Feature Article

Feature articles that appear on the features home page

Hinamatsuri

Girls Festival
Saturday, February 25, Kansai International Center


A total of 116 people (including 67 foreigners) gathered. After singing “Happy Hinamatsuri” together, they decorated hina dolls. At each game corner, participants enjoyed traditional Japanese games and activities such as Go, Shogi, Origami, Calligraphy, Koma-rotary, Daruma-doroshi, and so on. At the end of the event, the participants were divided into groups and played a gesture game, which united the audience, from children to adults, in a lively atmosphere.

In cooperation with Soroptimist International of Osaka-Rinku

Challenges foreign children face in Japanese society

 Saturday, February 18, Izumisano Cross-cultural Association


Tomomi Akasaka, a graduate student, was invited to speak her research on the current situation of foreign children and the problems they face in Japan.

Ms. Akasaka speaking about troubles that foreign children face in Japan.
Presentation on the current state of undocumented foreigners in Japan

Some Excerpts

What kind of people are Kurds?
  • The Kurds are the largest ethnic group without a country in the Middle East. They came to Japan around 1990’s due to persecution in their homeland, war, and economic reasons. It is said that there are 2,000 to 3,000 Kurdish people mainly in Saitama Prefecture.
  • They cannot become “refugees” in Japan.
  • It is considered an unauthorized stay and therefore cannot receive resident status.
Medical Interpreter Problem (Patient/Interpreter)
  • Accurate translation and knowledge are required.
  • It can be life threatening.
Education problems
  •  Children without a native language.
  •  Children without their mother tongue.
  •  Foreign children are not eligible for compulsory education.
  •  Gray zone with disabilities

Participant’s Comments

  • With examples in an easy-to-understand manner, I learned a lot by listening to what foreigners living in Japan are having trouble with. I hope that when I come to Japan, I will not only learn the Japanese way of doing things, but I hope that I can share the good points of my own country in Japan. (K)
  • I knew that there were many disadvantages for children that lack residence status. When I heard that they cannot participate in club activities, have to change schools, and aren’t allowed to go on school trips, I wondered if there was any way for Japanese society to be more accepting of them under the current system. (Anonymous)
  • “Whether it’s a disability or a delay in learning the Japanese language, is not important, what is important, is a place where they can feel safe”, I was moved by this. (Anonymous)

KIX Senshu International Marathon Runner Welcome Party

Monday, February 13, 2nd floor of Lifeline Plaza, Izumisano


The day after the 30th KIX Senshu International Marathon, held on February 12, a welcome party was held for 10 runners invited from Weihai City, Shandong Province, China; Tuv Province, Mongolia; Marilia City, Brazil; Gulu City, Republic of Uganda; Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam; and athletic associations in Mongolia and Uganda, which have friendly relations with Izumisano City. The event was a great success.

A Korean Course

Do you know the meaning of the following phrase? “Do you want to eat ramen noodles?”


The course started on January 11. The instructor, Kyungmin Park, a native of Korea, talked about Korean culture and customs, including the Hangeul alphabet. It was a 5-lesson course, but due to snow, the January 25th session was cancelled.

Session 1: Hangeul Day – Wednesday, January 11. Everyone learned about the Hangul alphabet.

Session 2: How to make delicious pancakes – Wednesday, January 18. Everyone learned how to make delicious pancakes from Ms. Kyungmin, a pancake-making expert.