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Diane Rich
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SI Activities - J-Kaiwa - 7 JETAA SI Activities - Canterbury Japan Day - 8-9 Introducing our new interns 9 From The Director Nagoya Samurai Performers Wow Crowds at Fremantle Street Arts Festival The

crowds with the traditions of Japanese warriors. Fremantle and Nagoya signed a Sister Ports Agreement in 1983, celebrating their 30 th anniversary of friendly relations last year.

1 Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR, Sydney) Newsletter Issue No.75 May / 2014 Correspondence In This Issue: 1-2 The Fremantle Street Arts Festival 2-3 SCNZ Conference in Gore 3 Sister School Exchange 4 EVENT Snow Travel Expo EVENT Cycling SHIMANAMI 6 JETAA SI Activities - J-Kaiwa - 7 JETAA SI Activities - Canterbury Japan Day Introducing our new interns 9 From The Director Nagoya Samurai Performers Wow Crowds at Fremantle Street Arts Festival The Fremantle Street Arts Festival, held over the Easter long weekend, experienced the richness of Japan this year, with Nagoya City s Omotenashi Busho-Tai samurai troupe coming to Australia to wow crowds with the traditions of Japanese warriors. Fremantle and Nagoya signed a Sister Ports Agreement in 1983, celebrating their 30 th anniversary of friendly relations last year. The Omotenashi Busho-Tai s tour to Fremantle was made possible thanks to this special Sister Ports relationship. To the delight of Festival-goers, three members of the Busho-Tai, Tokugawa Ieyasu (left), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (centre), and Toma (right) performed twice each day of the three-day event, promoting Nagoya s rich history and Japan s samurai culture. Each performance started with a loud victory cheer Ei-Ei-Oh!, followed by an armour dance, introduction of troupe members, a quiz corner introduction to Nagoya, a samurai workshop with audience participation, and a photo session with audience members cameras and smartphones, with many photos appearing on social media sites within minutes. ~Continued on next page~ Page 1

At the Street Arts Festival, performers from Australia and around 10 other countries gathered and performed in 16 locations around Fremantle, making for a colourful international event.

The audience enthusiastically joining the victory cheer with the samurai made one feel as if they were performing in their native Nagoya.

expressions recorded with many camera clicks.

residence, taking a commemorative photograph with the Nagoya Omotenashi Busho-Tai. Both cities representatives then exchanged gifts to mark the occasion.

2 At the Street Arts Festival, performers from Australia and around 10 other countries gathered and performed in 16 locations around Fremantle, making for a colourful international event. In particular, the group from Nagoya delighted crowds with an authentic Japanese samurai experience. The audience enthusiastically joining the victory cheer with the samurai made one feel as if they were performing in their native Nagoya. Inviting audience members on stage during the samurai workshop, the troupe performed swordfight demonstrations, with the public joining in, striking signature swordfight poses, their serious expressions recorded with many camera clicks. The day after the Festival s conclusion, thanks to the cooperation of the Consulate General of Japan in Perth, the Mayor of Fremantle, Dr Brad Pettit visited the Japanese Consul General s official residence, taking a commemorative photograph with the Nagoya Omotenashi Busho-Tai. Both cities representatives then exchanged gifts to mark the occasion. <Note> The Nagoya Omotenashi Busho-Tai, made up of six samurai generals with connections to Nagoya (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kato Kiyomasa, Maeda Toshiie, and Maeda Keiji) and four foot soldiers, was created concurrently with the 400th anniversary of Nagoya s founding to demonstrate the splendour of Nagoya to the entire country. Their main activity is omotenashi (hospitality) toward visitors including greeting tourists at Nagoya Castle every day, guiding sightseeing tours, and posing for commemorative pictures. Sister Cities New Zealand Conference in Gore, South Island From 3 to 4 April, CLAIR assistant directors Hiroaki Seino and Hiromi Hakuta attended the Sister Cities New Zealand Conference in Gore, South Island. During this conference Hiromi gave a presentation about what Japanese Local governments are currently focusing on promoting and revitalising their regions by introducing unique concepts such Page 2 ~Continued on next page~

3 as Yuru-chara or B-1 Grand-prix. Hiromi then highlighted how CLAIR supports these local governments in running sister city activities. He also pointed out that collaborating with JET Alumni Associations is a good way to further develop sister cities relationships and to generate new ideas, citing as an example the collaboration between Wellington Sakai Association and JETAA Wellington. At the conference CLAIR also promoted Japanese tourism to the attendees. CLAIR wishes to continuously support sister cities and sister schools activities. If you are in need of some assistance, please don t hesitate to contact us! Sister School Exchange ~ Two Schools and a city in Japan are looking for international exchange partners!~ Two schools and one city would like to engage in language and cultural exchange with schools in Australia and New Zealand, through visits, Skype and letter writing. If you are interested in exchanging with the following schools or city, you can directly contact them in English ( is preferred) or please let us know in writing at mailbox@jlgc.org.au 2 Hitorizawa High School (Public, Kanagawa Prefecture) Preference; Junior high school, High school School details: 13/02/Hitorizawa-High-School.pdf 1 Yokote City (Junior High Schools, Akita Prefecture) Preference: Junior High School Please visit the website for more information about Yokote City: 3 Hadano High School (Public, Kanagawa Prefecture) Preference; High school School details: High-School.pdf Snow huts in Yokote For more information, please visit our website! Page 3

EVENT Snow Travel Expo 2014 CLAIR Sydney is assisting the Hokkaido Tourism Organisation and Hakkoda with their booths at the Snow Travel Expo 2014 in Melbourne and Sydney.

4 EVENT Snow Travel Expo 2014 CLAIR Sydney is assisting the Hokkaido Tourism Organisation and Hakkoda with their booths at the Snow Travel Expo 2014 in Melbourne and Sydney. There are no entry fees, so come in and get all the information you need for a great snow trip to Japan! Melbourne Date: Sunday 18 May, 2014 Time: 10am 4pm Venue: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank Sydney Date: Sunday 25 May, 2014 Time: 9am 4pm Venue: Sydney White Bay Cruise Terminal, Rozelle For more information about Snow Travel Expo 2014, please visit: Japan Local government Centre (CLAIR, Sydney) Level 12 Challis House 4 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 P: (02) F: (02) Website: mailbox@jlgc.org.au Page 4

This event is the only one of its kind that shuts down an entire expressway purely for the enjoyment of cyclists.

5 With the Wind, With the Sea Hiroshima is looking forward to welcoming people with a passion for cycling, the ocean and Japan. One of Japan s biggest cycling festival, Cycling SHIMANAMI will attract 8,000 cyclists from all over the world. This event is the only one of its kind that shuts down an entire expressway purely for the enjoyment of cyclists. Try not to lose yourself in the amazing scenery and the cool breeze that gently envelops you. This event will take your breath away. Hiroshima s fall produce is second to none, not to mention the warm hospitality you will find everywhere you go. Hiroshima is waiting for you. 26 th October 2014 in Hiroshima Register Now Hiroshima

JETAA South Island activities ~ From JETAA South Island, NZ ~ J-Kaiwa In 2013, JETAA SI decided that a J Kaiwa a casual language exchange would be a great way to

Our main aims were as follows: a) To allow people to meet new people in a fun, casual environment b) To practise both Japanese and English c) To create an

We thought that monthly events would be the best and to hold it on the first Tuesday of every month, at a different restaurant around Christchurch.

Recently our Social Events Co-ordinator has stepped up and improved the event by advertising on NZ Daisuki website (a website for Japanese living in New Zealand)

He has also contacted a staff member at polytech who extends the invitation to his students.

We have students (studying English and Japanese) from the local polytechnic, teachers, professionals, ex-jets, people on working holiday, and people of various

6 JETAA South Island activities ~ From JETAA South Island, NZ ~ J-Kaiwa In 2013, JETAA SI decided that a J Kaiwa a casual language exchange would be a great way to promote JET in the Christchurch community. Our main aims were as follows: a) To allow people to meet new people in a fun, casual environment b) To practise both Japanese and English c) To create an environment to promote JET to future members d) To create an environment for ex-jets to catch up and talk about Japan and their experiences. We thought that monthly events would be the best and to hold it on the first Tuesday of every month, at a different restaurant around Christchurch. So far we have been to Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants! Anywhere between 15 and 30 people usually turn up, which is fantastic result. Recently our Social Events Co-ordinator has stepped up and improved the event by advertising on NZ Daisuki website (a website for Japanese living in New Zealand) which has opened up the invitation to Japanese people living in Christchurch. He has also contacted a staff member at polytech who extends the invitation to his students. The atmosphere is really fun and there are a lot of different people attending. We have students (studying English and Japanese) from the local polytechnic, teachers, professionals, ex-jets, people on working holiday, and people of various nationalities with an interest in Japan. The format includes a brief opening from the JETAA committee, then we introduce ourselves so everyone feels at ease. After that we eat, chat and end up moving around the table at some point in order to chat to new people. There is no entry fee and we order our own food. We feel that our J Kaiwa is a great way to promote JET in the community to potential applicants as it is a fun environment for them to ask questions about the programme, but also succeeds in connecting former JETs, and other community members. Page 6 ~Continued on next page~

Canterbury Japan Day Canterbury Japan Day has become a very exciting

2014 was the second annual event presented by the Canterbury Japan

Consular Office of Japan. This year the theme was Japanese Summer.

including many types of delicious Japanese food delicacies, Japan

business services, cultural groups such as the Kurashiki/Christchurch

Patrons enjoyed watching the Bon-Odori dance, Taiko drum performances

There were many indoor attractions too, such as a traditional Haunted

calligraphy demonstrations, and Japanese traditional music.

(Christchurch) to promote the JET programme, JLPT tests and MEXT

It was a very busy day with plenty of interest in the JET programme,

Six JETAA SI committee members volunteered their time in sections and

interested people about the JET programme and living in Japan.

7 Canterbury Japan Day Canterbury Japan Day has become a very exciting part of the Christchurch events calendar was the second annual event presented by the Canterbury Japan Society with support from the Christchurch City Council and the Consular Office of Japan. This year the theme was Japanese Summer. On 23 February 2014 the 20,000 strong crowd enjoyed the 54 stalls including many types of delicious Japanese food delicacies, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Japanese people involved offering business services, cultural groups such as the Kurashiki/Christchurch Sister City Committee, University of Canterbury J-Soc Club. Patrons enjoyed watching the Bon-Odori dance, Taiko drum performances and participating in the popular mochi tsuki. There were many indoor attractions too, such as a traditional Haunted House and Star festival, a Kimono catwalk, tea ceremony and calligraphy demonstrations, and Japanese traditional music. JETAA South Island had a stand combined with Consular Office of Japan (Christchurch) to promote the JET programme, JLPT tests and MEXT Scholarships. It was a very busy day with plenty of interest in the JET programme, which was very pleasing. Six JETAA SI committee members volunteered their time in sections and assisted with setting up/packing down, and speaking to lots of interested people about the JET programme and living in Japan. Canterbury Japan Day was a great opportunity for the residents of Christchurch to experience authentic Japanese Culture presented by Japanese Kiwis in Canterbury and JETAA SI was proud to be a part of this day. For further details of the event, please see Page 7

Introducing our new interns Joanne Chang Hello, my name is Joanne Chang and I am an intern at CLAIR from April to May 2014.

I was born in Seoul, Korea and lived in Jakarta, Indonesia from the age of 2 to 7, where I have spent most of my childhood.

volcanic mountains and hot spring. After moving back to Seoul, I moved to Australia with my family when I was 10 years old.

8 Introducing our new interns Joanne Chang Hello, my name is Joanne Chang and I am an intern at CLAIR from April to May I am currently studying Bachelor of Global Studies at University of Technology, Sydney. I was born in Seoul, Korea and lived in Jakarta, Indonesia from the age of 2 to 7, where I have spent most of my childhood. I remember it being a wonderful experience as a kid, where it broadened my perspective through getting to meet various people, eating delicious Indonesian food and travelling to places like beaches, volcanic mountains and hot spring. After moving back to Seoul, I moved to Australia with my family when I was 10 years old. While studying at UTS, I took an opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, where I enjoyed the culture and customs of Japan and gave me the passion to continuously be associated with Japanese culture. The university was located in small countryside called Hotani, on the border of Osaka and Kyoto. Although it was located far from the main cities, I had a pleasant time appreciating the green rice fields and the quiet country lifestyle in Japan. Also, it was located just in the middle of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara so it provided a great opportunity for travelling around the Kansai area! Most notable places were Nagahama in Shiga, where it was famous for beautiful glass arts and Wakayama to see the cat station master, Tama-chan. As an intern at CLAIR, I am enjoying the experience of the Japanese office environment and also learning about Japanese work culture. Every day is exciting as it is something that I haven t been exposed to. The experience at CLAIR has also given me insight into the governmental system of Japan and the role of local governments in Japan. Furthermore, I am grateful for the opportunity of being of assistance to CLAIR as it gave me understanding of the purpose of international relation efforts between Japan and Australia, and how these efforts can further impact Japan and its society. Thank you to CLAIR members for giving me the opportunity to work at CLAIR. I am enjoying being welcomed and grateful for the assistance that the members giving me to help me settle in the office. Suhada Ekanayake My name is Suhada Ekanayake and I am currently studying to complete a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Studies at Macquarie University. I was born in Sri Lanka and raised in Indonesia, which has inevitably led to my interest in Asian culture from an early age. I have studied Japanese for seven years now and recently completed a short term exchange at Tokyo Metropolitan University. environment. During my time interning at CLAIR I came to realise Japan s economic and cultural success is largely facilitated by the efforts of various prefectures and municipalities. As such, my work involved me reporting on a number of issues in Australia to these offices. This has been my first internship and therefore my first time in an office ~Continued on next page~ Page 8

Although nervous at first, I have been learning something new every day and can now confidently say that my time at CLAIR has furthered my understanding of Japan as a nation and the skills necessary

9 Although nervous at first, I have been learning something new every day and can now confidently say that my time at CLAIR has furthered my understanding of Japan as a nation and the skills necessary in the workplace. I would like to sincerely thank everyone at CLAIR for providing me with this opportunity. It has no doubt been invaluable to my learning and furthered my goal to one day be an international lawyer working in Japan. From The Director Waste management and local government One of the things that I feel comfortable about in Australia is when I dispose of garbage. I can put out my rubbish any time (in the case of apartments in Sydney) and there are only two types of garbage - recyclable or not. In Japan, household garbage is collected by the municipalities (city, town or village), which must be put out on set days and in a prescribed manner. When moving to somewhere new in Japan, I advise you to first get a pamphlet concerning garbage disposal from the municipal office, so as to confirm the locations, days and times of garbage collection as well as the garbage separation policy, as it varies by municipalities. There are a number of types of garbage for disposal purposes, but roughly speaking, garbage is separated as combustibles, non-combustibles, bulk garbage and recyclables. Even in recyclables, cans, glass bottles, PET bottles, paper packages and newspapers are collected separately on separate days. Garbage is separated based on municipal rules. Even for the Japanese people, it is difficult to get used to the new garbage disposal policy when they relocate to another municipality. Japan is a small country - we do not have enough space for landfill. We try to recycle garbage and reduce its total amount as much as possible. This kind of garbage separation policy may apply to Australia in the near future. For more information please check the policy of my hometown. Examples of sorting garbage in Japan Page 9

Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR, Sydney) Correspondence

Newsletter Issue No.68 Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR, Sydney) October 2013 In This Issue: 1 Ibaraki Prefecture 6 Promoting the Nagoya City Marathon 2-3 Invitation to 2014 LGEC Seminar in Japan!