Urasoe City English Newsletter
January 2008

Hello and happy Year of the Rat! I hope you have all enjoyed the holidays. Although winter has not really begun, we already have lots of springtime events on the calendar. Beginning in January, there are cherry blossom festivals all over the island. Naha and Nago’s festivals are listed in the Events section, and if you can't make it to either of those, there are also festivals in Motobu and Nakijin to the north and Yaese to the south. Another approaching event is the yearly Tedako Walk. Whether you’re looking for a 5km stroll or a 40km trek, there is a course for you, so I hope that many of you will participate! -Hilary

English Teaching Jobs in Urasoe

In March, Urasoe City usually hires several new Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) to teach English in Urasoe's public elementary schools. Although the budget for the April 2008-March 2009 school year has not been finalized, the city expects to do the same this year. If you are interested, please check the Urasoe City English Homepage for updates and application procedures in the beginning of February.

Using the Automated Document Vendor at City Hall

As of February 1, foreign residents of Urasoe can print Inkan Registration Certificates from the Automated Document Vendor (ADV) located in the Civic Affairs Section on the 1st floor of City Hall. The ADV can be used on weekends, as well as during regular working hours.

To use the ADV, you must get a personal identification number (PIN). Please bring a copy of your Inkan Registration and your Alien Registration Card to the Civic Affairs Section during regular business hours to receive a PIN.

Events

New Year's Party,January 12, 6:50pm-9pm at the UIRA
Ring in the New Year with Japanese holiday games and music from around the world. This year's event features mochi-making, tea ceremony demonstrations, salsa dancing, and much more. There will also be a prize for the best-dressed participant, so break out your snazziest outfit! Prizes will be given to the best-dressed male, female, and family. The cost of the event is ¥200/¥600 for members/non-members. Please call Hilary or the UIRA to sign-up.

Friendship Seminar - Cook Islands,January 18, 7pm-9pm at JICA
Learn about the Cook Islands, drink kavakava, try on the native dress of Palau, and experience Polynesian dancing. Entrance is free. (English and Japanese)

Rejuvenate Through Yoga,January 19, 2pm-4pm at the UIRA
Free one-time yoga class for all levels by professional instructor Ikki Bando.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival,January 26-27 in Nago Central Park (Nago)
Celebrate the beginning of spring in Japan through music and dance, and enjoy Nago's cherry blossoms.

Tedako Walk 2008, February 2-3
This yearly event is to promote fitness and give participants a chance to get to know Urasoe! Participants can chose between 5km, 10km, 20km, and 42km walking courses. Participation costs ¥1000 for one day. Sign up on the 7th floor of City Hall by January 25.

Flowers and Foods of Okinawa,February 2-3 in Onoyama Park (Naha)
This food fair features products made from unique Okinawan fruits and veggies.

Naha Cherry Blossom Festival,February 13-17 in Yogi Park (Naha)

English-language Theater,February 23 at the National Theatre Okinawa
A group of Japanese and native English speakers will perform an English-language “historical farce,” set in the days of the Ryukyu kingdom. Tickets are ¥1000.

Professional Baseball Match,March 1, 2pm at the Urasoe Athletic Park
See the Yakult Swallows play the Chunichi Dragons! Advance tickets are ¥2000, and can be purchased at Lawsons and Family Mart convenience stores and on the 8th floor of City Hall.