冬号 Winter Edition 2009

Transcription

1 北九州国際交流協会 Kitakyushu International Association Kitakyushu HIMAWARI International Association October&November 2007 In this month s Himawari: Japanese New Year, Countdown party, Sunrise spots, Shrines, Valentines Day, Event information, Tax return Information, Flea markets and more... Your Guide to Living & Travelling in Kitakyushu 冬号 Winter Edition 2009 The New Year period, known as shougatsu, is the biggest event of the year in Japan, with shougatsu meaning the first moon of the New Year. During this time, it is believed that Toshigami-sama (a Japanese god) comes down from the sky to look after families and bring happiness in the New Year. For Japanese people, this is the first chance for them to ask for happiness and blessings for the coming year. Toshigami-sama is said to come at the start of each New Year, and promise the family a rich harvest and good health for the year ahead. Once December arrives in Japan, the whole family make preparations for welcoming the gods, by tidying their houses, hanging shimekazari (New Years pine decorations) in the hallways and making kagamimochi, Japanese rice cake with bitter orange on top, in the home as an offering. In addition to this, families also make osechi traditional New Years food and send New Years cards nengajou to friends and family. On December 31 st, known as Omisoka, people eat Toshikoshi soba (Buckwheat noodles), which is a tradition that has existed since the Edo period of The eating of soba is symbolic, as the long strands of noodle represent a long life, and the ease with which soba is cut is meant to denote the cutting of links to any trouble in the New Year. After this, in order to absolve the 108 Worldly Desires of Buddhism, people will go to listen to the ringing of the night-watch bell at a local Buddhist temple, though in recent times, many young people will choose to go to various countdown events instead. At many Buddhist temples, you can not only hear the night-watch bell ringing, but you can also ring the bell yourself. In this edition of Himawari, we will introduce some Buddhist temples in the Kitakyushu area, so please head out and pay them a visit! Kojusanfukuju Temple 6-7 Juzancho, Kokurakita ward The nightwatch bell will start ringing at around 11pm, and visitors can have a go at ringing the bell after midnight. Kannonin-kiyomizu Temple Kiyomizu, Kokurakita ward The night-watch bell here starts with a conch shell, and visitors are welcome to ring the bell between 23:30 and 00:30. Shiruko (a Japanese red bean soup; left) will also be served to visitors. A fire walking event will also be taking place here on Sunday February 7 th. Koryu Temple Ogura, Yahata-higashi ward Bell ringing will be taking place here between 23:45 and just after 00:00. Kissho Temple Kisshoji-machi, Yahatanishi ward Bell ringing will be taking place here between 23:30 and just after 00:00. Myosenji Temple 1-8 Shozumachi, Tobata ward After the chief priest has rung the bell, visitors are also welcome to have a go, between 23:10 and 00:30. 1

2 However, if you prefer the idea of a countdown party to a temple visit, then please check our recommended spot below! 2 Mojiko Area This New Year, the streets of the Mojiko region will be adorned with the illuminations of around 300,000 lights, making the area a must see over the holiday period. On top of this, expect to see a number of food stalls, stage performances and fireworks as people count down to the New Year. On the stroke of midnight the boats and ships harboured at the ports of Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki will sound their whistles to mark the start of When: 31 st December 2009, 23:00 00:30 Where: JR Mojiko Station Plaza Enquiries (Japanese only): Mojiko Retro Club Mojiko Town Planning Following on from the countdowns of New Years Eve is gantan (New Years Day), where Japanese people celebrate hatsuhi no de the first sunrise of the New Year. This is believed to bring good luck, and so many people will head to the top of their local mountain to witness it. Also, during the first few days of the New Year, people will pay a visit to their local shrine and pray for health and happiness over the coming year, in an activity called Hatsumoude. Mount Sarakura Slope Car Yahazu-yama Mountain (Moji ward) Yahazu-yama is located within walking distance of the JR Moji and JR Komorie stations. The mountain stands at 271 metres and has a campsite at the peak. From here you can enjoy great views of the first sunrise of the New Year, while zenzai red bean soup will be served to visitors free of charge from 06:30. Enquiries: Yahazuyama Campsite, Tel: (Japanese only) Done the countdown and seen the first sunrise of 2010? Next up, here are some shrines for you to visit during the first few days of the New Year. Yasaka-jinja Shrine Address: 2-2 Jonai, Kokurakita ward 10 minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura station Tonoe-jinja Shrine Address: Oaza Tonoe, Moji ward 15 minute walk from JR Moji station Wakamatsu Ebisu-jinja Shrine Address: 1-2 Hamamachi, Wakamatsu ward 5 minute walk from Wakamatsu ferry port Mojiko Retro Countdown Here are a couple of the best spots to see in the first sunrise of the year in Kitakyushu. Sarakura-yama Mountain (Yahatahigashi ward) At 662 metres high, Mount Sarakura offers fantastic views of Kitakyushu and its surrounding areas. Getting to the summit is easy, with a cable car and slope car running from morning until evening. At the top, you will find a viewing platform, places to relax and a restaurant. The first sunrise of the new year is expected for around 7.20am, and there will be cable cars running from 04:00 17:00 on January 1 st. Enquiries: Hobashira Cable Car Company, Tel: (Japanese only) Yatsurugi-jinja Shrine Honjo, Yahatanishi ward 5 minute walk from JR Honjo station Tobihata Hachimangu Address: 2-2 Aso, Tobata ward 10 minutes walk from JR Tobata station Takami-jinja Shrine Takami 1-1-1, Yahatahigashi ward 5 minutes walk from the Sanjo bus stop (take No. 22 or 43 bus from Kokura station, or No. 1 or 22 from Yahata) Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

3 The traditions for Valentines Day in Japan are considerably different from what we may be used to in our home countries. While in the UK, for example, couples (or people hoping to becoming couples!) will treat each other to gifts such as chocolate, perfume and jewellery on February 14th, the Japanese valentines day is spread over two separate days: Valentines Day on February 14 th, and White Day on March 14 th. This is where it starts to get slightly complicated On Valentines Day in Japan, the norm is for only females to give presents, usually chocolates, to males. These chocolates can be divided into two categories: Giri-choco and Honmei-choco. Giri-choco, meaning obligation chocolate, are usually given to co-workers or casual acquaintances, and have no real romantic connotations. Honmei choco, on the other hand, are for someone special, and are usually given to a boyfriend, husband or male love interest. These may also be accompanied by an extra present too. However, in recent years a trend has emerged to give Gyaku-choco, literally meaning reverse chocolate. This is where males give chocolates to females on Valentines Day, despite the expectation for it to be the other way round. Other types of present also include Tomo-choco which is a chocolate gift given to a friend, usually amongst girls. One month later on March 14 th is White Day in Japan. This is an opportunity for males to return the gesture and give chocolate presents to those who gave them chocolates on Valentines Day. But be careful guys.the expectation is for this present to be more expensive than the one you received. The next thing you need to figure out is where to spend Valentines Day! Here are a some popular date spots across Kitakyushu. The Mojiko Retro area is a popular tourist spot in the Moji ward. Here you can enjoy the retro-style architecture remaining from the Taisho period, along with a good choice of restaurants, cafes and scenic views. Blue Wing Moji Blue Wing Moji is the largest pedestrian draw-bridge in Japan at 108m, and opens and closes six times per day. Crossing the bridge offers great views of the Kanmon Straits and the Kanmon Bridge which joins Kyushu and Honshu. Blue Wing was also chosen as Fukuoka s first romantic holy ground, and it is said that after the bridge has connected, the first couple to cross the bridge hand in hand will be together forever. Moji Retro Viewing Platform This observation room is located on the 31 st floor of the Mojiko Retro Highmart apartment building, designed by the architect Kisho Kurokawa. From a height of 103 meters, you Mojiko Retro Observation Room can enjoy great views of the Kanmon straits and Mojiko Retro townscape. The observation room is open until 10:00pm, and the lights are dimmed from around 8:00pm, turning the room into a popular romantic spot. Mojiko Retro Rickshaws For those wishing to enjoy the scenes of Mojiko in luxury, why not take a rickshaw around town? These are ideal for couples and can take you on specified routes around the area. Enquiries: Ebisuya Moji, Tel: Cost (for 1 kilometre block): 1 person 2000yen, 2 persons 3000yen 3 Cha-cha Town Ferris Wheel Cha-cha town is a entertainment complex located a five minute walk from Kokura station, with a selection of restaurants, shops and a cinema. In addition to this, there is a large Ferris wheel offering views of downtown Kokura. Blue Wing Moji *Please check the map on page 5 to see what s near you*

4 Kitakyushu International Association Ochakai Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Port of Kitakyushu Male Exchange Students Japanese Tea Ceremony Date: Saturday December 12th Sunday December 13th Venue: Old Furukawa Mining Building, Wakamatsu 4 Please come and join us for a true Japanese experience, with delicious Matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, made and served by exchange students from six different countries. Details This tea ceremony will be held by Japanese and foreign students from the Kitakyushu Science and Research Park. There will also be a flower arranging exhibition. Date&Time: Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December Open: 09:00 ~ 14:00 Admission. There will be two tea ceremony rooms; one will be Washitsu, where customers sit on the tatami floor, and the other will be Ryurei, where customers are seated on chairs. In advance: One sitting 500yen ( Washitsu or Ryuurei ) Two sittings 100yen (two sittings, one in each of the above) On the day: One sitting 600yen ( Washitsu or Ryuurei ) Two sittings 1200yen (two sittings, one in each of the above) Purchasing tickets and enquiries - NPO FORSNET Tel: forsnet_hot_space@yahoo.co.jp Old Furukawa Mining Building - Address Old Furukawa Mining Building, Wakamatsu Honmachi, Wakamatsu ward, Kitakyushu Tel/Fax: Wakato Bridge JR station Old Furukawa Mining Building Civic Auditorium Wakamatsu Library Access 5 minutes walk from JR Wakamatsu station 7 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Ohashi-doori bus stop 2 minutes from the Wakato Bridge

5 THE 17th JAPANESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS Listening to foreign exchange students discuss their views of Japanese society can be a very eye-opening experience for Japanese and foreign residents alike. Please come along and hear some of Kitakyushu s foreign students talk about the language barriers, lifestyle differences and other problems that they have encountered during their time in Japan. When: Sunday 20th December, 13:00-16:00 Where: Kitakyushu International Village Center, 2nd floor International Conference Room Different cultures! New discoveries! Enquiries Kitakyushu international Association International Village Center 3rd Floor, Hirano 1-1-1, Yahata-higashi ward, Kitakyushu Tel: Please ask for: Ms. Akahoshi, Mr. Fukuda Free entrance! Entering and exiting the conference room during a speech is prohibited, so please arrive in plenty of time. 5 Temples 1Kojusan-fukuju 2Kannonin-kiyomizu 3Koryu Temple 4Kissho Temple 5Myosenji Temple 6Mojiko Retro First Sunrise spots 7Sarakura-yama 8Yahazu-yama Shrines 9Yasaka-jinja 10Tonoe-jinja 11Wakamatsu Ebisu-jinja 12Yatsurugi-jinja 13Tobihata Hachimangu 14Takami-jinja Cha-cha Town (Ferris wheel) 16Kitakyushu Int. Association (Speech contest) 17Furukawa Bldg (Tea Ceremony)

6 HERE COMES THE FINAL RETURN SEASON! 1. FINAL RETURN In Japan, the income tax is based on a self-assessment system. In the final return, each taxpayer settles totally the income amount earned for a calendar year and calculates the tax amount to be paid with respect to the total amount of income, and then files his / her income tax return. 2. WHO MUST FILE You are required to file a final return, if; (1) Your total employment income in 2009 exceeded 20,000,000; or (2) You received employment income from one source only, and your total amount of various types of income other than employment income and retirement income exceeded 200,000;or (3) You received employment income from two or more sources, and your employment income (excluding employment income subject to year-end adjustment) and total amount of various types of income other than employment and retirement income exceeded 200,000;or (4) You received employment income abroad; or (5) The amount of tax calculated based on your total income of various types less the total amount of the basic exemption and other deductions from income is greater than your tax credit for dividends. NOTE: For further information, please refer to the web-site of the National Tax Agency. 6 Web-site of the National Tax Agency 3. WHEN AND WHERE TO FILE You must file your final return with the tax office in the district of your jusho (address) or kyosho (residence) during the period from February 16(Tues.) to March 15(Mon.), WHEN AND WHERE TO GO FOR QUESTIONS OR CONSULTATION If you have any difficulties or questions relating to taxes, please do not hesitate to contact your tax office. NOTE: (1) Consultation hours; 9:00 17:00 Monday through Friday (except national holidays) (2) If you can not speak Japanese well, we will appreciate your help if you would be accompanied with your interpreter. (3) s offer automated help lines. Moji Kokura Wakamatsu Yahata s - Kitakyushu Area Address Telephone Location for Consultation Number Kiyo t a k i, AIM Moji-ku Asano, Ote - mach i, Kokurakita-ku Kokurakita-ku Hakusan, Bay-side Plaza Wakamatsu Wakamatsu-ku Honmachi Wakamatsu-ku Hirano, Yahata Yahatahigashi-ku

7 When Where Enquiries 5th (Sat) Best Denki Yahata-nishi store Outside car park Flea Markets December 2009 リサイクルスペース MONO 工房 Tel: th (Sun) 10:00~15:00 20th in event of rain 19th (Sat) 19th (Sat) 10:00~15:00 Yahata higashi-ku, Chuo Greenery Park (next to the Kitakyushu Municipal Allpurpose Gymnasium) Best Denki Yahata main store Event square Kitakyushu Commercial and Industrial Trade Centre (City Plaza) Outside Square 北九州リサイクルユニオン Tel Fax: コレクターズショップ PINPOINT Tel: ミャンマー学校支援の会 Tel: th (Sat) 09:00~15:00 Nakagawa Street Multi Purpose Hall (in front of Route In Hotel) 生涯学習塾 Totoro Tel: January 2010 When Where Enquiries 2nd (Sat) Best Denki Yahata-nishi store Outside car park リサイクルスペース MONO 工房 Tel: th (Sun) 9:00~17:00 11th in event of rain 10th (Sun) 10:00~15:00 17th in event of rain Green Park, Wakamatsu-ku Yahata higashi-ku, Chuo Greenery Park (next to the Kitakyushu Municipal Allpurpose Gymnasium) フリーマーケット若松事務局 Tel: 北九州リサイクルユニオン Tel Fax: th (Sat) Best Denki Yahata main store Event square コレクターズショップ PINPOINT Tel: th (Sun) 10:00~15:30 West Japan General Exhibition Center Main Hall February 2010 When Where Enquiries 11th (Thu) - holiday 09:00~17:00 Green Park, Wakamatsu-ku こくら de フリマ実行委員会事務局 Tel: フリーマーケット若松事務局 Tel: th (Sun) 10:00~15:00 21st in event of rain 20th (Sat) 16th (Sat) 17th (Sun) 10:00~15:30 Yahata higashi-ku, Chuo Greenery Park (next to the Kitakyushu Municipal Allpurpose Gymnasium) Best Denki Yahata main store Event square Best Denki Yahata main store Event square West Japan General Exhibition Center Main Hall 北九州リサイクルユニオン Tel Fax: コレクターズショップ PINPOINT Tel: コレクターズショップ PINPOINT Tel: こくら de フリマ実行委員会事務局 Tel:

8 がいこくじんのためのむりょうそうだん FREE CONSULTATION FOR FOREIGNERS 外国人のための無料相談 Free Consultation - General Consultation Service We can offer help and advice to you about everyday life, including education and healthcare, and along with the relevant parties, help you with any problems that you may have. Reservations are not required, so please don t hesitate to consult us. Your privacy will be respected. Wednesday 10:00-19:00 (Kokura) Friday 10:00-15:00 (Yahata) With help and advice in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Japanese. Tel: Mail: helpdesk@kitaq-koryu.jp NIHONGO HIROBA Free Consultation - Specialist Legal Counseling (13:30 to 16:30 every 4th Saturday) - Dec 26th, Jan 23rd, Feb 27th A counselor from the Kitakyushu Branch of the Fukuoka Bar Association will help you with all kinds of legal problems (reservation is required). Consultation Concerning Immigration Procedures (13:00 to 16:00 every 3rd Sunday) - Dec 20th, Jan 17th, Feb 21st Administrative specialists will offer advice on procedures such as changing of visa status, extension of stay, and other issues (reservation is only required if you need an interpreter). Psychological Counseling (9:30 to 12:30 every 4th Saturday) - Dec 26th, Jan 23rd, Feb 27th A clinical psychologist will offer counseling for people having difficulties with relationships, cultural differences, and mental wellbeing (reservations are required). にほんごひろば 1After School-Nihongo Hiroba After-school classes in different locations for foreign children (and parents) who wish to study Japanese and work on their coursework. 2Waku Waku-Nihongo Hiroba A series of exchange events and trips for foreign families. Until now we have had parties, barbeques, and much more. ~ THIS YEAR S WAKUWAKU-NIHONGOHIROBA EVENTS~ 1Events for foreign residents and international families January 10(Sunday) Winter culture event - Mochitsuki (making rice cakes) March 20(Saturday) Spring culture event - Making obento/hanami (making lunch, cherry blossom) 8 2Event for foreign mothers and pregnant mothers (Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 10:00 ~12:00) PLEASE NOTE! The participation fees and capacity depend on each event. Details may change, please check the schedule. Please be aware that admission for each event will be closed once all the places are taken. For more information about times and places, please contact: k.yano@kitaq-koryu.jp or Getting to the KIA ざいきたきゅうしゅうこくさいこうりゅうきょうかい ( 財 ) 北九州国際交流協会 Kitakyushu International Association きたきゅうしゅうしやはたひがしくひらの1ちょうめ北九州市八幡東区平野 1 丁目 1-1 こくさいむらこうりゅう国際村交流 かい センター 3 階 (International Village Center 3F, 1-1-1, Hirano,Yahatahigashi-ku) Tel: Fax: かいかんじかん開館時間 /Open Hours:9:00~17:30 か ~ にちようび火 ~ 日曜日 / Tuesday to Sunday 休館日 /Closed: 月曜日と年末年始 (12/29~1/3)/ Mondays & Year-end/New Year こくらインフォメーション (Kokura Information Desk) きたきゅうしゅうしこくらきたくあさの 北九州市小倉北区浅野 えいむたいへいよう AIM( アジア太平洋インポートマート )2 階 (Asia-Pacific Import Mart 2F, 3-8-1, Asano, Kokurakita-ku) かいかんじかんどようび開館時間 /Open Hours: 火 ~ 土曜日 9:00~17:30/ Tuesday to Saturday きゅうかんび休館日 にちげつ か しゅくじつ ねんまつねんし /Closed: 日月 祝日と年末年始 (12/29~1/3) / Sun, Mon, Public Holidays & Year-end/New Year Tel: Fax: kia@kitaq-koryu.jp かい Kokura Station Amu Plaza North exit West Japan General Exhibition Center Rihga Hotel Kokura St. Building West Japan General Exhibition Center La Foret Kokura Station Bus Center Aim Building 2nd Floor Kokura Information Kitakyushu International Conference Center Asano 2-Chome Bus Stop Website: Asano 2-Chome Bus Stop