About the Urasoe International Relations Association (UIRA)

The purpose of the International Relations Association is to promote intercultural communication. Through our events we hope to educate the people of Urasoe about other cultures and share the culture of Okinawa with our friends from other countries. We believe that by improving mutual understanding we can make a better world. We also sing, dance, have fun, and make friends!

Contact: The UIRA can be reached by phone at (098) 879-3010 or by . Its Japanese webpage is located here.

Membership: To become a member simply visit the UIRA office, or see the CIR at Urasoe City Hall. You can also register for membership at an Association event. The membership fee is ¥1,000 for 1 year. We use this money, in addition to generous contributions from our benefactors, to finance our activities.

Location: The UIRA is housed in the Urasoe Community Center Annex. Its address is Makiminato 3-40-6, Urasoe City. It is located on Route 330, right next to the Idemitsu gas station on the north side of the Tōyama Bridge. It is only accessible by the northbound lane, so those coming from the north will have to turn around somewhere.
Please see this map for reference.

Activities

Sports Day
Held each year on the Okinawa International Center athletic field, this event provides an opportunity for OIC trainees and foreign residents from around the world to interact with the Okinawans of all ages through games and fun. Participants are grouped into teams and compete in a variety of relay races. This only happens once a year, so don't miss it!!

New Year Party
At the New Year Party, guests enjoy traditional Japanese New Year games, mochi making, tea ceremony, music and dancing!

Friendship Seminars
Together with the Okinawa International Center, the International Relations Association helps organize Friendship Seminars ("Fureai Kouza" in Japanese) in which OIC trainees make entertaining presentations on their home countries. This is a wonderful chance to learn about different cultures from all over the world.
Friendships Seminars generally include a talk about the trainee's home country, a slideshow, a true/false trivia game, some sort of traditional music and/or dance, and much more. After the program, there is free time in which guests can get to know other OIC trainees.

The UIRA currently offers English, Spanish, and Chinese classes. For those interested in other languages, we also provide a matching service for language partners. Please contact us for details.

Counseling for Foreign Residents                       If you or someone close to you is having difficulties with personal relationships, or problems with cultural differences and adjustment to life in Japan, free counseling is available to you from licensed counselors through the UIRA. Appointments are required, so please call us to set a time and discuss your language needs. Language support is available for speakers of English, Chinese, Korean, Portugese, and Spanish. Counseling is free of charge.

The International Relations Association organizes home stays and home visits for Okinawa International Center trainees who are interested in experiencing Okinawan home life. Through overnight home stays and home visits of several hours, we hope to encourage intercultural communication between our friends at the OIC and the friendly people of Okinawa. Participation in this homestay program is limited to OIC trainees.

Event Calendar

A smorgasboard of events are planned for June-September 2010. Please contact the Urasoe CIR if you would like to teach a course, a one-time class, or get involved in any other way. Events will be posted as plans are finalized.

June

What: Ryukyu/America Folk Exchange
In this folk music class, we'll compare the music cultures of Okinawa and the United States while learning to sing a number of popular folk songs.
When: June 14, 21, 28th (Mondays), 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center, Nirai Hall
Cost: 100 yen for photocopies
Language: Okinawan, Japanese, English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Spanish Cooking Class
Taught by the owner of a Spanish restaurant on Okinawa, dishes include shrimp simmered in garlic oil and crema catalana.
When: Saturday, June 19th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center, Cooking Classroom
Cost: 800 yen (includes insurance) 1500 yen for non-UIRA members
Language: Japanese, Spanish
Reservations Required: Yes. Please call the UIRA or the International Relations Section.

July

What: Intermediate English Conversation Class
Work on your English language skills!
When: Mondays starting January 5th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (12 sessions total)
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center (Urasoe, Maeda)
Cost: 7200 yen + 500 yen for photocopy costs
Language: English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Sing Along English with Matt Cockey
Learn English through music - now that's something to sing about!
When: Thursdays starting July 8th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (10 sessions total)
Where: UCCC Annex Meeting Room (off route 330)
Cost: 6000 yen + 500 yen for photocopy costs
Language: English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Taiwanese Cooking Class
Taught by Taiwanese residents of Okinawa. Dishes to be made include Hsinchu-style bifun noodles and chicken cream soup.
When: Saturday, July 10th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center, Cooking Classroom
Cost: 800 yen (includes insurance) 1500 yen for non-UIRA members
Language: Japanese, Taiwanese, maybe some Mandarin?
Reservations Required: Yes. Please call the UIRA or the International Relations Section.

What: "Town Walk" Volunteer Training Course Phase IV
Part of a collaborative project between the UIRA & JICA which aims to create a more friendly Urasoe for foreign residents. See the UIRA newsletter for details!
When: First class will be Thursday, July 15th 7-9pm
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center
Cost: 1,000 yen for the entire course (seven sessions).
Language: Japanese, English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Okinawan & Japanese Culture Workshop (Ladies Only)
Get dressed up in a yukata (summer kimono) with Taiwanese exchange students & JICA trainees. The class will be taught by Kazuko Takara, declared a Living National Treasure for her achievements in the world of traditional Okinawan dance. Her students will give a dance performance as part of the class. We plan to head to Tedako Festival together afterwards!
When: Saturday, July 17th 3-7 p.m.
Where: JICA International Center Nirai Hall
Cost: 800 yen (includes insurance) 1000 yen, 2000 yen for non-UIRA members
Language: Japanese, Taiwanese, maybe some Mandarin?
Reservations Required: Yes. Please call the UIRA to sign up.

What: JICA Friendship Seminar: Iraq
Learn about the Middle Eastern country of Iraq with JICA trainees in this popular seminar series.
When: Friday, July 30th 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center (Maeda)
Cost: Free
Language: Japanese, Arabic, English
Reservations Required: Nope!

Here are some cute photos of past Friendship Seminars from the UIRA homepage.

What: JICA Host Family Bowling Meet
JICA trainees and host families will go out on the town for a day of bowling fun, followed by a meal at a local izakaya.
When: Sunday, July 31st, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Ginowan Bowl
Cost: Bowling fee & price of food at the izakaya.
Language: Japanese + many other languages
Reservations Required: Yes, call the UIRA at 879-3010

August

What: Body Percussion: Feel the Rhythms of the World
Learn to feel and play music with your entire body. We will make simple instruments from readily available materials. No sense of rhythm? No worries!
When: Saturday, August 7th 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Annex, 3rd Floor
Cost: 500 yen for UIRA members, 300 yen for kids, 800 yen for non-UIRA members
Language: Japanese
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Movie Screening: The Grandpa from Brazil
First showing on Okinawa! Learn about Brazilian emigrants in Japan, and the life of Japanese emmigrants in Brazil. 59 minutes long, followed by a discussion.
When: Sunday, August 8th 2-4 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Annex, 2F
Cost: 500 yen for UIRA members, 800 yen for non-members
Language: Japanese, Portuguese
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Brazilian Home Cooking Class
Learn to make Brazilian-style pilaf and stir-fry pumpkin & okra in this popular cooking class series.
When: Wednesday, August 11th 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Cooking Classroom
Cost: 800 yen for UIRA members, 1500 yen for non-members
Language: Japanese, Portuguese
Reservations Required: Yes, please call the UIRA to register.

September

What: JICA Friendship Seminar: Vietnam & Malaysia
Learn about life two Southeast Asian countries during the September edition of this popular seminar series.
When: Friday, September 3rd 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center (Maeda)
Cost: Free
Language: Japanese, English, Vietnamese, Malay
Reservations Required: Nope!