北九州国際交流協会 K itakyushu I nternational Himawari A ssociation 春号
In this edition of HIMAWARI: Spring Edition Hanami, Kodomo no Hi, Hinamatsuri, the KIA is moving, an article 2013 by guest writer Jamina Ovbude, and much much more!
Spring is a season worth celebrating in Japan. The weather finally warms after the long cold of winter, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and people finally come out from under their kotatsu and start to do things outdoors again. So without further ado, let’s look at two major spring cele- brations; Hinamatsuri (March 3rd) and Kodomo no hi (May 5th)
Hinamatsuri Beginning in the Edo period, Hinamatsuri (lit. Doll Festival) is a day specifically to celebrate young girls. Families with young daughters will bring out a set of dolls known as “Hinaningyo” representing the Em- peror, Empress and their court in the style of the Heian Period and dis- play them somewhere within the house. And why the Heian Period? Ac- cording to one theory, while Hinamatsuri as a festival is only dated back to the Edo period, the act of displaying dolls is itself dated all the way back to the Heian Period. It should be kept in mind however that there are a number of differing theories on the origins of the tradition. The dolls are displayed during the 3rd as a sort of prayer for the safe and healthy growth of the girls in the household, though leaving the dolls out past March 3rd means the girl will have a late marriage.
Kodomo no hi Kodomo no hi (Lit. Children’s Day), also known as Tango no Sekku and begun around 600AD, is a part of the bigger holiday of Golden Week. It is held each year to celebrate the happiness of all children. Spe- cial decorations known as koinobori (carp streamers) are put up outside houses, their swimming-like movements in the wind meant to evoke the Chinese legend of the carp that swims upstream becoming a dragon. Other traditions involving Kodomo no hi include setting up and displaying a suit of Japanese armour known as a “Gogatsu ningyo” (May Doll). Kodomo no hi has un- dergone a bit of change due to changing ideas in Japan. Once, it was a day dedicated praying for the strong de- velopment of boys. Nowadays, while there is still a greater emphasis on boys, the holiday has broadened to include all children. Be sure to look out for carp streamers this May 5th!
1 Kitakyushu International Association Spring Edition 2013
Spring is upon us, and that means that once again it’s time to take advantage of the lucky convergence of nice weather, blooming cherry blossom trees, and Kitakyushu’s beautiful parks. Hanami is a bit like a picnic except better. Go out to a park with your friends, sit in a spot surrounded by cherry blossom trees (or just sit under a solitary tree if you prefer), eat, drink, sing and just take the chance to relax in the sun after all those months of cold weather. Not sure where you can go to find cherry blossom trees? We’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list to tell you just that!
KitaQ Hanami Spots: Check out the map on P9 for more details!
Mekari Park (Moji-ku) This park boasts around 1400 cherry blossom trees and beautiful views of both the Kanmon Bridge and the Mo- jiko Retro Area. Getting there: From JR Mojiko Station, take the Nishitetsu Bus for Mekari, getting off at Mekari koen-mae.
Adachi Park (Kokurakita-ku) Situated around the base of Mt Adachi, Adachi Park contains a whopping 2400 trees! Getting there: From JR Kokura Station, take the Nishitetsu Bus for Kirigaoka Sanchome, getting off at Ko- jusan.
Katsuyama Park (Kokurakita-ku) While a comparatively cozy size with only 300 trees, Katusyama Park has an unbeatable atmosphere, with a good central location situated right next to Kokura Castle. Getting there: A ten minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura Station
Abeyama Park (Kokuraminami-ku) A popular spot for hanami with 700 cherry blossom trees spread about the base of Mt. Abe. Getting there: Take the JR Nippo mainline to Abeyama Koen Station.
Showa Ike Park (Kokuraminami-ku) This is a truly beautiful park, circling Showa Lake with around 1200 cherry blossom trees spread around the lakefront. Getting there: Take the Nishitetsu Bus from Kokura Station to Showa Ike Iriguchi (last stop)
Yomiya Park (Tobata-ku) Another beautiful park, not only does it have around 750 cherry blossom trees, but also flower gardens. Getting there: From JR Tobata Station, take the Nishitetsu Bus for Ichieda and get off at Sawami.
Takami Sanjo Sakura Koen (Yahatahigashi-ku) While enjoying the park’s 180 cherry blossom trees, you can also take a look around Takami Shrine Getting there: Take the Nishitetsu Bus from Kokura Station towards Okura and get off at Sanjo.
Kawachi Reservoir (Yahatahigashi-ku) Similar to Showa Ike, this park is dominated by the Kawachi Reservoir and surrounding beautiful greenery including around 1000 cherry blossoms. Getting there: Take the Nishitetsu Bus from Yahata Station for Tashiro, and get off anywhere between Entei- mae and Minami-Kawachi.
Takatoyama Park (Wakamatsu-ku) Takatoyama, a formerly fortified hill, has great views over all Kitakyushu and around 1800 cherry blossom trees. Getting there: A 20 minute walk from JR Wakamatsu Station. 2 Kitakyushu International Association Spring Edition 2013
The beginning of May in Japan brings with it one of the biggest holiday periods in the country, Golden Week. Golden Week is actually a collection of 4 separate day-long holidays (Showa Day 4/29, Constitution Day 5/3, Greenery Day 5/4 and Children’s Day 5/5). Typically, Japanese people take this time off to go travelling, both nationally and internationally. This year, we’re looking at Kagoshima as a place to visit for Golden Week and finding out what there is to do.
Kagoshima: How to get there The quickest and easiest way to get to Kagoshima City is by Shinkansen, which will take around 2 hours from Kitakyushu. For a cheaper option, you can also take the Sonic to Miyazaki and then get on board the Kirishima all the way to Kagoshima Chuo, tay hought this mtake upwards of 7 hours de- pending on the wait for the second train. There is also an express bus service running from Fukuoka City.
Kagoshima City: What to do So you’ve made it to Kagoshima, but now what? Well as it happens, there’s plenty to do, not just in Kagoshima City but the surrounding area as well. Kagoshima City is well known for its onsen, and there are plenty to choose from dotted all around the city. The city also has some excellent shops and eateries around the Tenmon- kan area, and several museums and historical sites worth a look around the city as well, such as the Museum of the Meiji Restoration, and the Kagoshima Aquarium.
Where else can I go? Once you’ve sampled the delights of Kagoshima City, it might be time to take a ferry to one of the nearby is- lands for some sightseeing. The closest is Sakurajima, and it’s technically not even an island. It was an island volcano until 1914 when a major eruption sent lava down towards the opposite shore, joining the island to the mainland. There are many attractions around the ferry terminal such as the Nagisa Lava Trail, Magma Onsen (don’t worry, it’s just hot water!), and further afield are nature walks and the famous Furusato Hot Springs.
Want something more from your onsen? You’ll find the city of Ibusuki on the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula. If you love onsen, you might just want to head on over and have a look, as Ibusuki is probably best known for its sand steam baths, where you are bur- ied up to the neck in hot sand. Not only is it relaxing, it’s medically proven to be good for your health.
I want to get away from it all. For an even more nature-centric way to enjoy Kagoshima, why not try heading over to either Yakushima or Tanegashima? Tanegashima Island is a long flat is- land with amazing beaches, friendly locals, and, perhaps bizarrely, the largest rocket base in Japan. Yakushima Island on the other hand is another incredibly beautiful island bristling with mountains and vegetation, and is even a World Heritage site, one of the first places in the world to become one in fact. One of the most impressive things about Yakushima is its jomonsugi cedar trees, some of which are up to 7200 years old. Both of these islands offer ample opportunities for nature walks, though it may be worth mentioning that Tanegashima is not as tour- isty as Yakushima and may be more difficult to navigate without some communi- cative skills in Japanese.
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From April 2nd, Kitakyushu International Association will be moving to COM CITY!
The KIA Office will, from April 2nd 2013, be moving to the 3rd Floor of the COM CITY building, situated next to JR Kurosaki Station in Yahatanishi. Due to the move, the International Lounge will be closed from April 29th (Friday) to March 1st (Mon) While the Office is moving, the International Lounge will stay where it is and be available for use as per normal after the move. We apologise for any inconvenience, but ask for your cooperation.
【How to contact the KIA after April 2nd】 Address：Kurosaki 3-15-3, Yahatanishi COM CITY 3F PH ：093-643-5931 FAX：093-643-6466 NOTE: These details are valid from April 2nd onwards
Until March 28th From April 2nd onwards！ Intl. Village Exchange Center COM CITY 3F （Hirano 1-1-1, Yahatahigashi） （Next to JR Kurosaki Station）
Kitakyushu International Kitakyushu International Association Office Association Office
Foreigner Information Center （New name）
Foreigner Consulation TEL:093-643-6060 Legal Consultation Immigration/Visa Consultation Not Changing! Psychological Counselling (Temporarily closed Mar 28-Apr 2) Intl. Village Exchange Center （Hirano 1-1-1, Yahatahigashi) International Lounge PH: 093-662-8866 （Library）
International Lounge (Library)
【How to contact until March 28】 Kitakyushu International Assoc. PH ：093-662-0055 FAX：093-662-6622 4 Kitakyushu International Association Spring Edition 2013
Our environs are under siege and nothing that we touch or breathe is safe from this invisible predator. Be- ware of the dreaded Influenza!! If there were a headline for every day of the week, it would feature some mention of the virus striking back, striking again, and decimating public offices. Many have succumbed to the clutches of sickness and the rest of us continue to thwart its evil grasp with potions, vitamins and good thoughts. Savvy Japanese though, protect themselves with the ever-attractive surgical mask.
Westerners might attribute wearing surgical masks in public to fashion faux-pas or fear or a bit of both. While many Japanese would likely say they do it out of courtesy. Knowingly passing sickness to innocent stan- ders-by is certainly not appreciated here or elsewhere. However, at- tempting to control microscopic organisms with masks alone may prove futile at best.
Surgical masks are indeed effective at reducing the inhalation and dis- semination of airborne bacterium. Surgeons wear them for this exact purpose after all. And masks have been used to help combat Sars and E. Coli outbreaks of the recent past. However, when dealing flu in the public sphere, the offending germs are often spread long before the car- rier has begun to develop symptoms and have the courtesy to join the legion of daytime ninjas.
In fact, according the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “people with flu can spread it to others up to 6 feet away.” Moreover, “most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. [With] symptoms [starting] 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body.” It is therefore quite possible for the infected to pass on the flu virus to others before he/she is even aware they are sick. By the time people have begun to contain their ills, they’ve likely already exposed a few hundred others (depending on their regular mode of transportation and line of work). So it seems surgical masks and the like are a little less effective than we’d hoped.
“But Influenza is still claiming victims,” some might say, “what should we do?” Beyond wearing a mask, you could make sure to eat well, exercise, sleep tons and stay hydrated. Or you could become a pro at prop- erly washing your hands. The CDC recommends working up a significant lather with soap and water and scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds or the amount of time it would take to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to properly disinfect. Sadly, if you’ve ever had the es- teemed pleasure of using a Japanese public bathroom, you’ll notice that there is often no hand soap. Moreover, your fellow patrons tend to do a quick rinse or don’t allow their hands to touch a single drop- let of water, at all. So the battle rages on.
Flu season is expected to continue for a few more months but with these suggestions you may make it through without missing a single day of work or festive gathering. If you take nothing else from this article please remember this: the absolute best way to reduce the spread of disease is to stay home when ill. Steel yourselves urban warriors, and take care of your bodies!
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Giravanz Kitakyushu’s next season begins in March, so regardless of whether you’re a long time fan or a first time spectator, why not head along to one of their games this spring? Below, we have compiled a list of all Giravanz’s home games this spring. Note: All home games are played at Honjo Athletic Stadium
Teams Date/Time Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Kataller Toyama March 3rd (Sun), 3:00pm
Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Tokyo Verdy March 20th(Wed/Holiday),4:00pm
Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Montedio Yamagata March 24th(Sun), 1:00pm
Teams Date/Time Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Ehime FC April 7th(Sun), 4:00pm
Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Mito Hollyhock April 21st(Sun), 4:00pm
Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Tochigi SC April 28th(Sun), 4:00pm
Teams Date/Time Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Consadole Sapporo May 6th(Mon/Holiday), 1:00pm
Giravanz Kitakyushu vs. Yokohama FC Date: May 19th(Sun), 4:00pm
Hello fellow Kitakyushu-ites, and welcome to another wonderful edition of Himawari! Did you all enjoy the New Year’s festivities? Hopefully the cold hasn’t been too much for you and you’re all settling back into your jobs/studies well. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this season’s Himawari; not just my in- credible co-editor and amazing translators, but everyone else in Kitakyushu who either reads or sends in articles for Himawari! Your help is truly appreciated! If you want to send in an article for the next Himawari, or just want to make some suggestions, please contact us at [email protected]. In the meantime, have an awesome spring, and be sure to get in a bit of hanami before it disappears!
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Date Place Contact
March 2nd (Sat), 9:00am-3:30pm Aeon Tokuriki Parking Lot, Moritsune, Ko- Rediscover Kitakyushu (cancelled in case of rain) kuraminami PH: 090-2968-1991 March 10th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Chuo Greenery Park, next to Kitakyushu Kitakyushu Recycling Union (moves to 17th in case of rain) General Gymnasium, Yahatahigashi PH: 093-651-9245 March 17th (Sun), 10am-3:00pm Katsuyama Koen Main Park (Next to library), Kokura de Furima Executive Committee (cancelled in case of rain) Kokurakita PH: 093-772-3223, FAX: 093-791-3514 March 24th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Mojiko Shinsui Square, next to the Former Moji 21st Century town-building group (cancelled in case of rain) Mojiko Customs House. (NPO) PH: 093-331-2205 March 24th (Sun) 10:00-15:00 RKB Housing Kokura West Japan Citizens’ Recycling Action (cancelled in case of rain) Group. PH: 092-752-7761
Date Place Contact April 14th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Chuo Greenery Park, next to Kitakyushu Kitakyushu Recycling Union (moves to the 3rd Sunday of the month General Gymnasium, Yahatahigashi PH: 093-651-9245 in case of rain) April 14th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm RKB Housing Kokura West Japan Citizens’ Recycling Action (cancelled in case of rain) Group. PH: 092-752-7761 April 14th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Katsuyama Koen Main Park (Next to library), Kokura de Furima Executive Committee (cancelled in case of rain) Kokurakita PH: 093-772-3223, FAX: 093-791-3514
April 21st (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Mojiko Shinsui Square, next to the Former Moji 21st Century town-building group (cancelled in case of rain) Mojiko Customs House. (NPO) PH: 093-331-2205
Date Place Contact May 12th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Chuo Greenery Park, next to Kitakyushu Kitakyushu Recycling Union (moves to the 3rd Sunday of the month General Gymnasium, Yahatahigashi PH: 093-651-9245 in case of rain) May 12th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm RKB Housing Kokura West Japan Citizens’ Recycling Action (cancelled in case of rain) Group. PH: 092-752-7761 May 12th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Katsuyama Koen Main Park (Next to library), Kokura de Furima Executive Committee (cancelled in case of rain) Kokurakita PH: 093-772-3223, FAX: 093-791-3514
May 26th (Sun), 10:00am-3:00pm Mojiko Shinsui Square, next to the Former Moji 21st Century town-building group (cancelled in case of rain) Mojiko Customs House. (NPO) PH: 093-331-2205
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Flea Market Travel Details
①RKB Housing Park: Three minutes walk north from JR Nishi-Kokura station. Next to the Sumikkusu Golf Centre. ②Chuo Greenery Park: Take the Nishitetsu No. 1 bus, and get off at the Sanjo bus stop, near to the Spina supermarket. ③Aeon Tokuriki Parking Lot, Moritsune: 10 minute walk SE from Moritsune Monorail Station. ④Mojiko Shinsui Square Next to the Former Mojiko Customs House.
Hanami spots in KitaQ (Please have a look at page 3 for the access details)
⑤Mekari Park: Moji-ku ⑥Adachi Park: Kokurakita-ku ⑦Katsuyama Park/Kokura Castle: Kokurakita-ku ⑧Abeyama Park: Kokuraminami-ku ⑨Showa Ike Park: Kokuraminami-ku ⑩Yomiya Park: Tobata-ku ⑪Takami: Yahatahigashi-ku ⑫Kawachi Reservoir: Yahatahigashi-ku ⑬Takatoyama Park: Wakamatsu-ku
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がいこくじん むりょうそうだん FREE CONSULTATION FOR FOREIGNERS 外国人のための無料相談
Consultation Service for Foreigners ●Free Consultation -Specialist Here we help to solve any problems or worries that foreign resi- dents may have with life in Japan, or that Japanese people may Legal Counseling be having in relation to foreign citizens, by providing important (13:30 to 16:30 every 4th Saturday) information and links to specific organizations. Consultations are - Mar 23rd, Apr 27th, May 25th available in both Yahata and Kokura, are free of charge, and don’t A counselor from the Kitakyushu Branch of the Fukuoka Bar Association will help you with all kinds of legal problems require reservation. Please feel free to visit, and be assured that (reservation is required). your privacy will be respected.
Yahata Kokura Consultation Concerning Immigration Procedures Kitakyushu International Asso- Kokura Information Office (13:00 to 16:00 every 3rd Sunday) ciation (KIA) - Mar 17th, Apr 21st, May 19th Consultation times: 10:00 – 16:00 Consultation times:10:00 – 16:00 Administrative specialists will offer advice on procedures such Languages of consultation: Languages of consultation: as changing of visa status, extension of stay, and other is-
English: Tuesday & Friday English: Wed & Thur sues (reservation is only required if you need an interpreter). Chinese: Tuesday & Friday Chinese: Wed & Thur Korean: Friday Korean: Wed & Thur Psychological Counseling Japanese: Tuesday & Friday Japanese: Wed & Thur Telephone number: 093-671-2606 Telephone number:093-671-2606 (9:30 to 12:30 every 4th Saturday) - Mar 23rd, Apr 27th, May 25th E-mail address: [email protected] A clinical psychologist will offer counseling for people having difficulties with relationships, cultural differences, and mental Address and directions at bottom of page. well-being (reservation is required). Closed on national holidays and during the New Year Period. For more information, please take a look at Foreigner Support Services at the KIA on the KIA homepage.
The information on this page is valid until the end of March, at which point the KIA will move to COM CITY in Kurosaki. For more information on what will happen after the move, please refer to the article on page 4. There are still a number of details that, at the time of publication, have not been finalised, so keep an eye on the KIA website for updates!
Getting to the KIA
ざい きたきゅうしゅうこくさいこうりゅうきょうかい （財）北九州国際交流協会 Kitakyushu International Association
きたきゅうしゅうしやはたひがしくひらの1ちょうめ 〒805-0062 北九州市八幡東区平野1丁目1－1 こくさいむらこうりゅう かい 国際村交流センター３階 (International Village Center 3F, 1-1-1, Hirano,Yahatahigashi-ku)
Tel: 093-662-0055 Fax: 093-662-6622 か い か ん じ か ん 開館時間/Open Hours：9:00 ～ 17:30 か ～ に ち よ う び 火～日曜日 / Tuesday to Sunday 休館日/Closed：月曜日と年末年始(12/29～1/3) Mondays & Year-end/New Year
E-mail: [email protected] koryu.jp/en_new
こくらインフォメーション - West Japan General Exhibition Center Kitakyushu (Kokura Information Desk) International Conference Center きたきゅうしゅうしこくらきたくあさの Aim Building Asano 2-Chome Bus Stop 〒802-0001 北九州市小倉北区浅野3-8-1 West Japan 2nd Floor General Exhibition Kokura Information たいへいよう かい Center AIM（アジア太平洋インポートマート）２階
(Asia-Pacific Import Mart 2F, 3-8-1, Asano, Kokurakita-ku) Rihga Hotel Best Denki Tel: 093-551-0055 Fax: 093-551-1289 Asano 2-Chome Bus Stop
か い か ん じ か ん North exit Kyu- La Foret 開館時間/Open Hours：10:00 ～ 17:30 か どようび Kokura Station Kokura St. Building 火～土曜日 / Tuesday to Saturday Amu Plaza
きゅうかんび にちげつ しゅくじつ ね ん ま つ ね ん し http://www.kitaq 休館日/Closed：日月・祝日と年末年始 Kokura Station Bus Center (12/29～1/3)/ Sun, Mon, Public Holidays & Year-end/New Year 9