Multicultural Exchange
In order to deepen relations between people from many different countries, we are holding events that involve Japanese and non-Japanese residents.
International exchange for everyone
Children's events
Bibliobattle
8th International Children's Event "Let's make friends by making Japanese sweets!!"
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, we held the 8th International Children's Event "Delicious Junior International Exchange with Japanese Sweets" with Atsuko Nanjo of the NPO Hannari Japanese Sweets Lab. We had fun making two frog and hydrangea nerikiri, which are perfect for this season, with children between the ages of 10 and 15. The children had fun making frogs with unique expressions and colorful hydrangeas, which are difficult even for adults, but they were able to do it well. The children from Japan and other countries all got along well and had a great time, and we had a great international exchange.
Let's enjoy international exchange while enjoying the fair
March 10, 2024 As an international exchange event, we recreated many nostalgic games from old fairs and invited not only Japanese people but also many foreign residents and their children. Performances include ring toss, beigoma, super ball scooping, candy grabbing, picture-story shows, origami, and balloon art. With Hayashi playing at the venue, visitors toured the play area of their own choice, while parents and children of all nationalities interacted and played together, creating an international festival atmosphere. The children happily went home with the candy they had grabbed, prizes from games, and souvenir balloons. Although the preparations were difficult, the staff seemed satisfied with the successful outcome. Number of visitors: 49 people, performers: 20 people, staff: 17 people
Foreigner Bibliobattle “Why did you choose that book?
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Six foreign butlers spoke in Japanese about their reasons for choosing a book and their thoughts on a book from Japan or their own country. Questions from the audience were answered, and the venue was filled with fun and discussion. After all six people had made their presentations, the audience was asked to vote for the book they wanted to read the most, and Gen Seitsu from China, who introduced ``Dashing China'', won the prize. Biblibattle has become popular in Japan, but I felt that this attempt from the perspective of a foreigner living in Japan was very fresh. I'm sure the visitors will also want to read books recommended by foreigners. The event was very popular, with many people saying it was ``very good'' in the survey conducted after the event. There were 33 participants including 6 foreign butlers and staff.
7th International Exchange “Junior International Cultural Exchange with Delicious Japanese Sweets”
On Sunday, July 30, 2023, "Junior International Cultural Exchange with Delicious Japanese Sweets" was held. Three friends from Bangladesh and 17 friends from Japan made two types of nerikiri, summery sunflowers and morning glories. Under the guidance of Mr. Nanjo, the representative of the NPO Hannari Wagashi Labo, most of the children were able to create unique and wonderful pieces, even though this was their first experience. The adults who were helping the children complete so much work in such a limited amount of time were impressed, and I think the children also felt a sense of accomplishment. Afterwards, we divided into groups and took quizzes about Japanese sweets. We had a lively discussion and exchanged opinions, deepening our relationship. I too felt happy when I saw the smiling faces of the children taking their cherished works home as souvenirs.
Foreigner Bibliobattle “Why did you choose that book?
Although the lounge had many events canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, we held a combined online and on-site event on February 27, 2021. This is a Japanese "book" biblio battle conducted by foreigners living in Japan. Five foreigners from Russia, China, Iran, Indonesia, and Senegal introduced their favorite Japanese books and explained why they chose them. The five selected books are ``Totto-chan at the Window'' by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, ``How Do You Live?'' by Genzaburo Yoshino, ``Tokyo Magnitude 8.0'' by Fuji TV Animation, ``Kitchen'' by Banana Yoshimoto, and ``From Now on'' by Sako Usabi. This is what I want to convey to you who live in the world of Some of the works are well known to Japanese people, while others are not so familiar, and the reasons why they were selected and their impressions were very interesting, and the presentations by the five speakers in fluent Japanese were captivating to both the venue and the online participants. We also had a lively question and answer session. In modern times, time passes quickly and there is less time for reading as a leisure activity. Even though elementary school students, university students, and working adults can read ``function books (motivated by necessity),'' it is difficult to read ``their favorite books'' ``when they want.'' Through this Bibliobattle, I think it was a good opportunity to reconsider the ``joy of reading'' that satisfies cultural and non-utilitarian desires, such as ``what to read'' and ``how to read.'' Congratulations to the champion, Ba Abu from Senegal! Thank you to all the 28 people who participated, 11 at the venue and 17 online.
