Why not Enjoy Hanami in Kochi this Spring? (vol.77) March, 2020 PDF
Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular spring pastime in Japan. From the end of March to mid-April, people gather under the sakura blossoms to eat bento lunches and drink. In Kochi, people are known to start doing hanami even before the sakura bloom. There are also yozakura (night sakura) viewings, where sakura are lit up against the night sky creating a beautiful view. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, so everyone plans their hanami to try to coincide with when they are in full bloom.
Have you ever experienced New Years in Japan? In Japan, relaxing with your family is the norm. In order to do that, people often go buy food supplies, clean their homes, and are very busy with preparing to make sure they can ring in the New Year comfortably! In this issue, we will introduce Kochi style New Year decorations, Hatsumoude (first temple visit), and New Year foods. Why not spend a Tosa style New Year this year?
Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign (vol.75) September, 2019 PDF
The Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign, held by Kochi Prefecture from February 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020, promotes tourism to all regions of Kochi. Building on the previous campaigns that focused on Kochi’s history and food, the current campaign focuses on Kochi’s nature and experiential activities.
Waking up earlier than usual to have an active morning! (vol.74) June, 2019 PDF
Mornings in Kochi usually call to mind the famous Morning Markets (on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday). However, there are other fun ways as well to spend your mornings, including taking time to reflect upon yourself. In this issue, we introduce the culture of eating a special breakfast set called “Morning” – a Japanese word originating from English – and meditation at a temple. So why not get up a little earlier than usual, to enjoy some morning time?Waking up earlier than usual to have an active morning! (vol.74) June, 2019 PDF
Let’s make a “Ryoma Passport” and travel around Kochi! (vol.73) March, 2019 PDF
The Ryoma Passport is an item which gets you special perks simply by showing it at various tourist facilities, hot springs, road stations, and restaurants serving local dishes. Might as well use it if you’re
living in Kochi! You’ll be surprised at how many places there are near to you where you can use it. In this issue, KIA staff and CIRs will show you some of the ways to use the Ryoma Passport.
living in Kochi! You’ll be surprised at how many places there are near to you where you can use it. In this issue, KIA staff and CIRs will show you some of the ways to use the Ryoma Passport.
The prefecture with the highest forest area in Japan at 84% …Kochi!! (vol.72) December, 2018 PDF
Kochi is a land of forests and mountains where precious nature and culture is still intact. Japan’s first forest environment tax was introduced in Kochi in 2003, and artificial forests are periodically thinned out in order to stop the destruction of forestland while efforts are being made to preserve rare species of wild flora from being eaten by wild animals such as deer. In this issue, to understand in depth about Kochi Prefecture’s mountains and “satoyama” or domestic woodland, we went to Hokigamine Forest Park and Hidaka Village, where you can try out forest and domestic woodland activity experiences.
“Hachikin” (vol.71) September, 2018 PDF
“Hachikin” (vol.71) September, 2018 PDF
“Hachikin”, a term for Kochi women, is the theme of this issue. There are many theories on the origin of the term “hachikin” but all define the term as the strength, proactive-ness, and hardiness of Kochi women. It is often compared to the term “igossou” which describes the stubborn character of Kochi men. Below, we have taken a closer look at historical figures and present-day people, in order to come up with a clearer image of the concept.
“When it comes to summer in Kochi, what better way to enjoy oneself than by having fun by the clear-flowing Niyodo River?” (vol.70) June, 2018 PDF
Perhaps you have heard of the term “Niyodo Blue” before. It describes the beautiful clarity of the Niyodo River that boasts the best water quality in all of Japan. In this issue, let us, the staff of KIA and the Coordinators for International Relations, introduce activities that you can enjoy along the Niyodo River. We have also included ways to have fun that don’t involve much preparation or expenses. It is a shame to stay indoors in the summer! So let’s have some fun this summer with activities that you can only enjoy at the Niyodo River of Kochi!
“The Blessings of the Sea” (vol.69) March, 2018 PDF
Kochi is famous as a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood. But it turns out that most of the Katsuo (bonito) you can eat in Kochi isn’t actually from Kochi?! In this issue, we will cover the source of the seafood: Kochi’s fertile oceans. We will report on a fishing experience in Tosa Bay, Kochi City Central Wholesale Market, and Open Market Day at the Central Wholesale Market!
“Kochi’s Traditional Crafts: Tosa Hamono(Tosa Blades)/ Precious Coral” (vol.68) December, 2017 PDF
“Traditional crafts are made from the materials produced in the local area, using traditional methods and the craftsperson’s technique.”
Kochi Prefecture has many traditional crafts, generally termed Tosa-[something], including Tosa Washi (Paper), Tosa Kawara (Tosa Roof Tiles), Tosa Shikkui (Tosa Plaster), Tosa Kodai-nuri (Tosa Lacquering), Tosa Dako (Tosa Kites), Tosa Binchotan (Tosa Charcoal). Many of these crafts involve traditional technologies that have been passed down for over 1000 years, and support Kochi's exceptional traditional industries.
Kochi Prefecture has many traditional crafts, generally termed Tosa-[something], including Tosa Washi (Paper), Tosa Kawara (Tosa Roof Tiles), Tosa Shikkui (Tosa Plaster), Tosa Kodai-nuri (Tosa Lacquering), Tosa Dako (Tosa Kites), Tosa Binchotan (Tosa Charcoal). Many of these crafts involve traditional technologies that have been passed down for over 1000 years, and support Kochi's exceptional traditional industries.
"Do you know about Halal food? The Availability of Halal Food in Kochi" (vol.67) September, 2017 PDF
In this issue, KIA staff and the CIRs went to a restaurant offering Halal food in Kochi City, as well as a business that wishes to see the expansion of businesses getting certified in Halal and exporting overseas. This time city hall CIR and practicing Muslim Marisa, was also included in the reporting team. Please have a read through of our up to date information on Halal food in Kochi Prefecture!
"Shikoku Kochi, Bakumatsu Restoration Exhibition" (vol.66) June, 2017 PDF
March 4, 2017, saw the opening of a grand event involving the whole of Kochi Prefecture; “Shikoku Kochi, Bakumatsu Restoration Exhibition”. Many of you may have seen flags and fliers in various places across the prefecture, but did you know about the restoration exhibition? We really wanted the foreign community to hear about this event as well, so we decided to take it up as our topic for this issue.
"Famous buildings in Kochi ~ a pilgrimage" (vol.65) March, 2017 PDF
Did you know that there are buildings in Kochi that have been designed by architects who have received attention world wide? In Yusuhara Town, Takaoka District, there is a building designed by Kengo Kuma, who designed the stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Furthermore, Kochi Station and both the Makino Botanical Gardens Museum of Plants & People were designed by the architect Hiroshi Naito, who has designed famous stations and art galleries across Japan. This time, KIA staff and the CIRs went to look around these buildings.
"Let’s try staying at the local guest houses in Kochi!" (vol.64) December, 2016 PDF
Have you had trouble finding accommodation in Kochi when you've gone on a short trip, or your family or friends have come to visit? Actually there are places in Kochi Prefecture that are more laid back to stay in and have a bit extra in terms of how you can use them, in comparison to hotels or minshuku. KIA staff and the CIRs went to visit 3 of the guesthouses in Kochi that are currently receiving attention (Kappa Backpackers, Harimayabashi Guesthouse and Katsuo Guesthouse).
"Let’s make Tosa food! ~Walking through the street markets~" (vol.63) September, 2016 PDF
In Kochi City, there are weekly street markets where fresh seasonal food is available. The most popular are the Sunday Market (Otesuji) and the Thursday Market (Kencho-mae), which are popular with locals and tourists alike. You may be surprised to hear but it is rare to find a street market like this where such a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are available at a reasonable price outside of the prefecture. CIRs and the staff at KIA will introduce some Tosa* cuisine recipes we made with the ingredients obtained at the street market. They are all simple recipes, so please give them a try.
Ideas for Your Days Off in Kochi (vol.62) June, 2016 PDF
As Kochi enters its hot summer months, many people want to beat the heat by going out with family and friends. For this issue of Tosa Wave, we offer 3 ideas on how to spend a day off: (1) enjoying an organic lifestyle with the English Garden House in Konan City, (2) getting in touch with Kochi’s rich nature at Nishijima Horticultural Park in Nankoku City, and (3) experiencing some unique artwork at the Kaiyodo Hobby Museum and Kappa Museum in Shimanto-cho.
Kochi's Local Mascots (vol.61) March, 2016 PDF
Unique local mascots are very popular in Japan right now, doing a variety of activities to enliven their areas. In this issue, we introduce three of Kochi’s mascots, and investigate the secrets of their popularity. We heard about Shinjo-kun (Susaki City), Hatappy (Hata Regional Tourism Bureau), and Kuroshio-kun (Kochi Prefecture)!
"Kochi’s Local Sake" (vol.60) December, 2015 PDF
Did you know that there are around 20 sake breweries in Kochi Prefecture? Sake and shochu are booming with popularity, so we visited three local sake breweries to spread the joy of sake: Hamakawa Shoten (Tano-cho, Akigun), Tsukasabotan Brewery (Sakawa-cho, Takaoka-gun), and Mutemuka (Taisho, Shimanto-cho).
"Tosa no Takumi : Tosa Masters" (vol.59) October, 2015 PDF
Skilled laborers and inheritors of traditional crafting techniques: Kochi Prefecture officially recognizes these artisans as Tosa no Takumi, or Tosa Masters, for their support of the foundations of prefectural industry and their contributions to industrial development. In this issue, we introduce you to three of the many Tosa no Takumi: Koichiro Nojima (2004, Landscape Design); Shinichiro Tani (2010, Porcelain Crafts); and Takeshi Yoshikawa (2011, Dye Crafts).
Fun Car-Free Kochi Day Trips (vol.58) June, 2015 PDF
This summer, why not go a bit out of your way to enjoy Kochi’s nature? There are many attractive tourist destinations in Kochi, but here we’ll showcase three that are perfect for summer. All can be reached with public transportation, so don’t worry if you don’t have a car.
Eat Local (vol.57) March, 2015 PDF
Until recently, people have only eaten food that was located close to them. But in our current day and age, it’s very easy to buy food products that were produced from unknown sources in faraway countries. This may be convenient for consumers, but it can lead to safety concerns about unknown food sources and the weakening of local economies due to low sales of local products. That’s where chisanchisho, or Eat Local comes in.
"Foreigners Who Work in Kochi (Including People Born Abroad)"(vol.56) December, 2014 PDF
There are approximately 3,300 foreigners living in Kochi Prefecture. In this issue, we put the spotlight on three such foreigners. We introduce their lives in Kochi and hope to use their words as encouragement to any foreigners who are thinking of living and working in Kochi.
Explore the Natural World in Kochi! (vol.55) October, 2014 PDF
In this issue, we introduce one place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in Kochi. While hiking in the mountains around Kochi City, we got advice on photography techniques from an amateur photographer. Give these tips a try with your own camera, and get hiking!
The Shikoku Pilgrimage "The tracks left by the walking ohenro-san became Shikoku's roads."(vol.54) July, 2014 PDF
There are many famous religious pilgrimages in the world, such as the Way of St. James in Spain and the Mecca Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Rivaling these is a pilgrimage in our very backyard: the “Shikoku Henro” (Henro = Pilgrimage). This year is the 1200th year since the year that a man named Kobo Daishi (Kukai) from present-day Kagawa Prefecture is said to have selected 88 temples in Shikoku to be part of the pilgrimage, thus founding it. Today, this “Shikoku Henro” is being thrust into the limelight domestically and abroad.
"Kochi's Local Gourmet Cuisine"(vol.53) March, 2014 PDF
Rich in natural resources, Kochi is also a treasury of food. Ingredients raised locally in the great natural regions of Kochi are used in ingenious ways by the locals of many areas to help promote development of their regions. In this edition we would like to introduce some initiatives in Nankoku City, Susaki City and Shimanto Town.
"Agricultural Forestry and Fishing Workers House-inns & Public Accommodations" (vol.52) December, 2013 PDF
Some families in Japan remodel their homes so that they can create a guest house which provides rooms and meals as a type of lodging. This has further developed into agricultural and fishing experiences using surrounding facilities into "Agricultural Forestry and Fishing Workers House-inns & Public Accommodations" of which there are many of in Kochi.
Kochi-ke (vol.51) October, 2013 PDF
Most of you may see this word, “Kochi-ke” or “the Kochi family” for the first time. The phrase comes from a slogan used in a campaign to raise Kochi's profile and encourage people to relocate to the prefecture. Ryoko Hirosue, an actress from Kochi, plays the part of a daughter and the local mascot “Katsuo-Ningen” or “Bonito-Man”, who has been getting more and more popular, is the leader of the supporters for this campaign...
Inaka Desserts (vol.50) June, 2013 PDF
There are many rural governments in Kochi that are trying to revive the community by developing new products using local specialties. From these, we Tosa Wave writers would like to introduce our recommended desserts from three Kochi towns...
The Prefectural Government Hospitality Division (vol.49) March, 2013 PDF
On May 11th (Saturday), the movie “Kencho Omotenashi-ka (The Prefectural Government Hospitality Division)” will be released! It is based on the actual Hospitality Division in the Kochi Prefectural Government, and features many of the prefecture’s sightseeing spots, such as the Niyodo River and Cape Muroto...
Onsen in
Kochi (vol.48) December, 2012 PDF
This edition features onsen (hot springs)
which KIA staff members and Kencho and Kochi City CIRs (Coordinators for
International Relations) selected. We visited one from each of the western,
central and eastern parts of Kochi Pref., in pairs, using the Ryoma Passport, a
discount pass that permits you to bathe at a lower charge. We hope the
information here will be of some help to keep you warm this winter...
The Kochi Fighting Dogs (vol.47) October, 2012 PDF
The Kochi Fighting Dogs (abbreviated as
Kochi FD below) was birthed in 2005 as Kochi Prefecture’s team in IBLJ’s
(Independent Baseball League of Japan) unified Shikoku Island League. After
that, in 2006 IBLJ recruited investors from each prefecture in Shikoku and the
present Kochi FD team was formed. The independent league, Shikoku Island League
Plus, is a place where players who aim to enter major league and pro league can
hone their talents...
Kashiwajima (vol.46) July, 2012 PDF
Kashiwajima is located off the southwest coast of Otsuki Town in Kochi Prefecture. It is a small island with a circumference of only 3.9km. In the surrounding waters where the Kuroshio Current and Bungo Channel converge live over 1000 species of fish including unrecorded species and some found for the first time in Japan. Though it is located extremely close to human civilization, the sea here boasts the most species of fish in all of Japan...
Kashiwajima is located off the southwest coast of Otsuki Town in Kochi Prefecture. It is a small island with a circumference of only 3.9km. In the surrounding waters where the Kuroshio Current and Bungo Channel converge live over 1000 species of fish including unrecorded species and some found for the first time in Japan. Though it is located extremely close to human civilization, the sea here boasts the most species of fish in all of Japan...
Mountain Life (vol.45) March, 2012 PDF
Are you interested in having a vegetable garden? It seems more people are interested in growing their own vegetables because of the many troubles and incidents concerning food. We interviewed John Moore, a social entrepreneur who propagates the ideas of organic gardening. His philosophy is based on his childhood in his hometown, Ireland, where he was influenced greatly by his grandmother who grew organic vegetables. Currently, Mr. Moore is an instructor at Vegetable Sommelier Foundation: Home Eco Farmer Program and Kochi Plants Academy and runs workshops in farms around Tosa...
Are you interested in having a vegetable garden? It seems more people are interested in growing their own vegetables because of the many troubles and incidents concerning food. We interviewed John Moore, a social entrepreneur who propagates the ideas of organic gardening. His philosophy is based on his childhood in his hometown, Ireland, where he was influenced greatly by his grandmother who grew organic vegetables. Currently, Mr. Moore is an instructor at Vegetable Sommelier Foundation: Home Eco Farmer Program and Kochi Plants Academy and runs workshops in farms around Tosa...
Roadside Station (vol.44) December, 2011 PDF
When driving long-distance in Japan, most people make stops at “roadside stations.” That goes to show that there are many roadside stations in this country where you can take a break, shop, eat and gain traffic and tourist information.
There are twenty-one roadside stations in Kochi, and for this edition, we KIA staff and CIRs of Kochi Prefecture and Kochi City have gone out to experience two: Tosa Washi Kogei Mura “QRAUD” and Shimanto Towa...
When driving long-distance in Japan, most people make stops at “roadside stations.” That goes to show that there are many roadside stations in this country where you can take a break, shop, eat and gain traffic and tourist information.
There are twenty-one roadside stations in Kochi, and for this edition, we KIA staff and CIRs of Kochi Prefecture and Kochi City have gone out to experience two: Tosa Washi Kogei Mura “QRAUD” and Shimanto Towa...
Muroto Geopark (vol.43) September, 2011 PDF
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...
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...
Tosa Tea (vol.42) July 2011 PDF
Have you ever seen the steep rows of tea plantations on the side of the mountains of Tosa? The clumps of deep green leaves packed close together like caterpillars hugging the mountain? A lot of tea is produced in Kochi , and one of the main areas where tea plantations can be readily seen is Niyodogawa Town , some hour and a half up the mountain from Kochi City
Renewals (vol.41) April, May-2011 PDF
Spring is the season when many things change and renew. This edition features some of them...
Kochi's Original Dishes (vol.40) February, March-2011 PDF
Recently, competitions for local B-grade gourmet have been in fashion across the country. This edition showcases some of Kochi’s local grub as chosen by the Tosa Wave editors ...
Special Discounts and Useful Services (vol.39) December-2010, January-2011 PDF
This edition features some discount information and convenient services useful for the travel and banquet season around the end of the year and New Years, and some information that might make your winter in Kochi more enjoyable ...
Mountain Climbing in Kochi (vol.38) October, November-2010 PDF
Outdoor season has come! If you’ve kept yourself in your house throughout this extremely hot summer season, now is the time to exercise! So why not try mountain-climbing in Kochi? You’re bound to have fun and exercise and you might even come across some yama-gāru (mountain girls) ...
Organizations Connecting Foreigners (vol.37) August, September-2010 PDF
About 3,600 citizens with a foreign nationality live in Kochi. This edition features some organizations where foreign citizens can meet others and make friends, along with information about the annual summer Yosakoi Festival and firework displays in Kochi Prefecture ...
Gifts and Souvenirs (vol.36) June, July-2010 PDF
When you are invited to a Japanese style wedding reception, or you have to attend a funeral for a deceased family member of your Japanese friend or colleague, do you know what to prepare or pay attention to? If you don’t, this article might prove to be useful ...
Tosaben (Tosa Dialect) (vol.35) April, May-2010 PDF
If you live in Kochi and want to make friends with local people, the easiest way is to understand the local ‘Tosaben’ dialect and learn to speak it a little. This edition will introduce Tosaben’s history and grammar, as well as define useful words and phrases ...
Drinking Culture in Kochi (vol.34) February, March-2010 PDF
It is often said that people in Kochi love sake and drink a lot. In this edition we would like to see if it is true and give you some perspectives on the reasons. We are also showcasing some unique liquor produced in Kochi, and the games and etiquettes played and observed in local banquets. Let this edition be a guide for you to use before you head out to a drinking party here in Kochi ...
Ryoma Sakamoto (vol.33) December-2009, January-2010 PDF
In January 2010, NHK is going to broadcast a period drama depicting the life of Kochi’s local hero, Ryoma Sakamoto (1835-1867). Also, with the “Encounters with Ryoma” Expo being held at the same time in Kochi, we would like to take this opportunity to place focus on a man who crisscrossed the country and struggled to break down an ancient regime in order to develop a road for the nation’s modernization, during a time when Japan closed its door on foreign countries at the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) ...
Music in Kochi (vol.32) October, November-2009 PDF
In keeping with art-filled autumn, this edition features the music you can experience in Kochi, and provides you a lot of information by which you can enjoy yourself on Kochi’s long autumn nights. We’ve got an introduction of a foreigner living in Kochi who has devoted himself to a Japanese traditional instrument and a local Japanese who is hooked on to traditional music from another country ...
Water in Kochi (vol.31) August, September-2009 PDF
Nothing quenches thirst quite like water, and in this hot summer season, you’ll need plenty of it. It’s a good thing you’re in Kochi because there’s so much of the blue stuff around! This edition shows you some uses of water and stories connected to water in Kochi ...
Manga Culture in Kochi (vol.30) June, July-2009 PDF
Manga thrives in Kochi – to the extent that some say Kochi is the “Kingdom of Manga”. While some may disagree with this moniker, perhaps you will take another look at Kochi’s Manga Culture through reading this edition ...
Folk Tales of Kochi (vol.29) April, May-2009 PDF
In Kochi there are many folk tales, similar to Grimm’s Fairy Tales, that have been handed down for generations. A book titled “Kochi no Mukashibanashi” collects some of them. This edition introduces you to seven stories from this book ...
Learn in Kochi (vol.28) February, March-2009 PDF
This edition focuses on the theme “learn in Kochi.” We will introduce you to organizations offering Japanese culture or Japanese language courses and facilities allowing you to experience and learn some aspect of Japanese culture. We hope you come to a deeper understanding of Japan and Kochi through these learning opportunities ...
Transportation in Kochi (vol.27) December-2008, January-2009 PDF
This issue features transportation services available in Kochi. Since all information here is current as of Nov. 1, 2008, it is advisable that you check out the latest information before using these services ...
Great Figures in Kochi (vol.26) October, November 2008 PDF
Recently we at the KIA have been asked several questions about the various statues that are to be seen around the prefecture. This issue selects six of these monuments and gives you the lowdown on the people behind the statues ...
Fruit Picking in Kochi (vol.25) August, September 2008 PDF
In Japan, there is a sightseeing activity called “gari” in which farmers open their gates to ordinary people and offer them the opportunity to pick their fruit and vegetables. You can eat your loot right there or take it home. This edition gives you information about these activities around Kochi so that you can get to know more about Kochi’s produce and natural blessings ...
Old and New Cultures in Kochi (vol.24) June, July 2008 PDF
As with any country, region or ethnic group, Kochi and its people have their own culture that they have inherited from their ancestors. Of course, culture is always being re-created. This edition focuses on some aspects of Kochi’s traditional and modern culture so you can come to a deeper understanding of Kochi and its people ...
New attractions of Kochi City after the merger (vol.23) April, May 2008 PDF
Kochi City has become larger again. After merging with former Kagami Village and Tosayama Village three years ago, the city has absorbed Haruno Town in January this year. This edition gives you some geographical explanations about how the city has changed after the merger and guides you to new attractions of the city, mainly in former Haruno Town ...
Forest Environment Tax in Kochi (vol.22) February, March-2008 PDF
All foreign and Japanese residents of Kochi who earn over a stipulated income must pay 500yen annually as a tax called “Forest Environment Tax” to the prefecture. (If your country has a Tax Treaty with the Japanese government, you are exempt) This tax system, which started five years ago, is due to expire at the end of March. However, a five-year extension was approved by the Prefectural Assembly last December. As residents who pay this tax, we should all know how our money is spent. So this edition features the Forest Environment Tax ...
The Best of Kochi (vol.21) December-2007, January-2008 PDF
This edition features all the things and places in Kochi that the staff and volunteers here at Tosa Wave think are worth boasting about. Some of the readers will agree with their views, others will not, but perhaps you’ll find out something new and interesting about our wonderful prefecture ...
Japanese Election System (vol.20) October, November-2007 PDF
There are many things that foreigners find strange that are natural for Japanese people. The Japanese election system is one of them. Don’t you feel that this year has seen an especially large number of elections? And there are even more yet to come! The prefectural assembly election in spring, the Upper House election in summer, the gubernatorial election in autumn, etc are examples. In this edition we will introduce you to the Japanese election system and summarise our exclusive interview with the governor of Kochi, Daijiro Hashimoto...
Animals and Insects in Kochi (vol.19) August, September-2007 PDF
Kochi is blessed with an abundance of nature and a warm climate, meaning that a variety of animals and insects live here. Of course, most animals are harmless, but there are more than a few insects that will shock you. In this edition, we will tell you about some of these unusual bugs and suggest some places where you can enjoy watching or even touching these creatures...
Delicacies and Specialties in Kochi (vol.18) June, July-2007 PDF
This edition gives an explanation of some famous delicacies and specialties in Kochi for those who are tired of hearing “katsuo-no-tataki” whenever you ask someone in Kochi, “What is Kochi’s specialty?” Some listed here are only available in Kochi, and you’ll become an expert on Kochi if you try all of them...
Markets (Ichi) (vol.17) April, May-2007 PDF
Are you tired of shopping at supermarkets with an abundance of standardized services and products? Or do you want to buy safer and fresher foods more economically? If so, then this edition will provide you with some answers and expand your range of shopping options in Kochi...
Public Transportation (vol.16) February,March-2007 PDF
Travel is never without transportation. This edition features public transportation and we hope this helps you travel in and out of Kochi. The information about public transport is also available in Chinese and Korean. Please contact KIA or see the KIA HP if you want them. (The information listed here, including times and prices are current as of the 31st of December, 2006. Please check the latest information before planning to travel. Have a nice trip!)...
Onsen (vol.15) December-2006,January-2007 PDF
This edition features Onsen or hot springs. Maybe you’ve already soaked in some Japanese onsens, but I think some of the articles here are brand-new for even those who have experienced onsen culture. You’ll become an overnight onsen buff after reading them all...
Sports and Exercise in Kochi (vol.14) October,November-2006 PDF
Do you feel you lack exercise since coming to Japan? Or has the doctor advised you to get some exercise in a recent medical check? If so, I recommend that you start jogging. I think jogging is the most economic aerobic exercise and you can do it anytime, anywhere. Even though swimming burns more calories than jogging, it can only be done in certain places such as a pool or the sea, but you can jog with just exercise clothes and sport shoes even on your business trip and you don’t need money to do it...
Travel in Shikoku outside of Kochi (vol.13) September-2006 PDF
Hello.This time I am going to write about how Shikoku was established. Ok, let's start a history class, shall we? ...
How to keep cool in hot Kochi (vol.12) July,August-2006 PDF
This special edition features some ways to spend the summer more comfortably. Please try them...
How to enjoy the rainy month of June (vol.11) June-2006 PDF
When one thinks of a flower in June of Kochi, ajisai (hydrangea) comes to mind...
Season of fresh green leaves (vol.10) May-2006 PDF
As we have a Girl’s Day on March 3rd, we also have a day for boys called Kodomo no Hi in Japan. Held on May 5th , it celebrates boys’ growth and wishes them good health. It has been constituted as a national holiday since 1948. When a boy is born in the family, carp-shaped flags are prepared for displaying in their yard every year. They are usually put out until the boy turns seven years old...
The start of a new life (vol.9) April-2006 PDF
In the few months of this year, some towns and villages have been merged. By now, some small towns and villages have been merged into cities, and some merged to be bigger towns...
Spring has sprung! (vol.8) March-2006 PDF
In March, when the weather gets warmer and new lives spring up one after another, people in Japan enjoy the beauty of the flowers, feel the sorrow of parting and are excited about an encounter in their new life. Spring in this nation may be just what brings you more than you imagine. In the first half of this edition, let us introduce to you some important Japanese ceremonies held in March...
Keep warm in this cold winter (vol.7) February-2006 PDF
For those from tropical countries, this winter must be hard to live in, mustn’t it? According to the Meteorological Agency, the average temperature of December 2005 in most of Japan was 2 degrees centigrade down on the yearly average. Moreover, in Kochi City we experienced snowfall twice during December, which is the first time since the 2nd World War. In the first half of this edition, let us introduce to you some good tips on how to keep warm in this chilly winter...
The Busiest Season in Japan (vol.6) December-2005,January-2006 PDF
The season has come for the Japanese to run about to welcome a new year. “Shiwasu” is the old name of the month of December in Japan and literally means, “teachers run around”. This word reflects the busiest month of the year in Japan. Within the month, people write and send New Year’s cards to friends, relatives and co-workers to be delivered on January 1, clean everything in their houses, stores and offices, decorate homes and entrance gates with ornaments made of pine and bamboo, and prepare various kinds of special dishes to be served during New Year’s Day. Why don’t you join in with the Japanese as they prepare for New Year so that you can experience more Japanese winter customs?...
In Beautiful Nature (vol.5) November-2005 PDF
Autumn visits Kochi later than other areas in Japan because it is located in the southwest. It is believed that November is the best season for watching the leaves turn in this part of Japan. Here is some information and tips to enjoy the most beautiful season of the year in Kochi...
Let's enjoy Autumn! (vol.4) October-2005 PDF
When one thinks of autumn in Japan, autumnal food, reading, sports, etc spring to mind. Because the scorching summer has gone, the nights are longer and it is much cooler particularly in the morning and at night, these activities seem much more appealing. I hope the following information will be helpful in making your autumn more enjoyable...
Let's go to a hot spring!! (vol.3) September-2005 PDF
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. Three “Tosa Wave” volunteers have written reports about three hot spa facilities that they experienced for themselves...
Let's Go Camping! (vol.2) August-2005 PDF
Have you decided what to do in your summer vacation yet? If not, why don’t you go to the beautiful sea, rivers and mountains in Kochi to swim, canoe, climb, etc. and stay in one of Kochi’s varied campsites. Here is an introduction to some of them – why not try them out for yourself...
Enjoying Kochi's matsuri (vol.1) July-2005
http://www.kochi-kia.or.jp/info/tosawave/200507tosawavep4.pdf
Hello, everyone!! How’s it going? It’s getting hotter and hotter, isn’t it? Summer is coming soon!! Everybody is looking forward to summer because there will be lots of fun things to do, such as swimming, fireworks, Yosakoi, festivals etc...
Hello, everyone!! How’s it going? It’s getting hotter and hotter, isn’t it? Summer is coming soon!! Everybody is looking forward to summer because there will be lots of fun things to do, such as swimming, fireworks, Yosakoi, festivals etc...
