Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News December 2012

Nimenhao, Goodwill Envoys!  Chinese CIR Lu Zan from Guangdong here.  Seven months have already passed since I started working in Hyogo – how fast time flies!  As my term will expire in April, I am feeling somewhat lonely at the end of the year.  But I must serve the rest of my term in good spirits.

What is the weather like in your country?  Kobe is pretty chilly.  In Guangdong, it is still comfortable with an average temperature of 15℃, but in Kobe, we need to put the heating on.  As the cold climate stimulates our appetite, this is a season, especially for girls, of a conflict between appetite and dieting.  I don’t care and eat a lot, and recommend that you also enjoy the delicacies of winter to the fullest.

I will introduce a place in Kobe, which is very familiar to me.  Many of you will have also visited there at least once – Nankinmachi.  As Kobe Buta-man Summit took place from November 10 through 12, I visited there with a Chinese CIR in Nara (who has never visited Kobe before), and a Korean friend of mine.

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Nankinmachi

Nankinmachi is one of the three greatest Chinatowns in Japan, together with those of Yokohama and Nagasaki.  Being a gourmet and shopping spot that represents Kobe, about 100 shops and restaurants line the streets – Chinese restaurants, Buta-man (steamed pork bun) specialty shops, Chinese dumplings and roast pork, grocers that sell Chinese spices and seasonings, tea shops and variety stores.  Food stalls stand in front of those shops, selling dim sum, sweets and other goods.

Nankinmachi is located between Motomachi Street and Sakaemachi Street in Chuo-ku, Kobe, a 5 minute walk to the south from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station.  The Changan Gate stands at the eastern end, which faces Daimaru Department Store.  The Xian Gate stands at the western end, and the Nanlou Gate at the southern end.  The northern end is connected to the Motomachi shopping street.

This is a square at the crossing point of the cruciform Nankinmachi.  Here at the Azumaya, Chinese New Year Festival and mid-autumn festival take place. 

Go to Buta-man Summit

The Buta-man Summit started last year.  Limited edition Buta-man are sold at Buta-man master’s shops, so I couldn’t miss this opportunity as a Buta-man lover.

 In addition to the main festival period, the pre-event took place on the 9^th.  On this day, the Buta-man girl contest was held.  The winner appears at the opening ceremony on the 10^th, and participates in PR activities at Buta-man shops during the festival.  So even if you miss the pre-event, you can see the year’s Buta-man girl on the 10^th.

Soon after the ceremony, I headed for the Buta-man shop I was looking for, but a long line had already formed there.  Wondering how tasty the Buta-man would be after such a long waiting time, I joined the line in front of a Buta-man shop called Roushouki, which sold Buta-man for the first time in Japan.

This is what I had expected from Roushouki!  This limited edition Buta-man contains portini mushrooms and truffles, and has an excellent aroma of mushroom.
Can you imagine that portini mushrooms and truffles are added to the already tasty Buta-man from Roushouki?   The dough was soft enough, and I felt very happy as I tasted real Chinese Buta-man.

　

　　

This is the limited set of Buta-man, only available at the Summit.  With this, I was able to taste Buta-man from three master’s shops at one time.  Otherwise there were black Buta-man and pretty pig-shaped Buta-man, and I enjoyed the taste of my hometown with a full belly. 

Epilogue

Not only perfect Buta-man with juicy fillings and soft dough, but also other delicious Chinese food is always served at Nankinmachi, attracting a large number of tourists.  I truly recommend that you visit Nankinmachi in Kobe, and fully enjoy Chinese food culture.

☆　Hyogo Events Information　★　

As the New Year is approaching, there will be many events and festivals held throughout Hyogo.  Come and experience them at New Year’s holidays.

1. Saitansai (New Year’s Festival)

Venue: Izanagi Shrine

Phone: 0799-80-5001

Enshrining the god, Izanagi, and the goddess, Izanami, the shrine is one of the most prestigious in the nation.  On January 1, the annual New Year’s Festival takes place.  Shinto music is dedicated to the shrine on the day.

2. First visit to the Tajima Great Buddha

Venue: Choraku-ji Temple

Phone: 0796-95-1270

On the New Year’s Day, the gate opens at 0:00 a.m. and no entrance fee is required.  The first 800 visitors will receive a small gift, and children can enjoy a lottery (Jan. 1-3).  This is a good place to pray for good luck in the New Year.  (Charms, first prayer service and prayers against bad luck are also available.)

3. Kite-flying Festival

Venue: Ichinomiya Health and Welfare Center

Phone: 0790-72-8787 (Shiso City Council of Social Welfare)

This is an annual festival held on the New Year’s Day.  Applications will be accepted between 13:00-14:00 with a participation fee of 300 yen.  In addition to the prize for participation, special prizes are offered to excellent works.

For other information about the New Year’s visit to shrines, refer to: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp

Hyogo Goodwill Envoy Newsletter October 2012

Hanshin Tigers

Hello Goodwill Envoys, UK CIR Ben Preece here, bringing you the Hyogo Goodwill envoy news for October. The seemingly endless heat of summer has finally subsided and autumn, probably my favourite season in Japan, has taken its place.

This month I’d like to talk a little bit about a very important Hyogo-related past time that I recently took part in – watching a Hanshin Tigers (HT) baseball game.

Game day

Growing up in the UK, my only exposure to baseball came through watching The Simpsons. As an exchange student, several years ago I attended two installments of the infamous Soukeisen –matches that take place between Keio University (that I was attending at the time) and its arch-nemesis, Waseda University. What shocked me most was how typically well-mannered and polite everything was. Teams took it in turn to sing strictly regimented songs in their specific order, no one booed or swore or made fun of the umpire. Although I’m not a huge sports fan, I am well aware of how crowds of rowdy supporters act back home and in other countries. Here in Japan, it is quite literally, an entirely different ball game.

Around mid-September, just as the new ALTs were settling into their new workplaces, a friend suggested we go to see the Tigers play the Yokohama Baystars. Remembering the fun I had several years ago at the university matches, I was eager to check out a professional match, especially a home game of our region’s most famous team.

Tiger Spirit: Atsukunare!

After arriving at the stadium, my friends and I finished buying HT merch and snacks just in time to find our seats for the start of the match. The HT fans soon lived up to their reputation for being rather “rowdy” (by Japanese standards). Most of the songs, drumming and more lively support seemed to come from the stand on the far side, around 1^st base where the cheaper seats are. The rain did nothing to dampen their spirits and I’m sure that these seats would be perfect for those who wish to be right at the heart of the action.

Throughout the match, something I personally came to realize is that baseball matches (in Japan at least) are as much as about the pageantry as they are about the match itself, which wasn’t exactly a nailbiter the whole time (5 innings without a single point scored?!) Fans who were cheering at the top of their lungs while the Tigers were batting retired quickly to the food court for what seemed like hours during the other team’s innings. I suppose it’s more about having a fun evening at the game rather than watching every minute development of the game, (although I’m sure there are many die-hard fans that do just that).

The highlight of the evening, when the HT fans showed their true colours, came at the end of the 7^th inning. Suddenly, as if from nowhere, everyone in the stand started to inflate long, colourful balloons. My friends and I looked on bewildered until a nice old man sat behind us gave us some balloons and indicated that we’d need to inflate them soon. We followed suit, joining in with a special balloon chant before everyone in the packed stadium let their balloons fly up into the rainy sky. This was a hilarious and almost touching moment, when all the rigidity and formality of Japanese life seemed to evaporate completely, even if just for a minute or so. This is in fact a well established custom that takes place at every home game, and even some away games. Overall it was a very entertaining evening that turned me and my friends into some die-hard, albeit rather clueless Hanshin Tigers’ fans.

The moment everyone in the stadium let off their balloons

Take me out to the ballgame
Like nearly every other supporter, you’ll probably want to deck yourself from head to toe in HT paraphernalia before hitting the stands. This couldn’t be simpler, there are souvenir stores scattered around the stadium complex that sell everything from pencils to whole replica kits. The tickets were fairly simple to get hold of; you can order them online or just buy them at a Loppi terminal at most 7/11 stores. Not knowing where the best seats were, we decided to just go for the more expensive ones at 3^rd base, which at only 4000 yen, were actually very reasonable. Not only did we have a great view of the action, we were sheltered from the sporadic but rather heavy downpours of rain that punctuated the match. As an added bonus, we were well out of range from the foul balls that were frequently pelted into the crowd, much to the amusement and excitement of everyone in the vicinity (except the poor guy the ball hits of course!). The game itself ended as a disappointing draw as the Baystars snatched a cheeky last minute homerun, but this didn’t detract from the great fun we all had experiencing this very Japanese pastime.

Awesome mini cars to bring players on to the pitch

Arigato, Aniki
Another memorable moment was the cheer that accompanied the arrival of Tomoaki Kanemoto to the field. The infamous wearer of the number 6 jersey retired earlier this month, so the match that we saw was one of his last. Affectionately nicknamed Aniki or “big brother” by the players and fans, his 21-year career that took him from his home town of Hiroshima to the Tigers made him one of the sport’s best-loved personalities. I was glad we were able to see him play so soon before his retirement.

Access: Koshien Stadium
By train: Take the Hanshin line to Koshien. Koshien Stadium is a 5 minute walk from there.

Bus: Take a Hanshin bus bound for Hanshin Koshien , get off at Hanshin Koshien (210 yen).

Located opposite the stadium is Lalaport, an up-market shopping center that is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Upcoming Events: Kobe Luminarie
As I’m sure all of you former Hyogo-ites know, every year in December, the streets of Kobe are decked with a beautiful light installation called Luminarie, in order to commemorate those who died in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. You may not know, however, that the hand-painted lights that make up Lumiarie were originally donated by the Italian government and put together in collaboration with Italian artist Valerio Festi.

This is by far one of my favourite events. While the lights aren’t Christmas decorations in the strict sense, the wintry atmosphere mixed with the hot food and bright lights all contribute to giving Luminarie a noticeably holiday feel. The details for this year’s event are as follows:

Date: Thursday 6^th December – Monday 17^th December 2012/10/19

Lights are turned on 6pm-9pm Monday-Thursday
                   6pm-10pm Fridays
                                5pm-10pm Saturdays
                                5pm-9.30 pm Sundays     (weather permitting)

Location: Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe & Higashi Yuenchi

Official website (Japanese): http://www.kobe-luminarie.jp/

Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News September 2012

Bonjour everyone! French CIR Lionel Ackah here, bringing you this month’s newsletter.

 

Today is my first time writing the newsletter, so let me introduce myself briefly.

I come from Nantes, a city in western France which is known as being really easy to live city and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

My life changed when I was 16 years old. I read a manga called “Hikaru no go” and I got interested in the Japanese thinking game of igo. In the same year, I participated in an igo seminar and met a professional Japanese player. Unfortunately, at that time I could not speak Japanese. So, I decided to learn this beautiful language so I that I could have more exchange with him in the future.

I was in final year of secondary school when I started to study Japanese language. I began this pursuit in University in France and finished my bachelor degree in Niigata University in Japan. When I came back to France, I used the experience that I had in Japan to build an exchange cultural center where everyone who has  interested in French or Japanese culture could use freely. Even though I am away from France, my friends continue to make this exchange possible. 

Now, as a Coordinator for International Relations and I will do my best to improve Hyogo prefecture's international exchange.

Thank you !

  I’d also like to introduce the Kobe French Party, which is managed by the France Kansai Association. This association works to improve the exchange between France and Japan.

KOBE-FRENCH-PARTY－神戸の日仏会話会

　The KOBE-FRENCH-PARTY is a meeting which takes place once per quarter. Anyone who has an interest in French or Japanese culture gathers at the Gastro Pub Park.

No matter how old you are, what your job is or where are you are from, as long as you are eager to participate, you will be inspired by this incredible chance to enjoy cultural exchange.

About France Kansai and the KOBE-FRENCH-PARTY

  

France Kansai’s Site

http://www.francekansai.com/about/

France Kansai’s Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/kansai.france

KOBE-FRENCH-PARTY’s Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/events/509172375766575/

MAP
http://www.spark-kobe.jp/map.html

http://www.spark-kobe.jp/

ADRESS
〒651-0097
Kobe Chuo-ku Nunobiki-Cho 3-2-1 Ground Floor
TEL&FAX 078-242-7805

OPEN / 17:00 - 24:00 (Wednesday to Sunday）
【Public transport users】
Get off at Sannomiya station, go to the North gate and follow Flower Road for 5 to 8 minutes on foot.

【Car or taxi users】
 It is on the south-east corner at the intersection between Yamatekansen and the Flower Road. (It might be difficult to find from the road because it is underneath  a pedestrian bridge.) There is  no free car park for the bar, so please use the car park nearby.

Feel free to come！

Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News

Maido, everyone!  Brazilian CIR Luciana here, bringing you the latest Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News.  How have you all been dealing with the summer heat this year?  Brazil has a mainly tropical climate, but I still haven’t gotten used to the humidity of Japan, even though one year has passed since I arrived here.  As soon as I finish taking a shower, I find myself sweating again!  In light of this situation, I would like to talk about some interesting places and cool spots in Hyogo to enjoy during the summer.

I know many of you are interested in Japanese history like me, so I’d like to introduce some historical spots.  This year, leaflets about “Kobe de Kiyomori” are to be found in stations in Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto and other places in Kansai.  This is because an NHK period drama “Taira no Kiyomori” has been running since this January.  In Kobe, two attractions related to the show have opened – the Drama Museum and History Museum.  When I saw them, I started to wonder, “Who was Kiyomori?  How is he related to Kobe?”  To solve the questions, I visited several places in Kobe. 

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Starting early in the morning, I bought a highly economical “Kiyomori 1-day pass” in Sannomiya Station.  With the pass, I could ride subways and some other trains freely.  Attached to the pass were a ticket to the two Museums above, a gift coupon, and a railway map.  I got off at the Harborland subway station and headed for the Drama Museum.  On the way, the “Street Dance Festival in Kobe Harborland” was going on and I saw some girls doing some pretty awesome dances.  In the Drama Museum, some handsome men welcomed me and let me take pictures with them (I was really glad!).  A full-scale figure of Ken’ichi Matsuyama, who plays the role of Kiyomori in the drama, stands in the lobby and visitors can take pictures with it.  The plot of the drama, dresses, and inside stories are also introduced in the museum.

The History Museum tells us about Kobe 800 years ago, and Kiyomori’s achievements are introduced in an animation.  Excavated objects from those days are on display as well.  There were various outdoor events, such as a stage performance and guided historical tours.  It was too early for the starting time, so I decided to look around by myself.  The History Museum is located just in front of the central wholesale market, so I enjoyed a sashimi set meal. It was a generous portion and cheap, too (only 500 yen)!  I feel like I would like to have it again.
After lunch, I visited Wada Shrine and received a small gift. Then, at a transfer station, I stopped off, went through a large shopping street and dropped in at Nagata Shrine. Then I moved to my final destination, Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park.  I bought a set ticket for the ropeway, “carlator” and revolving observatory.  The scenery was of course wonderful, but what impressed me most was the carlator, which I had never seen before.  Very shaky but really fun!

The view from the top was simply gorgeous.  I could see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the cities of Kobe and Akashi, and Awaji Island. Next I got off at Sumadera Station. The day fell on July 7, so I saw events related to the star festival.  Japanese communities hold larger annual events in Brazil as well, but they are a little different from those in Japan.  Here children in yukata enjoy goldfish scooping, receive toys and eat Japanese food.  It was a uniquely Japanese scene.

With its long history, Suma-dera Temple is a very unique temple.  In addition to the treasure house, there were interesting items and monuments.  “Shichifukujin Manikoro”: Roll the seven deities on the back of a turtle, and pray.  You can get on the back of the turtle, but if you ride on the deities, you will be punished by them.  “Buji Kaeru”: If you want to be surprised, touch its eyes, and if you are in trouble with loans, turn its neck around.  “Misia Guma”: If you pat its head, the tune of “Ikoku-no-oka” (an old Japanese popular song during WWII) is played by a simple-stringed Japanese zither.   

Then I visited Hyogo Sumiyoshi Shrine to see Kiyomori-zuka (a memorial tower dedicated to the soul of Kiyomori).  It is a 13 storey stone tower with an inscription of the year 1286.  At the shrine, there was also a statue of Kiyomori that was constructed during the Showa era.  I concluded my tour by seeing the Great Buddha of Hyogo.

On my way home, I lost my pass.  But thanks to a kind member of the station staff, I managed to get home safely.  I’m really grateful, thank you!  There are many other Kiyomori-related historic sites to be seen in Kobe, Kyoto and Miyajima (Hiroshima).  Each of them may have their own unique features, but I believe Kobe is very special.  I will continue my adventure, as I have still a wealth of places to visit!  I recommend that you also try Kiyomori tours!

【Kobe de Kiyomori 2012 Project】

Period: Jan. 21, 2012 (Sat.) – Jan. 14, 2013 (Mon.)

Venue: various locations in Kobe

(1) Drama Museum & History Museum

Special sites established at the Kiyomori-associated harbor area of Kobe as a venue to learn about Taira no Kiyomori and the history of Kobe.

(2) Promotion of Taira no Kiyomori

Spreading information in and out of Kobe concerning the city’s historical value, with a focus on Kiyomori.

(3) Citizen’s involvement

Promoting historical and cultural events, especially those featuring Kiyomori, in the city of Kobe by involving citizens and local communities at the History Museum and other places.

Events in Hyogo this September

1. “Charms of highlands in Kamikawa” 2,500 yen/person

(A tour around locations of the movie “Norwegian Wood” and TV drama “Taira no Kiyomori”)

In the morning, participants will visit the majestic Tonomine Highlands, a filming location for “Norwegian Wood” and “Taira no Kiyomori.”  This is an ideal place to enjoy Kamikawa’s romantic atmosphere.
Afternoon events include an introduction of inside stories during filming, performance by Kiyomori Chaya Osettai (café Kiyomori hospitality team) from Kobe, live performance of Heike-biwa (a type of Japanese lute) by Mr. Tsutomu Arao, and a lecture by Mr. Atsuro Kawauchi to retrace the life of Kiyomori.  The day is concluded with a mini concert by Kami Fusen.

Date and time: Sep. 29, 2012 (Sat.) 11:00-16:30

Venue: Tonomine Highlands and Kamikawa Central Community Center Grindel Hall (located in the town hall premises)

Access: (by car) An 80 min. drive from Chugoku Expressway Suita IC to Kanzaki-Minami ramp via Bantan Renraku Road.  The town hall is a 5 minute drive from Kanzaki-Minami.
(by public transportation) 40 min. from JR Himeji Station to Teramae Station via Bantan Line.  A 3 minute walk from Teramae Station to the town hall.

What is the "eco cap campaign"? 

Through recycling caps of PET bottles, the eco cap campaign provides opportunities to learn, consider and take action against environmental problems, poverty and other problems that the world is facing.  CO2 emission is reduced by collecting and recycling bottle caps*.  The profit gained through recycling is contributed as vaccines for children in developing countries**.

*If 400 caps are incinerated instead of being recycled, 3.15 kg of CO2 will be emitted.

**With 800 caps, one polio vaccine can be purchased.

Collection place: Mizuno Square in Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Collection day: On the days of Dream Link festivals (5 times/year, 10 games at Hanshin Koshien Stadium)

Let’s go and participate in this great project!