”World Friends” started(Sept,2019)

“World Friends” is a school-to-school exchange project that started this year which aims to foster international awareness among youth in Ichikawa. Specifically, by exchanging video letters (video shootings) between an elementary school in Ichikawa and that of an affiliated city, students of both schools can get oriented with each school’s activities and share their thoughts. This year, Myoden Elementary School and 186th Street Elementary School in Gardena, USA were chosen as first World Friends. The 3 classes of 6th graders of Myoden Elementary School created the scenario, recorded a video where students did the acting, and narrated the contents in English as much as they can. The first video letter was sent to Gardena in August. This is an unprecedented youth exchange program that allows many students to interact with children of the same age in foreign countries and experience different cultures through school activities, even though the students do not meet in person

Gyotoku Festival Eve Event 　new

On October 26, 2019, I joined the Gyotoku Festival Eve event which was held before the main event the following day. Gyotoku is known as a Mikoshi Town and the organizers wanted to invite as many foreigners to experience the carrying of Mikoshi (portable shrine) and help them understand its tradition and the Japanese culture as well. About 25 foreigners from various groups participated and were guided to Nakadai Mikoshi Factory and Museum. After watching all the exhibits, we left the museum and walked towards Gyotoku Ekimae Park where the preparation for the festival was ongoing and where we experienced carrying the Mikoshi, which really excited us. At the park, the committee prepared a sumptuous dinner, sake, and other drinks, and had a great time talking with all the participants.

Citizens’ Delegation visited Rosenheim　new

The delegation departed from Narita Airport at 8 am on October 22nd; 2019. After arriving at Rosenheim, we went to the Girls’ school Realschule for Maedchenand where we met students who have stayed with host families in Ichikawa before. They also paid a visit to City Hall Mayor Gabriele Bauer. She and Mayor Murakoshi of Ichikawa City, exchanged greetings and enjoyed dancing in their native costumes and singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony during a ceremony. They returned safely to Japan on the 28th with pleasant memories of this trip and the experience of a great team work with members.

Guidance for foreign students who wish to enter high school and their parents who lack knowledge of Japanese　new

On October 19th, 2019, this guidance sponsored by Boso Multicultural Network was held at Gyotoku I & I Hall. A total of 35 groups of parents and children from 10 countries participated in this event. . The purpose of this guidance is to orient the non-Japanese parents and students about the system of high school entrance examination and how to prepare for it. After hearing the detailed explanations, the participants seemed to be relaxed and confident to overcome the tough and rigorous procedures. （#74, P2）

Ichikawa German Day - Oktoberfest 2019 　new

It was held on October 5th. 2019 with beautiful weather at Nikke Colton Plaza. There were 17 booths for selling typical German foods and items such as, sausages, beer, bread, wine and other products. IIA also had a booth that exhibited our activities to the public and a craft-making activity for the children where they were asked to choose between making a house or a car out of a cardboard without using glue or scissors. Approximately 18,000 people came to this event.　(#74, P8)

The International Food and Market　new

The 17th Yawata Town Festival (Yawata Machi Kaiyuten) was held on September 29, 2019 in Yawata area. It was the 5th time for us to participate in this event at Keiyo Gas Showroom, and now it is gaining popularity in serving ethnic cuisine to visitors. They were Korean foods (Chizimi, Toppogi and Japchae); Peruan food (Escabeche) and Vietnamese dessert (Chae). All of them were so delicious and well-received by the visitors.
We also set-up some stalls that sells ethnic products from Mexico, Chile and Philippines, near the entrance of the showroom where many passersby stopped and showed interest in them.
Exhibitors and volunteer staff enjoyed very much the exchanges with the citizens.

Survival Japanese Language Class in Ichikawa 2019　new

The purpose of this summer class is for elementary and junior high school students, who are new
comers to Japan, to get accustomed to Japanese language and culture so that they can prepare themselves to enter school for the new semester in September. It was held on August 26, 2019 at the Ichikawa 7th Junior High School. Twenty pupils and more than thirty volunteers participated in this event. The students introduced themselves and their home countries, learned words related to town and school in Japanese, enjoyed decorating their own fans, and many others. They seemed to have gained the energy and confidence to attend school after joining this class.
（#73,P4）

After-Meeting Gathering: Celebration of Chef Sensei’s Grand Prize Award　(May,2019)

In celebration of winning the grand prize in the “Koto” (Things) category of “Furusato Meihin” of the Year, Regional Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2018, an award which commends excellent policies and new challenges in various places in Japan, we invited some Chef teachers to give presentations to liven up the aftermeeting celebration. Everyone enjoyed the exchanges while tasting some of the dishes that were cooked at Chef Sensei classes.
At the end of the gathering, we all danced the "Hanagasa Ondo" lead by the members of Buddies Group

Chef Teacher Awarded Grand Prize of “Regional Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2018”　

It is the big projrct of promoting international exchange and cooking for 3000 students in 110 classes of 39 primary schools in the city in the span of 4 years. Although this is a splendid opportunity to raise global-minded people, it seemed difficult to achieve this idea through cooking.
Nevertheless, we initiated this daunting task by assigning 18 chefs from 13 countries, 4 leaders and 30 assistants. For 3 years, they have tried their best to conduct cooking lessons in 106 classes of 36 schools. This project was highly commended by teachers and students. Students praise it for the tasty food and interesting facts they learned, while teachers are convinced that students need to experience more international exchanges through this kind of project.
We applied for “Regional Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2018”, which aims to introduce the best initiatives or products of every region. There were more than 170 entries for this prestigious award, and Ichikawa City’s “Chef Teacher” project won the Grand Prize of the Regional Revitalization Award in the "Things/Event" category. During the awarding ceremony on March 3, at the Cabinet Office auditorium, we received the certificate of commendation from Ms. Satsuki Katayama, the Screening Committee Chief and Special Minister for Regional Creations.
For us and for foreigners living in Ichikawa, it was a good opportunity to fonder about what we should do to bring to reality the true meaning of a “hometown”, and to think deeply about our roles in raising and encouraging children to become internationally-minded people. With this award, we are motivated to further enhance our future activities.

International Day in Ichikawa 2019

Aiming to unite the citizens and newcomers to the city under the name, “Ichikawan”, this event was held on March 9,2019 at I&I Hall in Gyotoku, with the theme, “The International village, Ichikawa”. Approximately, 400 people gathered and enjoyed the festivities. This big event has four parts - International Foods, International Exhibit, Disaster Preparedness, and Stage Performances. Delectable lunch plate consisting of Chicken curry from Sri Lanka, Fried Spring Roll from Thailand, a popular dish, Chijimi pancake from Korea, Beans & Plantains from West Africa, and Mazamora Morada dessert, from Peru. This lunch was called “Ichikawan Plate” which cost \500 .

The 43rd Ichikawa Citizen Festival 　

It was held at Osu Park last November 3 on a beautiful day. The IIA booth was so crowded. They sold coffee from Rosenheim City, unique German glasses, and delicious apples and apple juice direct from Aomori. We successfully sold almost all of them with the help of members who attracted customers with a loud voice. The proceeds were donated to IIA.

High School Guidance　

New comers to Japan must take this exam, the same way as the Japanese students.
The annual "High school guidance for children and parents who do not speak Japanese as a mother tongue" was held at I & I Hall on October 21st 2018. The Boso Multicultural Network, which is mainly composed of former high school teachers, hosted more than 3,000 people in the span of 17 years. More than 10 active teachers of junior high and high school explained how to prepare for the entrance examination. They also explained about the school districts, examination subjects, interviews, characteristics of the school etc. Fourteen children who must take the tests seemed to be relieved to hear the experience of five senior students, who were able to overcome the difficulties, and now enjoying a wonderful school life. The look on their faces changed after hearing these experience and success stories. On this occasion, NHK came to document this activity and it was broadcasted for over 3 minutes within the news program from 7am on October 31. Ms. Ian Tanaka, who interpreted their explanation was on air.

Ichikawa Citizens Visit to Issy-Les-Mouleneaux and Japonismes 2018　

To celebrate 160 years of friendship between France and Japan, “Japonismes 2018” was held in Paris and other cities. At the "Culture of Japan- Festivals and Local Culture" event, Gyotoku Mikoshi (miniature shrine) was chosen as one of the official performers. In collaboration with Ichikawa city, together with IIA corporate member, Nakadai Mikoshi Seisakusho, a group of 27 IIA members joined the Goodwill Tour, visiting France from October 17 to 25. The Mikoshi Parade in Boulogne and the Workshop on assembly and dismantling of Mikoshi at the Japanese Culture Center in Paris were featured. At the Mikoshi parade, a lot of French citizens who came to see it, and it turned very crowded when we started carrying the Mikoshi. We joined the parade wearing Kimono, Hanten and festival towel and we tried our best to carry and follow the parade. People of Issy-Les-Moulineaux, our partner city, also joined the parade together with Mayor Andre Santini. Both mayors, Santini and Murakoshi joined the festival celebration. We also enjoyed sightseeing in Issy city and Paris. At the welcome ceremony hosted by Issy, titled, "Japan Memorial Evening", Japanese animation and comics were featured. We made exchanges with Issy people by making Origami together. We enjoyed delicious French foods such as galettes, crepes and a splendid French cuisine at a dinner invitation. To express our appreciation, we offered tea ceremony and Origami lesson.
We wonder if we were able to extend our courtesy enough to Issy people through these activities. Nevertheless, each one of us worked hard to deepen our friendship and we are confident this visit would strengthen our mutual understanding and cooperation - celebrating Japonismes 2018 together, carrying Mikoshi together, and sharing French/Japanese culture together.
After visiting Issy City, the party also enjoyed visiting the beautiful towns of Mont Saint Michel, Honfleur, Rouen and Giverny in Normandy region.

First Apperance at the Gyotoku Festival　

It was the first time for IIA to install a booth at this annual Gyotoku festival. The international exchange area was provided to promote exchanges with non-Japanese residents in the Gyotoku Ekimae Park. Members of Foreign Residents Committee performed Bolivian Dance and Philippine Bamboo dance. We sold German coffee and introduced the activities of IIA.
We hope this participation would contribute to international exchange in Gyotoku.

Welcome party for the goodwill delegation from the state of Winsconsin

IIA hosted a welcome party for 9 delegates from the state of Wisconsin, USA on November 29 at the Ichikawa City Cultural Center. Chiba Prefecture and Wisconsin State (hereinafter, W State) have concluded Sister Prefecture/States Agreement in 1990 and are interacting with each other. With mutual visits every other year, 12 people from W State visited Kisarazu City this year. They visited and interacted with citizens in various places in the prefecture.
As Minami Gyotoku Hana Gumi (Yosakoi Soran Dance team) was selected as a delegate to W state next year and IIA will accept W State delegates in the following year - an arrangement that was set up quickly.
Yosakoi Soran,Dance team and African Dance Company of W State showed up dancing to the beat of a mixture of drums. This lively dance of West Africa excited all attendees in the venue.

Disaster Prevention Drill

On September 1, 2018, IIA members gathered at Osu Disaster Prevention Park to encourage foreign residents as well as Japanese to understand the importance of having a disaster prevention awareness.
At the citizens lounge, the person in-charge at the Disaster Prevention Section talked in-depth about the many disasters that occur in Japan and explained how to prepare for them.
In the park, rescue demonstrations started with the participation of the Mayor of Ichikawa. Demonstrations include, rescue efforts from a destroyed house and transport of injured persons to first-aid facilities where emergency staff are triaging. After that, we also participated in firefighting drill, earthquake simulation, evacuation from a smoke-filled room, etc. Those who took part in this training had a valuable experience despite the hot weather of 35 degrees. It will surely be useful in the event of a disaster.

Survival Japanese Language Class

This class is being held every summer, for the 12th time this year, to support the new comers to Japan. Twenty five students from China, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal and India had fun learning Japanese on Aug. 26th at Ekinan Kominkan.
They started out by making self-introductions showing their national flags. Then, they learned the names of school items in Japanese using picture cards.
After this, they took the bus to the Western Chiba Prefectural Disaster Prevention Center to learn how to prepare for the disasters. They seriously experienced the earthquake, big storm, and the use of fire extinguisher.
The participants said it was a great experience to prepare for the disaster.

Ichikawa high school students visited Leshan　

From August 3 to 12, 2018, 7 high school students, 1 chaperone from the IIA Students and Youth Committee together with another chaperone from city office were dispatched to Leshan for the first time in 8 years. Departing airplane was delayed due to the typhoon on the first day and it took 22 hours to Chengdu. But after that they could come to Leshan City without any problems and visited Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, world heritage, as well as the Guo Moruo Memorial Museum. They also visited Mayor at city hall, studied traditional culture and Chinese koto performance at the Culture and Arts Center, tried to perform Emeishan Kempo at Emeishan Wu Xue Xiao

Ichikawa high school students visited Gardena　

From August 2 to 11, 2018, high school students, 1 chaperone from the IIA Students and Youth Committee together with another chaperone from city office were dispatched to Gardena. The committee supported them in 7 preliminary training workshops, running a debriefing session after trip , and a compilation of report booklet. High school students stayed in host families' residence for seven nights and experienced the American life. They visited the Mayor office and the city council as well as library, sister city parkett, museum, famous tourist spots, theme park, major league ballpark. They also enjoyed getting touch with local children at summer camp and local students at pool party.

Prof. Chef Program, getting in 3rd year, the last stage

IIA is working hard to “Prof. Chef Program” which is sponsored by the City after 2016. It is a part of the international understanding class for 6th grade in primary schools in Ichikawa and deepens multi-culture understanding through international cuisines. Fourteen foreign chefs worked cooperatively and 25 schools were involved to this program in this two years. They cook their countries’ simple but authentic foods, while wearing their local clothes or toque blanches. Now, tasting time. It is the very excited exchange time, hearing about things of chef’s country and comparison of the foods between two countries.

Disaster Prevention Drill

The members of IIA chairpersons gathered at the Osu Disaster Prevention Park on March 11, 2018 to renew the importance of the disaster prevention. We first understand the hidden function of this park when an evacuation happens. Then we learned treatments when a disaster occurs using the disaster prevention map of each region in Ichikawa. There were thirty foreign people gathered for this purpose in this park and got the training of disaster prevention drills together.
We reconfirmed the importance to implement a disaster prevention activity proactively working together with foreigners.