Urasoe City English Newsletter
November 2007

Hello everyone! It finally feels like autumn in Okinawa, and the rainy winter months are only a step away. Throughout the year there are days that are pleasant to spend outside, but beginning in December, we can also expect times when the outdoors does not beckon. Luckily, central Okinawa has plenty to offer in terms of indoor entertainment, from bowling and ice-skating to cultural attractions. I am sure most of you are familiar with Okinawa’s major cultural sites, but there are also several smaller (and cheaper) places that may be new to you. For all of you interested in Okinawa's history and culture, this month’s UCEN features a list of small museums in the area. Please also keep in mind that Okinawa’s new Prefectural Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art open on November 1 in Shintoshin. See you there! -Hilary Holbrow

Events

Tsuboya Pottery District Festival, November 2-4 in the Tsuboya Yachimun Dori Area (Naha)
Try your hand at traditional Okinawan pottery, enjoy free sanshin and eisa performances, watch pottery demonstrations, and browse the shops in this famous area off of Heiwa Dori.

Royal Ryukyuan Procession, November 3, 2pm in the Shuri Castle Area (Naha)
Hundreds of people in Ryukyu-period costumes will parade from Shuri Castle to the streets below in a re-creation of an ancient Ryukyu kingdom festival.

International Cooperation & Exchange Festival, November 10-11, 10am-5pm at JICA
Food, music, and dance from around the world. Entrance is free!

Ichariba Chode Sports Day, November 10, 10am-1pm at JICA
Fun for all ages with relay races, a five-rope tug-of-war, an obstacle relay race, and more. This event is free, but advance sign-up is required. Call the UIRA at 879-3010 to register. (Japanese and English)

The World of Venezuelan Music, November 11, 6pm at Tedako Hall
A special performance by musicians from Venezuela. Tickets are available from the Culture Section of City Hall, the basement level snack store, and CO-OP Okinawa for ¥1000.

Friendship Seminar-Saudi Arabia, November 16, 7pm-9pm at JICA
Learn about Saudi Arabia from Saudi Arabian JICA trainees! (Japanese and English)

Sanshin Concert, December 15, 2pm at the National Theatre Okinawa
A concert of Okinawa’s traditional music. Tickets are available from November 1 for ¥3000.

Itoman Peaceful Illumination, December 2 - January 3 in Itoman Kounou Park (Itoman) In one of the most impressive light displays in Okinawa, the city decorates the park with around 1.3 million lights (one for each resident of Okinawa) to pray for peace.

Fire and Bell Observance, December 31 at the Peace Park (Itoman)
This festival is to honor those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa. Before midnight, sacred fire is passed down from the Hall of Peace to torches held by the participants in the park, and at midnight the bell of peace is rung.

Counseling for Foreign Residents

Are you or someone close to you having difficulties with personal relationships? Problems with cultural differences? Is life in Japan making you unhappy? If you or someone you know is experiencing these common issues, there is free counseling available to you from licensed counselors through the Urasoe International Relations Association (UIRA). Appointments are required, so please call us to set a time and discuss your language needs. Counseling is free of charge. Tel.: 098-879-3010

Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance

As of October 1, 2007, in order to receive unemployment benefits, you must (with some exceptions) have been enrolled in employment insurance for at least 12 months.　In the past, the necessary enrollment period was based on the number hours worked each week. This is no longer the case.

Childcare Leave Benefit-This is a benefit for men or women taking time off work to care for a child between 8 weeks and 1 year of age. This benefit has been raised from 40% to 50% of the worker's salary previous to taking leave.

Educational Training Benefit-This is a benefit for workers taking part in designated certification or education programs necessary for them to keep their jobs. 20% of the costs of such a program will be reimbursed. First-time recipients of this benefit must have been enrolled in Unemployment Insurance for one year.

Please contact city hall if you think you may be eligible for any of these benefits.

Financial Assistance For Families with Children

Urasoe provides financial assistance for children's medical expenses to families with income in certain limits. As of October 2007, children under six living in two-parent homes and children under eighteen living in one-parent homes are eligible to receive this assistance. Please contact city hall if you think your family may be eligible.

Local Museums

Urasoe Art Museum (浦添美術館)
Address: 1330 Nakama, Urasoe 添市仲間1330
Hours: 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays and days after National Holidays
Entrance: ¥150
Info: The permanent collection features the art of Okinawa and the Ryukyu kingdom.

Ginowan City Museum (宜野湾市立博物館) Address: 1-25-1 Mashiki, Ginowan 宜野湾市真志喜1-25-1 Hours: 9am-5pm, closed Tuesday and National Holidays Entrance: ¥200 Info: Permanent exhibits focus on Okinawa’s history, culture, and environment.

Sakima Art Museum (佐喜眞美術館)
Address: 358 Uehara, Ginowan 宜野湾市上原358　
Hours: 9:30am-5pm, closed Tuesdays
Entrance: ¥700
Info: The Sakima Art Museum aims to promote peace through art.

Uruma City Ishikawa Museum (うるま市立石川歴史民俗資料館) Address: 2-1-55 Ishikawa Akebono, Uruma うるま市石川曙2-1-55 Hours: 9am-4pm, closed Mondays and National Holidays Entrance: Free Info:　　 Exhibits focus on life in Okinawa directly after World War II.

Okinawa Prefectural Arts University Library and Museum (沖縄県立芸術大学附属図書・芸術資料館)
Address: 1-4 Shuri Tounokura-cho, Naha 那覇市首里当蔵町1-4　
Hours: 10am-5pm, call 882-5038 for schedule of holidays
Entrance: Free

Naha City Museum of History (那覇市歴史博物館)
Address: Palette Kumoji, 4th Flr., Naha 那覇市パレットくもじ4Ｆ
Hours: 10am-7pm, closed Thursdays
Entrance: ¥300