2024/11/12 21:23

INTERNATIONAL

Introducing Japan to the World of Property Management

INTERNATIONAL
Introducing Japan to the World of Property Management

 

 ( Mr. Shiomi with a flag of Japan at Rio Earth Summit 2012 in Brazil)
 

It may be hard to see the relationship between globalization and property management, but actually Japan draws attention from property managers across the world. For example, a group of South Koreans frequently visit Japan to learn how we run the business. We interviewed Mr. Noriaki Shiomi from Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu Center CO., LTD. He is the first Japanese CPM (Certified Property Manager) at IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management).  

Noriaki Shiomi

 

 CEO of Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu Center CO., LTD.

Mr. Shiomi started his company as a property management department of a condominium development company in 1987. He found that property management was not that common in Japan compared to real estate and decided to study American property management, one of the most advanced systems in the world. Property managers are to efficiently evaluate individual properties to maximize real estate value and optimize investment returns. He acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in this field and became the first Japanese CPM at IREM. As a member of IREM, he spreads Japanese innovation to international property managers. He plays an important role at many real estate groups, such as JPM (Japan Property Management Association).

 

Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu Center CO., LTD

7th Meiwa building, 3-4-11 Wakabayashi, Setagaya, Tokyo

Noriaki Shiomi

Tel 03-5430-5100/Fax 03-5430-5101

E-mail :  info@meiwa-g.co.jp

 

The company  has been selling and renting studio apartments for over 27 years. As of 2014, Meiwa manages 8,400 properties in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures. By staying on top of industry trends and providing quality services, It is able to increase the value of his properties and maintain high occupancy rates.  

 

Why did you start your own business?

I just received visitors from about 20 real estate companies from South Korea the other day. When I started my own business, I didn't see that coming. I was a real estate agent before starting to manage my brother's property. He made a fortune from property investment. Back then, property management was not that common in Japan compared to real estate so I saw a business opportunity. I had to start from a scratch, but I was able to make profits by the age of 26 thanks to experienced professionals who share their knowledge with me. Now I am a board member at JPM, with whom I've been working as a member of planning committee. 

 (Mr. Shiomi at Rio Earth Summit 2012 in Brazil)
 
How did you end up getting CPM? 
 

The US introduced real estate securitization to Japan in the late 1990s. I visited the US with my JPM colleagues, and there we were introduced to property management. After this trip, we started a group to study this field. I needed to obtain my CPM qualification since I was in charge of this group. CPM is now a uniform global standard. 

 

( Mr. Shiomi at a meeting in Guatemala, 2012) 

 

(Mr. Shiomi at a meeting in Guatemala, 2012) 

We have so much to learn from Americans who standardize their activities and spread them to the world. Without CPM, I wouldn't be able to meet my colleagues from other countries. We don't have many Japanese at IREM so I have a lot of opportunities to talk about Japan since a majority of IREM members are interested in our country. I am not that fluent in English and haven't spent much time in other countries, but I always have fun with international colleagues at conferences and receptions.

 

Do you feel your access to an international community of property managers gives you any advantages?

Given Japan's rapidly aging population, its concerns about Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) and upcoming Tokyo Olympics, globalization is the key to the success. I have many colleagues who are interested in Japan's advanced technology, stable society and unique culture. However, there are not that many Japanese property managers who are able to exchange ideas with international colleagues and introduce our ideas to the world. My colleagues are the people who want to make our industry better so I find it easy to build trusting relationships with them. There will be more international people who live and work in Japan. That means Japanese property managers need to build trusting relationships with international colleagues.

However, property management is not considered cool in Japan yet. I want to make it cool. You may be able to make a lot of money in real estate, but returns from real estate are closely correlated with the health of the economy. On the other hand, property management is quite good in terms of stability - you simply need to increase the number of properties to run a healthy business. I'm mainly working on Japanese properties, but there are many opportunities in South East Asia and South America, which will experience rapid economic development in the coming years. 

 
 
 

( Mr. Shiomi with his colleagues in Chile, 2013)


 (Mr. Shiomi with the president of IREM Japan in Chile 2013)  
 

My message to the future generations

There will be many opportunities in property management. I believe that part of our mission is to meet residential needs. Now an increasing number of companies offer a new style of housing for foreigners, elderly and tenants with pets. We are meant to pursue the actual business of profitable property management on behalf of our owner-clients. At the same time, we also need to provide appropriate services and infrastructure for residents. That means we need to see things from their point of view and provide quality services. It would be great if we can come up with new services and share them with the world. With the Tokyo Olympics coming, Japan draws global attention. It's part of our job s to introduce our country to the world. There will definitely be many opportunities for talented domestic and international students. I want them to be aware of what's coming next and continually gain knowledge in this industry. JPM has launched an ideas competition for rented housing and offers internships for international students. I want them to be part of my team. 

 

Introduciendo Japon al mundo de la Gestion de la Propiedad

INTERNATIONAL
Introduciendo Japon al mundo de la Gestion de la Propiedad

 

(El Sr. Shiomi con la bandera de Japon, representando a su pais en el Congreso Internacional de 2012 en Rio de Janerio, Brasil)

Gestion administrativa inmobiliaria y globalizacion. A primera vista puede parecernos que dichos

conceptos no guardan demasiada relacion entre si, sin embargo, actualmente Japon esta atrayendo la

atencion de los gestores de la propiedad de todo el mundo. Por ejemplo, han sido frecuentes las visitas de

grupos de estudio procedentes de Corea del Sur para obtener informacion sobre los sectores empresariales

de Japon. Hemos entrevistado al Sr. Noriaki Shiomi, del Centro Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu S.A., que es el

primer gestor cualificado de la propiedad en Japon con certificacion del Instituto Americano de Agencias

de Gestion de la Propiedad (IREM), que cuenta con una infraestructura internacional de gestores de la

propiedad inmobiliaria en todo el mundo.

Noriaki Shiomi

 

Trayectoria profesional del Sr. Noriaki Shiomi

 Director Ejecutivo del Centro Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu S.A.

En 1987 el Sr. Shiomi crea su empresa como un departamento para administrar el desarrollo

de apartamentos y pisos en regimen de propiedad horizontal. Percibe claramente el retraso

del sector del arrendamiento inmobiliario comparado con el sector comercial de compra-
venta, y como resultado de estar en contacto con las iniciativas de la gestion de la propiedad

tan avanzadas de America, comienza a estudiar dichos sistemas. La gestion de la propiedad

(property management) consiste en considerar los bienes como productos de inversion, es

una tecnica de administracion que maximiza el rendimiento de las inversiones en bienes

inmobiliarios. Se formo en el area de Gestion de la propiedad, y fue el primer japones en

obtener el titulo de Gestor Cualificado de Propiedad (CPM) otorgado por el IREM, que

reconoce dicha cualificacion. Mediante la red internacional IREM ha logrado poner en

conocimiento de los gestores de la propiedad de todo el mundo las actividades de Japon en

este sector. Ha ocupado sucesivamente cargos importantes en la Asociacion de Gestion de la Propiedad de Japon

(JPM), asi como en muchos otros grupos de gestion de la propiedad inmobiliaria.

Centro Meiwa Jyuhan Ryutu S.A

7 Edificio Meiwa, 3-4-11 Wakabayashi, Setagaya, Tokio

Tel 03-5430-5100/Fax 03-5430-5101

E-mail : info@meiwa-g.co.jp

Durante 27 anos su compania ha desarrollado y gestionado la actividad de compra y venta de

apartamentos. En el presente ano 2014 gestiona 8.400 propiedades inmobiliarias en Tokio, Kanagawa

y Saitama. Como uno de los logros en gestion de la propiedad, ofrece un servicio para captar las

necesidades del mercado con rapidez y seguridad, logrando un porcentaje operativo alto, al tiempo que

contribuye a aumentar el valor de la propiedad.

 

?Como surgio la oportunidad de crear su propio negocio?

Ultimamente hemos recibido visitas de hasta 20 agencias inmobiliarias de Corea del Sur, pero cuando

comence este negocio no podia preveer que todo esto pudiese llegar a pasar. La oportunidad de

emprender un negocio a veces es mas sencilla de lo esperado, yo trabajaba como agente inmobiliario

antes de comenzar a gestionar la propiedad de mi hermano. El habia tenido exito en actividades de

inversion inmobiliaria, y esa fue la oportunidad de empezar a trabajar en gestion de la propiedad. Al

entrar en contacto con aquel sector y comparar compra-venta y gestion de la propiedad me di cuenta de

que a nivel organizativo ibamos con retraso. Al mismo tiempo, entendi que aquello era una oportunidad

de negocio. Aprendi cuanto pude mediante encuentros con muchos gestores experimentados, y fui

acumulando conocimientos por mi mismo; me encargaba de supervisar todos los tramites, etc., empezaba

a tientas en una nueva area de negocio pero, con 26 anos, y gracias a todos aquellos consejos pude crear

una empresa que genero beneficios. Actualmente pertenezco a la Asociacion de Gestion de la Propiedad

de Japon (JPM), colaborando en la planificacion del Comite.

 

(El Sr. Shiomi en la Cumbre Internacional de 2012 de Rio de Janerio ,Brasil)

?Como logro obtener la cualificacion CPM?

A mediados de los anos 90 America introdujo en Japon la idea de titulizar valores inmobiliarios, cuestion

que fue tratada en diferentes medios de prensa. En 1996 fui a America junto con colegas del JPM para

conocer de cerca el desarrollo de la gestion de propiedad. A partir del contacto con aquel enfoque teorico

tan avanzado en gestion de la propiedad inmobiliaria, pudimos formar un grupo de investigacion y, en

tanto responsable de dicho grupo, tuve que obtener la titulacion americana de Gestor Cualificado de la

Propiedad. Esta cualificacion CPM esta actualmente reconocida globalmente en todo el mundo.

( Intervencion del Sr. Shiomi en el Congreso de Guatemala 2012, Centro America)

(Congreso de Guatemala 2012, Centro America)

Es mucho lo que podemos aprender de los americanos sobre el modo de pensar la estandardizacion

de su actividad. Gracias a esta cualificacion CPM encontre companeros en todas partes del mundo.

Los japoneses son pocos, pero como muchos de los miembros del IREM tienen interes en Japon

tengo oportunidades de hablar sobre mi pais. Yo no puedo hablar ingles fluidamente, ni he tenido una

experiencia internacional especial pero dondequiera que vaya no me da corte y mezclandome con los

extranjeros disfruto de las reuniones y recepciones.

Ud. cuenta con una red contactos internacional pero, ?cual es su sueno para el futuro?

Ahora mas que nunca es necesaria la globalizacion internacional, ahora que tenemos tantos problemas

como el TTP, la preparacion de los Juegos Olimpicos, la baja natalidad y el envejecimiento de la

sociedad, etc. Ademas son muchos los companeros interesados en Japon, por nuestra tecnologia

avanzada, sociedad estable, y la unicidad de nuestra cultura. Pero son pocos, entre los gestores

japoneses de inmobiliarias, los que tienen contacto e intercambian informacion con colegas de profesion

extranjeros.

Como se ha reunido un grupo de colegas profesionales deseoso de mejorar el sector comercial es facil

reunirse con confianza. En un futuro cercano tambien en Japon viviran muchos extranjeros y aumentara el

numero de los que hacen negocios. Las gestoras de propiedad inmobiliarias tambien veran cercano el dia

en que sea necesaria una red de colegas profesionales dignos de fiar en el extranjero.

Sin embargo, la imagen de las gestoras inmobiliarias de Japon actualmente no se puede decir que sea

buena. Mi sueno es convertir este mundo empresarial en algo con buena imagen, presentable. Este trabajo

de compra-venta inmobiliaria parece muy lucrativo, pero se ve afectado por el alza o baja del crecimiento

economico. En ese aspecto el trabajo de gestion de la propiedad parece un poco sencillo, pero a medida

que aumenta el numero de puestos a administrar es un negocio con faciles garantias de estabilidad. Ahora

casi toda la actividad es en Japon pero cuando se vaya extendiendo el negocio al exterior se abriran

posibilidades en paises de sureste asiatico y suramerica que avanzan en crecimiento economico.

 
 


(2013, El Sr. Shiomi con sus colegas en Chile)



(El Sr. Shiomi con el Presidente de IREM en Chile, 2013)

Mensaje para futuras generaciones con aspiraciones a colaborar internacionalmente

Esta empresa de la gestion inmobiliaria de la propiedad es un servicio con muchas posibilidades de ir

avanzando con el tiempo. Parece sencillo pero segun vayan cambiando las necesidades de los inquilinos

cambiara tambien la manera de gestionarlo. Van apareciendo nuevas empresas respondiendo a nuevas

necesidades como, p.e., viviendas para extranjeros, para mayores, para personas con animales de

compania, etc.

Nuestra mision es gestionar eficazmente los inmuebles y asegurar mejores ganancias para nuestros

clientes propietarios y, a la vez, tambien dotar de servicios e infraestructuras de calidad a los residentes.

Para ello es importante comprender la postura de los inquilinos y ofrecer servicios que puedan elegir. Es

posible que surjan, uno tras otro, nuevos servicios ofertables como caracterisiticos de Japon, y con motivo

de los Juegos Olimipicos la atencion internacional se centrara mas en Japon .

Tambien uno de nuestros trabajos consiste en presentar Japon al mundo. Por eso aumentara la necesidad

de que estudiantes japoneses con talento y los estudiantes extranjeros en Japon tengan actividades

y oportunidades. Para eso hace falta dedicacion entusiasta y adquirir conocimientos en estas areas

comerciales. En JPM vamos a organizar tambien un concuso de ideas sobre prestamo y alquiler de

viviendas y tambien sobre estancia de estudiantes extranjeros. Les invito a todos ustedes a participar y

que formen parte de este equipo.


 

Zdravstvuite, everyone! Native Russian speaker that works as voice actress in Japan, Jenya is here again!

INTERNATIONAL

Zdravstvuite, everyone!
Native Russian speaker that works as voice actress in Japan, Jenya is here again!

Few days ago, I participated at filming of program by Sekiguchi Hiroshi. The main theme of that TV was “Russia in Tokyo”
It was not only about Russian cuisine. We spoke with Russians,  we met children who learn Russian here in Tokyo, we also visit Russian and Japanese family’s house. It should be very interesting TV documentary. Check it on BS TBS, 18th of June at 8 pm!

When you filming such a program it can’t be helped but you realize that image of Russia and real Russia is pretty different! I am going to tell about these differences today.

*Russia is cold, right?*
There are areas where winter is pretty severe, 40-50℃. But there are also areas that are not that different from Europe, and places warmer that Hokkaido. Don’t forget, Russia is wide! And even at cold winter areas, summer is hot. It goes above 35-40℃ as well! Summer is short, so schools give children whole summer holidays, from June till the end of August. The best time to play outside, right?

*Everyone drinks vodka, right?*
Not really. Vodka is the presentative drink of Russia, but it is not easy to drink. So beer, wine and cocktails are common. Vodka is for the times you want something stronger or celebrating something (like wedding)

*Russian girls are good until 18, after that they get fat and ugly*
I have to change this stereotype with all my strength!
Of course, everyone is pretty when they are young, but there is a lot of pretty Russian women after 18 and even after 40. I think it is the heart that shows real beauty.

 



*Russian language is hard, right?*
There is some people who refuse to learn alphabet just because it is a bit different from English one. Every language is difficult. But Russian and Japanese has many similar sounds, and it may be easier to study that even English. Don’t give up too early!

I am going to introduce you Russia from now on too! If you have questions or next theme for me, let me know in comments!



Today’s little corner
“Sweets to you” #3
Just because if it feels really great at winter, it is impossible to refuse Taiyaki even in summer. Japanese traditional hot sweets.Fish shape is cute and popular among foreigners too! Taiyaki have various fillings.
This one has green tea and warabi mochi (bracken starch jelly) inside.


NHK E-Tele
Russian Language on TV (Terebi de Rosia-go)
Every Wednesday at night (25:00) and repeat at Friday 5:30am

NHK Radio 2
Russian language Everyday (Mainichi Rosia-go)
Monday~Wednesday (Beginners) 8:50am Dialogue (skit) part

June, 8th Shittoko! (Guest)
TBS channel at 8am
http://www.mbs.jp/shittoko/index2.shtml

June, 18th:Sekiguchi Hiroshi no Kaze ni Fukarete(Guest)BS TBS 8pm
http://www.bs-tbs.co.jp/documentary/KDT1203700/

July, 14th:Karaoke Live (check details in my blog later)

August, 31st:The  International Red-White Singing Contest in Osaka
September, 15th:The  International Red-White Singing Contest in Tokyo
https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20130406red-white_event_en
リンク☆

ジェーニャの公式ブログ:http://ameblo.jp/jenya/

ジェーニャのツイッター:http://twitter.com/jenya_jp/

Let’s have fun in Japan with Jenya!

INTERNATIONAL

Let’s have fun in Japan with Jenya!

 



Hello, everyone! Nice to meet you! Zdravstvuite!
My name is Jenya. I love Japanese anime and I came to Japan 7 years ago to become a voice actress - seiyuu. Now I am working as seiyuu, singer and talent, doing different activity in Japan. 

It was Sailor Moon anime that taught me how wonderful Japanese animation is. Thanks to Sailor Moon, I have my dream job now! At first I thought - I want to watch anime in Japanese, so I began to study it when I was 17 years old.

I was born and raised in Russia, Novosibirsk city, but I was told “I thought you were raised in Japan” lately. That is how much I work on my Japanese everyday. I also got JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) Level 1.

As for my roles in anime,  my debut role was operator from “Neo Genesis Evangelion The Movie: Ha”, and I also voiced Lariska from Japanese version of Russian representative animation - “Cheburashka”. Lately I also worked on Last Exile: Silver Wing Fam - consulting on Russian language and also voicing Viola. I also give my voice to foreign movies and TV shows. I use not only Russian, but English and Japanese too.

I also love to sing, so I made some original CDs, and also member of unit “love solfege” where I sang and write lyrics. I also want to write my own songs someday!
 

soetanto methods for motivation

INTERNATIONAL

 

Getting a job is not a final destination


 
Ms SAKUMI SHIMIZU 

How did Professor Soetantos class influence your life after you graduated from school?

  Due to the learning experience I gained from his class, I became able to challenge new things at work very enthusiastically. Professor Soetantos class, Motivationand Education was something really new to me at the time of my university years. I attended his class just for my curiosity on how he teaches "motivation" at first. However, my timid character gradually changed through his class which develops student's originality.  He made us think deeply about the concept by asking us many questions instead of just providing us with the answers. He also made the class atmosphere very easy-to-speak-out. Many of students including myself became able to speak to the class very actively, and the class became very enjoyable. He shared stories with us about his hardships in Japan and gave us a lot of encouragements. I also had a chance to present to the class on my essay, and although it was challenging, looking back, I really had a precious experience. And now, from his class, I became not so afraid of challenging new things.


To students who are doing job-hunting

I had hard times in job-hunting. There were times when I wanted to quit. However, practice of job-interviews and chat with friends helped me maintaining my motivation, and finally I succeeded in getting a job which I enjoy doing. Now, I am in charge of global sales promotion. I believe my enthusiasm of English composition led me to the current job. However, I never want to satisfy the current situation and stop motivating myself. I like to keep challenging myself to widen my life-learning path.

   I think that still many students are meeting difficulties in job-hunting as I have experienced. I hope that they stay positive and never give up. Getting a job is not a final destination. It is just a transit point. Thus, I wish they will find their own answers to what means to work and be part of the society. From the experience involving in the circle called WIF (Waseda International Festival) at my university, I learned that there are many ways to interpret work/ career.By exchanging opinions with students from different countries at WIF has helped me widen my view greatly. Thank to the support from many people, I was able to overcome my hardships. Therefore, I truly wish that they will step forward to realize their own dreams in near future by believing their own abilities

 

 

HIMEKA debut at last 

INTERNATIONAL
HIMEKA debut at last, a Cinderella girl
who made her dream come true after her year's stay in Japan

HIMEKA_H1_FIX-hp.jpg




The one who topped 3,186 other applicants by an outstanding singing ability was a Canadian girl, who has a pure heart, as if she came out of the animation world.

Real Name: Catherine St-Onge
From Quebec, Canada. Mother tongue is French.
She came to Japan for a working holiday and when she was on the Internet, she accidentally found the site "2nd National Animation Song Grand Prix" so she applied for it. Amongst the 3,186 applicants, she won the grand prize. The judges were surprised at her outstanding singing ability and her Japanese expressiveness at the finals.


Her awaited Japan debut became true from Sony Music Japan International on May 27th, 2009. The producer is Shintaro Tokita, a member of Sukimaswitch. "Asueno Kizuna" is her debut song, which is also used as the opening theme song of the animation "Valkyria Chronicles" that is on air since April, 2009.

http://www.himeka.info/


Q: What made you come to Japan? 

A: I have been saving money to come to Japan since when I won the Karaoke Competition at the animation convention in the US. I have always wanted to be a singer.
When I first came to Japan, I could not find a place to work as part-time because I was not able to communicate much in Japanese. I found a job though, at a French restaurant. I have been waiting for this chance to become a singer, studying Japanese and practicing singing at home at karaoke boxes.


Q: Your Japanese is great. How did you learn Japanese? 

A: I became interested in Japanese animation when I first watched "Sailor Moon" at the age of 15. Since then I've been watching animation in the original Japanese version and have been listening to animation songs. That's how I learned Japanese. There was no chance to study Japanese at school and no Japanese friends around so I had to study on my own. But I just loved Japanese songs so much that it wasn't at all tough for me to study the language. Here in Japan, of course I study, too. Even when I have only a little bit of time, I watch TV and try to learn Japanese words. Today, too, I learned many words, for example, "Kamishibai" "Ketsuatsu" "Kyokenbyo", etc. (laugh)

Q: Were you confident of passing the audition?

A: As I am a non-Japanese, I thought it was quite tough to pass. But I believed in myself that someday chances will come to me.

Q: The name HIMEKA was your idea?

A: HIMEKA is my animation character that has been living in my imagination since my childhood. I have made up lots of stories but never wrote one. But she is my ideal image.


Q: What messages are you sending when you sing "Asueno Kizuna"?

A: I want everyone who listens to this song, to "Believe yourself and move on." I am so happy that I can sing a song that will give people who are trying hard even though they have some depressing times, courage and hope.

Q: Any messages to the people from overseas, who came to Japan like you with dreams?

A: I think there will be hard times but don't give up, remember the day you came to Japan, with full of dreams. I will study more Japanese and will keep on singing songs that will encourage people.


I thought her passion towards songs has a single-minded feeling, "Singing to encourage people." I think the judges understood her messages, not just her singing techniques.

Youth Interpreter Volunteer Guide

INTERNATIONAL
The Merit of Students and the Youth to be an Interpreter Volunteer Guide
1. Gain confidence to speak a foreign language
→ Language is "Courage."
2. You can see Japanese culture from the foreigner's point of view.
→ You can rediscover the good points of Japan.

3. You can compare the culture of the participants' countries or themselves and can have a deep, meaningful communication.
→ Developing an open-minded heart towards different culture.

4. Get appreciated to what you have done. You can feel how nice it is to get appreciated.
→ You can feel the true joy of human.

5. You can try very hard to understand what that person wants because the language communication is not enough.
→ Build a warm-hearted feeling towards others. Develop a high communication ability.


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Interpreter Volunteer Guide - A very meaningful experience where "Live Language Ability," "Warm-heartedness," "Communication Ability," and build a basic ability which you will need to become a member of the society.


↓↓↓↓↓

Liaison Meeting for Student Interpreter Volunteer Guides to be Established Soon in Tokyo.  (We need more Japanese students, exchange students, Student OBOGs!)  

東京でも学生通訳ボランティアガイド連絡会が発足予定

通訳ボランティアガイドに興味のある方は①お名前②年齢③住んでいる都道府県④学生の場合は学校名⑥英語あるいはその他使える外国語のレベル等を記入の上 



gcom21-thumb.JPG






までご連絡ください。詳しい資料と説明会のご案内をさせていただきます。 (日本人学生・留学生・学生OBOGの方々大歓迎です!!)

Student Interpreter Volunteer Guide FGC

A Student Interpreter Volunteer Guide Group in Kyoto, which has over 40 years of history.

FGC Free Guide Club

CA390673-thumb.JPG


How is your club like? What do you specifically do?


When we guide, we mainly work individually but when we have regular practice and study groups, we get together and have fun. But the first year students need to borrow all materials and textbooks from the seniors to write everything down, so they really have to work hard.

After you pass the test that we have in our group, you can start guiding. You first start by assisting the seniors but with one or two assistance job, you can guide on your own. You need to ask for permission, whether you can guide the tourists to the temples or shrines where you went for rehearsal training.

It is the real joy of the Interpreter Volunteer Guides' activities that within two or three hours you can be friends. You will know quite well about Kyoto and Japanese culture, and as for English you get confidence in speaking. It is the perfect activity group for us who major a foreign language.

Can you tell us about the Guide Contest that started 6 years ago?


In this contest, you explain one Japanese culture to a foreign person in 15 minutes. It is not a presentation nor a speech. It is "Guiding" so you cannot just explain, you need to entertain that person. That's the key point.

This contest is held every December so if you think you are confident in the English language and Japanese History, give it a try!


Futher enquiries for Free Guide Club


翻訳者 :tranlated by 下野佐紀子

After 3 Years of Interviewing International Couples

INTERNATIONAL
Family units may spread all over the world without limitation.
For the past 3 years, I have met many international couples with exchange students and listened to their stories. Statistically, there were many couples of female Japanese and male Western, or male Japanese and female Asian. However, age, how they came to Japan, and how they each think varies so it is quite difficult to explain "This is how international marriages are." But if I were to say what they are, I can say that family units may spread all over the world without limitation.

For example, kids who have an Australian father and a Japanese mother will have two cultures from the beginning. And I am sure they will naturally tell even to their cousins from their father's side and mother's side the different cultures. And maybe the cousins get interested in people from different nationalities because of this and get married. This is a great influence.

For example, kids who have an Australian father and a Japanese mother will have two cultures from the beginning. And I am sure they will naturally tell even to their cousins from their father's side and mother's side the different cultures. And maybe the cousins get interested in people from different nationalities because of this and get married. This is a great influence.

Actually when I was interviewing the international couples, their brothers, sisters, and relatives also married someone from a different nationality. And further more, there is a high possibility that kids from those international couples may marry someone not Japanese, nor Australian, like the example above, and I would not think that their parents will not say no to their kids if they want an international marriage.

If there are more people who are broad-minded to international marriage, I think mutual cultural understanding will grow more. And it is a fact that the Ainu people originally lived in Japan and various people came over to Japan to live and they have become Japanese so I think it is nothing special.

I thought that if kids of international couples get well-adapted to the Japanese society and if they could feeling something by playing with the pure Japanese kids, Japan will be much more easier for the foreigners to live.

In our next June edition, we will introduce an international couple who have a great relationship, like we always do.

翻訳者 :tranlated by 下野佐紀子



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International Marriage American man and Japanese woman

INTERNATIONAL
The number of international marriages has been increasing these days. According to the Health,Labor and Welfare Ministry’s statistics of movement of population, there were 36030 international marriages in 2003 and this accounted for 4.8% of the total number of marriages. One in every twenty couples is an international marriage and it is becoming more and more common around the world.

A couple of American man and Japanese woman
Mr. and Mrs. Saale


Mr. and Mrs. Saale have had a happy life with three kids in Japan for about 14 years.

How did you meet each other?

When I was twenty, I came to Japan for the first time and met her by chance at a restaurant I went to. I think I fell in love at first sight. She was so kind and pretty. After I went back to America, we kept in touch by letter and phone for about half a year. I paid a lot for the international call at that time.
As we wrote to each other many times, I felt our relationship was getting closer. Then, she came to see me in America. We traveled in Los Angels together, where we had a great time.
After that, I came to Japan and stayed here for a year. I went to school to study Japanese during the day and worked at night. It was pretty hard, but I was happy since I was able to see her whenever I wanted.



How was your parents' response to your marriage?

"My mom is from Brazil, so my parents have an international marriage as well. Many people have an international marriage in America, so everyone congratulated us warmly.
Since my brother is married to a Filipino lady, my family was kind of used to it. They seemed relieved as he speaks Japanese although they were a bit awkward at first."

For your kids' education, do you speak English at home?

"They all tend to speak Japanese since he speaks Japanese. Our elder daughter understands what people say in English, but she hardly talks to us in English. When they were small, I used to talk to them in English. However, now they speak Japanese almost all the time since their friends speak Japanese, too.
I want them to study in America, if they like, so they can also experience my own culture. "

Do you have any message for those who will have an international marriage?


If you live in Japan, you need to have an understanding of Japanese language and culture since it is important for you to get used to the environment. It is really great that he loves Japan.

We have different language and different ideas. For example, American people take a shower in the morning, but Japanese do in the evening. It is not a matter of which of us is correct. I suggest what is important is to respect each other.

International Marriage No18

INTERNATIONAL
The number of international marriages has been increasing these days. According to the Health,Labor and Welfare Ministry’s statistics of movement of population, there were 36030 international marriages in 2003 and this accounted for 4.8% of the total number of marriages. One in every twenty couples is an international marriage and it is becoming more and more common around the world.


Mr STEVEN MARRIOT (AUSTRALIAN)
Ms AKIE MARRIOT  (JAPANESE)

Q: Where did you meet for the first time? 


A: We met in April 2004 in Ikebukuro station by chance but we both think that it was fate!. We were introduced through a mutual friend ( which since then we have been together since). We went drinking and singing all night long.

Q: What was the first impression of each other? 


A: Our first impression of each other was for me (steve) How she was and still is, so beautiful, intelligent and how she respected me. (Akie) How kind and gentle and handsome he is.
We could tell each other anything with ease.

Q: What made you decide to marry? 


A: We decided to get married for the one and true reason. We wanted to live out our days together, and as well as to stay happy.

Q: How was your parents’ reaction for that? 


A: ( Steve ) My family in Australia was very delighted to hear about the good news especially my mum.
( Akie ) My family too was so happy for this mum began to cry her heart out with joy.

Q: What kind of advantage have you gotten after the international marriage?


A: The advantage that we both got from our happiness is that how close we are to one another, yet we were raised in two very different situations.

Q: Any comment for your husband?


A: From now on in, let's keep helping and loving each other thru any hard times we can do it together.

Q: Give a comment to your wife, please.


A: I want to say thank you for waiting for me...as we get older our love grows bigger together.