EnglishJournal [2014年3月]

No. 314 March 2014
Niigata English Journal
Edited & Issued by the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
Free Legal Consultation for Foreign Residents
Need legal advice? On Friday, April 18th there will be an opportunity to visit with a lawyer
and receive free consultation regarding legal matters. If you don’t speak Japanese, then an
interpreter will be provided for you.
Date: April 18th (Fri) 13:00~17:00
Place: CrossPal Niigata
Requirements: Must be non-Japanese resident living and working in
Niigata
Languages Available: English, Chinese, Korean, French, Russian
Places Available: 5 (reservations required)
Length of Consultation: 45 minutes per person
Reservations: Please tell us your name, nationality, telephone number, sex, and the topics you wish to
discuss.
For more info/reservations: 025-225-2727
Spot of the Month: Nelson no Niwa
Nelson no Niwa is a spacious Italian-inspired restaurant café
located in the former official residence of the deputy
prefectural governor. The small complex features a wide range of
interior styles, even preserving the original manor’s traditional
Japanese room and Western-style carpeted parlor room.
The stylish restaurant operates non-stop between the hours of 11:30
and 23:00, and the lunch menu (weekly) is available all day, even
during dinner hours. Nelson no Niwa has a high-end image, and indeed
lunch can cost up to 2,500JPY depending on what you order (pasta and
curry rice go for 1,000JPY. All lunch sets come with salad and soup
bar and bread). The restaurant’s staff, however, insist on the
restaurant’s café function, and point out that they offer free wi-fi and
also have a drink and dessert menu for customers who want to stick
around and relax or get some work done in a comfortable environment.
A great place for gatherings, Nelson no Niwa offers reasonable party
plans, and welcomes guests who want to hold standing cocktail parties.
Weekends are busy, so it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation if
you don’t want to wait.
【Upcoming Attractions】
1.With the Hina Matsuri girl’s festival afoot this month, Nelson no
Niwa will displaying traditional Japanese Hina dolls through the
23rd (free to view). There will be a koto performance starting at
17:00 on March 3rd to mark the occasion.
2.Nelson no Niwa offers periodic cooking classes. Call directly for
more information.
3.Nelson no Niwa’s English rose garden blooms in late May/early June.
2-692-6 Eisho-dori, Chuo-ku
Tel 025-224-7851
www.crush.jp/nelson
Niigata English Journal
March
Japanese Lessons・Spring Classes Begin:
2014
Page 2
April 2014
【Classes and Content】
✤
Morning ✤
10:00～12:00
（2 hours each）
Japanese A
Japanese B
Study beginner level materials while pursuing the basics of
daily-life conversational skills.
Review beginner level materials in preparation for intermediate
Japanese C content.
Japanese D Comprehensively study Japanese while striving for proficiency
Japanese E in practical Japanese conversation.
✤
JapaneseⅠ
Evening
✤
18:30～20:00
（1.5 hours each）
JapaneseⅡ
Study beginner level materials while pursuing the basics of
daily-life conversational skills.
JapaneseⅢ
Review beginner level materials while studying Japanese more
comprehensively.
【Class Schedule】
Morning Classes
Class Title
Day of
the
Week
Time
Class Duration
Japanese A
T&R
10:00～12:00
Apr. 1st ~ Aug. 7th
Japanese B
T&R
10:00～12:00
Apr. 1st ~ Aug. 7th
Japanese C
W&F
10:00～12:00
Apr. 2nd ~ Aug. 1st
Japanese D
F
10:00～12:00
Apr. 4th ~ Aug. 1st
Japanese E
W
10:00～12:00
Apr. 2nd ~ Jul. 30th
Total Classroom
Hours
Class Fee
72h (36 classes)
¥30,000
36h (18 classes)
¥18,000
Evening Classes
Class Title
Day of
the
Week
Time
Class Duration
Total Classroom
Hours
Class Fee
JapaneseⅠ
T&R
18:30～20:00
Apr. 1st ~ Aug. 7th
54h (36 classes)
¥22,500
JapaneseⅡ
F
18:30～20:00
Apr. 4th ~ Aug. 1st
JapaneseⅢ
T
18:30～20:00
Apr. 1st ~ Aug 5th
27h (18 classes)
¥13,500
¥13,500
Method of Payment: ◇Lump Sum Payment Please pay on the first day of class.
◇Installment Plan Please consult the Niigata City International Exchange
Foundation regarding details about the installment plan.
Questions
Niigata City International Exchange Foundation (Crosspal Niigata 2F Office)
〒951-8055 Niigata City Chuo-ku Ishizuecho-dori 3-2086
Tel 025-225-2727
Fax 025-225-2733
E-mail [email protected]
Hours of
9:00～17:00
Operation
Closed on Holidays, Sunday and the 4th Monday of the Month
Niigata English Journal
March
2014
日本についてのちょっと便利帳
Page 3
（最終回）
しゅんぶん
ひ
春分の日について
しゅんぶん
たいよう
まひがし
のぼ
まにし
しず
ひる
よる
なが
おな
ひ
い
まにし
ごくらく
春分は、太陽が真東から昇って真西に沈むので、昼と夜の長さが同じになる日と言われています。真西には極楽
じょうど
ぶっきょうせっぽう
せんぞ
れい
くよう
ぶつじ
おこ
にほんどくじ
ぎょうじ
浄土があるという仏教説法から、先祖の霊を供養する仏事が行われてきました。これは日本独自の行事です。
あつ
さむ
ひがん
い
きび
ふゆ
た
い
もの
まえむ
き
み
あふ
じ
き
暑さ寒さも彼岸までと言われるように、厳しい冬を耐えてきた生き物が、前向きにやる気に満ち溢れる時期が
しゅんぶん
ひ
春分の日のころです。
むかし
しゅんぶん
ひ
ひがん
ちゅうにち
はる
おとず
いわ
そせん
かんしゃ
ひ
い
ち
昔から春分の日は、お彼岸の中日として春の訪れを祝い、祖先に感謝する日として位置づけられてきました。
ひがん
せいし
さかいめ
かわむ
がわ
ひがん
よ
はる
あき
かい
しゅんぶん
ひ
しゅうぶん
ひ
くよう
おこな
お彼岸とは、生死の境目にある河向こう側を彼岸と呼び、春と秋の 2回（春分の日と秋分の日）供養を行いま
ひがん
ぶつだん
ていねい
そうじ
はかまい
だんご
つく
そな
す。彼岸のときには、仏壇を丁寧に掃除し、また墓参りするときは団子を作ってお供えをします。
しゅんぶん
ひ
かん
しょうかい
■春分の日に関することをご紹介します。
しゅんぶん
ひ
た
もの
①春分の日の食べ物
ひがん
ぶつぜん
りょうり
しょうじんりょうり
ぶっきょう
せっしょうきんだん
しそう
い
もの
彼岸に、仏前にささげる料理は精進料理です。仏教では殺生禁断の思想があり、生き物を
ころ
にく
た
やさい
かんぶつるい
ちゅうしん
殺したあとの肉は食べてはいけないことになっています。そのため野菜、乾物類を中心と
こんだて
た
きせつ
しゅん
やさい
じょうず
と
しょくぶつせい
しつ
おお
した献立を立てます。季節の旬の野菜を上手に取り合わせ、植物性タンパク質のものを多
つか
く使います。
しゅんぶん
ひ
はな
②春分の日の花
はる
ひがん
そな
はな
いっぱんてき
い
ひがんばな
きせつ
はな
い
ひがん
春のお彼岸に供える花は、一般的に言って彼岸花、キンセンカです。しかし、季節にふさわしい花と言えば彼岸
ざくら
はな
ぼたん
はな
桜やミツマタの花、牡丹の花があげられます。
ひがん
おく
もの
ひがん
おく
もの
③お彼岸の贈り物
そな
もの
い
そな
もの
ていばん
はな
くだもの
か
しなど
お彼岸の贈り物は、お供え物と言うことになります。お供え物の定番は、花、果物、お菓子等です。

こんげつ
べんりちょう
しゅうりょう
なが
あいだ
今月で「にほんについてのちょっと便利帳」は終了します。長い間ありがとうございました。
Art Mix Japan Niigata 2014 (Sat) April 5th ~ (Sun) 6th at Ryutopia
Art Mix Japan is back! For the second year in a row this event will be providing Niigatians the chance to
get a taste of a wide range of traditional Japanese performing arts, cut up into convenient 45 minute
segments with explanations provided (in Japanese). Performances will be held in Ryutopia and
surrounding facilities. For more information go to Ryutopia, or visit the Art Mix Japan website:
http://artmixjapan.com/
Admission Prices: 1,500JPY ~ 3,000JPY/performance
La Folle Journee de Niigata “The Follies of a Day” Classical Music Festival
Pre-event Performances: Sunday, April 20th
Main Festival: Friday, April 25th ~ Sunday, April 27th
Venues: Ryutopia; Enkikan; Saito Family Summer Villa; Former Ozawa Family Residence
La Folle Journee is a popular classical music festival that originated in Niigata’s Sister City of Nantes,
France. In an attempt to make classical music more accessible, the festival offers a large number of 45
minute performances at low prices, and encourages citizens to view multiple performances. This year’s
theme is: “Vienna, Prague, and Budapest—Brahms, Dvorak, and Bartok.” Tickets go on sale starting
Friday, March 21st.
For more info visit Ryutopia or see the event website: http://lfjn.jp
Niigata English Journal
Events
March
2014
Page 4
Key: G-General; U-University Students; H-High School; J-Junior High School; E-Elementary School
Niigata Prefecture Archaeology Lecture
4 part lecture series. Applications required for each lecture.
Date: March 1st (Sat), 9th (Sun), 15th (Sat), 22nd (Sat)
13:320~15:30
Place: Niigata-ken Niigata Archaeological Artifacts Center
(93-1 Kanazu Akiha-ku)
Fee: Free
Number of people: 80 people
For more info/to apply: 0250-25-3981
http://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/bunkagyosei/
(Niigata-ken Kyoiku-cho Bunka Gyosei-Ka)
15th Murakami City Ohinasama Meguri (doll festival)
4,000 dolls from the Edo period (1603 - 1867) will be displayed
at various locations. This is an annual event in Murakami city.
Date: March 1st (Sat) ~ April 3rd (Thu) 9:00~17:00
Place: Murakami city’s historical district
Admission Fee: Free
For more info call: 0254-53-2258
(Murakamishi Kanko Kyokai)
Niigata Creations: Museum in Motion
This exhibit features Artists born in Niigata such as Naofumi
Maruyama, Kiyoko Sakata, Motohiro Tomii, etc. The dance
group Noism will also perform for the exhibit.
Date: Now through March 30th (Sun) 9:30 ~18:00
Place: Niigata City Art Museum (5191-9 Nishi Ohata-cho
Chuo-ku)
Fee: G - ¥800, U, & H - ¥600
For more info call: 024-223-1622
URL: http://www.ncam.jp/
(Niigata city Art Museum)
Collection Exhibition ⅣNobuya Abe
101 Anniversary of Birth
The internationally active painter Nobuya Abe was born in
Gosen city in 1913. This exhibition will feature various works
from his oeuvre.
Date: Now through April 6th (Sun) 9:30 ~ 18:00
Place: Niigata City Art Museum (5191-9 Nishi Ohata-cho
Chuo-ku)
Closed: Mondays
Fee: G - ¥200, U & H - ¥150, J & E - ¥100
For more info call: 025-223-1622
URL: http://www.ncam.jp/
(Niigata city Art Museum)
Introduction to South Africa
Come learn about South Africa
An open discussion event will be held on March 1st (Sat) from
14:00 ~15:30. Please feel free to drop by!
Date: Now through March 28th (Fri.) 9:00~17:00
Place: Niigata International Friendship Center
Exchange Salon (CrossPal 2F)
Admission fee: free
For more info call: 025-225-2727
(Niigata City International Exchange
Foundation)
134th Foreign Culture Lecture Philippine
The lecture will be held in Japanese.
Please feel free to drop by and listen!
Date: March 2nd (Sun) 14:00~16:00
Place: CrossPal Niigata 4F Visual Hall
(Info continues in top right)
Fee: Free
For more info call: 025-266-6546
(Ms. Kato)
Aizu Yaichi & Nara’s Buddhist Statues
Date: March 5th (Wed), 12(Wed), 19th (Wed) 19:00~20:30
Place: Sakyukan (5218-1 Nishi Ohata-cho Chuo-ku)
Fee: One time G - ¥700, U, H & J - ¥500
Number of people: 20 people
Application: Call (025-222-2672) or
E-mail ([email protected]).
For more info call: 025-222-2676
(Sakyukan)
3rd Ulsan Friendship Tour Photo Exhibition
25 citizens from Niigata went to Ulsan city, Korea from Oct.19th
~22nd. They visited many tourist sites and met with local groups.
Date: March 6th (Thu) ~ April 1st (Tue)
Weekdays 10:00~20:00; Sun. & Holidays 10:00~17:00
Closed: 14th (Fri)
Place: Niigata City Chuo Library (a.k.a. Honport)
(2-1-10 Akashi Chuo-ku)
Fee: Free
For more info call: 025-225-2727
(Ulsan Yuko no Kai Ono-san)
Noism 2 Annual Spring Performance
Date: March 7th (Fri) 19:00,
8th (Sat) 17:00
9th (Sun) 13:30 / 17:00
Place: Ryutopia (Studio B)
Admission fee: ¥1,500
For more info call: 025-224-5521
(Ryutopia)
Wolfgang Zerer Organ Recital
Date: March 15th (Sat) 15:00~
Place: Ryutopia (Concert Hall)
Admission fee: ¥3,000
For more info call: 025-224-5521
(Ryutopia)
10th Toyosaka Nihongo Kyoshitsu Koryukai(exchange party)
Pot-luck gathering for students of Japanese.
Date: March 8th (Sat) 10:00~12:00
Place: Toyosaka Fureai Center 1F A/B Kenshu-shitsu
Fee: Free
Application is not necessary, just come up the day. Please bring
one dish for the party.
For more info call: 080-4058-6640
(Mr.Hasegawa)
Fumiyoshi Shamisen Live 2014
Date: April 19th (Sat) 14:00~
Place: Sakyukan
(5218-1 Nishi Ohata-cho Chuo-ku)
Admission Fee: ¥2,500 (including tea)
Number of people: 50 people
Application: Call (025-222-2676) or
Email ([email protected])
For more info call: 025-222-2676
(Sakyukan)
t
Niigata English Journal
March
2014
Page 5
Bulletin Board
Note about the English Journal Bulletin Board:
If you want to post a message in the EJ Bulletin Board, please get your message to us by the 20th of the month, and make sure that
it is clear and understandable. We reserve the right to edit at our discretion. You are always free to send in items in Japanese and
we’ll gladly translate them for you. Also, whenever you submit anything, please include your full name and a phone number, fax
number, or email address where you can be reached. Thank you.
Oshaberi Salon: Conversations with the Jet 5
Come enjoy some casual conversation with the members
of the JET5. No reservations necessary.
Date: March 11th (Tue) 14:00 ~15:00 Korea
20th (Thu) 14:00 ~ 15:00 France
Place: Niigata International Friendship Center
(CrossPal Niigata 2F)
Fee: Free!
For more info call: 025-225-2727
(Niigata International Exchange Foundation)
Niigata Prefecture Gyosei Shoshi (Administrative Scrivener)
Free Consultation for Foreigners
Date: March 16th (Sun) 11:00 ~ 15:00
Place: Kuruosaki Shimin Kaikan (Nishi-ku)
For more info & Application: 090-2227-0401
(Ms. Nakazawa, Niigata Branch office)
International Music Club: March Gathering
Date: March 14th (Fri) 19:30 ~ 21:00
Place: CrossPal Music Studio 2 (6F)
Fee: Free!
Gyoza Party
Date: March 9th (Sun) 15:00-17:00
Place: Crosspal Niigata cooking room (5F)
Deadline: March 8th (Sat)
For more info: [email protected] (Ms. Hasegawa)
Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Date: July. 6th (Sun.)
Level: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5
Application period: April 1st (Tue.) – April 30th (Wed.)
Test fee: ¥5,500
Application Guide: ¥500
(Available at major bookstores in Japan starting mid-March )
Test Sites: Major cities in Japan
Inquiries: JLPT Application Center 03-6686-2974
URL: http://info.jees-jlpt.jp/application/
Telephone Consultation Services
for Non-Japanese Residents!
The Niigata International Association provides multi-lingual
telephone consultation services to help non-Japanese residents
and their families who may be experiencing various problems.
Please do not hesitate to contact us! Any information shared
during consultations will be kept confidential in order to protect
the privacy of our callers.
Every Tuesday 10:00 ~ 14:00 Thai
Every Wednesday 10:00 ~ 14:00 Chinese
Every Thursday 10:00 ~ 14:00 English
Telephone number 025-241-1881
(Niigata International Association)
Sado Toki Marathon 2014 Participants Wanted!
Come experience the beautiful Sado landscape!
Date: April 27th (Sun)
Application deadline: March 14th (Fri)
For more info call: 0259-52-3800
URL: http://www.scsf.jp/marathon/
(Sado Toki Marathon Jimukyoku)
Courses:
*Full Marathon & Half Marathon Courses
Must be 18 years of age or older. (No high school
students allowed)
*10 Kilometer & 5 Kilometer Courses
Must be of high school enrollment age or older
(15yrs of age or older)
*3 Kilometer Course
Elementary and Jr. High School students grade 5
through 9 only
Toll-Free Call 0120-279-338
Helpful for Foreigners 10:00~22:00
We will provide help for any problem that you may
encounter. Our staff will work with you to find a solution.
 The toll-free number is accessible from anywhere
within Japan
 Call the toll-free number and press 2 after the Japanese
guidance
 Your privacy will be protected.
 We have a special line for suicide prevention, domestic
violence, sexual violence, and sexual minorities.
(Shakaiteki Hosetsu Support Center http://279338.jp/ )
International Speech Contest (Japanese)
Date: May 24th (Sat) 2014 13:00 –
Location: Plover Hall in Matsue City general culture center
(6-5-44 Nishi-tsuda Matsue City Shimane Prefecture)
th
Deadline for application: April 19 (Tue
For further information: The International Education Center
03-3359-9620 (9:00 – 17:00, Mon. – Fri.)
E-mail : [email protected]
URL: http://www.iec-nichibei.or.jp
Niigata Mirai Café
Let’s talk about Niigata’s future and community
development. The program will be held in Japanese.
Date: March 29th (Sat) 13:30 ~ 16:00
Place: Niigata Shimin Plaza (NEXT 21 6F)
Contents: 1. Orientation
2. Group discussion
3. Appealing results of group discussions
Application: please call the Niigata City Office
Call Center (025-243-4894)
For more info call: 025-226-2068
(Niigata city office Seisaku Chosei Ka)
Niigata Prefecture Minimum Wage ¥701 per one hour on a prefectural and industry basis as of Oct. 26th 2013.
For more info call: 025-288-3504 (Niigata Rodokyoku Kijunkyoku Niigata Labor Bureau)
Niigata English Journal
March
2014
Page 6
Classes
Japanese courses offered by the Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
Beginner through
Intermediate 2
There are several classes according to level, at different times and days of the week.
An installment payment plan can be made available upon request.
Ms. Chiyoko Takahashi
Tel: (025) 225-2727
Study Group for Non-Japanese Children: The Niko Pal Club (Free of charge! No reservations required!)
Day of the week
Every Sat
Hours
10:00 - 12:00
Room No.
202
Every Sun
Content
These classes are held to help children of
foreign residents with their schoolwork.
Vacation
For more info.
Ms. Rika Saito
Tel: (025) 225-2727
R’s (080)1226-8868
Japanese Classes by Volunteer Groups at Crosspal Niigata (Free of charge except for material costs!)
Day of the week
Every Tue
Every Wed
Every Thur
Every Fri
Every Sat (except 29th )
Every Sat (except 29th )
Every Sun
Every Sun (except 9th & 23rd )
Hours
Vacation
13:00 - 14:30
13:00 - 14:30
13:00 - 14:30
10:30 - 12:00
10:30 - 12:00
Vacation
13:00 – 14:00
Level
Room No.
201 or 306
201or 308
201
306
307 or 309
Beginners
Beginners & Advanced Beginners
Beginners & Advanced Beginners
Beginners
Newspaper Class
307
Beginners & Advanced Beginners
Nihongo for Foreign Residents at the Ekinan Community Center 2F
Every Sun (except 23rd )
10:00 - 12:00
Every Thu
10:00 - 11:30
Beginners – Advanced
Gaya Gaya Club Nihongo at the Ishiyama Chiku Kominkan
Every Sat
10:00 - 12:00
Beginners
Taiken Nihongo Kyoshitsu at Nishi Chiku Kominkan
Every Tue (except 25th )
(4-12-20 Yoneyama Chuo-ku)
Fee: ¥1,000 for one time
Konnichiwa! Nihongo at Kobari Elementary School Volunteer Room
Mr. Hasegawa Tel:(080)4058-6640
(2-36-1 Kobari Nishi-ku)
Fee: ¥300
(603 Uchino Nishi-ku)
Iroha Nihongo Kyoshitsu at Hayadori Community Center
Every Sat (except 8th )
10:00 – 12:00 Beginners
Nishi Chiku Kominkan
Tel: (025)261-0031
(37-1 Hayadori Kita-ku)
10:00 – 12:00 Beginners Fee:¥500 per month
Iroha Nihongo Kyoshitsu at Toyosaka Fureai Center
Ms. Wakatsuki Tel: (025) 265-3140
(3F Meeting Room #2, 1-1-12 Ishiyama Higashi-ku)
Fee: ¥200
Ms. Hasegawa Tel: (025) 276-5678
10:00 – 12:00 Beginners – Advanced
One term ¥2000 + Textbook & Copy fee
Every Wed
Teachers
Nihongo Nichijo Kaiwa no Kai
Niigata Nihongo Kaiwa Kyoshitsu
Niigata Nihongo Gakushu Kai
Niigata Nihongo Gakushu Kai
Waon Teachers
Yaponika Teachers
Nihongo Club Teachers
Niigata Nihongo Kaiwa Kyoshitsu
Mr. Hasegawa
Tel: (080)4058-6640
Mr. Hasegawa
Tel: (080)4058-6640
(1-1-18 Toeicho Kitaku)
Fee:¥500 per month
Cultural Classes
International Cooking Class
Tai Chi
March 29th(Sat) & 30th (Sun) 11:00 ~ 14:00 Fee: Foreign residents ¥1,000
Russian local dishes (beef stroganoff, Russian style potato salad, mushroom & vegetable pastry)
To sign up for more info call: Ms. Ueno 0250-24-6859 at Ms. Ueno’s residence (3-4-16 Ogikawa Akiha-ku)
March. 6th, 13th, 20th (Thu) Led by Mr. So
13:00 – 14:30 At CrossPal Niigata 5F Exchange Hall 2
Fee: Instructor's transportation expenses
For more info call: 025-229-0140 Mr. Itoda
↑Niigata Station
Bandai
Bridge
Shinano River
Okura
Hotel
Grand
Hotel
Miyako
Taxi
Here!
au
Shop
Lawson
To Furumachi↓
CrossPal Niigata will be closed
March. 24th
Advice Services at the Niigata International Exchange Foundation
The Niigata International Exchange Foundation offers an advice service in the following languages
for any problems or questions you may have during your stay in Niigata. Please feel free to stop by
for advice! English, Chinese, Korean, Russian and French (Mon ~ Fri 9:00 -16:00)
Please come directly to the Niigata International Exchange Foundation. Since there might not always
be someone available to serve as an interpreter, please call ahead to set up an appointment.
Other Consultation Services in Niigata City You must bring your own translator.
* Niigata Prefecture Gyosei-Shoshi Association Tel: 025-255-5225
Consultation about administrative procedures, visas, etc.: Mon ~ Fri 8:30-17:15
Edited and Issued by
The Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
3-2086 Ishizuecho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi 951-8055
Tel: (025) 225-2727 Fax: (025) 225-2733
Home Page: http://www.nief.or.jp/ E-mail:[email protected]
Edited by Zackary Kaplan & Rika Saito
Issued around the 1st of every month

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