 2013 prosperous business = by lance kita new year “”-ness Starting off the new year in requires a clean house, a new calendar, auspicious foods …and a lot of luck.

Families will flock to temples and shrines for hatsumode 初詣 , and buy lucky charms for health, safety, excellent studies, or prosperity.

Businesses are no exception, Contributors: Vincent, Diallo, Marianne, Maissa, Akari, Ms. Moriwaki and the Kotoshironushi The Ryogoku Shopping Arcade's merchant group "Ebisu Parade" Shrine 事代主神社 in the heart of Tokushima City comes to The Ebisu Festival え び す 祭 S hop ow ners l i ne up life for three days in January り , affectionately known to buy bundles of sasa for those seeking shobai at Ebessan え べ っ さ ん by b a m b o o d e c o r a t e d hanjo 商 売 繁 盛 (business locals, is held every year with arrow and other prosperity) in the coming from January 9 to 11, 8:30 symbols that ward off evil year. The shrine is located in a.m. to 10 p.m. Actually, and bring in good luck. the Toori-machi 通町 section the shrine above is also These will be displayed of town between the station called“Ebisu Shrine” next to the -dana and the Shinmachi River. (see Page 3 for further explanation). 神 棚 ( altar) or in a

prosperous business = new year “ebisu”-ness ... con't on page 3 inside awa life this month page 4-5: tokushima & lower saxony - 5 years of friendship; page 6: irene's recipe corner; page 7: letter from suketo hoikuen; page 8: japanese lesson; page 9-12: events & memoranda

1 Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA) awa life Clement Plaza 6F is a monthly publication of the Tokushima Prefec- 1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi tural International Exchange Association (TOPIA) Tokushima City 770-0831 JAPAN tel: 088.656.3303 Editors: fax: 088.652.0616 Emma Boardman & Martin Rathmann [email protected] http://www.topia.ne.jp/ Contributors This Month: Lance Kita, Junko Kimura, Martin Rathmann, Download a PDF file of awa life or view the Kazue Inoue, Irene Wachuga, Yoshie Motoki online version by going to TOPIA's web- site! show tokushima some love: awaglot he literary corner of The following will not be If you have something you TAwa Life, Awaglot, is a posted: Religious, political, would like to share with combination of the words or commercial activities, the Tokushima community, "awa" and "polyglot", which businesses searching for email the editors at means multilingual. Be it clients or employees, things [email protected]! fiction, non-fiction, prose the Awa Life editors deem or poetry; funny, sad, long inappropriate. or short, we want your BUT, you can totally submit submissions! If you like to this stuff: offers to sell or write, then express yourself! exchange personal goods, concerts, lectures, and There is also a classifieds other event information, section for you, our readers, cultural, sporting, and to post ads in, but a few other community group rules do apply! information, etcetera.

Whitebait fishing on the Yoshinogawa (photo by Junko Kimura)

2 prosperous business = new year “ebisu”-ness ... con't from page 1 prominent high position in the store. Families can also buy similar talismans for safety in the home.

T h e s u r r o u n d i n g neighborhood beats off the mid-winter chill as booths line the streets, bringing both Drop doughnuts actual warmth (takoyaki, hot sweet sake, fried chicken, etc.) and convivial warmth with games and toys for children. Adding to the festive atmosphere are stalls selling live plants and kumade 熊手 , bamboo rakes lavishly decorated with pine leaves and lucky symbols. These kumade further add luck to a shop or business.

Which Ebisu? Ebisu is often depicted as a portly man garbed in hunter’s clothes, carrying a fishing pole and a red sea bream. He is included in the In addition to the Ebisu shrine talismans, shop owners Shichifukujin 七 福 神 , Seven can also visit a street booth and purchase a kumade (rake Lucky Gods revered by the decorated with auspicious symbols) for the coming year. Japanese. He is also the grandson of Ebisu Shrine in Osaka and and , the Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo. Howver, a quick perusal of Shinto gods who created Wikipedia shows at least the Japanese archipelago. Need to start off 2013 on the seven different ways to write This incarnation was right foot? Join in the New “ Ebisu” 夷、戎、胡、蛭子、恵 o r i g i n a l l y n a m e d Year festivities in your local 比寿、恵比須、恵美須 . It turns Kotoshironushi 事 代 主 . community, or join the crowd out that in addition to being Sounds familiar? Yes, the around the Kotoshironushi one of the Lucky Seven, Ebisu Ebisu Festival’s shrine reveres Shrine January 9 to 11, 8:30 is also the patron deity of the this incarnation of Ebisu. The a.m. to 10 p.m. Ebisu is oceans revered by fi sherman. main shrine for this branch waiting, whether for business So connected to the ocean is Miho Shrine in Shimane. or just pure luck. is Ebisu that until recently, Other famous Kansai Ebisu some fishermen referred to festivals (held on the same (Thanks to Mr. Shinichi Sato large sea creatures (dolphins, January 9-11) are also of this of Kotoshironushi Shrine for whales, whale sharks) as providing and clarifying some line, including the Imamiya “ ebisu.” of the information in this article.)

3 tokushima and lower saxony by Martin Rathmann

Last year marked t h e 1 5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f the German- J a p a n e s e r e l a t i o n s , s t a r t e d i n a u t u m n 1 8 6 0 w i t h the Prussian East Asian Expedition under Count Eulenburg. One year later Prussia and Japan signed a bilateral trade treaty, and the official diplomatic relations the both countries began. In 2011 there were a lot of events in both Germany and Japan to celebrate these relations and the friendship which grew from it.

It is now 2012 and another year has passed. Time really passes quickly. This year there was also an anniversary related to G e r m a n y a n d J a p a n - the 5th anniversary of the relationship between Tokushima Prefecture and federal state Lower Saxony in Germany. Governor Iizumi and the former minster president Wulff signed a bilateral exchange Vice Governor Saito meeting the Lower Saxony Environment Minister, Dr. Birkner agreement in 2007. Whilst at the State Chancellery reception (Interpreter: Martin Rathmann - me!) this may sound unexpected, there is actually a long One of the most famous and memories created history between the two stories from this time is the a friendship, and this areas. performance of Beethoven’ friendship resulted in the s Symphony No.9, which sister city relationship In 1914 after the 1st World had its Asian debut in shared between Luneburg War, which Germany lost, Bando. After the war the and Naruto (begun a long soldiers from the German prisoners returned to their time ago in 1974). colonial Qingdao in east homes, and this story China, were brought to seemed to be forgotten, T h i s c o n n e c t i o n t o the prisoner-of-war camp but one grandchild of G e r m a n y , a p r o d u c t Bando (present-day Naruto) one of the former war of the Bando prisoner- in Tokushima in 1917. There prisoners, who lived in of-war camp and the the prisoners were treated Luneburg in Germany, sister city relationship very well and furthermore found a newspaper article between Luneburg and interacted in various ways about Naruto. To make it Naruto built the base for with the Japanese people. short - the good treatment the partnership between

4 5 years of friendship (part 1)

Tokushima and the federal came to Tokushima from the guest house of Lower- state Lower Saxony (which Germany. The aim was Saxon State Chancellery Luneburg is belongs to). to participate in the with the Environment marathon, but also to have Minister as host and a lot So, this year in 2012 was talks about the future sport of official guests, aswell the 5th anniversary of exchange. The talks went as a concert by the youth the partnership, and well, but unfortunately the choirs Tokushima and subsequently saw a lot marathon was a disaster. Hannover in a church. of different events taking Untypical for April, there M u s i c a l e x c h a n g e place in both Tokushima was a heavy storm and for agreements were signed and Lower Saxony. In a moment it was unclear if between the choirs. There spring there was a scientifi c the marathon would even was also a German- s y m p o s i u m a b o u t t h e take place. In the end it Japanese seminar about d e m o g r a p h i c c h a n g e did, but heavy rain and energy change, and a and related problems. Two hurricane-like winds make it meeting with the Prime researchers from Germany, hard to fi nish the course. All Minister McAllister. It was one from the Germany 5 runners somehow made an incredibly long, but Institute for Japan studies it through, and it made for interesting 6 days. I still and one from the University an unforgettable memory do not understand the of Duisburg-Essen were about sport in Tokushima. logic of travelling as far as invited to Tokushima to Germany for only 6 days, exchange opinions with After this active Spring, especially when 2 of those care staff, researchers the Summer was really are spent fl ying! I suppose and residents. Another r e l a x e d , m e a n i n g s o this is just the Japanese aspect of their visit was the there was enough time a p p r o a c h t o t r a v e l , inspection of Japanese to enjoy the Awa dance but it is quite a cultural care facilities to get an and Summer season. At difference. understanding of different the break of Autumn the approaches in different exchange got very busy. cultures. The 5th anniversary saw a delegation including So, here I am at the Totally different but the Vice Governor and end of my article and also interesting was the university representatives we've only just reached T o k u s h i m a M a r a t h o n from Tokushima, (and the Autumn! The Winter in April. On account of myself!) visiting Lower Season offered just as the 5th anniversary, 5 Saxony. In Lower Saxony much excitement, so stay marathon runners and there were some festivities. tuned for Part 2 in next 5 sport representatives There was a reception at month's AwaLife!

The Spring sports delegation (including Marathon runners and sports representatives)

5 irene's recipe corner by irene wachuga good luck meal

Around the world different c u l t u r e s c e l e b r a t e / welcome the New Year with the hope of new beginnings.

In Japan, many people par take Ozoni soup, thanking the gods for the bounties of yester year and hoping the new one will blessed as well. Drop doughnuts

Our fate might be sealed, but who says we can’ t entice the lucky stars for good fortune in the New pork & cabbage

Year? Ingredients Directions:

3 5 0 - 4 0 0 g s h r e d d e d 1. In a small bowl, blend Cooked greens; cabbage well the soy sauce, sugar collards, kale and cabbage 250-300g boneless pork and ginger. are widely consumed to cubed 2. On medium flame, welcome the New Year in 2 medium sized onions, heat the skillet until very many countries. The green chopped hot. Add the oil and fry the leaves look like folded 1 tsp minced fresh ginger pork until browned on all money thus symbolizing 2 Tbsp soy sauce sides about 5 minutes. Add economic fortune and the 1 tsp sugar the onions and continue dark green color denotes 3 Tbsp salad oil. cooking until the onions good health. Salt and pepper to taste. are soft and the pork is no longer pink. Pork/ham; pig symbolizes 3. Stir in the cabbage progress and whether made and the soy sauce mixture. into a roast, in pork chops or Cover and simmer until just the plain old sausage, cabbage is tender and the nothing compliments flavors are well blended. cabbage like pork. About 10-15 minutes. 4. Adjust the taste with let’s double salt and pepper. our luck! 5. Serve hot.

Bon appétit, and Happy New Year! 6 letter from suketo hoikuen by kazue inoue suketo hoikuen staff happy new year! Spinning Top I hope you enjoyed your fill of delicious Japanese New Materials: Year treats? 1000ml milk carton Crayons In Japan, the turn of the Tape year is the time for dishes such as“ Zoni”, a rice cake Instructions: soup, and“ Osechi” - A 1. Make the handle of the spinner by cutting week later, overindulged the top third of the Milk Carton off, and folding it stomachs are given a rest. as shown in the picture. On January 7th, people turn to "NanaKusa Gayu” (7 types of spring vegetables eaten with creamy rice) as an expression of their hopes for good health in the coming year.

It’s all too easy to catch a cold or the flu during the winter season, and this 2. Cut down the 4 Corners of the remaining month I’d like to introduce carton shaft, and use crayons to decorate the 4 you to some nutrients than sections. can help you strengthen your body against those risks.

� Proteins (Meat, Fish, Tofu etc): Proteins warm your body and maintain your strength. � Vitamin A (Carrots, Pumpkin): Vitamin A fortifi es skin and mucus membranes, 3. Sellotape the handle to the center of the and helps to strengthen your opened packet. body against viruses. � Vitamin C (Japanese radish, Chinese Cabbage, Mandarin Oranges): Vitamin C protects your body against stress and the cold, aswell as suppressing viruses.

"NanaKusa" creamy rice is a great way to get these nutrients! Spin the top & enjoy!

7 japaneseby lesson yoshie motoki

8 9 memoranda

10 memoranda 観光庁主催・通訳案内士養成セミナー開催のお知らせ

報酬を受けて外国人に付き添い、外国語を用いて旅行に関する案内をする「通訳案内士」の制度 や業務、通訳案内士試験について周知する「通訳案内士養成セミナー」が、次のとおり開催され ます。 当日は、現役通訳案内士の貴重な体験談も聞ける予定です。 外国語を使った仕事に興味のある方 や、既にボランティアガイドとして活動している方、海外から日本を訪れるお客様と接する業務 に従事している方など、幅広い方のご参加をお待ちしています。

日時：2 月 5 日（火） 14:00～ 17:00 問合せ・申込み：通訳案内士養成セミナー事務局 場所：徳島県ＪＡ会館（徳島市北佐古一番町） （社団法人 日本添乗サービス協会）（担当 中込、石田） 定員：45 名（先着順） 電話：03-3432-6032 FAX：03-3431-8698 費用：資料代として一人 300 円 Ｅメール：[email protected] 申込締切：1 月 21 日（月） ※詳細は、セミナー事務局ホームページでご確認ください。 （http://www.tcsa.or.jp/interpretation_guide/index.html） queries concerning the new foreign resident system...? 外国人住民の住民基本台帳制度に対しての問い合せ窓口

July 9th, 2012 saw the introduction of a new foreign registration system in Japan. The government has provided information on various aspects of this in a number of languages, so if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to take a gander at the websites or make a telephone enquiry.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Call Center TEL: 0570-066-630 (Navi Dial); 03-6301-1337 (IP Phone/PHS Calls) Opening Hours: Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30 - 17:30 02.04.2012 - 29.03.2013 Available Languages: Japanese; English; Chinese; Korean; Spanish; Portuguese

Procedures applicable to foreigners who recently entered Japan: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/english03.pdf (English) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/espanol18.pdf (Spanish) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/portugues23.pdf (Portuguese)

Procedures applicable to foreigners changing residences within Japan: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/english04.pdf (English) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/espanol19.pdf (Spanish) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/pdf/portugues24.pdf (Portuguese)

General Information: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_english.html (English) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_espanol.html (Spanish) http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_portugues.html(Portuguese)

11 memoranda udatsu themed 假 屋 崎 省 吾 r e n a i s s a n c e 「うだつをいける ikebana 華 ル ネ ッ サ ン ス 」 Ikebana artist Shogo Kariyazaki, renowned for 「美を紡ぎだす手を持つ人」と称される華 his superb artistic delicacy and sense, will hold 道家假屋崎省吾（かりやざきしょうご）さ an Renaissance Ikebana exhibition in Mima City. んによる華道展「うだつをいける 華ル ネッサンス」を、今年も開催いたします。 The “Yoshida Jyutaku”, a house which flourished from the Awa Indigo industry, 美馬市に拠点を置く世界的な洋ランのシン provides the backdrop to the event, and ビジウム総合メーカーである河野メリクロ arrangements include Cymbidium plants ンが丹精込めて育てたシンビジウムを中心 cultivated by Kawano Mericlone (a breeder of specialist Cymbidiums based out of Mima に、山野の花・竹・樹木など美馬市の豊か City), not to mention flowers, bamboo and な自然の素材を活かし、藍で栄え、重厚か wood from the nature-rich mountainsides of つ趣き深い「吉田屋住宅」を舞台に、優雅 Mima City. で大胆、そして繊細にして華麗な時空を越 えた世界を紡ぎ出します。 The exhibition offers adventure, delicacy and elegance, woven together to create an magical environment that will surpass even その花々と佇まいは、まさしく和と洋の融 the most fantastical expectations. The flowers 合であり、訪れた人々の心を和ませ、豊か and arrangements, a fusion of East and West, におもてなしをいたします。 are sure to touch your hearts and calm your worries.

When: January 9th - February 20th 日時： 2013/1/9( 水 ) ～ 2/20( 水 ) 9:00 -16:30 9:00 ～ 16:30 Where: The Yoshida Home, 開催地：美馬市脇町 うだつの町並み「藍商佐直 Mima City (Wakimachi area) Cost: 500 Yen Entry （あいしょうさなお）吉田家住宅」 Info: Mima City Tourism Association 料金： 入場料 500 円 TEL: 0883-53-8599 問合せ：美馬市観光協会 Website: HP of the Mima Tourism TEL： 0883-53-8599 Association (Japanese) URL： 美馬市観光協会ホームページ Counselling Service at TOPIA トピアの相談窓口

TOPIA offers a counselling and advisory service to all foreign residents to help with issues involving accidents, working conditions, housing, visas, international marriage, and more. Counselling is available in English and Japanese. Please note that although every effort will be made, we may not be able to deal with all cases.

Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 16:30 Tel. 088-656-3303 or 088-656-3320 (allows three-way conversations with an interpreter) 人権守って輝く明日

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