Information from KIRA

“Kashiwa de International Exchange Festa 2022” will be held face-to-face for the first time in 3 years!

Date & Time: Sunday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Howdy Mall (Kashiwa Station East Exit)
Contents: Performances, booth exhibits and sales, food sales by venders
(Details will be given in the November issue.)

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Exchange Programs with Sister and Friendship Cities of Kashiwa　

The Footsteps of Exchange with Camden
(the 25 anniversary program with our friendship city Camden in Australia)

Date & Time: Sunday, November 6, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Place: Open Space at Pallet Kashiwa,
Number of participants: First 50 applicants
Participation fee: Free
Contents: “Camden day” will be held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Friendship City Agreement. The KIRA Camden Committee will make a presentation on the 25-year history of the friendship city programs. The Quiz and Question time on Australia will be scheduled together with the Camden International Exchange Association.
(Note: The quiz and question time will be conducted in English with an interpreter.)
Application: Sign up at the KCC office by Wednesday, November 2, or send an email to .

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Contestants Wanted for “the 7th Japanese Speech Contest in Kashiwa by Foreign Residents”

Dear foreign residents in Tokatsu area! This year, we will hold “Japanese Speech Contest” again!
Please tell us in Japanese what you feel and want to tell us in your life in Japan.

Date & Time: Sunday, February 5, 2023, noon - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa
People who can apply: You must live, work, or study in the Tokatsu area (Kashiwa, Mastudo, Noda, Nagareyama, Abiko, and Kamagaya) and your native language is not Japanese (your parents must be foreign nationals.) Approximately 15 people wanted.
Application form: Available at the KCC office or download it from KCC's website.
Awards: Kashiwa Mayor's Award (1), Kashiwa International Relations Association (KIRA) President's Award (1), Special Award (2), and Participation Award (for all participants other than the recipients of the above awards)
To prevent corona virus infection, the following measures will be taken. 　１） The number of people in the venue may be limited.　２） Live streaming is planned.　
We will post more details on the KCC website in early January 2023.
Application deadline: Wednesday, November 30
How to apply：　You can apply 1) by postal mail to 〒277-0005 Kashiwa-shi Kashiwa 1-7-1-301, KCC Office, 2) by email to ＜boshu-2@kira-kira.jp＞, or 3) directly at the KCC office.
In case we receive many applications, we will select about 15. Results will be sent by email by Friday, December 16.
Contact: the KCC office phone: 04-7157-0281

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Kashiwanoha Interactive Walking Tour in Autumn

Suwa Shirine at Komagi in Nagareyama has a history of more than 1,200 years and is fondly called “Osuwa-sama” among the locals. We will walk from Kashiwanoha to Suwa Shrine, visiting some historical sites on the way. After paying a visit to the shine, we will explore the shine precinct surrounded by tall trees to feel its sacred atmosphere.

Date ＆ Time: Sunday, October 23, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (tentative) May be cancelled in bad weather.
Course: Meet at Kashiwanoha Campus Station (TX) - Takadahara Settlement Monument - Former Army Air Corps Gate - Suwa Shrine (approx. 4.5 km.) To return from Suwa Shrine, 1) on foot, or 2) walk to and take a train at Toyoshiki Station (Tobu Urban Park Line) to Kashiwanoha Campus Station (TX) via Nagareyama Otakanomori Station. Returning by train takes about 15 minutes and costs 360 yen. The participation fee does not include the train fare.
Number of participants: 15
Participation fee: 100 yen (insurance and materials)
Application: Sign up at the KCC office by Thursday, October 13, or send an email to <＜boshu-2@kira-kira.jp＞>.
　Please wear comfortable walking clothes and shoes, and bring drink and a towel.

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Online Interactions with People Around the World

Date & Time: Sundays, October 9 and November 16, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa
Content: Those who are good at English and those who are not join together to interact with people around the world using the web conference application Zoom.
Number of participants: Elementary school to university students living or studying in Kashiwa City. (Venue: 20 participants per session. Online: 20 participants per session)
Application: Send an email to with your name, contact details and the date you want to participate.

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Free Legal Advice and Administrative Procedure Support for Foreign Residents

To foreign residents. Are you in need of help? Lawyers and administrative procedure specialists are available for consultation. You can ask for specialist’s advice on issues such as family or partner violence, divorce, visa procedures, and problems at work. Reservation necessary.

Date & Time: Wednesday, October　26, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa, Room A
Reservation: the KCC office

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Online Study Session

Effective Way Methods of Vocalization: Breathing Techniques and Facial Muscle Training for a Great Voice!

Date & Time: Thursday, September 15, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Ms. Naomi Yamazaki (vocalist and voice trainer)
Participation fee: Free
Number of participants: 30
Application: Sign up directly at the KCC office or send an email to boshu-1@kira-kira.jp
Please write your name and phone number. We will send you the URL for participation on the day.

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Picture-story Show: The Three Little Pigs

Why don’t you enjoy a picture-story show with your children?
We will read "The Three Little Pigs" in English, Tagalog, Chinese, and Indonesian. You can have fun chatting with foreigners, playing games, and enjoying snacks!

Date & Time: Sunday, September 18, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa, Open Space
Participation fee: Free
Number of applicants: 30 (first-come-first-served basis)
Application: Sign up directly at the KCC office or send an email to boshu-1@kira-kira.jp

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2022 International Exchange Bus Tour

On this tour, you will stroll along the Shirakabaha pathway, which retains the atmosphere of Taisho Romanticism in the Taisho era. V, visit Abiko City Museum of Birds, Mizu no Yakata, and a new restaurant at Michi-no-Eki Shonan.

Date & Time: Sunday, October 9, departure at 9:30 a.m.dismissal at 4:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: In front of the escalator on the 1st floor of Day One Tower (Palette Kashiwa)
Number of applicants: First12 Kashiwa City residents
Participation fee: 500 yen (facility entrance fee), lunch not included
Application: Friday, September 2, from 9:00 a.m. Sign up directly at the KCC office or send an email to boshu-1@kira-kira.jp

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Cross-cultural Teatime

Bulgaria: A Friendly Country Famous for Yogurt, Roses and Wine

Date & Time: Saturday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa, Meeting Room A, B, C
Content：The history, nature, culture, industry, and tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria will be discussed.
Lecturer: Representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Japan
Participant fee: 400 yen
Number of participants: 50
Application: Sign up directly at the KCC office or send an email to boshu-1@kira-kira.jp by Thursday, October 13.

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Stage Performers for International Exchange Festa Wanted!

Why not join us and show your special talents at Kashiwa de International Exchange Festa 2022?

Date: Sunday, November 20
Place： Howdy Mall　at the east exit of Kashiwa Station
Content： Dance, songs, entertainment, performances, etc. from overseas and Japan (any number of people in one group)
Application：Sign up directly at the KCC office or send an e-mail to boshu-2@kira-kira.jp by Saturday, September 17.

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Free Legal Advice and Administrative Procedure Support for Foreign Residents

To foreign residents. Are you in need of help? Lawyers and administrative procedure specialists are available for consultation. You can ask for specialist’s advice on issues such as family or partner violence, divorce, visa procedures, and problems at work. Reservation necessary.

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 28, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Place: Palette Kashiwa, Room A
Reservation: the KCC office

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Information

KCC is renewing the homepage. Refer to https://www.kcc.kira-kira.jp/

The English version of Kawara-ban is available at https://www.kcc.kira-kira.jp/kawaraban/

Notice from Kashiwa City To Foreign Residents

You can read the official Kashiwa City Bulletin “Koho Kashiwa" in languages other than Japanese. Non-Japanese versions of the bulletin can be found at:
1. Kashiwa City website and through the “Machiiro” mobile phone app.
2. In print at City Hall, “Kinrin” Community Centers, convenience stores, etc.
3. Via free home delivery service
For more information, please refer here.
https://www.city.kashiwa.lg.jp/kohokocho/koho/pr/kohokashiwa/saishingo.html
(If you click “Foreign Language” in the navigation bar, you will find links to versions in multiple languages.)

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We are proud to introduce to you the brand new KCC YouTube Channel!

YouTube>>>

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Thank you all for your cooperation!

We received a lot of used stamps, undeliverable postcards, and coins this year. After announcing in the Kawara-ban that we would be sorting them out on December 12, many people came to help. We sent the used stamps to the Green Defense Fund, the postcards to the Japan Committee for Vaccines for the World's Children, and the coins to UNICEF as donations.　

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Sign up for the Kashiwa mail delivery services.

Sign up to receive email announcements from the city, such as information about earthquakes, fires, crime, and infectious disease outbreaks in the language of your choice.
Send a blank email to this QR code.

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COVID-19 Advise during Festive Season

●Refrain from going to places where the Three C’s are likely to occur, such as events, going out to eat, and other places where infection prevention measures are not strongly enforced. You should particularly refrain from attending parties and events where an unspecified number of people can gather and talk in loud voices.

●If you participate in any events, go out to eat, etc., take appropriate infection prevention measures by keeping a safe distance from others, disinfecting your hands, wearing a mask, and refraining from speaking in a loud voice.

●Refrain from late night drinking in crowded streets and restaurants or participating in similar events as much as possible.

●Find new ways to have fun at home such as spending time with your family or joining online events.

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KIRA Covid-19 Disease Prevention Policy

As of June 15, 2020, if you are intending to attend any KCC events or courses, please be aware of the following:
If you have a body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees, cold-like symptoms, such as a cough or a sore throat, or if you are just not feeling well, you will not be permitted to attend.
At the event, please observe the following:

・Check your temperature when you first enter;
・Disinfect your hands and fingers with antiseptic solution provided in the room when entering and leaving;
・Wear a mask;
・Completely fill out your personal information on the Participant List (which will be used only in the case if an attendee is later to be found to have contracted Covid-19). This list will be discarded after three weeks;
・Avoid physical contact or talking with neighbors face to face, and keep appropriate social distancing;
・Bring your own supplies to avoid having to share;
・Refrain from eating or drinking except for the purposes of hydration (and in such cases, be sure to turn away and avoid conversation while lowering your mask);
・Do not loiter after the end of your event or course; and
・Follow the instructions of the person in charge.
If you are unable or unwilling to cooperate with the above guidelines, you will not be allowed to attend.
These guidelines are subject to change. Up-to-date guidelines are available on the KCC homepage or at the front desk of the KCC Office.

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To the foreign residents living in Kashiwa City and nearby.

Coronavirus Consultation

Please call the Kashiwa COVID-19 Consultation Center at 04-7167-6777, if you exhibit symptoms of the virus such as a fever of 37.5° or more that continue for four days or if you feel strong lethargy or struggle to breathe. If you suffer from other preexisting or underlying conditions, please contact the center if you experience a fever that persists for two days.

Guideline for foreign residents:

Please see “About the New Coronavirus,” on Chiba Prefecture’s foreign language home page at https://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/international/index.html.

Information on this page is written in ‘Easy Japanese,’ English, and Chinese.

Important steps to prevent further COVID-19 outbreaks: Avoid the “Three Cs”!

　�@　Closed spaces with poor ventilation,
　�A　Crowded places with many people nearby,
　�B　Close-contact settings such as close-ranged conversation.

Stay Home! Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly!

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■Notice■
To register, please register directly at the KCC office or e-mail KIRA with the name of the event, your name and your telephone number.

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Please visit NHK WORLD-JAPAN homepage for the latest information.
It is the international service of Japan’s public NHK broadcast.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN provides the latest information on Japan and Asia through television, radio and online to a global audience.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja

Notice from the KCC Office

We put a monitor on the reception desk of the KCC Office.

Come and see pictures and videos of our activities. If you have any pictures or videos of KIRA activities, you can submit them to the KCC Office and you may be able to see them displayed as well!

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Your language abilities are needed!

Please apply to be an interpreter or translator.
Languages such as:
　　　　English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and so on.
Registration: Please send an e-mail to koryu@kira-kira.jp
　　　　　　　NPO Kashiwa International Relations Association
　　　　　　　(KIRA)
Please send the completed registration form to the KIRA .
You can download the registration form the following KIRA homepage.
　　http://www.kira-kira.jp/living/pdf/living_p201709.pdf

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Chinese Saloon

It will be cancelled for a while.

No registration is necessary. Come to the KCC on that day.

　　Date: Every third Wednesday in the month
　　Time: 10:00 a.m.to 11:30 a.m.
　　Place: Palette Kashiwa
　　Fee: free

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Advertise with KIRA

KIRA will show advertisements on the KIRA website and Kawaraban, the monthly
newsletter. KIRA is looking for advertisers who are interested in this opportunity.
To receive information on how to advertise with KIRA, please contact the KIRA office.

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Information from other than KIRA

Online study meeting for KIRA members

“Easy Japanese (first half)”

Date & Time: Thursday, June 16, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Lecturer: Ms. Tomoe Uchida (Easy Japanese instructor)
Participation fee: Free
Number of participants: 25
Application: Sign up at the KCC office, or send an email to boshu-1@kira-kira.jp with your name and phone number. We will send you the invitation link on the day.

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Kashiwa City’s Consultation Desk for Foreign Residents

　The consultation service is free of charge.
　Please call 04-7168-1033 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
　Spanish (Monday)
　Korean (Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month)
　Chinese (Wednesday and Friday)
　English (Thursday)

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Get Your Free City Residents Manual Today

For those who are registered or about to be, City Hall would like to give you a manual (in several languages) on living in the city, a disaster prevention handbook, information on how to dispose of waste, and a complete set of brochures to make your life in Kashiwa easier. Get it at the Citizen Section of City Hall (building 2, 1st Floor). Inquiry: International Exchange Office, City Hall, tel. 7167-0941.

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Multilingual Living Information Sponsored by the CLAIR

The KIRA website is linked to Daily life information sponsored by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). The CLAIR home page provides information on healthcare, education, housing, and transportation in 13 Languages.
● URL： 　http://www.clair.or.jp/e/

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Kashiwa Newsletter in Three Languages

Now you can view articles from the city newsletter in English, Spanish, and Chinese by clicking "Foreign Language" at the top of the Kashiwa City official website (http://www.city.kashiwa.lg.jp/).

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