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KYC Newsletter - English Language Edition
October 2014
KNOW Your City
Kokusai Volunteer Network of Wakayama (KNOW)
News and Information
KNOW Office
c/o: Domestic and International
Relations Division
Wakayama City Hall
23 Shichibancho, Wakayama City Wakayama
Prefecture, 640-8511
TEL. 073–432–0037 FAX. 073–435–1252
The 9th ‘Taketouya’ Bamboo Lantern Festival
On this Night, Wakayama will be filled with 8000 Bamboo Lights
Wakayama Castle and the surrounding area will be lit up with
approximately 8,000 candlelit bamboo lanterns. Come enjoy a quiet,
relaxing evening with someone special to you. You will be surrounded
by the magical atmosphere and the warm light of the lanterns.
It is possible to volunteer to help with the lighting of the lanterns on the
day of the event. For more information on volunteering, please make
sure to contact the planning committee in advance.
Place: Wakayama Castle, Hotel Montigre, Homachi-doori,
and surrounding areas in town, also in the Kada area.
Date and time: Saturday October 18th, Sunday October 19th, 6 – 9 PM
(Cancelled in case of severe weather) Cancellations will be announced
on the radio on Wakayama Broadcasting around 3:30 the day of the event.
Events/attractions include:
Outdoor Ikebana Exhibition - Ninomaru Garden
The garden will be filled with beautiful displays that will be lit
up at night.
Performance by ‘Folklore’ - Guitar and Quena
Nishinomaru Square, 7 PM, both nights
Enjoy the sweet sound and soft melody and gentle rhythm of
the quena and guitar together
Taketoya - Illumination in the Wakayama Castle Zoo
6-8 PM, Sunday only
Japanese Traditional Court Music
In front of the City Hall, 6 PM, Sunday only
Enjoy the ethereal sound of the Sho, Hichiriki, and Ryuteki,
the three bamboo instruments of Japanese court music!
Taiko and Ballet - ‘Fukko - Yume Emaki - Art Wakayama’
In front of the main castle entrance, 6 PM, Saturday only
Enjoy a unique and dreamy collaborative performance
Classical Ballet and Japanese Taiko Drums!
Classical Music at Wakayama Castle
7 PM, both nights, In front of the main castle entrance
Enjoying classical music outdoors is great!
Bamboo Speakers
Beautiful Bamboo speakers will be filling the area around
Ichinohashi Bridge with the sounds of nature and an air of
mystery.
Wakayama Classical Promenade
7 PM, both nights, Hotel Montigre - 5th floor wedding chapel
Enjoy classical music in the great acoustics of the chapel!
For more information:
Taketouya Planning Committee Tel. 435-1234
http://www.taketouya.jp
Wakayama Citizen’s Tea Ceremony
Enjoy a wonderful cup of tea and the beauty of the teahouses in a relaxed setting.
This is a wonderful chance for everyone to enjoy a cup of traditional Japanese ‘Matcha’ tea.
Please don’t hesitate if you don’t know anything about the tea
ceremony or tea manners, don’t worry - please feel free to
come, relax and enjoy yourself and the delightful flavor
delicious cup of Japanese tea. The tea is served with a small
piece of traditional Japanese sweets, which complements the
flavor of the tea nicely.
Date/Time: October 18-19, 10 AM - 3 PM
Place: Oka Park Teahouses (Near Wakayama Castle)
Rokakuan Teahouse, Koyoken Teahouse, Yausou Teahouse (open house only)
Tickets: Advance Sales (2 ticket set): \700, Day of (single ticket): \400, Tickets include a free
entrance pass to Wakayama Castle.
You can purchase advance tickets at the souvenir shop located on the north side of Wakayama Castle.
For more information: Citizens Tea Ceremony c/o Wakayama City Tourism Division Tel 435-1234
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KYC Newsletter - English Language Edition
October 2014
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection and early treatment is the key to fighting cancer.
Please get checked regularly to protect yourself and the ones you love.
Cases of breast cancer have been increasing every year. The pink ribbon mark is the symbol of the importance
of early detection and early treatment. Keep your eye out for pink ribbon themed special items on the menu
of local restaurants, other products and events around town. And most of all, don’t forget to remind those
you love of the importance of regular screening.
Group Cancer Screenings
Date and Time:
1. Monday, October 27, 1:30 - 3 PM
2. Monday, November 10, 1:30 - 3 PM
Place: 1. West Health Center 2. Health Center
Breast Cancer: Includes physical exam and mammogram
Must be at least 40 years of age. Previous participants’ age
must be an even number.
Colon Cancer: Must be at least 40 years of age.
Breast Cancer Screening limited to 20 people
Cost (Breast Cancer): 40 - 69 years old:
\2000, 70 years and older: \1,000
Cost (Colon Cancer): 40 - 69 years old: \500,
70 years and older: \250
Apply by October 15th (for no. 1) and October
24th (for no. 2) by phone or postcard with your
name, age, birthdate, address, telephone
number, desired day, and desired screening to:
Regional Health Division, 5-2-15 Fukiage,
Wakayama City, Tel. 488-5121
Stay Healthy by Keeping your Fridge Sanitary
Here are some ways to keep your food fresher and safer and use your refrigerator more efficiently!
If you stuff your fridge too full, the temperature will rise making it easier for bacteria to multiply. It is best to aim to fill your fridge
only about 70% full.
Things to remember:
If you open your fridge door for just 15 seconds, it takes 20 minutes for it to return back to normal.
It’s always best to open your fridge for as long as possible.
Make sure you cool warm items before putting them in the fridge.
Use things like Tupperware and plastic wrap to keep your food sanitary and prevent cross contamination.
Make sure to use food in your fridge as early and as fresh as possible.
Don’t forget to take the time to properly clean your fridge now and then.
For more information: Healthy Living Division Tel. 488-5112
It is Very Important to Have a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home
Fire extinguishers are available through the city at subsidized prices.
Wakayama City will be distributing 342 home-use fire extinguishers at subsidized
prices. The fire extinguishers are scheduled for distribution in December. In the
case that more applications are received than fire extinguishers are available,
recipients will be chosen by random drawing.
Must live in city limits to apply, limit one applicant per household, persons who were
chosen in the first drawing this year are not eligible to apply.
To apply: Send a return-trip paid postcard with your name, address, and telephone
number to the fire department prevention division. Tel. 427-0119
Walk for Health! Upcoming Walking Events
Walking is a great way to stay healthy!
Kiifudoki no Oka 8 Km. Course
Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 7:30 AM - Noon
Children elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a guardian to apply.
Event capacity: 50 jr. high school and older adults and 10 student/guardian groups.
Applications accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
If you participate you can get a sticker to use for the Health Point Rally campaign,
however those under 20 years old cannot apply.
Applications will be accepted by phone starting on Wednesday, October 15th.
For more information, or to apply: Health Point Rally, Tel. 455-5722
Page 2
KYC Newsletter - English Language Edition
October 2014
Happy Halloween
Halloween Events at Burakuri-cho Shopping Street
Date and Time: Sunday, October 26, 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM
Place: In and around Burakuri-cho
Events include: ‘Candy Rally’ (trick-or-treat), costume contest, etc.
Costume contest participants must apply in advance.
30 contestant limit, applications accepted on a first come,
first serve basis.
For information, or to apply: Minna no Gakko Tel: 446-3308
Enjoy a Walk Around the Castle with Your Digital Camera
Get some exercise and learn to take better pictures!
Date and Time: Sunday, November 9, 2014, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Place: Education and Cultural Center, 29 Nishimigiwa-cho (Near the castle)
Class capacity: 20 (participants chosen by random drawing)
Must be high school age or older to apply. Bring your own digital camera.
To apply: send a return-trip paid postcard with your name,
age, gender, address and telephone number to:
Central Community Center, 29 Migiwa-cho, Wakayama City
For more information: Tel. 435-1193
Upcoming Local Seafood Festivals
Get a delicious taste of wonderful Wakayama specialties from the sea!
Kada ‘Crimson Leaves’ Momiji-Dai (Red Sea Bream) Autumn Festival
Date and Time: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Place: The parking lot near Awashima shrine
Festival Includes: seafood products on sale at cheap prices,
lots of delicious food, entertainment, etc.
For more information: Kada Tourism Division Tel. 459-0003
Shirasu (sardine fry) Festival
Date and Tme: Monday, November 3, 2014, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Place: Ototo Hiroba Plaza
Festival Includes: Shirasu direct sale to the public and
other seafood products on sale, maguro (tuna) cutting show,
various festival booths, mochi throwing, etc.
For more information: Bayside Wakaura Tel: 446-3308
Upcoming Classes at Local Community Centers
Beginning Tea Ceremony Class
Course consists of 6 classes every
Thurs. from Nov 6 - Dec 11
Class size: 8
(participants chosen by random drawing)
Fees: \3000
To apply, bring in a postcard
any time between Oct 6 - 14
Location/applications:
Kasei Community Centre
Tel. 480-1171
Maybe it is time to try something new!
Bread Making Class
Course consists of 4 classes every Sat. from Nov 15 - Dec 13
Class size: 15 (participants chosen by random drawing)
Fees: \3700
To apply, bring in a postcard any time between Oct 6 - 14
Location/applications: Kasei Community Centre Tel. 480-1171
Hand-drawn New-Years Card Making Class
Date/Time: Saturday, November 22, 1:30 - 3:30
Class size: 20 (participants chosen by random drawing
Fees: \800
To apply, bring in a postcard any time between Oct 27 - Nov 3
Location/applications: Kita Community Centre Tel. 464-3031
Page 3
KYC Newsletter - English Language Edition
October 2014
Wakayama City Has a New Mayor!
As a result of the elections in August, Wakayama City has a new mayor!
Masahiro Obana took his seat in office recently as the 15th Mayor of Wakayama City.
Profile:
Born April 25, 1953 (61 years old)
Hometown Kimono-town, Wakayama Prefecture
Began Employment at Wakayama Prefectural Office in 1980
Hobbies include: Walking, Gardening
Favorite Word: Filial Piety
The 14th Annual Bay Marathon With Jazz will be Held on October 26th!
Thanks to the generous support of many citizens, the Wakanoura Bay Marathon will be
th
seeing its 14 year this year! This year 12,000 runners will be competing in the
Wakanoura Bay area. If you have the chance, please come down and cheer them on!
However, in previous years, the areas surrounding the race course have become very
crowded and between the hours of 7:30 and 1:30 of the day, certain areas of the
road will be shut down to traffic, have reduced flow of traffic, be reduced to one way, or
otherwise restricted. So if you need to drive your car around the area during that time,
please take extra care to be safe and make sure you plan for lots of extra time.
The times traffic will be restricted and how restricted the traffic will be depends on the
Location. Please inquire for more information.
For more information: Sports Promotion Division Tel 435-1364
Upcoming Events at Tomogashima Island
Tomogashima Lighthouse - Special Open House!
Come enjoy the scenery of Tomogashima Island and a rare look at the inside of a Lighthouse!
Date and Time: Saturday, October 15, 2014, 10 AM - 3 PM (Cancelled in case of bad weather)
Events Include: Tomogashima Lighthouse and other related facilities open to the public,
a panel exhibition, trying on the uniforms of the Maritime Self Defense Forces, etc.
Round trip ferry ride from the port near Kada station is \1600 for adults and \800 for children
For more information:
Maritime Self Defense Force Department Transportation Division Tel 402-5852
Tomogashima Storytelling Walk
Date and Time: Saturday, October 15, 2014, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
(Cancelled in case of bad weather)
This tour is limited to persons who board the 9:00 AM ferry, limit 40 persons,
first come first serve. Please bring your own lunch and beverages.
For more information: Kada Tourism Bureau Tel: 459-0003
和歌山市役所 内外交流課
和歌山国際ボランティア組織
〒６４０－８５１１
和歌山市七番丁 23 番地
A note about the content: The “KNOW Your City” English language newsletter
is put together using articles and announcements from the Japanese language publications:
“Shiho Wakayama” and “Wakayama Kenmin no Tomo.”
Page 4
電話：073-432-0037/073-435-1010
FAX: 073-435-1252
E-Mail: naigaikoryu@city.wakayama.lg.jp