Let’s play with foreigners, is a program designed to warm children’s hearts with a variety of activities. This year activities included guest country introductions and gesture games like Janken Lesha (Rock, Paper, Scissors Train) Omiseyasangokko (Pretend Shopping), and more. Let’s play with foreigners, is planned, prepared and managed by the mothers of World Fun This year 8 foreigners from 7 different countries (Iran, Egypt, Ghana, Sri Lanka, China, Germany and Vietnam) joined the event. Guests and families had good laughs and fun times together.

Summer Festival in Izumisano
July 27, 2019

The 44th Annual Izumisano Folk Art Festival was held at Rinku Park, near Rinku Town Station. The event was packed with local citizens and foreign tourists. Ten foreigners from six different countries, mainly learners of ica Japanese language classes, wore traditional yukata and enjoyed the summer festivities. Like last year, ica set up a booth titled Charity Lottery. The booth attracted children and foreigners alike, giving them a chance to win souvenirs from around the world.

Japanese Class Presentation
Saturday, June 15, 2019

Let’s Speak Japanese was held on Saturday, June 15. Students of ica learning Japanese, had a chance to present in front of an audience. Fourteen presenters from eight different countries, with various levels of Japanese, performed a song or gave a speech.

Impressions from presenters and audience members

• It was fun to hear various speeches. I learned some new things. I was also surprised that some of the learners were able to speak Japanese in such a short period of time. (Jeffrey / Germany)
• It was a very fun activity. It was my first time so I was a bit nervous. It was great to be able to talk with other Chinese people. (Sonlin/ China)
• Everyone was good at Japanese and I had no problem understanding. (S)
• It’s been a long time since I participated in the ica event. I was surprised to hear that the number of learners increased.  In addition, they’ve come from various countries. (T)
• The relationships between the learners and the teachers were warm and congenial. (M)
• Various thoughts and ideas were presented. I could see that they’d worked very hard for this day. (K)
• It was very interesting to get a better understanding of Japan, not only in the Japanese classroom but also by understanding the culture of other countries.(U)

 

Sunday, May 26
Ebeno Izumi Mori Hall, Reception Hall

Following the general assembly meeting, around 60 people attended and enjoyed an Understanding Earth Lecture, with a performance by Osaka University of Tourism’s Brass Band Club. In addition, from a group of interested participants, three people were selected to try their hand at conducting. They waved the baton in the air however they saw fit, to the tune of Do-Re-Mi.

Attendees’ Impressions

● ica sponsored, the energy and youthfulness of the tourism university students, it was a valuable and enjoyable experience through the music produced by foreigners. Thank you.

● I used to be in band brass band. I recognized all the songs and my daughter who is an elementary school student, also enjoyed it.

● It looked liked fun for the foreigners who were asked to conduct. Music is shared by everyone around the world.

Guest Conductor’s Impressions

It was fun. Although it was my first experience I wasn’t nervous.  And while the actual time conducting was quite short, it felt like a long time. That means it was fun. If it had been longer, I would’ve started dancing. I was impressed when I stood on the stage and saw everyone in the brass band with cheerful expressions on their faces. (Emanuel / Uganda)

Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution and Earthquake Memorial Park
Sunday, February 24, Kobe

On the Tour

I learned about earthquakes, tsunamis and disaster prevention at the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe. I felt the strength and the terror of Mother Nature while at the same time, moved by the efforts of people who are working hard in the post-disaster reconstruction. As Japan is a country where natural disasters frequently occur, citizens are regularly educated in disaster prevention. I felt that the children that were with me on the tour were well trained. As a foreigner living in Japan, I felt that I wasn’t very aware of disaster prevention and my knowledge was lacking. This tour was very meaningful and I would like to share what I learned today with those around me. (Chi Lee / China)

Disaster Prevention Workshop
Saturday, March 2, Minaminakakashii

Words from the participants

There were many things I didn’t know that are common knowledge about earthquakes and tsunamis, so it’s been very helpful. (H.M.)

I thought I knew, but there were many things I had forgotten. I’m glad to be able to get a refresher. I would like to try the disaster emergency phone system again. (H.I.)

The disaster emergency phone system was taught at work, but I had never actually used it, so it was good to learn. (B)

This game gives insight into how foreigners feel while living in Japan. It was a good experience. (H. H.)

It is difficult to understand with just the words. Pictures and signs, I felt, are very important. (K.S.)