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 January-March 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.

January

What: New Year's Party
Ring in 2010 with the UIRA! Planned activities include mochi making, a magic show, and traditional Japanese card games.
When: Saturday, January 9th 6-9 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Annex, 2F Hall & Study Room
Cost: Free entry. Vendors will be selling a variety of ethnic foods for 100-500 yen.
Language: Japanese, English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: "Town Walk" Volunteer Training Course Phase III
Part of a collaborative project between the UIRA & JICA to create a more friendly Urasoe for foreign residents. See the UIRA newsletter for details!
When: First class will be Thursday, January 14th 7-9pm
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center
Cost: 1,600 yen for the entire course (six sessions).
Language: Japanese, English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: English Conversation Class
Work on your English language skills with instructor Joan Tarbert.
When: Thursdays starting January 14th, 7:30-9 p.m. (10 sessions total)
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center (Urasoe, Maeda)
Cost: 5000 yen + photocopy costs
Language: English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: TOEIC Strategy Class with Brian Windsor
Practice for the TOEIC English Proficiency Test with a focus on the listening section.
When: Saturdays starting January 16th, 10:30-noon (10 sessions total)
Where: JICA Okinawa International Center (Urasoe, Maeda)
Cost: 5000 yen + 2980 yen textbook fee
Language: English
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Thai Culture Class (2 sessions)
Make simple Thai sweets from scratch and learn about Thai culture with a native Thai instructor.
When: Friday January 22nd (Thailand's Tourist & Leisure Spots), Friday January 29th (Thai Movies & TV) 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center, Cooking Classroom
Cost: 700 yen for each class (includes insurance)
Language: Japanese
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

What: Fair Trade Valentine's Chocolate
Learn about the realities of cocoa processing worldwide and the Fair Trade movement. Sample Fair Trade chocolate & coffee!
When: Sunday, January 31st 2-4 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Annex, Meeting Room
Cost: 300 yen, 200 yen for kids (suitable for 3rd graders and up)
Language: Japanese
Reservations Required: Yes. Call the UIRA to sign up.

February

What: Greek Cooking Class
Ya'sou! Let's try our hand at moussaka (beef) and a Greek salad. Taught by Urasoe CIR Patrick Robison.
When: Saturday, February 13th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center, Cooking Classroom
Cost: 700 yen (includes insurance)
Language: Japanese, English, Greek
Reservations Required: Yes. Please call the UIRA or the International Relations Section.

What: JICA Friendship Seminar: Jordan
Learn about the Middle Eastern country of Jordan with JICA trainees in this popular seminar series.
When: Friday, February 19th 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: Beeswax Candle Making for Families
Make an eco-friendly Valentine's Day present and learn about the fascinating world of beeswax.
When: Sunday, February 14th 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Urasoe City Recycle Plaza (Inanse)
Cost: 300 yen per parent/child group
Language: Japanese
Reservations Required: Yes, please call the UIRA to register.

What: Host Family Get-Together
JICA trainees will teach participating host families how to cook cuisine from their respective countries.
When: Saturday February 27th, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Urasoe Central Community Center Cooking Classroom
Cost:700 yen per person
Language: Japanese + many other languages
Reservations Required: Yes, call the UIRA at 879-3010

Download the latest UIRA Newsletter!