Urasoe City English Newsletter
July 2007

The rainy season is over, and it's summer in Okinawa once again. I hope you all find lots of time to visit the northern part of the island, and the lovely outer islands nearby, such as the Keramas and Kudaka Island. Lately, I've been visiting Tamagusuku, and other scenic places in Nanjo City. It's less than 20km from Urasoe, so it's not hard to reach. The area abounds in greenery, waterfalls, natural beaches, and friendly locals, and it is a great place to walk, jog or cycle. Near Mibaru beach there are a couple of lovely restaurants with healthy menus to tempt the palate: Yama-no-Chaya and Hamabe-no-Chaya. Both are charming spots, built into their surroundings not only with aesthetic sensibility but also with ecological concern.

This happens to be the last issue of the Urasoe English Newsletter that I will have the pleasure of sending you. I've been here in Okinawa for almost 3 years now, in which time I've learned a lot about the islands and their people, history, culture, customs, food and natural environment. As of August 1st, however, my term as Coordinator of International Relations will come to an end, as will my visa. At that time I will leave everything in the capable hands of my successor.

Many people have asked me about my plans for the future. My only definite plans involve spending a lot of time with my family and friends in Baltimore, Maryland, whom I haven't seen in 3 years. I am hoping that living in the US for a little while will give me some insight into my life and help me figure out what to do next. After taking some time to rediscover my roots and to enjoy Baltimore's vibrant art and music scene, I would like to go abroad again, this time to mainland Asia. Perhaps some day I will end up in Okinawa again. But then, it's entirely possible that I might return home only to find that, upon reflection, Okinawa is the place most suited to me.

Once again, thank you for reading this newsletter, and for your support. Take care, and enjoy life here in Okinawa. This truly is a unique and wonderful place. In the future, please feel free to address your questions and concerns to my successor, Hilary. I'm sure she'll do a great job.

-Matt Cockey (Urasoe CIR, August 2004 - July 2007)

Announcements from Urasoe City Hall

Let's be more eco-friendly!
The featured topic in the June issue of the City magazine was conserving energy, water and other natural resources. Here are some tips:
Air Conditioning - Try to minimize use. Cleaning the filter regularly helps the AC run efficiently.
Refrigerator - Avoid leaving the door open or opening more than necessary.
Washing Machine - Reuse bath water for laundry. Don't over or under-load the machine.
Cars - Avoid driving distances you can walk. Make sure tires are properly inflated. Minimize the amount of stuff in the trunk - the more weight in the car the more gas is consumed. When stopping for long periods of time, turn off the engine.

Urasoe Gusuku Children's Center (うらそえぐすく児童センター) now open
Urasoe's 9th children's center, Urasoe Gusuku Children's Center, just opened its doors to the public. It is located in the Nakama neighborhood, right by Urasoe Elementary School. The building is also home to the Community Health and Welfare Center (地域保健福祉センター), and the Nakama Gakudo Club. Children will enjoy the play space, library, and collection of games and books. It will be a great place for community members of all ages to come together.
Contact: (098) 874-0370

Construction of new San'ei Department Store
A large lot in the Kyozuka neighborhood of Urasoe, once designated for the construction of a school, is now slated to be the site of a new San'ei Department Store. Building will begin in the Fall.

Urasoe Local Products Fair at City Hall July 18 (Wed) through 20 (Fri)
Come find out about the various products that are grown, prepared and manufactured in Urasoe. Try fresh sea grapes and agricultural products and check out local handicrafts.

House of Councillors Election July 29 (Sunday)
The House of Councillors (参議院 Sangi'in) election will take place on July 29th, and most Okinawans of voting age will participate.

Pension Premium Exemption
It is possible for those with financial difficulties, such as an inadequate salary, loss of job, illness or death in the family, to be exempted from paying all or part of their pension premium. In order to apply, it is necessary to show documentation of last year's income, or of the problem that is making it impossible to pay (loss of job, disaster etc.). Each applicant should also bring his or her pension book (年金手帳 nenkin techō) and inkan. Visit the Pension Section in the Civic Affairs Section on the 1st floor of Urasoe City Hall if this applies to you.

Exhibits at Urasoe Art Museum

Kanpai! The art of awamori cups ... June 29 (Fri) through July 8 (Sun)
Learn about the history and making of awamori, as well as the cups that are used to drink it.
Admission: General ¥150, College ¥100, HS and younger FREE

Toshiko Taira Bashofu Exhibit ... July 11 (Wed) through 16 (Mon)
See the fruits of a lifetime spent perfecting this style of traditional Okinawan cloth-making.
Admission: FREE

Miniature World ... July 21 (Sat) through August 19 (Sun)
See the remarkable dioramas of Takushi Yamada, depicting the world of the 50's and 60's in striking detail.
Admission: General ¥900, JHS and younger ¥500

Events

Friendship Seminar - Tanzania ... July 20 (Friday) 7-8:20PM at the OIC
Interested in learning about the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, spectacular wildlife parks, and a diverse and multifaceted culture? If so, come hear an OIC training program participant from Tanzania introduce his home country. There will be a slideshow and trivia game, as well as music and dancing. Afterward, guests will be able to chat with other OIC trainees, particularly those from African countries.
As always, admission is free, no reservations are necessary, and the program (in English and Japanese) is something that both adults and children can enjoy.
Place: Nirai Hall 3F, JICA Okinawa International Center, 1143-1 Maeda Urasoe

Tedako Matsuri ... July 20 (Friday) through July 22 (Sunday)
The dates of this year's Tedako Matsuri have been changed, due to the upcoming House of Councillors election. Urasoe's annual summer festival was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday July 28th and Sunday July 29th, but due to the election, it will now be held the preceding weekend. As always, there will be food, games and more at the athletic park. Here is a schedule of the attractions:

Urasoe International Relations Association Events

At the Urasoe Community Center Annex (on Route 330, just east of the Iso Tunnel)
Events are FREE for Association members. Contact: (098) 879-3010

Documentary film "Escape over the Himalayas" Showing and Lecture July 7, 2007 (Sat) 1-3PM
This film depicts the Tibetan children who attempt to escape the poverty in Tibet by crossing the Himalayas into India in search of education and a better life.
The movie is in English and other languages with English and Japanese subtitles, but the lecture will be in Japanese.
Cost: Members FREE, Non-member adults ¥500, HS and below ¥300
*Same day admission is possible, but please RSVP by phone if you plan to come.

"Jambo! Jambo!" Kenya Course September 1 (Sat) 2-4PM
Kenya native Alice will introduce her country!
Participants: Association members interested in learning about Kenya and Africa (about 30)

Japanese Speaking Time August 11 (Sat), September 15 (Sat) (2-4PM)
This is a chance for foreign students of Japanese to improve their speaking skills by chatting with Okinawans. It's always fun!
Participants: Foreigners and Okinawans interested in enjoying international exchange (about 30)

Parent and Children Salon:"Sharing Nature" September 9 (Sun) 2-4PM
Learn about the natural world around us through games with Hiroshi Tsufuku, Association member and registered nature game instructor!
Participants: Children and parents (or guardians) non-members also welcome (about 40)
Cost: Members FREE, Non-member adults ¥300, children ¥200