awa life "TOPPY"

A monthly newsletter for inter na tion al resi dents of Tokushima, produced by TOPIA, the Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association. April 2007 No. 202

by andrew dahms no strings attached [email protected] fter last year's success in Peter Pan, this year the Tokushima AJET acrew tackled the big project of putting the classic tale of Pinocchio on stage.

The Long Road Ahead It was a cold morning in December when I hopped on a train heading west out of Tokushima City and made my way to the Kamojima Community Hall to see the practice set to take place there. Upon arrival I found the building almost empty, and everything silent but for the sound of a few voices that lead me into the main hall where I found the cast practicing their lines. The lights were down except for the stage, the theatre seats empty, and the heating was off, everyone wearing jumpers and gloves to ward off the cold. But there, a full three months in advance of the fi rst performance, the cast was assembled and running the arrival of pinocchio! no strings attached ... con't on page 3 inside awa life this month

no strings attached - 1, 3 ... fl owers and awa odori - 4 racoon dog's battle in awa / letter from suketo - 5 ... staff farewells - 6 martin's manga corner - 7 ... shin-mai mama nikki - 8 japanese lesson - 9 ... memoranda - 10, 11, 12 awa life Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA) is a monthly publication of the Tokushima Clement Plaza 6F Prefec tur al International Exchange Asso ci a tion 1-61 Terashima Honcho Nishi (TOPIA) Tokushima City 770-0831 JAPAN tel: 088.656.3303 fax: 088.652.0616 Andrew Dahms & Claire Tanaka [email protected] http://www.topia.ne.jp/ Contributors This Month: Andrew Dahms, James Disley, Cho Gun, Kazue Download a PDF fi le of awa life or view the Inoue, Toshihiro Noguchi, Martin O'Brien, Claire online version by going to TOPIA's website! Tanaka and the Hanoura-cho English Conversation http://www.topia.ne.jp/e_index/e_index.htm Class from the editors was very lucky in this past month to have a pril is one of the most beautiful times box seat at the Osaka Sumo Basho on day in the year, with the cherry blossoms in two, when Asashoryu lost his second bout full bloom, and nice warm days and cool Iof the tournament. I know it's not good aevenings in which to spend the time. manners to throw your cushion after a sumo Roadsides and parks, rivers and mountains match, but I have to admit, I did it. I've always alike are dressed in a myriad of colours and wanted to try it. Later, I noticed something everywhere about the trees sport a new growth interesting while watching the tournament on of green leaves. As you may know, April is TV. After a particularly cushion-throwing-worthy also a time for changes and new beginnings, match, the camera would cut to a close-up of coinciding with the start of the new fiscal one of the wrestlers and cushions would only year, staff changes, a new school year and be visible if they passed between the wrestler's much more. While it can also be a busy time, face and the camera. In the past, cushion- I hope you have something new and exciting coated dohyo were common on TV at the end to look forward to this spring, and also have of a good match. Could this be an attempt the opportunity to enjoy the lovely warm to try reduce exposure to this undesirable temperature outdoors. behaviour to help curb it from happening? Cheers, Andrew

during april, the rice-planting season begins and within a few weeks tokushima is lush and green (photo by james disley)

-2- pinocchio ... con't from page 1 over their lines in preparation The Show Goes On wins out, saving his father, for the big day. The script for Pinocchio was lost at sea, from a giant killer Fast forward to early March, written by veteran musical shark. And as for the end? and while the weather was script writer Chris Riedl, once Well, no giveaways, but let's little improved, the engine again mixing a classic tale just say Pinocchio will have behind the musical had with references to modern a lot of time now to get the pushed on into full production. society and Tokushima as well. crinks out of his neck. A lot of effort was also placed But of course the best critics A Tale of Five Cities on making the English easy to are the audience. Let's see As in past years, the musical understand, and much of the what some of them had to has not been contained to just humor in the play was given a say: one location in the prefecture little help from the occassional but has instead moved around Japanese and plenty of sight "It was my first time, and to many different regions. In jokes. I came with my son. I total it saw fi ve performances As for the story itself, it don't think he was able this year, with the entire cast follows the tale of Gepetto, to understand everything, and crew moving all the way who after a dismal blind but it was easy to follow from Hiwasa on a Saturday date organised by his friend and understand by simply evening to Mikamo in Miyoshi Antionio, decides to make his watching, so we both enjoyed City the next morning on the own little boy out of a block of it. I think it was really opening weekend. And, after magic wood. And after making interesting to have references a huge performance in Ishii a wish on the wishing star, to Tokushima and modern day Town attracting an audience Pinocchio is brought to life society in it as well - I was of over 300 people, on and is told that if he is brave quite surprised!" Sunday March 11 the musical and honest, one day he can returned to Tokushima City become a real boy. However, "It was kind of fun, and it was for the first time in several life is not so simple and easy to understand. You could years. As always, the last troubles await Pinocchio at really feel in touch with the performance in the run was every turn - the wiles of a fox characters and the story." held at the Odeon-za theatre and tanuki who try to trick him in the town of Wakimachi, into show business, and being "I think anyone who watches with a very warm and opening taken along by the school the play will be able to enjoy atmosphere that really lets bully who tries to tempt him it. While being aimed primarily the audience be a part of the into joining his ways. However, at the younger members of story as it unravels on stage. in the end it is Pinocchio who the audience, some of the humor and topics raised are aimed at a more adult audience. It offered a view of some parts of Japanese society from a different perspective, thus providing a good insight as well."

While the madness and mayhem of the AJET musical has seen its end for another year, who knows what will await us in 2008? Only time can tell, but one thing I can say and say with confi dence is that the show this year will be jiminy cricket (far right) interferes in mrs. fox and mr. tanuki's plans to trick pinocchio into a life of show business a hard act to follow.

-3- by andrew dahms fl owers and awa odori [email protected] hile thoughts of Awa The Shinmachi Bridge Odori most commonly The Shinmachi Bridge and conjure up images of Aibahama Park where the wthose four hot and festival is located are places of sweaty nights in the streets some historical note for Awa of Tokushima each year in Odori. In olden times, it was August, there is another option forbidden for people to dance available - the Hana Haru outside of the district in town Festa. in which they lived. But people being people, ways around Flowers and Awa Odori this ruling were found, and the In 2007 the Hana Haru Festa Shinmachi Bridge was one of sees its 10th year running as those. Back then, the bridge one of the larger festivals held lay at the edge of two districts, in Tokushima City throughout and people from either area the year. Combining the would come together to dance usual festival fare of markets there and enjoy the festival and local produce, the main together. Even now the an awa odori dancer in full dance defining feature of the Hana Shinmachi Bridge is a major costume Haru Festa is that it provides site for the dance as one of cold of winter and get outside the chance to see Awa Odori the main dancing stages. for some fun by the riverside! during the daytime, the only time in the year when this is Just the Occassion All Year Long possible! While prime viewing season Don't forget, you can see However it is not all just for cherry blossoms is around Awa Odori all year long at the about Awa Odori. The Hana the start of April this year, the Awa Odori Kaikan found in Haru Festa is also home to a timing of the Hana Haru Festa Tokushima City. Not only can large stage area hosting local is at the end of April and right you see displays of the dance, music and modern dance in the midst of spring. This but there is also a museum on performances, live radio year it is going to be held on the 3F (adults 300 yen, junior broadcasts, fashion shows and the weekend from Saturday, high school students and various other cultural displays April 28 to Monday, April 30 (a below 150 yen) and a library run across the three days of public holiday). Why not take on the 2F (free). the event. this chance to shake off the

a display by a professional awa dance troupe at the hana haru festa

-4- by the hanoura-cho raccoon dog's battle in awa engish conversation class here is a famous folktale fl ow out from behind it. In the about a battle of the tanuki middle of July there are some (raccoon dogs) in Awa. events at this place such as tLong ago, two prominent Awa Odori and also a Japanese tanuki in Shikoku, Kincho and speech contest for foreign Rokuemon, had a battle at the residents. Katsuura riverside (Katsuura Are you familiar with Kincho- is west of Komatsushima, manju? It's a sweet cake and towards the mountains). Six a very famous product in hundred tanuki fought all Tokushima, created in memory through the night and the of Kincho. You can buy it at bodies of the fallen covered Hallelujah shops. There is the surface of the river. also the Awa-no-sato where This is the story of tanuki in you can try and taste it at the Tokushima in the Tenpo Period a sign for what is said to be the site factory there. (1830-1844). Rokuemon was of the battle Moemon is a benefactor for a bad tanuki that deceived Kincho and and Kincho never people and stole their Kincho's final resting place forgot his obligation. This is a belongings. Kincho defeated is Kincho Shrine. Also, there Tanuki's Warring State Period him but was seriously is a big raccon dog statue at story. We have a question, wounded and later died. If Komatsushima station park though - tanuki statues always you want to know this story in near Tokushima Sekijuji (Red have two very big balls. They more detail, please see: http:// Cross) Hospital. When you are too big! Why? Please tell www2.shikoku-u.ac.jp/english- clap your hands in front of us if you have any idea. dept/tanuki/page3.html the statue, water will start to

by kazue inoue letter from suketo hoikuen suketo hoikuen staff ow we have come to not only for babies but older do their best when they have the month of April, and children as well. been unable to do something under the light of the is less effective than letting nspring sun beautiful * Once your children learn them know they have done a flowers being to bloom and how to talk, make sure to good job when they succeed. the insects get to work once make all efforts to listen to again. And naturally, now is them. Once children feel they This month's toy: Origami a time of change in childrens' have been heard and their Fun! You will need a piece daily life as well. It is also a feelings properly accepted, of paper and magic marker. time for various hopes and they can build up the desire to Then, draw on the paper as also for feelings of trepidation, keep pushing forward. in the diagram below (both so make sure to be aware of inside and out) and as you how your children are feeling * Recognise your childrens' fold each edge you can create and help them feel at ease if efforts. Telling your children to a new facial expression. they are worried.

Points for Giving Your Child Encouragement * For babies, touch is most important. Hold your baby and talk to them with a smile on your face. Naturally this works

-5- submitted staff farewells [email protected] nce yet again as April comes around there is the annual staff Ochangeover, and this year we bid farewell to two of our staff at TOPIA - Cho Gun, Chinese Coordinator for International Relations, and Mr. Noguchi, friend to many of the international residents of our prefecture.

Cho Gun Soon the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom, and Tokushima will arrive in the beautiful season of spring. To have to leave at such a time of beauty and serenity is a very saddening thought. The year I have spent here has passed in the blink of an eye, and I find I've still yet to take the time to fully experience all that Tokushima topia staff mr. toshihiro noguchi and mr. cho gun has to offer. Coming here was happiness of you all. Farewell people to whom I am indebted a wonderful opportunity for Tokushima. are not only Japanese, but me, but as they say, time fl ies, from Asia, Africa, America and now the time has come to Noguchi Toshihiro and Oceania, and many other make my way back home. My last day at TOPIA was countries as well. They have When I leave however I will on March 31, 2007. Over the forgiven me my mistakes, and go with many fond thoughts last five years since 2002, I have even helped me in times and memories in my heart. have been working here in of trouble, for which I am very I will never forget the many the offi ce, the fi rst three years grateful. people whom I met here, of which I spent as a staff Starting on April 1, I will be and the many times we have member of JICA (the Japan a supporter of TOPIA much worked together. The smiling International Cooperation as you all are. And in so faces of so many people whom Association) and the doing I intend to continue to I never had the chance to remaining two years as a staff support the various programs meet, silver-haired men and member of TOPIA itself. at TOPIA from the outside women, brash young children, The fi ve years I have spent as well. In the times ahead, and kind ladies... each flits working at TOPIA have been I would like to work towards past my mind's eye now like a very fulfi lling, and it has been a bright tomorrow together slideshow. a wonderful time for me here. with the cooperation of not When I arrive home to a And while I've never really had just the Japanese and foreign city lined with tall high-rise any luck with the lotto, I think residents living in Tokushima buildings, a new start will be I've had a lot of good luck but throughout the entire awaiting me, and I would like throughout my life. During world. I ask for your support to do my very best. But last of my time at TOPIA, everyone in this venture, and last of all I all, I would like to end with the has been very warm and open would like to thank you all for best hopes for the health and towards me. And naturally the fi ve wonderful years.

-6- by martin o'brien martin's manga corner [email protected]

Title: Godfather's Son autobiographical in nature and his quest to capture a rare ( ҦҵһӇғ̶Ҩ̶Ѣ഍ત ), other obvious fictional stories Zephyrus butterfly to add to Author/Illustrator: Osamu which provide an excellent his collection amid the chaos Tezuka cross section of the kind of and panic of wartime Japan. Publisher: Shueisha themes that he wrote about The story had an ecological First published: Japan and the underlying values theme that nature-lover (1972) that guided him. Most of the Osamu wished to express. He No of volumes: One stories in Godfathers son are shows how the destruction set in 1940s Japan. Osamu of war and the emphasis on himself lived in this time of industry in modern Japan samu Tezuka was great hardship and it left him meant that many of the hills one of the first with an unmistaken belief in and forests where he chased manga artists to gain the futility of war, and of the butterfl ies are clearly a thing of owidespread popularity tragedy it caused and the the past, having given way to among the Japanese public, ways that it touched the lives development and progress. In and it's as a result of this that of those who lived through it. ZEPHYRUS the rare butterfl ies he is often cited as being the There are seven stories are attributed with certain Father of Manga. Osamu was in Godfather's Son: 1. human characteristics and are responsible for a diverse and Godfather's Son (Godfather portrayed at times as winged prolific output of manga and no Musuko), 2. ZEPHYRUS, 3. nymphs. This anthromorphism anime from his first success Departure for 1985 (1985 e device is typical of Osamu. with New Treasure Island no Tabidachi), 4. The Paper Departure for 1985 is a time (Shin Takarajima) in 1947 Fortress (Kami no Toride), 5. slip story where three war to many unfinished projects The Hunger Blues (Sukippara orphans are temporarily sent he was working up until his No Burussu), 6. Peekaboo! to a prosperous future that death in 1989. Osamu set the ( Inaiinaibaa) , and 7. contrasts greatly with the time manga and anime ball rolling Akuemon. Godfathers Son is that they have come from. In in terms of the number of set in Osamu's school days 1985, they meet their future artists that he inspired and where he managed to befriend selves and see the bright the subsequent mass appeal the school bully whose father future that is possible. It offers that manga culture would is the local Yakuza boss by an interesting insight into the enjoy in Japan. Not just an impressing him with his comic harsh life that many people innovator, his vast creative books. At fi rst Osamu and the faced in the early post war output continues to reappear bully start out as adversaries years, but also the sense of in various formats most but they soon find out they hope and promise that would noticeably with the recent have a lot in common and soon emerge. The Paper Dororo fi lm which is based on become the best of friends. It's Fortress, The Hunger Blues his original manga series. a humorous story, but one that and Peekaboo! are all in parts Osamu was incredibly prolifi c; ends poignantly with the he autobiographical and show in the recently published last cell in the story depicting a life in wartime Japan and how Complete Manga Works of war scene, and a note that his it influenced Osamu's world Tezuka Osamu there are an unlikely friend ended up dying view. The last story Akuemon incredible 400 volumes with in the war. It's a striking touch, is a departure from the other over 80,000 pages. Osamu's and an undeniable reference to wartime stories, and is is ability to write for a multitude the friends that he lost during about an enchanted fox who of genres means that there is the war, to the faces that outwits a bunch of determined something for all tastes in this would never grow old and who hunters. Akuemon is probably oeuvre. An excellent place to only live in nostalgic memories the best know of the stories in start is Godfather's Son, which of childhood days. Godfathers Son as it was later contains a number of stories, ZEPHYRUS concerns an made into the seminal anime some of which are somewhat insect-obsessed youth and of the same name.

-7- by claire tanaka shin-mai mama nikki [email protected]

s promised, I will be so hot that my daughter could smoking car because I spending this month’s only stay in for a minute or wanted a whole two-seater to column talking about two, which meant I too could myself and the non-smoking atravelling around Japan only stay in for a minute or section was full, except for with a toddler in tow. I met two. the reserved seats which up with my parents in Osaka Fortunately, there was a were empty! Fortunately, we and we travelled to Arima cool toy museum in Arima were able to make a pit-stop and Kurashiki before sending (www.arima-toys.jp ) where in Takamatsu and get some my parents on to Hiroshima Sofi e could play with the toys shopping done, eat yummy while Sofie and I returned to and run around to her hearts tai-yaki, and run around in Tokushima. content. Unfortunately, she the open square in front of the Fortunately, my daughter is didn’t want to leave when it station before going the rest under age six, so she can ride was time to go to lunch. of the way home. public transportation for free! Fortunately, we went to All in all, it was a good trip. Unfortunately, that means Kurashiki and enjoyed the Sofie got to spend lots of we had to share one tiny, (mostly) kid-proof museums, time with her grandparents squishy seat on the packed the beautiful canal, and the and they were happy to take bus to Osaka. Fortunately, the free indoor resting place for lots of pit-stops to rest while bus had a bathroom where tourists. Unfortunately it was Sofie played. If I were to do I could change her diapers. freezing cold and raining while it again, I would pack more Unfortunately, having forgotten we were there. diapers and more snacks. to bring diapers, I was forced Unfortunately, Sofi e is still too Also I think I’d rather pick one to improvise with a towel. little to be expected to walk destination and spend several Fortunately, my mother- everywhere on her own, so my days there instead of changing in-law paid for me to take parents and I had to carry her locations every day or two. my parents to see sumo in a lot. Fortunately, I burned so Most important of all, the Osaka! Unfortunately, I spent many calories by carrying her next time I go to Takamatsu, the whole time trying to keep everywhere that I was able to I’m getting a reserved seat my daughter corralled in our eat a ton of tasty food and not in the non-smoking car! box seat and wasn’t able to gain any weight. Incidentally, the charge for a concentrate on the bouts. Unfortunately, the ride home reserved seat from Tokushima Fortunately, I was able to from Okayama on the train to Takamatsu is 510 yen in the take my parents to stay in was hell – the Okayama- off season and 710 yen in the an affordable ryokan in the Takamatsu leg was crowded high season. That's one more Arima Onsen area which had and Sofi e cried the whole time, reason to travel in the off its own private hot spring! and the Takamatsu-Tokushima season if you can swing it! Unfortunately, the water was leg was spent in the nasty

sofi e with her grandpa in kurashiki, okayama prefecture

-8- japanese lesson by toshiko yamamizo

phpsv phpuufnpsbv xbsjlbo re you familiar with the words͐ошѿ͑,͐ошїњѶѽк͑and͐߆ Ѿߪ͑? They are used often when going to restaurants or parties with your friends and co-workers (however, anot when you go with members of your family). 1: Which of the following three explanations best fi ts each of the three terms? A When you go to pay the bill, everyone pays the same amount ̈́when with co-wokers or friendsͅ B When you pay for someone else (a friend or co-worker) ̈́superiors paying for their , friends for friends or co-workers for other co-workers) C When someone pays for you (a superior, a friend or co-woker)

phpsv phpuufnpsbv xbsjlbo ошѿ! ! ̛ошїњѶѽк! ! ̛̛!߆Ѿߪ 4,000 yen 4,000 yen

0 yen 0 yen 0 yen 0 yen 0 yen 0 yen 1,000 yen each

͕!= Speaker

2: In the following conversation, fi ll in the gaps in each sentence with phrases from 1-4 in the box below.

tpsptpsp A: ёҁёҁ `````````` efoqzp p upuuf bb lpsfxbxbubtij hbibsbjnbtv B: ̈́฿ྲ҆ќїњͅжж̜чҀѣ શ р࿻иѲэ jjoeftvzp xbubtij hb A: ии҇ћэѼ̝શр `````````` efnp jutvnphpdijtpvojobuufjnbtvlbsb lzpvxb B: ћѶ̜ијѶшѕёкџўїњиѲэпѽ̜ਗ໘ѣ `````````` jjoeftvzp lzpvxbxbubtij hbtbtpuuboeblbsb A: ии҇ћэѼ̝ਗ໘ѣ શ рщёїѓ҇єпѽ epvnptvnjnbtfo kb lzpvxbipoupv ojbsjhbupvhp{bjnbtijub B: ѝкѶэѳѲя̝҇ьѷ `````````` ਗ໘ѣႎ๴џжѾрќкшъиѲыѓ

xbubtij ojibsbxbtfuflvebtbj phpsvlbsb hpdijtpvojobsjnbtv lbfsjnbtipvlb ϧ̡શџ࿻҃яњуєщи , Ϩ̡ошѿпѽ , ϩ̡шѕёкџўѾѲэ , Ϫ̡ࡀѾѲыѻкп

Are you familiar with this Japanese custom? When someone gives you something or does something for you (for example, when you recieve a gift from a person who has recently been on vacation), invites you to their house, or pays the bill at a restaurant, you say thank you to them then, but the next time you meet them you must lpopbjeb bsjhbup say ' чѢࠖжѾрќк " or 'thank you for the other day'. This helps to deepen communication lpopbjeb and strengthen ties of friendship with one another. The phrase ч Ѣࠖ usually refers to a period of time around a week, but it is often used for even over a month. Other similar phrases lpopnbfxb ljopvxb npvebjcvnbf are ч Ѣಶѣ "thank you for before", ੦ ໘ѣ "thank you for yesterday", and Ѷ кєиѪಶ ojobsjnbtvhb

џўѾѲэр , "it was some time ago now, but...".

шїњѶѽк шѿ̜о Ѿߪ̜о !߆ 2: 4, 2, 1, 3 1, 2, 4, 2: 1:

phpuufnpsbv phpsv Answers: xbsjlbo

-9- memoranda Kitajima Tulip Fair ၾ๥ҳӗ̶ӜҵӉӇҙҔ

The town of Kitajima, one of the largest tulip producing ҳӗ̶ӜҵӉോౠઌඑћжѿၾ๥෎ћѣ̜ോࡊჟҳӗ̶ regions in Japan, is holding a fair in the Kitajima Tulip ӜҵӉӇҙҔрލਹщҀѿᄫชћэ̝ၾ๥෎ҳӗ̶Ӝҵ ௑ڒџњ̜ᄃ 61 ଟᆬѢҳӗ̶ӜҵӉр 5 Ⴎ 4 ಑ႎ܆Park. In this park area, over 40,000 flowers from over Ӊর 50 different varities will be in bloom, covering 2,000m Ѷ੝сঐѾѲэ̝Ѳѓ̜࠼ࠖඨѢႚ໘ᄹ໘џӑҽҖӋӥ squared! There will also be mini-events held each Sunday Һр৪҃ҀѲэ̝ѐѦчѢ࠿ݵџшᅥуєщи̤ for the duration.

When: Sunday, April 1 to Friday, April 27 (however, ໘ૐ ;! 5 ै 2 ໘̈́໘̻ͅ 5 ै 38 ໘̝̈́ࣞͅѓє! ! end date depends on length of fl owers' bloom) ыݚрସ҃Ѿ૑ൌџସᆇќщяњиѓєсѲэ̝ 9:00 - 17:00 ! ႚ໘ :̡11 ̻ 28̡11 Where: The Kitajima Tulip Park, on the south side of the ௘୸ ;! ཛྷჾऎၾ๥෎̜ၾ๥ҳӗ̶ӜҵӉর܆̈́ၾ๥ඨ!! Kitajima Central Park, Kitajima-cho, Itano-gun ! ܡ৬܏Ѣ໊ၑნџжѿͅ Cost: Free ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ Info: Call the Kitajima Lifestyle and Industry Division ைыу ;!ၾ๥෎ౠߊઌࣄݡѲћใᇭ! 199.7:9.:917 at 088-698-9806 Hana Haru Festa ѣў̠ѣѿ̠Ӈҙҫұ

Come for a variety of events, including local markets, ѣў̠ѣѿ̠ӇҙҫұѢં໘ࠖџํїњᄻ̳ўҖӋӥҺ dance and music displays, and the rare chance to see рຝ๥દᅣ௘࿃র܆ћ৪҃ҀѲэ̝ҲӥҫѸܿ޼єхћ professional Awa Odori dancing groups perform during the ݷєхѢ̜තࠖџᄛ჎ᇌџѼѿҹҕڴўу̜໩џѓїѓ day time. ҫӉӞҖрॣѽҀѿ࠿ݵржѾѲэ̝ѐѦшᅥуєщи̤

When: Saturday, April 28 to Monday, April 30 ໘ૐ̡! 5 ै 39 ໘̈́๘̻ͅ 5 ै 41 ໘̈́ैͅ 10:00 - 17:00 Where: The Aibahama Park in Tokushima City, next to ! 21̡11 ̻ 28̡11 the Shinmachi Bridge ௘୸̡! ຝ๥દᅣ௘࿃র܆ Cost: Free ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ ݵѲћڿڙInfo: Call the Hana Haru Festa Executive Committe ჴи৽҃я̡ѣў̠ѣѿ̠ӇҙҫұѢ૲৪ at 088-655-7331 ! ใᇭ 199.7866.8442 Naruto Whirlpools ეჷѢۘ෌ Prime Viewing ୣѢോ෌

From the end of march through to the end of april is the ႚ໩ 5 ैඨѣეჷѢۘ෌҆ॣѿѢџ਻สўૐ࠼ћэ̝ϩ ໩ћѶїќѶോсиۘрڴbest time to see the Naruto whirlpools. During this time, ै݀୪пѽϪै݀୪џпхњ they grow to the largest sizes in the entire year. ॣѽҀѲэ̝

When: Now until the end of April ໘ૐ̡! ॵ੓̻ 5 ै݀୪ Where: The Naruto Straits by the O-Naruto Bridge Cost: Free (however, local tour boats cost 1,500 yen ௘୸̡! ეჷદეჷކࢪ !̜ۘ܅ for an adult, and admission to the Uzu no Michi ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ̈́ѓєы̜ۘ෌ࠑযಫўѽോగ 2611 is 500 yen for an adult). ! Ѣທўѽോగ 611 ܅ͅ Info: Call the Naruto City Commerce and Tourism ჴ৽я̡!ეჷદஒিࠑযݡѲћใᇭ 199.795.2268 Division at 088-684-1157

-10- memoranda Doitsu-kan Events һҖҶࠛҖӋӥҺ

The 3rd Easter Festival പ Ȭ ݕѴ̔҉ҏ̔਩ќ Come along to this fun festival, with a mini-concert, egg һҖҶࠛћҖ̶ҫұ̶҆޼ыѶк̤ӑҽҥӥҧ̶Һ̜Ҥ̶ races, games and more in celebration of Easter. Ӓ̜ҚҵҢӞ̶ҫўѝр৪҃ҀѲэ̝ When: Sunday, April 8 from 12:30 to 15:30 ໘ૐ̡! 5 ै 9 ໘̈́໘̛ͅ23̡41 ̻ 26̡41 Cost: 500 yen ࣞ޽̡! 611 ܅

F-Ruhe Concert A concert with combined fl ute and piano music is going to ҥҺҵ̔ҺӃҀ҉҃Ӄ҅̔Ҙ be held at the Deustches Haus. Ӈӝ̶ҺќӆҔӀќѢҥӛӎӞ̶ҩәӥћҥӥҧ̶Һр When: Sunday, April 15 from 14:00 ލпҀѲэ̝ Cost: Adults 1,500 yen, children 500 yen ໘ૐ̡! 5 ै 26 ໘̈́໘̛ͅ25̡11 ̻ ࣞ޽̡! ോగ 2-611 ܅̜சగ 611 ܅ For more details and information on the Doitsu-kan, take һҖҶࠛѢҘҙӈҧҖҺџѶࡆಉѢҖӋӥҺ௜၇ўѝ a look at the Doitsu-kan homepage for more seasonal ржѾѲэ̡iuuq;00xxx/djuz/obsvup/uplvtijnb/kq0̛ event information and other details, here at: http://www. city.naruto.tokushima.jp/germanhouse/index.html hfsnboipvtf0joefy/iunm

Tsukimigaoka Park ैॣрࡴކ࿃র܆ Opening! Ҝ̶Ӊӥ̤

A new park is now open by Tokushima airport in பრ෎џжѿຝ๥ࣱৗѢᆥџఁыуॡᅵैॣрࡴކ࿃র Matsushige-cho, north of Tokushima City. The expansive ܆риѼиѼҜ̶ӉӥыѲэ̝৬܏຾џިଟમಇржѾ̜ џѶୗ༫ᄿѢᄛᆍҥҸ̶Ҫр 21ޒڒpark grounds are home to various playground equipment ᄥѧ௘ಇྏѸઈံທ and several walking tracks, with names inspired by phases ๭ѶౘྏщҀњиѲэ̝ඵଆ௘ൊాѣ 411 ൊќўїњи of the moon. The park is also home to ten cottages Ѳэ̝ available for staying overnight for a fee, and has over 300 ॡᅵैॣрࡴކ࿃র܆ѢҜ̶ӉӥѢੑџ๴Ѿ̜ިଟҖӋ parking spots available. The opening of the park will be marked by several small events. ӥҺ҆ᄫชыњиѲэ̝

When: Sunday, April 1 ໘ૐ ;! 5 ै 2 ໘̈́໘ͅ Where: The Tsukimigaoka next door to the Tokushima ௘୸ ;! பრ෎̜ຝ๥ࣱৗѢᆥ Airport in Matsushige-cho ! ॡᅵैॣрࡴކ࿃র܆ Cost: Free ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ Info: Call the Matsushige-cho Industry and Tourism ைыу ;!பრ෎ઌࣄࠑযݡѲћใᇭ Divison at 088-699-8714. ! 199.7::.9825 Information Online ౠߊ௜၇ҜӥӛҖӥ

ਇగ҆ഴ௉џ̜۷তћౠߊ௜၇҆ณ࢝ޒDon't forget to swing by the Living in Tokushima website ຝ๥ॡ຾Ѣ੓୉ for a complete TV and movie guide, full event listings, ыњиѿҘҚӈҧҖҺржѾѲэ̝Ҕҡҭҫыњиѓє information on natural disasters and much more! сѲэќ̜ҸӞӅ཮೎ླ̜ۭݬѢ௑ۭླ̜ҖӋӥҺ௜၇ Ѹၻ੆௜၇ўѝ̜ިଟ௜၇р੐їњиѲэ̝ For computer: http://ourtokushima.net/e_living/index.php Ӄүҥӥпѽ̡http://ourtokushima.net/e_living/index.php For mobile phones: http://ourtokushima.net/e_living/m/ ढഷпѽ̡http://ourtokushima.net/e_living/m/

-11- memoranda Tsutsuji Matsuri јјьੋѾ

In this traditional event, local swordsmen and women чѢ฿๻ศўҖӋӥҺћѣ̜ॽಗ௘џѕўѳ̜එ७Ѣॏ will be coming together to take part in outdoor sword గѓѕрჾી৽҆৪кഢ̜ࣣݵѸҝӛҜңോݵўѝр৪ competitions. In addition, there will be poetry readings ҃ҀѲэ̝ and karaoke!

When: Sunday, April 22 Where: Miyoshi City Yamashiro-cho, Kurokawa, by the ໘ૐ̡! 5 ै 33 ໘̈́໘ͅ !!Ѣ௘৽ѣ൉ۑformer site of Tao Castle. In the event of rain, it will be ௘୸̡! ં঻દઅௗ෎਋ಖ̜โྐௗମဩ̝ held at the Keisenkan in Yamashiro-cho. ! ҃Ѿџઅ൉෎Ѣझಜࠛћ৪҃ҀѲэ̝ Cost: Free ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ Info: Call the Miyoshi City, Yamashiro-cho General ჴ৽я̡!ં঻દઅௗ෎ೳ৽ફ୸ઌࣄࠑযݡѲћใᇭ Branch Offi ce, Industry and Tourism Division ! 1994.97.3543 at 0883-86-2432

Koi Nobori at the ঩ѢѰѾྃࢩോံ࠭ Oboke Gorge ࢪ҆۱ф

Each year during this colourful event, a wide variety of ႚ໩чѢҖӋӥҺћѣ̜಺ਇпѽ೽ѽҀњсѓ௱ќѾѝ koi nobori (large fl oats in the shape of carp) are displayed ѾѢ঩ѢѰѾрോံ࠭๴ѾѢࡦჾಖ҆௪ѽҀњиѲэ̝ across the Oboke gorge and in the surrounding area. Ѳѓ̜шચᄿэѿᄫชѢўи঩ѢѰѾ҆о૏ѕѢၑѣи Donations of any koi nobori you may have lying at home јћѶ̜࠳࿋҆ଥ࿋ыњиѲэ̝ are also most welcome!

When: From early April to late May, everyday ໘ૐ̡! 5 ै௑୪̻ 6 ै݀୪ Where: The Yoshino River in Miyoshi City, Yamashiro- ௘୸̡! ં঻દઅௗ෎̜ӞҫҺӛӥѲ҇ўпോံ࠭ࢪѢ!! cho, just in front of the restaurant Resutoran ! Ѳмџжѿࡦჾಖମဩ Mannaka Oboke-kyo. ࣞ޽̡! Ⴥᆍ Cost: Free ჴ৽я̡!ӞҫҺӛӥѲ҇ўпോံ࠭ࢪѲћใᇭ Info: Call the Resutoran Mannnaka Oboke-kyo ! 1994.95.2322 at 0883-84-1211

Counselling Service at TOPIA ҺӆҔѢ೰ඎೱ঵

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)

ଥх઱ѵњиѲэпగग़Ѣ୓ѳ

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