Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

ica was proud to host a welcome party in Izumisano City for twelve high school students and four chaperones participating in the “Global Cultural Exploration Program” from Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea—a friendship city of Izumisano.

A total of 35 people, including ica members and local Izumisano citizens, joined the event. Everyone had a wonderful time connecting and interacting with one another through a lively mix of Japanese, English, and Korean!

Comments from Participants

• “We had so much fun playing games together, and I was thrilled to hear them happily say, ‘It was really fun!'”
• “A male student sitting at my table mentioned, ‘I sometimes see negative news about Japan or Japanese people, but actually meeting face-to-face is completely different. If we interact like this, we can truly understand each other.'”
• “I hope they will come back to study in Japan in the future and become a bridge between South Korea and Japan.”

FY2026 ica Japanese Language Teaching Volunteer Training Course

We are training instructors to support the Japanese language learning of foreign residents in the local community. After completing the course, you will be asked to teach as an ica Japanese language volunteer.

• Date & Time: Every Friday from May 8 to August 21 (excluding summer break on August 14)
  • 10:30 AM to Noon
  • (15 sessions planned in total / The number of sessions is subject to change depending on the number of participants)
• Prerequisite: Must become an ica member (Annual fee: 2,000 yen)
• Capacity: 20 people (First-come, first-served)
• Instructor: ica Japanese Language Learning Support Volunteer Instructor
• Course Fee: 5,000 yen (Includes textbook fee)
• Deadline: Tuesday, April 21
  • Note: After the deadline, documents will be mailed to you as soon as the number of participants is confirmed.
• Location: NPO Izumisano Cross-cultural Association (ica)
  • 1st Floor, Main Building, Nanbu Citizens’ Exchange Center
  • 476-2 Minaminakakashii, Izumisano City
• Cooperation: The Japan Foundation, Kansai International Center
• Applications / Inquiries: NPO Izumisano Cross-cultural Association (ica)
  • (Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • TEL: 072-429-9741
  • FAX: 072-429-9742
  • E-mail: ica@ica.gr.jp

Saturday, December 20, 2025

It was a lively party with 100 people, including 42 international guests, that participated and enjoyed games and chatting. At the end, a live band performance brought everyone in the venue together.

A Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) event was held at the Kansai International Center. A total of 135 people participated, including 46 international guests (19 of whom were trainees). Hina dolls were displayed at the venue, and everyone enjoyed traditional Japanese games and a tea ceremony together.

In cooperation with: Soroptimist International of Osaka-Rinku

The guests of today’s Chat Café  were Kansai International Center trainees Amer (Libya) and Siam (Bangladesh). Twenty participants listened to the stories they shared.

Amer introduced Libya’s religion, tourist attractions, and cuisine. Among Libya’s many dishes, Amer said that he likes to cook with large chunks of lamb. He said that this Libyan lamb is cheap and tasty.

Amer recommended the visiting the Jebel Akhdar region, a tourist attraction. The climate is cool and the area is known for its natural spaces and its delicious honey. There are also historical ruins from the Greek and Roman periods, which have been designated a World Heritage Site.

Bangladesh has deep ties with Japan. Bangladesh is about 40% the size of Japan, but has about 1.4 times the population of Japan!

Sundarbans, which has the world’s largest natural mangrove forest, is a habitat for Bengal tigers, and there are also many wild animals such as crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and otters. Siam recommended taking a river cruise.

Siam also introduced the audience to some of the festivals. Boat races, kite flying festivals, and a fireworks festivals are popular among young people. At the fireworks festival, you often can see performers blowing fire from their mouths. Mr. Siam also said, “I can do it too!” he said.”