Cultures·Events

• Bring a Wholesome Body and Mind with Karate Training! ～Shiwasuda Elementary School   Karate Course～
• Experience of making real kimchi with people of regional communities  〜How about getting to know each other better through “Kimjang”?〜
• 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 ?～

“Karate”, it is one of traditional Japanese martial arts that has become an Olympic event in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Today, I visited to cover Kawaguchi Municipal Shiwasuda Elementary School and see “Shiwasuda Elementary School, Karate Course” which is held on every Monday.

As a former enthusiast of Aikido, I, who was in charge of this report, was a bit excited about bathing in the distinctive atmosphere of Dojo-gym. Members of that day were fourteen children under the age of fifteen (two of them came for a trial lesson) and an adult. Just a mere sight of them cladding in white Dogi-uniforms was enough to tense me up.

Leading warm-up exercises for the entire trainees was a Junior High schooler girl with a black belt. Now, second year of Junior High School, she has been taking training since she was attending a kindergarten.

I waited for a break to ask her about what was the Karate’s most fascinating part for her.

“At the beginning, learning new kata-fixed sequences fascinated me so much. After I was given a black belt, I am taking trainings more ardently in order to reach the level of remarkable masters around me”.

Her brisk answers made me a really good impression that Karate training will not only trains performance skills, but also trains your body and mind. She was teaching basic movements to kids of white belt group after the warm-up exercises.

I also talked with the Master of Dojo. This Dojo-gym has concrete precepts called Dojo-kun (general rule intends to regulate behaviors, mindset / method of training) and other mental preparedness. Trainees are supposed to read it out loud before starting trainings. I believe your mind must be trained through Karate because it includes disciplinary trainings like this,

Let me introduce their Dojo-kun.

1.         Strive for the formation of character

2.         Give prominence to the proprieties

3.         Restrain an impulse of being a blind daring

4.         Cultivate a spirit of effort

5.         Follow the way of sincerity

Their attempt at working side by side with local community is one of the examples of putting Dojo-kun principles into practice. In September 2024, they have paid a visit to Kawaguchi City Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Elderly “Home for the Elderly Requiring Special Care : SANTEPIA” and Kawaguchi City Kamine Welfare Center to display martial arts to cheer up residents there.

This school teaches an authentic Karate, which is comprised of Kumite-sparring and Kata-fixed sequence of movements. It might be easier to imagine it from what you saw at the Olympic events. Kumite means one-on-one sparring style, and this school employs a style of “Sundome”, in which you stop your force at the very edge of the opponent’s body. “Wadoryu” is the name of this school, which is characterized by making the best of natural movements of human body. It has a similarity with the movements of Aikido.

Practice matches including matches of kata, display of fixed-sequence of movements contested by solo-player, were held on the day I visited. Each quick movement, serene voice, rustle of chafing Dogi, will never misses to overwhelm you. This really is the essence of martial arts!

Master of this school ingeniously arranges the operation of this school. Each trainee is given an attendance card. Every time they come to the training, they will get a sticker. If you win at a practice match, you will get four stickers. The school tries to visualize each trainee’s progress in this way. This method stimulates trainees’ enthusiasm, they said.

  Practicing earnestly, strictly, I was impressed by this school’s brilliant operation method which employs idea of full of enjoyable arrangements. 

 Information on Shiwasuda Elementary School  Karate Course：

Address：  11-1, Asahi 1-chome, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.

〒３３２-０００１

URL：https://shiwasuda.crayonsite.net/

Have you ever heard of the word, “Kimjang”?

In Korea there’s a custom called “Kimjang”, which indicates pickling a quantity of Kimchi in each family and local communities before winter.This function which can be said a special attraction of winter is an important event in both families and local communities.Member of families and people of communities gather and cooperate pickling Kimchi on that day.

Do you know there is a workshop that we can actually experience “Kimjang “ in Kawaguchi City?

I joined a workshop of Korean cooking which was held at community center at Namiki in Kawaguchi city on December 28 (Thursday), 2024.The main event of that day was making Kimchi. In addition we cooked together three other dishes for lunch. First, Pugok, which is dried cod soup. Second, Possam, which is boiled pork and third, Chijimi.

Exactly a scenery of “Kimjang” spreaded during the workshop. Participants made a great deal of Kimchi by working together.

There are three steps to make Kimchi. Firstly we cut salted Chinese cabbages into four pieces. Secondly we spread politely between leaves two kinds of seasonings which are fermented chili peppers, shrimp and sardines and Yangnyeom which is mixed spices of like shredded radish and green onion. Then we wrap up whole of them with leaves of Chinese cabbages. Finally this is the end of making Kimchi.

 We tend to eat it at once as just made Kimchi gives a nice scent. It is said that it’s better to wait until it will be fermented a bit so that we can enjoy it. We can take it home and eat it. It’s one of joy that we taste and see it how it is.

Flavor of Pugok makes us warm from both physically and mentally as the taste of cod is consented. Possam is cooking together pork back ribs with seasonings like Doenjang until it becomes soft. Then we wrap them with Sanchu or salted Chinese cabbages and eat them. In addition Chijimi including a lot of onions, carrots and garlic chives were particularly delicious with special sauce.Lunch all of the participants made included plenty of vegetables and each dishes were perfect.

This time 15 people who were both first and repeat participants lively enjoyed making Kimchi. Good-natured personality of Ms Lee who is a teacher that held the cooking class made the time pass at once in cosy atmosphere.

●Voice of participants

“A-san” whom I cooked at the same table together.(She has attended the cooking class for three years. She took part in them excitingly with her friends.) : I enjoyed making Kimchi every year.I’m very pleased to experience Kimjang with everybody.

 “B-san” who was a companion at lunch. (This time, she’s attended them for the second time.): I enjoyed a lot to have participated in them as Ms Lee invited me.

●Interview with Ms Lee

First reason why Ms Lee Sookhyung to hold the cooking classes were held as return of favor for those who lived in the same flat that took care of her a lot.To get to know each other better she started to hold the cooking classes at home as she wanted to cook Korean dishes and talk with eating.Afterwards she started to hold the classes at community center as participants increased by teaching Korean, too.

The handmade Korean dishes which were made with plenty of vegetables, genuine seasonings and spices were family-minded and somehow nostalgic. How about deepening our friendship by attending “Kimjang “?

※To those who wants to join the cooking classes.

Please make it sure by calling the Namiki community center as it is held at the end of November every year.

Editor’s postscript

Making Kimchi was precious experience.

  I could get a broader view of Kimchi as there were seasonings and fermented food for the first time pickled with it. Please join in making Kimchi next year if you are interested in it.         By Mimoza

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.

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

”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