February 1 – March 31, 2013
No. 127
Let’s Learn Japanese
Introducing a Japanese Class
Do you speak Japanese? If you don’t, do you want to? It goes without saying that Japanese is the most-used language in Japan. You need it in living, playing, working,
and all other aspects of your life here. It is said that the best way to master a language is to live in the country where the language is used. If that’s true, then this is an excellent opportunity for you to start learning Japanese.
We have visited a Japanese class held at Naka International Lounge to give you an idea of how classes proceed and what the teacher and students are like. We hope this
article will encourage you to start studying Japanese in the near future.
★Class Format and Members
Naka International Lounge class is for beginners. There are six groups of different levels. The group we visited had four students and a teacher. The class was conducted using
a single table and a white board, and the teacher and students were close to each other.
★Class
1. “What do you plan to do during the New Year holidays?” The teacher started the class with this question.
Each student shared his or her plans for the holiday
season. The teacher then wrote down the kanji (Chinese character) for toshi (year) on the board and gave
instructions on how to write and read it. The teacher
also explained eto* and tried to find out the eto signs
of the birth years of the students. The class started
with casual conversation about the New Year holidays,
and this conversation led to educational discussions
about kanji and Japanese culture.
2. The students then learned new words from a handout
prepared by the teacher. The words that were introduced that day were ones related to winter, such as
fuyu-yasumi (winter vacation) and sutobu (stove). The
students first read out the words with the teacher and
then wrote them down.
3. Next, the students practiced conversation using a
sample text. They divided into pairs, with one person
posing questions and the other responding. They were
having a tough time reading the text. We saw how
learning Japanese can be difficult.
4. Lastly, since New Year’s is coming soon, the students
wrote nenga-jo (New Year’s greeting cards). The
teacher taught the history of nenga-jo and how to
write them. This helped to deepen the students’ understanding of Japanese culture.
*What are eto? Eto are the twelve zodiac signs in Chinese astrology. Each year has a sign assigned to it, so everyone has a sign for
his or her year of birth. The signs also
correspond to different directions and
times.
The teacher explaining eto
Writing new vocabulary on a handout
Answering an interview while using a text
as a reference
Message from Japanese Teacher Hisayo Nishii
I have heard that many of the foreigners in Yokohama
came to Japan to work. Many of them wish to study
Japanese, but it seems to be difficult for them to do so.
Please gather your courage to knock on the doors of
Japanese schools. If you do so, not only will you be able
to speak the language, but you will also gain new friends
and enjoy life in Japan more. There are many Japanese
classes available free of charge in Naka Ward. I encourage you to learn Japanese!
Ms. Hisayo Nishii, the Japanese
teacher
★Interview with the Students
Q. Why are you studying Japanese?
A. To learn about the Japanese culture, which I admire.
It is difficult to live in Japan if I don’t know Japanese.
To find work.
Q. What is difficult for you in studying Japanese?
A. The fact that there are many difficult characters, including kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
Q. There are many Japanese schools. Why did you choose to study Japanese here at Naka
International Lounge?
A. Because a friend of mine recommended this place to me.
Because classes of different levels are offered and I was placed in the group that fits my
level.
Because this lounge is in my neighborhood and
is convenient for me.
Q. Do you have any messages for people who are
trying to start studying Japanese?
A. Let’s learn Japanese together if you are going
to continue living in Japan!
We would like to welcome you to learn Japanese with us at Naka International Lounge!
Join us!
★Information about the Class
Making New Year’s greeting card
Naka International Lounge Japanese Class
Inquiries: Naka International Lounge, Tel: 045-210-0667 (in English, Chinese, and Japanese)
URL: http://nakalounge.main.jp/e_index.html
Places with Beautiful Nighttime Scenery in Naka Ward
It is extremely cold nowadays, but the air is clearer than in any other season. It is a good season to enjoy nighttime scenery. In this section, we will introduce some locations where
you can enjoy beautiful views at night. We recommend that you visit them with your loved ones.
Red Brick Warehouse
Osanbashi and docked ships seen from the Red
Brick Warehouse
The view of Osanbashi and the Bay Bridge
from the warehouse is mystical, with beautiful
lights reflecting on the surface of the sea, and
you can enjoy the quiet rhythm of the waves.
Access: Around 6-min. walk from Bashamichi
Station or Nihon-odori Station on the Minato
Mirai Line
Yokohama Marine Tower
Yokohama Archives of History
Bashamichi Sta.
Nihon-odori Sta.
Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.
Sakuragicho Sta.
Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Jack)
Kannai Sta.
Anybody can enter Osanbashi. From
the tip of the pier, you can view the entirety of the Yokohama Port, including the
Bay Bridge, the Marine Tower, and the
illuminated Hikawamaru. When you turn
Kannai Sta.
JR Negishi Line
Ishikawacho Sta.
Yokohama Municipal Subway
Hikawamaru and the Marine Tower seen from Osanbashi
Harbor View Park
The Red Brick Warehouse and the Minato Mirai area seen
from Osanbashi
around toward the town, the Red Brick
Warehouse and the Minato Mirai area
will appear like jewels in the scene that
unfolds before your eyes.
Access: Around 10-min. walk from
Nihon-odori Station on the Minato Mirai Line
From this park, you can get an excellent view
of the entire Yokohama Port, including Yamashita
Park and the Bay Bridge. The view of the lighted
Bay Bridge is breathtaking. You can also see the
ships going to and from the port.
Access: A 7-min. walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line
The Bay Bridge seen from Harbor View Park
Edited and distributed by the Ward Administration Promotion Division of Naka Ward Office, City of Yokohama, 35 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0021
Tel: (045) 224-8123 Fax: (045) 224-8214 E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/english/
M I N A M I Lounge
2
Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013
YO K E
Information Corner
Yokohama Association for International
Communications and Exchanges
●Yokohama International Forum 2013—52 Seminars by 43 Entities (in Japanese)
Two-days of “Watch and Learn!” seminars and workshops will take place at
the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yokohama. You can attend
as many seminars as you like during the event and experience various activities.
There will be seminars on international
cooperation, international exchange,
Lounge
multicultural co-existence, supporting foreigners in Japan, supporting the restoration of the Tohoku region, etc.
About 1,300 people came to last year’s event, including people from NGOs/
NPOs, schools, government bodies, and international organizations. Rarely does
an event offer so many open seminars. Please stop by and gain some new insights!
International Exchange Center
International Lounge
MINAMI
HO
ON
DA
ONG A YA
K
Date and Time: February 9 (Sat.), 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
February 10 (Sun.), 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (admission starts at 10:00 a.m. on both
days)
NAKA
Related Gallery Exhibition: January 29 (Tue.)–February 18 (Mon.), 9:30 a.m.–
6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.; open every
day)
International
Lounge
Note: Hours will follow forum hours on February 9 and 10.
Venue: Conference room, JICA Yokohama
Access: An 8-min. walk from Bashamichi Station (Minato Mirai Line) or a 15min. walk from Sakuragicho Station (JR and municipal subway lines)
at students and older visitors (valid for two days)
university
Fee: ¥500 forEvent
Free of charge for high school students and younger visitors
Note: Some seminars will collect fees for distributed materials.
Please visit our website for further details.
URL: http://yokohama-c-forum.org/
HO
ON
DA
ONG A
YA Lounge
K
International Exchange Center
International
The 14th Konan International Lounge Festival
Program: Japanese speech contest, regional songs and dances, shops of registered groups, teas and sweets from around the world
Date and Time: February 24 (Sun.), 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Venue: Himawari-no-Sato Hall, Konan Kumin Bunka Center 4F; a 3-min. walk
Lounge
Yokohama
for International
from Kamiooka Station (Yokohama municipalInternational
subway)Association
Communications and Exchanges
Tel: 045-848-0990
NAKA
YO K E
Let’s Learn Hawaiian Hula Dancing
Hula dancing relaxes both your body and mind. As you dance, you can learn
Event
atmusic, and their culture.
about Hawaiian
nature,
Date and Time: March 19 (Tue.), 10:00 a.m.–12 noon
Place: Conference room 1, Yumeooka Office Tower 6F
Fee: ¥1,000 (please pay at site)Lounge
Capacity: 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis
Note: Please bring a T-shirt you can move easily in. We will lend you a pa’u
skirt. Please bring a drink and a towel, as you may break a sweat!
Reservations: From February 11 (Mon.); please call us or come directly to the lounge.
Promoter: Konan International Lounge
International Exchange Center
Inquiries: Tel: 045-848-0990International Lounge
Yumeooka Office Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Kamiookanishi, Konan-ku, Yokohama
a nM
k e Ii e n G a r d e n
M I NS A
Yokohama Museum of Art
H
ON
DA
ONG A YA
KO
Sankeien Garden
Yokohama Museum of Art
Information Corner
N A K A（中）International Lounge
Naka International Lounge Festival (Naka-ku Tabunka Festa)
The Day You Meet the World
This is a day for you to come into contact with various cultures and feel connected to theEvent
rest of at
the world. There will be traditional music performances,
stage performances of traditional dances, sales of foreign food and fair trade
goods, exhibitions of art works by children who are involved with foreign cultures, Japanese speech presentation by Japanese learners, workshops for children, a quiz rally, and many other activities. You can have fun and experience
other cultures at the same time.
Date and Time: March 2 (Sat.), 11:00
a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Note: Japanese speech presentation
by Japanese learners will start at
10:30 a.m.
Venue: Yokohamashi Ginou-Bunka
Kaikan, a 5-min. walk from JR Kannai Station south exit
Inquiries: Naka International Lounge
Tel: 045-210-0667
E-mail: [email protected]
Sankeien Garden
Yo k o h a m a Do l l M u s e u m
Last year’s forum
●YOKE Information Corner Opens Facebook Page
URL: http://www.facebook.com/2012yoke
The YOKE Facebook page will provide the following information:
Information and reports relating to YOKE seminars and events
Introductions of YOKE activities and information about the YOKE office
Information related to multicultural co-existence
Useful information for foreigners
And much more!
We will do our best to make our page fun to visit.
We hope you will click our like button!
Please tell your non-Japanese friends and those interested in multicultural coexistence about the site.
Nihon-odori Sta.
Minatomirai Line
Naka Community
Activity Center
ZAIM
NakaWard
Office
Yokohama Park
Yokohama
Stadium
City
Hall
JR Kannai Sta.
Naka International Lounge
In Naka Ward Community Activity Center
(next to Naka Ward Office)
34 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Tue. and Sat.)
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Mon., Wed., Thu., Fri., and Sun.)
Closed: The 4th Mon. and Year-end
Two staff are always present. (Japanese, English, and
Chinese are available.)
Tel: 045-210-0667, Fax: 045-224-8343
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://nakalounge.main.jp/
Japanese Food
Niku-jaga
(stewed meat and potatoes)
Niku-jaga is the perfect dish for this season, when
freezing-cold days come one after another. This dish
of steaming-hot potatoes and meat flavored with
sweetened soy sauce soup is extremely popular in
Japan.
Ingredients (for four people):
3 potatoes (360 g), 1 onion (180 g), 1 carrot (120 g), 200 g of pork (in thin slices), 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, 4 cups of soup, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of sake, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
☆Recipe:
1.Peel the potatoes and cut them into 4 pieces. Soak them in water and drain
them well.
2.Peel the carrot and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion thinly.
3.Heat the pan over a medium flame, pour in oil, and fry the pork after cutting it
into large bite-sized pieces.
4.Add an onion and fry it for 2 minutes. Add potatoes and carrots, and fry them
until the surfaces of the potatoes turn slightly transparent.
5.Add soup and turn up the flame slightly. When the soup starts boiling, return
flame to medium strength, add sugar and sake, and boil for 5 minutes. Skim
off the scum.
6.Add mirin and soy sauce, place a small lid directly on the ingredients, boiled,
and simmer over a low flame for 20 minutes. You should occasionally pour
soup on the ingredients and shake the pan to ensure that the flavor soaks into
the entire dish.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Motomachi, Yokohama
Motomachi will be full of people in green, the symbol of Ireland. On the day, before the St. Patrick’s day (Sat.), 16th, March, Motomachi Shopping Street becomes
crowded with about 10,000 people enjoying Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Please come and enjoy the pipe band and marching band, Irish dance team, and
rhythmic music of Ireland led by St. Patrick. Don’t forget to wear something green!
Date and Time: Mar. 16 (Sat.). Parade starts at 2:00 p.m. Irish music and opening
ceremony will start at 1:00 p.m. After the parade, dance will be performed at 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Motomachi Shopping Street
Inquiries: Irish Network Japan Yokohama
E-mail: http://inj-yokohama.com/?page_id=9
URL: http://inj-yokohama.com/
General Information and Counseling in Foreign
Languages (Yokohama City)
YOKE Information Corner
Naka International Lounge
Tel: 045-222-1209 Pacifico Yokohama 5F, 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku
Tel: 045-210-0667 34 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku
・Please call YOKE Information Corner to make a reservation for a legal consultation or consultation at the
Public Counseling Office. If you can receive consultation in Japanese, please call the Public Counseling Office directly (Tel: 045-671-2306).
・Please inquire about dates and times for a specific place.
・If you need an English or Chinese interpreter when going through procedures at the Naka Ward Office, please
call on Kokusai Sabisu-in (international service staff) on the second floor.
English: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Chinese: 8:45 a.m.–12:00 noon, 1:00–3:45 p.m.
NAKA
Event at
International Lounge
Sankeien Garden
Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013
Event at
Yokohama Museum of Art
Sankeien Garden
●Plum Blossom Viewing
February 9 (Sat.)–March 3 (Sun.)
Sankeien Garden is renowned for its beautiful plum flowers. There are about 600
plum trees in the garden. Some are rare trees such as Garyobai (lying dragon plum)
and Ryokugakubai (green calyx plum), which has green calyxes (the part directly below the petals) and was donated from Shanghai.
Yok o h a m a Do l l M u s e u m
Related Events
Every day during the event: Free traditional barley tea service
February 10 (Sun.)–17 (Sun.): Bonsai exhibition with plum trees and other trees
February 10 (Sun.): Rice cake pounding
February 16 (Sat.), 17 (Sun.), March 2 (Sat.), and 3 (Sun.): Monkey show
February 23 (Sat.): Performance of hayashi (traditional Japanese music)
February 24 (Sun.): Haiku contest
Note: You must pay ¥1,000 to take part in the contest.
3
Two Photographers: Robert Capa Centennial/Gerda Taro Retrospective
This exhibition is comprised of two separate exhibitions of photographs by two
photographers: Robert Capa and Gerda Taro. Although Capa is still extremely popular 50 years after his death, Taro—Capa’s private and professional partner who died
early—remains little known. This exhibit casts a spotlight on their connection and
differences through a total of about 300 photographs and other materials that trace
their lives and activities.
Dates: January 26 (Sat.)–March 24 (Sun.)
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.)
Closed: Thursdays (except January 31)
Venue: Yokohama Museum of Art, 3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
Inquiries: Tel: 045-221-0300
URL: http://www.yaf.or.jp/yma/english/
●Haiku Exhibition
March 15 (Fri.)–May 28 (Tue.) at the Sankei Memorial
Excellent works selected from haiku pieces contributed to Sankeien in haiku contribution boxes throughout the year and from the haiku contest of the plum blossom
viewing are exhibited. Haiku pieces made by famous haiku poets in Sankeien Garden
are also introduced.
Supported by: Yokohama Haiwakai
●Cherry Blossom Night Viewing
Late March–Early April, until 8:30 p.m. (The dates will be determined depending on
the period that the blossoms appear.)
Garden hours will be extended while the cherry blossoms are in bloom so that visitors can enjoy the mystic beauty of the flowers in the dark. Also, the three-storied
pagoda and other buildings will be lit up and will appear very different at night.
58-1 Honmoku-sannotani, Naka-ku Tel: 045-621-0634/0635 URL: http://www.sankeien.or.jp
Ookagawa Riverside Cherry
Blossom Festival
This annual cherry blossom viewing event will take place again this year. A variety
of events, such as music performances, stamp rallies, etc., will be held at the row of
cherry blossom trees along Ookagawa River.
Venue: Ookagawa River between Sakae-bashi and Miyakobashi
Period (event): Apr. 6 (Sat.)–7 (Sun.)
(Lantern illumination): Mar. 23 (Sat.)–Apr. 14 (Sun.)
Access: (Keikyu Line)
A 1 - m i n . wa l k f r o m
Koganecho Sta. or Hinodecho Sta.
( M u n i c i p a l s u b wa y )
A 5 - m i n . wa l k f r o m
Sakuragicho Sta. or
Bandoubashi Sta.
(JR) A 5-min. walk from
Sakuragicho Sta.
Inquiries: Mr. Ichinose,
Chairman of Ookagawa
Cherry Blossom Festival
Committee,
Tel: 090-3680-5501 (in
Japanese)
Health Checkup Information
Cancer Screening (Gan Kenshin)
Application & Inquiries: Health Promotion Section
Tel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)
Stomach Cancer Screening
Date: Mar. 15 (Fri.) 8:45–9:30 a.m.
Application Limit: Mar, 12 (Tue.)
Offered to those age 40 and older; ¥1,570; limited to 40
people per day; applicants MUST NOT EAT and DRINK
after 8:00 p.m. on the day before the test. No eating or
drinking on the day of the checkup.
Gerda Taro Robert Capa, Segovia Front; Spain; late May–early June
1937 (gelatin silver print, collection of ICP, ©ICP)
Flower Tour of Spring
Naka Ward has a number of spots where you can enjoy magnificent cherry blossoms. Why don’t you walk around the town in the spring breeze?
Cherry Blossoms (Flowering: Late March to early April)
Motomachi Park: There are about 100 cherry blossom trees in the park and about
30 cherry blossom trees at neighboring Yokohama Foreign Cemetery. A 7-min. walk
from Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.
Kannai Sakura-dori: There are about 60 double cherry blossom trees (Yae-zakura)
on both sides of the street. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in late April. A
3-min. walk from Kannai Sta.
Kashiwaba Park: It’s worth taking a look at the large cherry blossoms here. When
they are in full bloom, the park appears to be flooded with cherry blossoms. A 3-min.
walk from Kashiwaba bus stop.
Negishi Shinrin Park: About 340 cherry blossom trees are situated around the
grassy open space. Asahidai or Takinoue bus stop.
Yamate Park: The oldest Western-style park. The park has large cherry blossom
trees with branches spreading like umbrellas, and is considered a secret spot for
cherry blossom viewing. A 5-min. walk from Yamatecho bus stop.
Honmoku Sancho Park: Yokohama-hizakura are planted on the hill in the park. A
2-min. walk from Wadayamaguchi bus stop.
Honmoku-dori: A row of cherry blossom trees lines up on both sides of Honmokudori, extending 2 km from Makado to Wadayamaguchi bus stop.
Ookagawa Riverside: There are about 800 cherry trees along the banks of Ookagawa River. Hinodecho Sta. or Koganecho Sta.
Naka Ward
Office
Schedule for
February and March
Check-ups will be held at the Naka Ward Health
Checkup and Immunization Center (HCIC) at 116
Yamashita-cho, unless rescheduled. Please inquire in
Japanese. Parking is not available.
Please use public transportation.
Yokohama
City Hall Yokohama
Stadium
Chinatown
Kanteibyo
Temple
HCIC is here
Kannai Sta.
Ishikawacho Sta.
Checkups for Infants (Nyuyoji Kenko Shinsa)
Inquiries: Children and Families Section (Kodomo Katei Kakari), Tel: 045-224-8171
(in Japanese)
4 months
Lung Cancer Screening
Date: Mar. 15 (Fri.) 8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Application Limit: Mar, 12 (Tue.)
Offered to those age 40 and older; limited to 50 people
per day; Fees: ¥680 for an X-ray and ¥1,350 if a sputum
examination is included.
Free for those age 70 and older; please bring your health insurance card and a document to
prove your age.
AIDS Check and Medical Consultation (Eizu Kensa to Soudan)
Every Thursday
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Inquiries and Reservations: Health Promotion Section, Tel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)
*Reservations required. The applicant may remain anonymous if he or she so
chooses.
Birthday
Sep. 16-30, 2012
Oct. 1-15, 2012
Oct. 16-31, 2012
Nov. 1-15, 2012
Date
Feb. 5 (Tue)
Feb.19 (Tue)
Mar. 5 (Tue.)
Mar. 19 (Tue.)
Birthday
Jul. 1-15, 2011
Jul. 16-31, 2011
Aug. 1-15, 2011
Aug. 16-31, 2011
Date
Feb. 12 (Tue.)
Feb. 26 (Tue.)
Mar.12. (Tue.)
Mar. 26 (Tue.)
Birthday
Jan. 1-15, 2010
Jan. 16-31, 2010
Feb. 1-15, 2010
Feb. 16-28, 2010
Date
Feb. 6 (Wed.)
Feb. 20 (Wed.)
Mar.6 (Wed.)
Mar.13 (Wed.)
18 months
36 months
Time: 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Number tags are passed out from 12:30 p.m. to facilitate smooth and orderly procedures.
Measurements, clinical examinations, dental examinations (18 months, 36 months) and a lecture on
nutrition and dental care are provided. Please bring your Mother and Child Health Handbook (Boshi
Kenko Techo) and writing materials. Children older than 4 months must bring the toothbrush they
are currently using. A urine analysis is conducted for 3 year olds. Questionnaires regarding checkups in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Vietnamese are available.
4
Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013
News & Tips from Naka Ward & Yokohama City
Naka Ward Town News to Change from June 2013 Issue
Naka Ward Town News (NWTN) has served foreigners in Naka Ward for more than 20 years
now. Over the past 20 years, as IT technology has advanced and globalization has accelerated,
our readers have expressed to us a variety of different needs. To adapt to the changing times,
in addition to providing information in print, NWTN will now provide information in a more
timely manner using the Internet.
Up until now, the primary function of NWTN has been to provide information about events
in Yokohama City and other relevant cultural information in print. After the change, the printed
edition of NWTN will primarily provide information about daily life. Meanwhile, the Internet
will make it possible to provide information in a more timely manner.
Changes
Current NWTN
New NWTN
Name
Naka Ward Town News
Same
Publication
6 times a year
4 times a year
Size
4 tabloid sheets
4 A4-size sheets
Color
2-color printing
4-color printing
Information
Mainly sightseeing and event information Mainly information relevant to daily life
Distribution
Sent by mail and placed at major stations Same
Internet
Naka Ward Office HP
Naka Ward Office HP
(To be renewed once or twice a month)
Final Tax Returns for 2012
Please file your final returns for income tax, gift tax, and consumption tax (for self-employed
persons) for 2012.
You must file and pay your income and donation taxes by March 15 (Fri.). Self-employed persons must file and pay consumption and local consumption taxes by April 1 (Mon.).
Inquiries in English:
Tel: 03-3821-9070 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
URL: http://www.nta.go.jp
i
Queen’s Square
Minato Mirai Sta
.
To M
o
Minato Mirai
-odori St.
chi-C
huka
gai S
ta.
Nippon Maru
Memorial Park
Bank of Yokohama
Gas Station
Nisseki Yokohama Bldg.
1F, Nisseki Yokohama Hall
Colette-Mare
Moving sidewalk
Sakuragicho
Ekimae bus stop
To Kannai
JR Sakuragich
o Sta.
No parking (for cars and bicycles) available
Living Information
We want your opinions on such questions as:
•How do you like the current NWTN?
•What information do you want in the new NWTN?
•Which do you prefer, tabloid size or A4 size?
•Where do you want to pick up the paper?
•What are your favorite articles? (e.g., Japanese food, News and Tips from Naka Ward and
Yokohama City)
Your opinions are welcome on any other topics related to NWTN.
Send us your opinion and win a sachet made at Sankeien Garden, which is popular among
foreign visitors. We will send sachets to ten randomly chosen people. Please note that the winners will
not be announced. The deadline is March 31 (Sun.;
must be postmarked by this date).
Send to:
Naka Ward Town News Desk, Public Relations
Section, Ward Administration Promotion Division, Naka Ward Office
35 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0021
NWTN will change!
Get Vaccinated against Measles
and Rubella
Measles and rubella are acute infectious diseases of the entire body that are caused by viruses. You can protect yourself against them by receiving two immunization shots. If you still have
not received the second shot, please do so at an early date because the period during which you
can get a vaccination free of charge is limited. After the period expires, you must pay a fee.
Eligibility for First Vaccination:
From 12 months of age to before 24 months of age
toma
Landmark Tower
NWTN will be renewed from the June 2013 issue. Please send us your opinion to improve
the new paper.
Please send your opinions via postcard or letter.
Please write in English.
Note: The plan above is still under consideration. Details are subject to change.
Venue: Nisseki Yokohama Hall
Nisseki Yokohama Bldg. 1F, 1-1-8
Sakuragicho, Naka-ku
Period: Feb. 5 (Tue.) to Mar. 15 (Fri.)
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays; however, this excludes
February 24 [Sun.] and March 3 [Sun.])
Hours: Admission from 8:30 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. (Submission until 5:00 p.m.,
consultation from 9:15 a.m.)
Inquiries: Yokohama Naka Tax Office
Tel: 045-651-1321 (Japanese automated voice system)
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Subway Sakura
Eligibility for Second Vaccination:
Those born between April 2, 2006, and April 1, 2007
Those born between April 2, 1999, and April 1, 2000
Those born between April 2, 1994, and April 1, 1995
Those who fall under any of the above categories can get vaccinated between April 1, 2012,
and March 31, 2013, free of charge.
Venue: Designated medical institutes in Yokohama City (hospitals in Yokohama)
Inquiries: Health Promotion Section, Health and Welfare Division
Tel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)
gicho Sta.
Rules of Living in Japan: Moving
In Japan, many people move in spring because April marks the start of the new fiscal year and school
year. There are many procedures to be taken when you move. This article will introduce these procedures.
- Seal registration
- Driver’s license (report changes in address)
Procedures
The procedures for moving are usually followed in the order given below.
1.Cancel the rental agreement for your current residence.
If you are living in rental housing, you need to give the owner a notice that you want to cancel
the rental agreement one or two months prior to the day you plan to move out. (The exact deadline
is written on your rental contract. If you do not read Japanese, please ask someone who does to
check it for you.)
2.Ask a company or friends to help you move out.
There are many companies that can help you move. If you intend to hire one, it is better to ask
several companies for estimates so that you can compare costs. If you are going to ask friends for
help, it may be useful to rent a car.
3.Inform others that you are moving.
You need to notify various parties of your intent to move out and move in.
The following are the main places that you should notify before moving out:
- Electricity, gas, and water companies
- Telephone company
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Elementary and junior high schools (follow the procedures to transfer schools)
- Submit a notification to the municipality of the residence that you are moving away from that
you are moving out. The municipality will provide you with a moving-out certificate. Submit the
moving-out certificate to the municipality of your new residence. If you are moving between two
locations in Yokohama City, you do not need a moving-out certificate.
To Prevent Troubles at Your Residence
Please observe the following rules and manners at home at all
times.
- Do not allow family members and friends to live with you without
the permission of the housing owner. Also do not rent out the housing to somebody without permission.
- Do not change the room layout of the housing or renovate it.
- Do not shout. Walk quietly to prevent footsteps from irritating your neighbors. Do not play your
music loudly.
- Strictly follow the garbage rules of the area (how to sort garbage, when to take it out, etc.).
For everyone to live comfortably, it is extremely important to follow proper manners. It is also best
to communicate actively with neighbors to live comfortably and safely.
The following are the major places that you should notify after moving in:
- Electricity, gas, and water companies
- Elementary and junior high schools (follow the procedures to enter school)
- Bring the moving-out certificate from the municipality of your prior residence and your resident
card, special permanent resident card, or certificate of alien registration to the municipality of your
new residence, and submit a notification that you are moving in (within 14 days after you move in).
If new family members will be with you, you need to provide documentation of their relationship
with you (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
★If you get into a trouble over shikikin (security deposit)
Some people get into trouble with the housing owner when moving out over the return of shikikin.
Shikikin is paid to the owner as a deposit by the renter when moving in, but should be basically returned when moving out. You can consult the National Consumer Affairs Center or local consumer
centers (http://www.kokusen.go.jp/ncac_index_e.html) if you encounter problems related to shikikin.
To avoid such trouble, please read your rental contract. If you do not read Japanese, please ask
someone who does to read the contract for you, and make sure that you understand the content of the
contract well.
Editor’s Note
I think the best way to master a foreign language is to live in the country where it is spoken as the mother
tongue. For Example, if you want to master English, you should live in the US, Britain, or some other Englishspeaking country.
If you are living in Japan, this is a good opportunity to master Japanese. I really recommend you start studying Japanese. You can expand your communication with other people and enjoy Japanese life more if you
speak Japanese.
There are several ways to learn Japanese. Learning it in a school is the one way that was introduced in this
issue. Find the method that suits you best, and enjoy learning Japanese and Japanese life.