NIALetterVOL.5

2015.9

Published by the Niigata International Association

　In this day and age of constantly expanding globalization, people who work to overcome borders are becoming more active, and even in Japan, the population of foreigners is increasing. In 2014, there were more than 2,120,000 foreigners living in Japan. This hints at a transition into a multi-cultural society. Among these foreigners, approximately 100,000 are Muslim (followers of Islam) and are already studying, working, and living in Japan. In recent years, there has also been concern regarding the upheaval in the Middle East, and the amount of information and the number of books published in Japan about Muslims has increased. The visual we get in Japan in our newspapers and on TV is that of Muslim men with beards and Muslim women with their heads covered in scarves, but we see more than just that in town, particularly through the existence of more than 80 mosques (Islamic place of worship) in Japan (two of which are in Niigata Prefecture).　If we trace the history of the mosque in Japan, there was the Kobe mosque, the Nagoya mosque, and the Tokyo mosque in the 1930s, which were erected by Indians and refugees from Tatar, Russia, but after the war, in the first half of the 1980s, there were a mere four mosques in all of Japan. In the latter half of the 1980s, as a result of the bubble economy, there was an influx of Muslim foreigners, alongside which mosques started opening. There were 14 mosques in 1999, however, in the 2000s, there was a surge in mosque construction, leading to a total of 67 by 2010. Following this, the number of newcomer Muslims also increased, and there were over 80 mosques established within Japan by 2014. As we are past the peak of mosque construction, the rate of increase is expected to slow, but these Muslim communities in Japan, which are formed with the mosque at their center, will likely want not only to improve their internal activities but also their activities outside of the mosque; in other words, it is likely that there will be pressure placed on Japanese society.　For Muslim study abroad students, those who work in Japan, and even Japanese people who have become Muslims through marriagein other words, Muslims who live in Japan for an extended period or who are permanent residentsthe mosque is an essential part of life, and people of all sorts of nationalities gather under the name of Islam. For the practicing of faith and, for those Muslims living abroad, the mosque is a main pillar of support, fulfilling various functions. Muslims who start families in Japan soon face other issues, like what path they want to put their children on and how to provide an Islamic education, as well as what to do about preparing a successor to take on the managing of the mosque.　To deal with these problems, it will become more and more important for the Muslim communities and Japanese society to build and maintain a relationship with each other. As the side doing the receiving, we can say that figuring out how to proceed with efforts to understand Islam is an important issue for Japanese society. To give a concrete example, teachers are visiting mosques and learning about Islam, and at school, they’re examining how to teach a mutually accepting lifestyle between Japanese people and people of foreign cultures, including Muslims. On the university level of exchange, student and instructor visits to mosques and the exchange between them and Muslims creates an opportunity for learning, and there are even Japanese students who research Islam and mosques and write their graduation theses about them. I believe that open-minded mosque visits like these could allow us to sweep away the negative image of Islam that Japanese people have and could let us take steps toward understanding Islam. At school, at work, and in public places, policies that are considerate of Muslims and provide places to worship should be continued. As well, if Japan wants to be a major travel destination, we must consider the Halal food offerings in restaurants and lodging establ ishments. Right now, we must aim to learn to coexist with our Muslim neighbors. The time is coming when we will be requested to expand our efforts to understand the other cultures with which we will find ourselves living.

Noriko Oyamada, Professor at Niigata University of International and Information Studies

Ｃ Ｏ Ｎ Ｔ Ｅ Ｎ Ｔ Ｓ■ Feature :Coexisting with Other Cultures

Understanding Islam○ Learning to Coexist with Muslims in Japan

　Niigata University of International 　and Information Studies　Noriko Oyamada◯ 4 Keywords That Help Us 　Understand Islamic Culture

■ "Prick Up Your Ears!" Interview: Coordinators for International Relations

■NIA Information

Feature　In recent years, we have seen a sudden increase in the number of tourists visiting Japan, and we are in the process of hurrying preparations designed to better entertain and serve our guests. Niigata has many tourist attractions, including our cuisine and outdoor sights, and in 2014, tourists from abroad spent 137,206 nights in our prefecture, breaking our previous record for the second year in a row. Additionally, not only the number of tourists but also the number of foreigners staying in Japan for extended periods is seeing an increase. Today, we live together with these people. We have our Japanese style of hospitality, of course, but we are now also in a position such that we are asked to develop an understanding of other cultures.　In this issue, we take a look at regions of Asia that have many Muslims with which Niigata has strong ties, particularly Southeast Asia, which is undergoing considerable economic growth. We will deepen our understanding of other cultures by learning about theirs, and we will consider what is necessary in order to coexist with them.

Coexisting with Other Cultures: Understanding Islam

Noriko OyamadaNiigata University of International and Information Studies, Professor in the Faculty of International Studies　Oyamada completed her doctoral coursework in international relations at Tsuda College’s graduate school and now holds a doctorate in international relations. She was an assistant professor at Kibi International University in the Department of Sociology before her current position. Her area of expertise is the modern history of Maghreb. While enrolled in college, she studied abroad at the University of Provence, and in the 1980s, she did a research study at the University of Algiers and conducted a survey on rural Algeria. She co-translated the book The History of Algeria (published by Akashi Shoten) by Benjamin Stora, among others.

Learning to Coexist with Muslims in Japan

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In Arabic, “Islam” means “submission” and has its origins in the phrase “become peaceful, gain peace.”In this issue, we learn basic terms to help us understand Islam as well as go over information relevant to Niigata Prefecture.※We offer generalized explanations about Islamic culture, but because there are variations in individual practices, it is important to be respectful of other people’s ways of thinking and to speak politely.

4 Keywords That Help Us Understand Islamic Culture

　In Arabic, the original meaning of “adherent of Islam” is “one who is devoted (to Allah).” The Muslim population is focused primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and it is even said that it makes up one-fifth of the world’s population. While there are probably many people who picture the Middle East when they think of Islam, the country with the most Muslims is actually Indonesia.

　In Islamic law, items that are permitted are referred to as “halal.” Alcohol and pork, including pork products, that are not prepared according to Islamic law are referred to as “haram,” and consuming them is forbidden. Beef and poultry are also forbidden unless they are halal-certified. Strict observation also requires all cookware to be used exclusively for halal foods. Frozen halal meats can be acquired at specialized supermarkets, and other ingredients can be ordered for delivery.

　In Islam, the ninth month is called Ramadan, and from sunrise to sunset, Muslims must fast (abstain from drink and food). This is a sacred period for Muslims.　During Ramadan, the first meal eaten following sunset is called Iftar, and family and friends gather to enjoy this time together. There is a custom of eating dates at Iftar to lessen the strain on one’s body.

Muslim1

Halal2 Ramadan3

１．When did you come to Japan?　I came to Japan in 2003 for work, where I then met the man (Japanese) to whom I am now married. After he met me, he became interested in Islam and converted.

２．What do you like about Niigata Prefecture?　I live in Niigata City, and while I can’t drive, I don’t really find it to be an issue, thanks to the public transportation. I also love Japanese food, and I find Niigata cuisine to be particularly tasty.

３．What do you normally do for meals?　At first, I only made Indonesian food, but because it takes so much effort, I slowly started to make more and more Japanese food. Recently, I’ve primarily been making Japanese foods, like kinpira and stews.

４． As a Muslim, are there aspects of life in Niigata that you feel are inconvenient?

　There’s really not much about life in Niigata that I find inconvenient. I do, however, wish that there were more halal restaurants to choose from when I want to go out to eat. The ones we have currently are curry-focused restaurants, and I would love to see a little more variety. I think it would also be nice if public places, like airports and malls, had places where people could pray.

５． What do you think must be done in order to make Niigata Prefecture an easier place for people of various cultural backgrounds to live?

　Indonesia is a place of many religions, like Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, and people live together while still respecting each other’s faith. The religious holidays are different for each, but everyone gets those days off, so there are a great many red days on calendars (haha). I think it would be nice if Japan could do something similar to accommodate varying cultures.

１．When did you come to Japan?　I came to Japan, for the f irst t ime, in September 2014 to pursue a master’s degree at the International University of Japan (IUJ).

２．What do you like about Niigata Prefecture?　I love IUJ, where students from over 60 countries gather to study. It allows me to participate in cultural exchange with locals, students, professors, staff, and more. When people learn that I am Muslim, they often ask me about Islam, and I enjoy explaining it to people. I also like how the people of this region treat others. If I ask for help, they’re happy to offer it. We can overcome the barrier of language and communicate so that we can understand each other. I like Japanese culture, and I like how tradition is maintained while technology advances.３．What do you normally do for meals?　I often get lunch at the cafeteria. Halal-certified foods are separated from non-halal foods, so I don’t have to worry. Sometimes I cook with other students from Indonesia. When I go to a restaurant off campus, I ask a Japanese friend to ask if the food contains pork before I order it.４． As a Muslim, are there aspects of life in Niigata that you

feel are inconvenient?　As a Muslim, I must conduct prayer five times a day, and as a man, I must also conduct Jumat prayer every Friday afternoon. This is difficult because, while I can use my dorm room for prayer, the places where I can pray are all far from campus. I think it would be nice if public places, like restaurants and stations, had prayer rooms. I love ramen, but there really aren’t any ramen places that serve halal ramen. I’d like it if there were more halal restaurants.５． What do you think must be done in order to make Niigata

Prefecture an easier place for people of various cultural backgrounds to live?

　I think that Urasa, where IUJ is located, is a very culturally accepting place, but I think there should be more international events. Japan has many festivals, so wouldn’t it be good to have foreign-language pamphlets? I also think it would be helpful if there were more signs with foreign languages on them (e.g., at stations, schools, museums, etc.).

Inda Wakabayashi（Lives in Niigata City, from Indonesia）

Yacob Yahya（Lives in Minamiuonuma City, from Indonesia）

Food product with the seal of halal certification.

Dates also appear in the Quran as “food from Allah.” They are very sweet.

Brief Interviews with Muslims Living in Niigata Prefecture

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　In Arabic, a mosque is called “masjid” (“where one prostrates oneself”) and is the Islamic place of worship. Muslims conduct prayer five times a day, and men are responsible for conducting the group prayer every Friday at their mosque.　In recent years, even in Japan, there has been a push that started in the capital to provide more prayer rooms, quiet spaces where people can confirm the Qibla (the direction of the holy land of Mecca), so that people can go out and still conduct their prayers, such as at airports, stations, and commercial establishments.　In Niigata Prefecture, there are two mosques: one constructed in 2002 (Kita-ku, Niigata City) by a group of Pakistani people who were pursuing careers as used car salesmen; and the second, Annur Mosque Niigata (Nishi-ku, Niigata City), was constructed near Niigata University. We recently spoke with Muhammad Hisham, representative of Annur Mosque Niigata.

Annur Mosque Niigata (Nishi-ku, Niigata City)　In 2009, the three-story Annur Mosque Niigata was established in a residential area through donations from Muslim study abroad students both in and outside of Niigata Prefecture. In 2011, it was turned into a religious organization.　The people who gather at this mosque are mostly students and researchers. Broken down by nationality, Malaysian and then Bangladeshi Muslims are the ones who visit the most. This mosque is used for things like the Friday group prayer as well as for meetings on Saturdays.　Before praying, people use the special cleansing area to purify their hands, feet, and head in a particular order. Men and women go to different rooms, face the Qibla, and pray. The prayer rooms have clocks for confirming the times for prayer and the Quran in multiple languages. 　On the third floor, there’s an open space area for cultural and Islamic activities, group study of Islam, and for Iftar parties during Ramadan (see the “Ramadan” section for reference). People who are not Muslim are also welcome to participate in these Iftar parties.　There is also a special entrance in the Northeast through which halal food items enter the storehouse.　It’s nice to have a mosque like this in the neighborhood, but Muslims who don’t have a mosque nearby, they set up a special prayer area where they gather.　Nowadays, there are handy smartphone apps aimed at Muslims that allow you to conduct your prayers without hassle even while you’re out by notifying you of prayer times and locating the Qibla no matter where you are.＞Annur Mosque Niigata 6776-43 Ikarashi 1 nocho, Nishi-ku, Niigata City

Mosque4

Cleansing area for pre-prayer purification.

Know the day’s prayer times with only a glance!

Prayer room facing the holy land Mecca.

Food storehouse, where we observe a rare sighthalal food items lining the shelves.

Chinese and Korean Qurans.

　The International University of Japan currently　has 350 study abroad students enrolled, and one-third of them are Muslim. Ever since three years ago, we’ve had an increasing number of study abroad students from Afghanistan, Indonesia, and other countries enrolling, and as a result, our school cafeteria now provides halal food options. Our cafeteria staff receive instruction from an expert and follow all halal requirements. Of course, we use halal-certified ingredients, and we sell special desserts and snacks at the school store.

　90% of the food provided in the cafeteria is halal. Because halal food is not yet commonplace in Japan, those who eat halal foods are vocal about expressing their gratitude. Even the neighborhood supermarket has recently started stocking foods like halal meats and instant curry.　IUJ welcomes anyone and everyone to visit the cafeteria during business hours. Should you have a large group or if you should require a boxed lunch, please call us ahead of time and we’ll prepare your request beforehand.

　＞Internat ional University of Japan 777 Kokusaicho, Minamiuonuma City TEL: 025-779-1111

　In one year, Bandai Silver Hotel served 2,000 foreign patrons (2014), and of those patrons, 420 were served according to Muslim needs. Primarily, these were organizations that were here for oil refinery operation training and stayed up to a month.　For lunch and dinner, we offer a special menu that is designed for our Muslim patrons, and our beef, poultry, and mutton are all halal-certified. Because seasonings and individual tastes differ from region to region, we make arrangements in advance and accommodate accordingly to the best of our ability. Breakfast is the same buffet for all patrons, so we set up signs for foods that contain pork and/or pork products. We also set up a lounge in a hotel room where everyone can gather and pray.　We have received posit ive responses from our patrons, and they have continued to make use of our services for several years now on a yearly basis.　While we don’t have a standard halal menu, patrons can make reservations beforehand and we will make the necessary preparations. Our company has recently come to understand what is necessary, and we have had organizations who have requested halal food service.　Our goals right now are to raise our awareness and to be a hotel that Muslim patrons can visit without concern.　＞Bandai Silver Hotel 1-3-30 Bandai, Chuo-ku, Niigata City TEL: 025-243-3711

International University of Japan (Minamiuonuma City) Support for Halal in the School Cafeteria

Manager, Office of Student Services　 Gretchen Shinoda

Bandai Silver Hotel (Niigata City) Support for MuslimsLodging Division Manager Ken Watanabe

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　The international understanding seminars will be held 10 times in 4 different regions within the prefecture. We will have experts in various fields speak about Asian regions with which Japan has particularly strong connections, looking at history, culture, economy, and more, explaining in easy-to-understand terms.　This is a good chance to learn the truth about the Asia that you thought you knew. Please attend at your most convenient location! (No fee; application required) ※The seminars will be conducted in Japanese.

To gain an even deeper understanding of other cultures…International understanding course “Learning About Asia!” to be held throughout the prefecture!

NIA Information

2015 Summer Fair at Niigata Prefecture International Plaza!　Over summer vacation, we held an exhibition in which we put up photos and drawings from countries all over the world in the Niigata Prefecture International Plaza to allow visitors to learn about other cultures. From July 25 to August 9, we displayed World Heritage pictures from each country. From August 10 to August 31, we displayed illustrated diaries from children of Asian countries and territories. On August 1, we had a special presentation on Russia for parents and children to enjoy, and on August 29, we had one on Vietnam. Every day, we had many parents come with their children to learn about other cultures and the way children spend summer vacation in various countries. After that, they tried their hand at some rare handicrafts, like paper balls with vivid Russian

patterns and exotic Vietnamese plum blossoms.

First-hand Host Family Practice Course, “Welcome to our home!”　On August 9 in Nagaoka and on August 22 in Niigata, we held first-hand host family practice courses aimed at families interested in hosting someone and at study abroad students and assistant language teachers. A presenter from the Niigata branch of AFS Intercultural Programs Japan spoke on the topics of fundamental knowledge and real-life application, offering guidance for the homestay to be held in October, which was followed by a mixer.

NIA Activity Reportt

Time and date Lecturer Topic Place Questions and

applications

NiigataCity

10/25 (Sun.)14:00‒15:30

University of Niigata PrefectureProfessor　 Youngjun Kweon

Korean Community inNortheast Asia and Japan

EkinanKashikaigishitsuKENTOCapacity: 54

Niigata International Association025-290-5650

11/1 (Sun.)14:00‒15:30

Niigata UniversityProfessor　 Noriyuki Shiraishi

Traditions of Nomadism and the Threshold ofUrbanization: The True Stateof Mongolia Present-day

Niigata UniversitySatellite CampusTOKIMATECapacity: 60

11/3(Tues./Holiday)14:00‒15:30

Niigata University of International and InformationStudies ProfessorNoriko Oyamada

The Life and Culture of Islam Adherents: Understanding Other Cultures

11/8 (Sun.)14:00‒15:30

Niigata NGO NetworkDirector　 Chikako Hara

Getting Stirred Up: Thoughts on Nepal

11/15 (Sun.)14:00‒15:30

Niigata UniversityPart-time LecturerMasahiro Nakatani

Russia as Seen by Kōdayū Daikokuya

11/29 (Sun.)14:00‒15:30

University of Niigata PrefectureProfessor　Keiji Kushiya

Niigata’s Exchange Around the Sea of Japan: Upcoming Issues

Minamiuonuma city

10/2 (Fri.)18:30‒20:00

International University of JapanVice PresidentTomohito Shinoda

China HereafterInternational University of JapanRoom 102Capacity: 80

International University of JapanResearch Department025-779-1112

Kashiwazaki city

10/24 (Sat.)13:30‒15:00

Niigata Sangyo UniversityProfessor　 Sen Syuken Taiwanese Food and Tea

Kashiwazaki-shi Shimin Plaza 201Capacity: 25

Kashiwazaki AreaInternationalAssociation0257-32-1477

Joetsu city

10/17 (Sat.)13:30‒15:00

Niigata College of NursingAssociate ProfessorHiroyuki Watanabe

People Affected with Leprosy Living in Vietnam

Joetsu-shi Shimin PlazaConference room 2Capacity: 50

Joetsu International Network025-527-361510/31 (Sat.)

13:30‒15:00

National Center for Global Healthand MedicineFormer DirectorTadatoshi Kuratsuji

The Earthquake in Nepal and International Cooperation

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　Currently, The International Affairs Division of Niigata Prefectural Office has Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) from the U.S., Russia, Korea, China, Vietnam, and Mongolia. Their responsibilities include many things, such as interpretation and translation for the International Exchange Projects that Niigata Prefecture carries out and presenting about their own countries. In this issue, we feature Mr. Kai Wiesner-Hanks, a CIR from the U.S. who just completed 3 years in Niigata Prefecture this past summer, as he looks back on his life in Niigata. We also introduce four other CIRs in these interviews. It’s fun to compare them with their hand-drawn portraits, isn’t it? (The newly-appointed CIRs from the U.S. and Mongolia will be featured in a later issue.)

“Prick up

your ears!”

Interview

Olga Khovanchuk（Russia）１． I’m from Vladivostok. As I have been involved in Japanese culture and arts since I was little, I decided to

learn Japanese art history. I am now a producer of kaga yuzen and an expert on the history of kimono. I can also do Japanese and Western dress-making. I’m learning the Argentine tango. Thanks to that, I have made a lot of friends from all over the world, so I take a lot of international trips.

2． I am proud of Russian people’s personalities. Russian people in the Far East in particular are said to be gentle and kind-hearted. Also, Russia is the biggest country in the world, and we have a rich culture.

3． Japan is a safe and peaceful country. I am very impressed with the development of the community infrastructure, especially for people with disabilities. The recycling efforts are also impressive. My favorite thing about Niigata is the sea. I like relaxing at the beach, seafood, the wind and the scent from the sea, and the sun setting over the sea.

4． Languages are a part of culture. If you do not learn and respect the culture of the language that you are learning, you won’t be able to improve your language abilities either. There are no bad colors in nature. All the colors are unique and important. Similarly, if you can put away your fears and prejudice and show interest in, respect for, and consideration for one another, I think your cross-cultural communication will improve.

Jian Han（Korea）１． I worked as an interpreter and translator of Japanese in Korea before I came to Japan last April. I have

been involved with Japan for a long time, so Japan hardly feels like a foreign country now. I am enjoying my life in Niigata, thanks to the kind people here. Recently I’ve been getting into video games. The last game I played was on PS2 around 15 years ago, so games these days are really impressive. The advancement of the technology is amazing.

2． Korea is the country known for its progressive internet infrastructure. We have free Wi-Fi spots in the cities, such as Seoul and Busan, which are very convenient. You can also get a lot of food delivered. Not only pizza and sushi, we have a variety of types of food that can be delivered. Moreover, many of them offer 24-hour service, so you can order any time you want.

3． Korea and Japan are close to each other, so I don’t think there are many differences that would be cause for surprise. If I had to pick, it would be how Japanese people can sit seiza-style (with legs folded under to rest on one’s knees) for so long and how so many lunchboxes come with spaghetti. In the same way, I was initially puzzled by yakisoba bread (bread that is similar to a hot dog roll with Japanese fried noodles packed inside). “How come you have carbohydrates with carbohydrates?” I thought, but now I like it.

4． “There is no royal road to learning.” I agree with this saying. Learning new words and grammar constantly, listening to the language a lot, and speaking it a lot are the only ways to improve your language abilities. It is also important to take advantage of a lot of opportunities to get involved in the language you are learning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; just challenge yourself. If you show interest and are considerate of others, you can communicate with them even if you have a hard time communicating through the language.

Nguyen Thin Minh Ngoc（Vietnam）１． I was appointed as a CIR last August. I have been interested in Japanese culture since I was little, so

I am very happy to get to experience life in Japan. I work hard in Niigata, but I also use my free time to enjoy my hobbies, go shopping, travel, and play the piano. I look forward to sharing things about Vietnam with everyone in Niigata and learning even more about this wonderful prefecture! Nice to meet you all!

2． The friendliness of Vietnamese people, beautiful tourist sites, food culture, etc. Especially the food stalls with their wide variety of tasty foods and reasonable prices. I don’t think you can describe it properly in just a sentence or two, so please visit Vietnam and try them!

3． What I am surprised by the most is the hospitality of the Japanese. In particular, the consideration for customers shown by people in the service industry may be a big surprise to foreigners. Japanese wedding ceremonies were also a surprise because the procedures are perfectly carried out. Niigata is a port city, the same as Hai Phong City where I come from, and I like the peaceful environment that they share. I should also recommend Niigata’s delicious rice, sake, and seafood. I think nodoguro (black throat sea perch) sushi tastes the best in Japan, without a doubt.

4． I think that having the drive to understand the language is the most important thing. Especially when you talk to foreign people, you have to listen to their opinions and stories so that you can understand the cultural gap between you. I think it helps to go out of your way to initiate conversations, share your own country’s culture, and study independently.

Special Feature

1．Please introduce yourself.2．What are the most attractive things about your country?3．Have you been surprised by any differences in life, culture, and/or customs while in Japan? As well, please tell us what you like most about Niigata.4．Can you give us any advice on learning a foreign language and cross-cultural communication, based on your own experiences?

★Questions

Interview continues on page 6

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■ Published by the Niigata International Association　 nd floor　 　

　

Note from the Editor

　Did you like this issue’s feature? We tend to see people who come from cultures different from our own as difficult to approach because we seldom have the opportunity to experience other cultures. By coming to understand and respecting each other’s cultures, I believe that we can create a multi-cultural society for a better future. 　Please allow us to express our appreciation to the people who helped us out in this issue and to Mr. and Mrs. Muhammad Hisham for accepting our interview.

Liu Li（China）１． I’ve studied Japanese for four years, but this is my first time coming to Japan. I would like to try my

best to learn new things with a patient and positive outlook. In order to stay healthy so that I can do my work, I enjoy cooking nutritious, balanced meals. I think that providing my body the nutrients it needs is the best way to stay cheerful at work.

2． China has over 5,000 years of history and is counted as one of four great ancient civilizations. We have 48 places that registered as World Heritage sites, and most of them are very popular tourists sites: the Great Wall, the National Palace Museum, Jiuzhaigou of Sichuan Province, Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace Lhasa, Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Hangzhou West Lake, Huangshan, and Taishan, to name a few. Please visit China if you ever get the chance.

3． The kindness and politeness of Japanese people are the things that have left the greatest impression. A shop staff member kindly explains their products, and she gives it to me as if it’s a ceremony. Bus drivers patiently answer questions and thank passengers when they disembark. That’s the spirit that the Japanese service industries can be proud of. I have also been very touched when asking for directions from people, as many of them even took me to my destination, which was more than 10 minutes away.

4． I think the purpose of learning a foreign language is to communicate with native speakers in that language. This communication is simultaneously one of the most effective ways to learn. In my case, though I learned Japanese words and grammar for many years before coming to Japan, I was unable to understand what I heard and speak correctly. After I came to Japan, I started to communicate with the Japanese people around me, and I’ve realized that I’m slowly getting used to the unique communication style of the Japanese.

My Memories From 3 Years in Niigata

Former Coordinator for International RelationsKai Wiesner-Hanks（U.S）

　It's been three years now since I first came to Niigata, and those three years have been some of the most rewarding of my life. On my first day in Niigata, my supervisor warned that life in Niigata can be very rough, especially during winter. “Many people can get depressed here, so please watch out." 　I have to say, I have found it to be the opposite. Life here in Niigata has been an amazing adventure, and Niigata will always hold a special place in my heart. I have had the chance to see nearly all of the prefecture, from the Sado Gold Mine to the ski slopes in Joetsu, the hills of Echigo Yuzawa to the beaches of Niigata City, and have fallen in love with all of it. Some of my best memories now come from exploring and finding some hidden gems tucked away; a small path from the Sado Gold Mine or a quiet place to relax on the Shinano River. And the people here have always been incredibly warm and welcoming. Living abroad can be very hard, and I was relieved to find that the citizens of Niigata were always willing to go out of their way to make me feel welcome. Be it the old man running the ramen shop or the kids at the elementary school nearby my house, you could always count on Niigata people to make you feel welcome. 　I will of course miss the prefecture, and the people, but I will also miss the work. It was fun to translate all manner of things for the prefecture, and it helped me learn more about Niigata in depth. Interpreting too, while often quite nerve-racking, gave me the chance to brush elbows with dignitaries and higher-ups from a wide variety of countries and fields. But perhaps more than anything, I have truly enjoyed my work helping ALTs with

the issues and problems they face here. Life in Japan, despite its hurdles, can and should be a fantastic experience, and I found the most pride out of helping people reach their own happiness. Plus, it gave me the opportunity to work as an bridge between many Japanese people and Japanese communities and the ALTs who call Niigata home. 　Once again, I want to thank everyone in Niigata for all the amazing memories and experiences. No matter where I got in the future, Niigata will always feel like a home to me.

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