Mountain Life ②

Yuki-chan keeps the farm clean of weeds.

   We need to plan it together, I said! Everyone agreed. So I moved to Tosayama. Why? So that we would feel in our bones what the community needed and did not need. What the people, mountains and trees thought and did not think.

Let’s visit Mr. Moore!

Terraced fields in the mountains.
You can get rice and wheat here!

   During a clear and sunny day in January, after an hour long bus ride, we went to visit John Moore, a native of Ireland who is working to revitalize Kochi's mountainous regions by working daily on agricultural activities.

Cat Café

   Have you ever been busy and stressed and just need to relax but not sure how? There is a cat café called “Yumeneko” meaning “dreaming cat” that is sure to release you from all the stress.

   It is located in Kera Otsu, Kochi City and is about 20 minutes away from JR Kochi Station by car. When you first walk into the cat café, you will see many staff cats just lounging around!

Preparing for the Nankai Earthquake ④

Emergency Information Service System

   In the event of a major earthquake, phone lines will be very busy. Therefore, it may be quite difficult for you to reach your family by phone to ask after them. You may not be able to go back home because the transportation system could be damaged.

   Be prepared for situations like this by deciding where you will meet your family in advance. It is also a good idea to leave a note at home that tells where you are evacuating if you decide to leave home after an earthquake. Make sure you decide how you will contact each other

Lifestyle Information ④ - Mental Health Consultation

   The environment around you could change a lot when the new fiscal year starts. You might become sick because you are not able to adjust yourself to it well.

   If you are in bad shape due to sleeplessness or stress, please see a specialist for counseling immediately. The organizations below offer free consultation.

Kochi's Latin like feelings

Expat Column No.18

BY Simone Yoko Kofuji from Brazil

   I came to Japan through an Overseas Technical Trainee Project between Brazil’s Kochi Association and Kochi Prefecture. My parents, who were born in the town of Yusuhara, immigrated to Brazil before I was born. And there, I was born as a Nisei–Second Generation Japanese.

Tsurayuki Sakura Matsuri － Spring Experience of Wearing Japanese Kimono

   The Nankoku International Association (NIA) prepares Kimono for not only women but also for men. You can try to have a green tea. It's served by one of association clubs in Nankoku. Let's enjoy HANAMI (SAKURA flower viewing) under the SAKURA trees in your Kimono.

Kochi’s “Yuru-kyara”

Katsuo Ningen

   Do you know what a “Yuru-kyara” is? A “Yuru-kyara” is a character that acts as a mascot for a prefecture or city, or sometimes a company. These characters help promote information for the place they represent, as well as helping to promote the sale of regional goods. Every prefecture has its own characters. Let’s learn a little bit about Kochi’s “Yuru-kyara!”

Kinkon Tosanikki ⑤

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

Genki Tosaben Musical 2012 – “Ekin in Neverland”

Tosaben Musical 2011

   Formed in 1996, GENKI Seinenkai has produced the Tosaben Musical every year, with proceeds from donations supporting students going abroad. This year’s theme is Kochi-born artist Ekin.

Multilingual Consultation Helpline for Foreigners



You can call us anywhere you are in Japan!



   Though I want to be in Japan, I don’t know what should I do. Though I am discriminated, I couldn’t tell to anyone. I do not understand Japanese well, and procedure at government offices is impossible to understand.

   Though I want to enter a Japanese school, I do not know how. I want to go for consultation using my own language.

   Given this kind of trouble, where can I consult using my own language? This service exists anywhere in Japan. The call for consultation is free of charge.

Dorome Festival

   This festival is held to pray for a large catch of Dorome (Sardine fry). The main event is a sake skulling competition where men must down 1.8L of rice wine, and women 900mL, accompanied by chants of `Guuuu to Gutto` (Gulp Gulp!). Entrants are given points for speed and style.

Paragliding in Kochi’s Sky!

Paragliding peacefully in the sky!

   Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird when you were young?

  

   Paragliding is an adventurous but exciting sport. It may seem too scary or dangerous to some people, but I assure that it’s a worthwhile life changing experience!

Home Cooking from Around the World

   A world food event will be held on Sun. March 11 at Hirome Ichiba. Food from up to 6 countries such as Denmark, France, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand and USA will be on sale. All food will be home-style dishes, made by foreigners living in Kochi.

   Enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine on Sun. March 11 at Hirome Ichiba, Kochi City. Don’t miss it!

Ryoma Sakamoto’s postmark only at Ryoma post office!

Ryoma Sakamoto’s postmark on card.
Very rare!

   Ryoma Sakamoto, born in Kamimachi of Kochi city, is one of the most famous samurai in Japan. Till this day people love and honor him and his merchandise are sold everywhere in Kochi Prefecture. In his honor, there is even a post office dedicated to him called ‘’Ryoma Post Office’’ in Kamimachi! It is believed that this remains the only post office to be named after a person in Japan!