Japan Studies Program Lecture Series no.7

Eikokuji Campus of the University of Kochi 

   A gentleman of Dutch origin, Mr. Brinckmann arrived in Japan in 1950. 18 years old, he disembarked not only on an illustrious career in banking, during the years that saw Japan arise miraculously from the war's ashes, but also on a journey of emotional and cultural discovery that reawakened his old dream of becoming a writer. Having witnessed the high growth Showa era, right near its economic and political center, how does he look upon present-day Japan and its seemingly unsurmountable problems? Don't miss this rare opportunity!

Muroto Geopark

A panoramic view of the Muroto Cape

   What do you think of when you hear “geopark?” Geo comes from Greek meaning earth or land, and of course park is a large public area. However, “geopark” does not simply mean a geological park, but includes the people, culture, and even industries that revolve around and work closely with the land formation and ecosystem of that area. And lucky us, we have one of these geoparks right here in Kochi!

Preparing for the Nankai Earthquake ②

Strengthen your home (improve earthquake resistance), brace and rethink the layout of your furniture

Lifestyle Information ② - Doctor Shift System During Holidays/Nighttime

General Relief Center in Kochi City

   What will you do when you have a sudden illness during the holidays or nighttime? It is possible in Japan to dial 119 to get an ambulance to take you to a hospital free of charge, but when your situation is not so urgent or grave and you don’t need an ambulance, you can use a system which offers information about hospitals available on holidays and at night.

Kinkon Tosanikki ③

A series of four-panel comics called Kinkon Tosanikki appears in the evening edition of the local Kochi Shimbun newspaper.

Thank you Kochi for changing me into a tomato lover!

Expat Column No.16
BY Michelle Wigianto, Marunouchi High School ex-ALT from USA

   It’s only been about a week since I’ve left Kochi but I already miss it. Seeing Ryoma everywhere, the sound of the tram and trains, even the hint of fish odor in the air were a part of my life for the last three years I lived in Kochi City. In that time I learned so much, not just about living abroad or living by myself but about who I am as a person and I discovered that I like tomatoes.

Enjoy reading in autumn!

   In Japan autumn is known as the best season for reading. Why not try reading at least one book this autumn even if you are always busy? Unlike TV or movies, one of the charms of reading is that you can take your time and enjoy it at your own pace. At the Kochi International Association (KIA), there are about 1,700 foreign books mostly written in English, and all of them are possible to be checked out.

 

River Shrimp

Deep-fried river shrimp

   Autumn is the season when people have the biggest appetite. Kochi has so many delicious foods particularly in autumn, so I am worried about gaining weight because of eating too much…

   Talking of local dishes of Kochi, katsuo-no-tataki (light roasted bonito) is famous but kawa-ebi (river shrimp), aosa-nori (laver), unagi (eel) and ayu (sweetfish) in the Shimanto River are also famous. Of these, let me introduce you to kawa-ebi.

Marathon Kingdom Kochi

Shimanto Ultra Marathon

   Autumn, the season for sports has come! It is a good time to start exercising if you are lacking in activities everyday. I would recommend you do yoga or walking which can be begun easily.

   I have been crazy for marathons since some years ago. Kochi, needless to say, is a Marathon Kingdom! There are so many marathon races throughout the year. Let me introduce you to three interesting marathon races held in autumn.

Great Figures in Kochi - Frank Champion(1884-1917)

   Frank Champion is an American. I’m ashamed to say that it was not until just recently that I learned of his achievements and the stone monument erected in his honor in Kochi City. I would firstly like to apologize for my ignorance, and write a short article so that as many people as possible can know about this figure.

International Rapport Square 2011

Last year's Kokusai Fureai Hiroba 

   On the 23th of October (Sun.), at Hirome Ichiba in Kochi City, KIA (Kochi International Association) will be holding the "Kokusai Fureai Hiroba 2011" (International Rapport Square), an event devoted to international cooperation. 

The 29th Annual Cosmos Festival in Ochi Town

   The Cosmos Festival is a famous event that has come to represent the town of Ochi. It will be held in the main arena of the Miya-no-mae park. The festival boasts around 1.5 million Cosmos plants, which sway gently in the Autumn breeze. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides and food and drink stalls. A perfect family day out.

Dos and Don’ts in Onsen

   Here are some basic things that you should refrain from or be careful of while in an onsen.

Onsen (hot spring) － Haruno-no-yu

Open air bath at Haruno-no-yu

   It’s located in Kochi City and one of the most popular hot springs in Kochi. There are a lot of different types of baths, and the sand bath is particularly worth trying. After lying down in the hot sand for 30 minutes, you’ll break out in a sweat and will feel that your body is lighter.

Onsen (hot spring) － Auberge Tosayama

Open air bath at Auberge Tosayama

   Are you tired from the summer heat? If so, why don’t you refresh your body by taking a hot spring? In Kochi there are a variety of hot spa facilities. Most of them warm cold spring water that gushes out from the earth, but the quality of the water is excellent. Surely enough your fatigue will be washed away and you will feel deep satisfaction.

Silent Comedian GAMARJOBAT to come to KOCHI！！

Kochi City cultural plaza Cul-Port

   Do　you　know　a recent popular Japanese　silent　comedian　duo　named GAMARJOBAT which means Hello in Georgian?　Their　style　is　unique.　One　of　them　is　red　mohican haircut man Ketch! and　the　other　is　yellow mohican haircut man HIRO-PON and　both　are　wearing　business suits.