Cultures·Events

We Had the Japanese Speech Contest!

On November 17^th, 2024 (Sun), “the 16^th Japanese Speech Contest by Foreign Residents” was held at Citizen’s community hall “FRIENDIA” next to Kawaguchi Station. 12 contestants from 5 countries talked about various discoveries, astonishments, thoughts they found from lives in Japan on the given theme of “(Customs of Japan that doesn’t exist in my country)”.

Nervousness seemed to prevail over the contestants when they stood before lots of people ready to listen to. I was impressed by their attitudes trying to deliver messages not only with gesticulations but also with jokes, even with hand-drawn drawings.

Stories ranged from the puzzlement of using spa facility stark-naked with perfect strangers, the trepidation of experiencing the first-ever earthquake, to the different rules of greetings, and punctuality required in Japan. It was interesting to know once again that our culture and customs, that are nothing special and almost daily routines to us, might perplex foreigners so much.

In their speeches, I heard some phrases like “We can respect each other owing to these differences”, “I want to enjoy more of these cultural differences”. I felt these were the most important way of thinking our diversifying society calls for.

After a fair and unbiased judgement, prizes went to contestants below.

Prize	Name	Country	Title
Gold prize	WENG SHITING	China	Culture of Quietness
Silver Prize	GHIMIRE PRASAMSA	Nepal	Thoughts I Found from Cultural Differences Between Japan and Nepal
Bronze Prize	TRAN THI THUONG	Vietnam	Shocked by Earthquake Frequented Japan

Photo (above) WENG SHITING

(lower left) GHIMIRE PRASAMSA

(lower right) TRAN THI THUONG

＜Interview with the Gold winning contestant＞

With stories such as the quietness of Japan’s trains where people rarely talk in loud voices, Gold Prize winner, Ms. WENG SHITNG talked in her speech titled “Culture of Quietness”, about the mind of harmony that embraces accord and mutual forgiveness. She thought it all came not from indifference, but from a tradition of cordiality that makes people stand close to each other that fascinated her so much. She was kind enough to share her time to take this interview after the contest.

－Which part of China are you from?

Ms. WENG：Fujian Province. Famous for producing Oolong tea.

－What do you usually do?

Ms. WENG：Serving as an interpreter at exhibitions and medical scenes.

Also, I am working as a volunteer staff at a vegan(※) shop, because I am a vegan myself.

－Why did you choose to be a vegan?

Ms. WENG：Because I thought it is pity to eat animals. Though I had temporarily stopped veganism because I love eating meat. I returned to being a vegan this April.

－This year’s contest was your second challenge following last year.

Ms. WENG：That is right. I won the Third-place last year. This year, at first, I had been eager to win the First-place. But as I was getting ready for the contest, I started to feel “Others are also doing their best. All I should do is keep going to the end”. However, I am really pleased to win the Gold Prize this year.

－How do you usually study Japanese?

Ms. WENG：I am attending International Exchange corner (volunteered Japanese language class) from last year. Staff there were always by my side and supported me all through the way to the speech contest.

－What is your hobby?

Ms. WENG：As I told everyone in the intermission after the speech, I love “Decluttering”.

－What would you like to be in the future?

Ms. WENG：Working for others is my dream. I also would like to disseminate veganism. I think “Veganism” is, so to say, “Food Decluttering”.

（※）Lifestyle or person follows rules of “Not eat animals”, “Not wear animal products”. Particularities and disciplines vary depending on individuals.

Editor’s note

Some contestants talked about Japanese cultures and customs as quite favorable ones. I was flattered by that as a local Japanese, but at the same time I felt a bit embarrassed by those remarks. By KISHIDA

Japanese Speech Contest is coming soon!

”The Japanese Speech Contest by Foreign Residents in Kawaguchi City” has finally succeeded in holding its 16th this year.

Every year, lots of non-Japanese speakers delivered speeches in fluent Japanese about what they had felt in their lives in Japan. Get to know about peculiar customs in Japan, Japanese way of expressing things, interesting episodes, etc. that only foreign residents would be able to notice will open your eyes. This year’s theme is “Japan’s peculiar social behaviors not existing in my country”. Twelve contestants from China, Nepal, Vietnam, Thai, and Myanmar are assiduously preparing for the day.

　Do not you want to know what are this year’s speakers like? I have sent a questionnaire to each to feed me back for this report.

Japanese Speech Contest is coming soon!

　【GHIMIRE PRASAMSA・Student】

Came from Nepal about seven years ago. To say nothing of Japanese, very good at speaking English. Favorite Japanese word is “やばい-YABAI (D××n)”. The word may appear in her speech.

　【AYE KYI PHYU・IT engineer】

Came from Myanmar seven years ago. Likes learning things. Favorite Japanese word is “仕事-SHIGOTO (Work)”. Cannot wait to know how this diligent Ms. Aye Kyi Phyu thinks about today’s Japan.

　【PRAEWPAN (MOD) BOONPRASOPDEE・Employee of Casting Company】

Came from Thai eighteen months ago. Very fond of Japanese food. Favorite Japanese word is “努力-DORYOKU (Effort)”. I cannot help imagining her continuous efforts from the day she started living in Japan.

【TRAN THI THUONG・Care-worker】

Came from Vietnam six years ago. Expert at listening to others. It is the most sought-after skill in her job. Favorite Japanese word is “おはよう-OHAYO (Good morning)”. Indeed, it is essential to bid morning greetings each other in every part of the world.

【He Yuheng・Student】

Came from China fifteen months ago. Claims to be an excellent singer. Favorite Japanese word is “‘すみません-SUMIMASEN (Excuse me)”. This versatile word, you can use it in almost every possible situation.

【Chen Manting・Student】

Came from China ten months ago and now challenging this contest. Claims to be not good at singing. Favorite Japanese word is “愛している-AISHITERU (I love you)”. I cannot wait to hear her speech full of love.

【Lin Jiaxin・Student】

Math is her best subject. Came from China nine months ago. Loves Sushi, though Sashimi does not suit her. Favorite Japanese word is “素晴らしい-SUBARASHII (Amazing)”. I am sure she will give us an amazing speech.

【Zhou Xiyuan・Student】

Came to Japan only three months before. Her forte is Chinese calligraphy. Favorite Japanese word is “そうですね-SOUDESUNE (That is right)”. It is one of useful phrases when we want to give a noncommittal reply.

【Weng Shiting・Self-employment】

Has passed nine years and five months since she had come to Japan. What she can do best is “Decluttering”. It seems I have much to learn from her. Favorite Japanese word is “為せば成る-NASEBA NARU (Where there is a will, there is a way)”. Her strong mind seems to be resonating with decluttering activity.

【Zhong Hangwei・Student】

He also came to Japan only three months ago. He says he is not good at communicating with others, though, I wish this contest will give him the opportunity to meet lovely people. Favorite Japanese word is “木葉-KONOHA (Leaves)”. I hope he can enjoy autumnal colored leaves of Japan.

【LOHANI RAJESH・Company employee】

Came from Nepal about a year ago. Sushi lover, also likes to play volleyball. Favorite Japanese word is “先生-SENSEI (Teacher)”. Assuming he is supported by lots of teachers with his speech at the contest.

【Liu Zining・Student】Came from China three years and two months ago. Skillful player on the Chinese lute. It would be nice to have an opportunity to enjoy her performance. Favorite Japanese word is “ありがとう-ARIGATOU (Thank you)”. What a beautiful word she had chosen!

Come and enjoy speeches of foreign residents living in Japan!

【Date】November 17^th (Sun), 2024.

【Time】 Open 12:30 Start 13:00

【Place】FRENDIA 4th floor Cupo-la building　※ Free

Editor’s Note

I participated in the backstage of this contest as a volunteer staff last year. It was a great experience to know about what foreign residents have to say.It may become an ideal opportunity to know more about this international city of Kawaguchi.　　by Zunko

SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL 2024

　　“SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL” will start from July 13th (Sat), 2024. at SKIP CITY. This is one of the international film competitions which focuses on rising film directors and their digitally-filmed / edited productions from all over the world, and introduces works that are specially selected by a panel of judges.

　　1201 works have been sent in from 102 countries and areas to this 21th annual competition.

10 feature-length films will be played in the International Competition Division, and 6 feature-length and 8 short films will be played in the Domestic Competition Division. Excellent productions will be awarded after being examined by a panel of judges consisting of some prominent film directors.

　　At the press conference held in Tokyo on June 7th, 2024., details of the event and productions were officially announced. Most nominated works for the International Competition Division seem vividly depicting each country’s cultural, historical, and social backgrounds and boasting a uniformly excellent productions created by aspiring film directors of the world who are all believing in the power of motion pictures. On the other hand, genres of nominated works for the Domestic Competition Division are ranging from horror, period play, human-interest to animated cartoon! Rich-in-variety parade of fine works are waiting for you. You can enjoy films with Japanese subtitle for foreign language productions, also with English subtitle for Japanese language ones.

　　In addition to these competitions, they will have special events such as after-dark open-air movies, which you can enjoy watching films with children in the cool, night-time air, workshops, and talk-shows inviting film director Kazuya Shiraishi, the chairman of the panel for the International Competition, and film director Satoko Yokohama, the chairman of the panel for the Domestic Competition. A special talk session is also scheduled inviting Ms. Natsuko Toda, a film subtitle translator, as a guest speaker. (Please visit official website below for further information)

　　“We would like to make this event which can be enjoyed by every visitor from aspiring film-making director to filmgoer, and people who just want to enjoy the atmosphere”, the Governor Ohno of Saitama Prefecture enthusiastically announced. Also, the Mayor Okunoki of Kawaguchi City promoted “D-Cine-marché”, a joint event which will be held at Cupo・la square in front of Kawaguchi Station East exit. You can enjoy foods from local excellent restaurants and brass-band performances while waiting for a bus to the film festival venue or on your way home.

　　Lots of works and directors introduced in the past SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL are now playing active parts throughout the world. You should witness the birth of great films of future masterpieces during this year’s this festival. Do not miss this opportunity!

＜Showing Schedule＞

Schedule page｜SKIPCITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL 2024

＜Ticket Info.＞

Date/Time/Seat-Specified ticket only. ADV ticket is available only via online.

An Entry for competition：ADV ticket：￥600　DAY ticket：￥800
Free Pass ticket for all Entries：With Online Unlimited Streaming service ：￥4,500, With no Online service：￥3,500
Ticket for each event, or Ceremony：ADV ticket：￥800　DAY ticket：￥1,000

Please visit official website for further information.

SKIPCITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL 2024

【Editor’s note】

That is definitely one of the exciting film festivals for moviegoers♪　There is a lot that I do not want to miss, I think I am going to enjoy the festival both on screens and online service.

By SPRING

【Editorial Staff; SPRING】

Hair salon is not the place that I am much fond of, though I like changing my hair styles.

“Japanese Martial Arts” Welcomes Everyone from Juniors to Seniors ～How About to Start Practicing Aikido ?～

Do you know one of the Japanese martial arts, Aikido?

In Aikido, each technique is not completed until layering your own force on the pushing or pulling force of the opponent. It does not matter whether you are sturdy-built or not, strong or fragile, male, female, young or old, to join practicing this martial art. The system of not employing competition within the school enables you to learn techniques without being mentally pushing around.

Even though having interested in Aikido, I think not a few people are having anxieties as; “I have no experience of any martial arts before. Can I do this?”, “I do not think I can do it with my poor physical strength”, “Where can I have lessons?”, “I am a bit nervous because there is no one I know in Dojo”.

Today, I am going to show you an Aikido Dojo in Kawaguchi.

I visited “Yoshinkan Aikido Byakko, Kawaguchi Dojo” to interview Master Sugaya, who toured me around this Dojo’s usual practice routines. Master Sugaya, a mild-mannered person, gently and politely talked about this Dojo. While answering to this interview, he was giving instructions to practitioners by articulating each word very carefully.

Yoshinkan Aikido is recognized its practicality well enough to be employed as one of the in-service trainings for Riot Police Officers at the Metropolitan Police Department. On the other hand, Aikido is a martial art that demands no preparations for all to start. If you are interested in Aikido, why do not you start your experience in Kawaguchi?

Yoshinkan Aikido Byakko Kawaguchi Dojo is giving lessons on every Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Kawaguchi Municipal Shiba Sports Center. The day I visited happened to be a sweltering hot day of September, however, Dojo area of Shiba Sports Center is an ideal place to have trainings since it is equipped with super-sized air conditioner. There were six practitioners on the day I visited. Girl in a junior high school, office worker just graduated from a university, practitioners in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, people of different age groups gathered to have trainings. I mentioned about this point to Master Sugaya, then he answered, “Literally anyone, people of all ages and both sexes can start practicing this and the training itself is adjustable to each one’s physical strength and condition. That is the virtue of Aikido. From little children to seniors, they enjoy taking lessons in here. If you long have been interested in starting martial arts, Aikido is the one for you since it is much easier to get started”. He also had this to say; “Aikido techniques use practical body movements in suppressing the opponent. For that, a central force of the body is what you need to acquire. Through lessons you can strengthen your trunk”. I also had a chance to talk with a parent of a junior high schooler. “My child started Aikido when she was in second year of elementary school. I assume her core is quite toughened. I have an impression that she rarely gets injuries from school’s club activities compare to her friends there”.

Training routine is like this; they do 6 basic forms of Aikido for 25 minutes. Then, practice Ukemi-receiving technique for 30 minutes. They need to learn how to do Ukemi to apply techniques and defend themselves safely. You will not get bruised because Ukemi practice is done on a mat. After Ukemi practice, they start practicing each technique called Waza. They have short breaks between each practice to avoid too much exhaustion.

From joint-locking technique to throwing technique, you will see various kinds of technique in this martial art. “Through practicing basic forms and Ukemi, both the base of every technique, you will find effective ways of practicing Waza-techniques”

Master Sugaya’s Aikido demonstration

Master Sugaya says they welcome foreign residents too since he has no problem in speaking English. Always welcomes visitors/trial lesson. Let’s give it a try! How about starting your Aikido experience from a Dojo in Kawaguchi?

Admission procedure

Always welcoming visitors/trial lesson.

Place: Kawaguchi Municipal Shiba Sports Center

Lesson hours: Each Sunday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Visitors for trial lessons; bring such easy-to-move clothing as sportswear)

Contact e-mail address of Kawaguchi Dojo: spataka._.v8@ezweb.ne.jp

Official website of Kawaguchi Dojo: http://aikidokawaguchi.web.fc2.com/index.html

Editor’s Note

Various kinds of techniques are used in Aikido. It is quite interesting just watching their routine. Though, I am sure you are going to be instigated to do it yourself. Visit the Dojo and see it yourself!　　　　　　　　　　　　　　By M.S

“Discover! Kawaguchi” Editorial Staff : M.S

Enthusiast for mountaineering, road bike riding, running.　My passion for mountaineering was developed by the experience of climbing in the Northern Alps.

Cultures·Events

Cultures·Events

We Had the Japanese Speech Contest!

Japanese Speech Contest is coming soon!

SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema FESTIVAL 2024

“Japanese Martial Arts” Welcomes Everyone from Juniors to Seniors ～How About to Start Practicing Aikido ?～

Traditional Folk House Café, NARANOKI