Cultures·Events

”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. 

　【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” 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. 

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 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.

Renovated a 175 years’ old traditional folk house, Café NARANIKI has been opened as a new hang-out spot packed with local charms and history. Once got inside, you will feel the warmth of wood and find the place quite comfortable to be in. Abundantly blessed with natural settings, you can enjoy freshly-picked-vegetable-rich lunch menu and dessert menu used local products at this nostalgic folk house café. Away from the din and bustle of your daily routine, let’s spend the calm, unhurried time in here.

Food Information

MENU (part) Tax included

●Day’s Set Meal \1,300   ※30 plates / day 

●Nostalgic Spaghetti Napolitana \800  

●NARANOKI Parfait \500 

★  Drink ＋\200   

●Home-roasted Coffee   \350 ☕

●Japanese Herb Tea   \350 etc.

NARANOKI Multipurpose Room

For workshops, concerts, etc.

●Open ： Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun.

●Visit our Website to check room available hours, charges, etc.

Other events🌺

Container gardening workshop, spring and autumn herb workshop, etc., they holds various events. Please check the schedule on Website.  

Website ：https://naranoki-kawaguchi.jimdofree.com

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/naranoki3/

Editor’s Note

I had vegetable-rich Plate Lunch (set menu). I really enjoyed my lunch in a comfortable atmosphere, which satisfied both my heart and appetite! 　Bｙ Mimosa🌻

Did you know there is a temple where you can practice Zen meditation in Kawaguchi City?

It is Daitoku ji-temple, in Michiai, Kawaguchi, which offers you an opportunity to experience Zen 

meditation.

I visited Daitoku ji-temple to experience zen-meditation and talk with Mr. Igawa, Vice -Priest of the temple. I have got the impression of him as very warm person and easy to talk to, and that is no wonder: he also is a teacher at a municipal elementary school!

Seated Meditation at Daitoku ji-Temple・Meditation method of AJIKAN

  Daitoku ji-temple belongs to the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. Introduced into Japan by Kukai, also known as Kobodaishi in the early Heian period. the Shingon Sect employs a seated meditation method   called Ajikan. Ajikan method has its origin in Indian yoga. The term yoga may reminds many people of some stretching exercise. However,  esoteric of yoga is to be attuned with the Buddha through meditation. To have the opportunity to feel as one with all things in nature, they meditate. 

  At Daitoku ji-temple, they teach you this meditation method with thorough instruction of how to breath, vocalize, then how to imagine. Even beginners will have no trouble in giving it a try. When you sit cross-legged on a zabuton-floor cushion with eyes half closed and try to catch your breath to mediate, your mind gradually becomes serene. This meditation method has its origin in yoga, so it naturally includes movements such as straighten your back and both arms which helps to refresh your body. 

How to Attend Zen Meditation Session

 Daitoku ji-temple holds 2 -hour Ajikan session on each Sunday, from 7:00 to 9:00. No restriction on what you wear, but something easy to move your body is recommended. No need to make prior appointment even if you are a new to the session, just come and join them. In case you will arrive at the temple earlier than 7:00 am, or you will come in a group, contact us beforehand.

 Participants consist of various age groups and sometimes foreign residents join the session. Good neighbors from Bangladesh, foreign students at Saitama University, etc. the session attracts many people         living around Daitoku ji-temple.

Vice-Priest Igawa once taught AJIKAN Meditation Method in Hawaii, so there will be no languistic problems. Feel free to join us, he said.

Aside from Zen meditation, they hold sessions of Shakyo (copying of soutras) on new-moon evenings each month. If this also interests you, please contact Daitoku ji-temple.

Editor’s Note

Not a few people may have the impression that Buddhist monks are a very difficult to talk to. Here, at Daitiku ji-temple, you will forget such anxiety soon enough to start your first Zen meditation experience just  listening to friendly but calm voice of Vice-priest Igawa. I, myself tried AJIKAN meditation. I think it is not that difficult for any of us to try, because everything will be thoroughly instructed. I had a nice cup of tea in between the session. Thank you very much! 　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 (the Hida Mountains).