Thank you very much for your continued support. Thanks to all of you, our "Global Community" newsletter, focusing on the exchange between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan, has successfully completed its 15th year.
Moving forward, we will continue to address cross-cultural issues in fields such as health, healthcare, and the environment. We remain committed to fostering cultural exchange.
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to the coming year.
Announcement - 12th International Red and White Singing Festival in 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Grand Final of the 12th International Red and White Singing Festival(IRWS) will take place on November 17, 2024, at Maple Hall in Minoh, Osaka. Save the date for this exciting event that celebrates cultural diversity through the universal language of music.
Stay tuned for more details and updates as we embark on another spectacular year of international musical harmony. 《Official page》 irws.org
Thank you for your attention and support throughout the year. Wishing you a wonderful new year ahead!
Sincerely, Kazumi MiyazakiEditor of Globalcommunity
Year-End Greetings and Highlights from Yokoso Japan
Thank you very much for your continued support. Thanks to all of you, our "Global Community" newsletter, focusing on the exchange between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan, has successfully completed its 14th year. This is the last newsletter of the year.
Moving forward, we will continue to address cross-cultural issues in fields such as health, healthcare, and the environment. We remain committed to fostering cultural exchange.
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to the coming year.
１：The 11th International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concluded successfully.
In August, approximately 160,000 medical students were notified, resulting in numerous applications. Ten finalists were selected, and the "International Red and White Singing Festival in Banden" served as the final selection. NAYA, one of the representatives who participated in Osaka, received the Chairman's Award from the Osaka Tourism Bureau. The event connected locations such as Cebu (Philippines) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) online, providing insights into future local events.
２：Regular activities of student interpreter volunteer guides intensify at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
The ability to communicate information about Japan in English is a significant asset for job hunting. We have seen a surge in inquiries from government organizations, inbound-related companies, and NGOs. No prior language proficiency or tourism knowledge is required. If you have the desire to share the charm of Japan, you can learn the basics in just six months. Join our introductory session on Zoom: Zoom Briefin
4: 『The Fourth State of Matter, Liquid Crystal Water』
We are excited to share groundbreaking research on the structure of water, a topic prominently featured in the movie "Water." Demonstrating the actual differences in water structures has proven challenging, but over the past few years, Dr. Gerald Pollack of the Washington University's Department of Bioengineering has made significant strides in studying an entirely new form of "water structuring," yielding remarkable results. https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20151006discovery_international_en
5: Designing a Radiant Future Society: A Story of Cutting-Edge Neurosurgery by Dr. Nobusada ShinoUra
Announcement - 12th International Red and White Singing Festival in 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Grand Final of the 12th International Red and White Singing Festival(IRWS) will take place on November 17, 2024, at Maple Hall in Minoh, Osaka. Save the date for this exciting event that celebrates cultural diversity through the universal language of music.
Stay tuned for more details and updates as we embark on another spectacular year of international musical harmony. 《Official page》 irws.org
Thank you for your attention and support throughout the year. Wishing you a wonderful new year ahead!
Sincerely, Kazumi MiyazakiEditor of Globalcommunity
Thanks to everyone, the "Global Community" has successfully completed its 14th year, focusing on the theme of interaction between Japanese and foreign residents.
Moving forward, we will continue to address cross-cultural issues related to health, medicine, and the environment, and promote cultural exchange.
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to another successful year ahead.
As the situation with COVID-19 settles down and international students begin to arrive, we are eager to ramp up our activities.
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1: TEAMEXPO at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo to Feature the International Red and White Sing Festival. (IRWS)
IRWS aims to be a regular event in various regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil, inviting outstanding performers to the main venue in Osaka for an international exchange centered around music.
Learn more: https://team.expo2025.or.jp/ja/challenge/1248
Having hosted the IRWS in Cebu in 2017 and 2018, the CEBU MUSIC LEARNING CENTER participates in the 11th edition online, connecting the Cebu organizers with the Osaka venue for an introduction to the musical exchange between Japan and the Philippines. The local event is set to resume in 2024.（https://www.irws.org/cebu/）
3: Two Participants from São Paulo's Japanese Community in the 11th IRWS
Two individuals from São Paulo's Japanese community are participating online in the 11th IRWS. Brazil, with nearly 2 million Japanese residents, is known for its vibrant karaoke culture. The event plans to connect São Paulo with IRWS in the future.
4: Two Medical University Students from Bandung, Indonesia, Join the 11th IRWS
Two medical university students from Bandung, Indonesia, were selected to represent their country in the 11th IRWS in Osaka. The event, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to provide a platform for global exchange through music.
5: Regular Activities of Student Interpreter Volunteer Guides Intensify at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine
Regular activities on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month by student interpreter volunteer guides are gaining momentum at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine.
Anyone with a desire to share the beauty of Japan can join, regardless of their current English proficiency or knowledge of tourist attractions. An explanatory session is available on Zoom.
Graduated from the University of Tokyo Medical School. Received a Doctor of Medicine in 1992. Studied at the University of Cincinnati the same year. Actively worked at various institutions, becoming the Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery at Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital in 2009. Renowned for expertise in awake brain surgery.
Thanks to everyone's help, "Global Community" has successfully completed its 14th year, with a focus on promoting interactions between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan.
Moving forward, we will continue to share information in fields like health, medicine, environment, and intercultural exchanges, which transcend ethnic boundaries.
We will always keep our original mission in mind and continue our efforts diligently. We kindly ask for your continued support next year as well.
As the situation with COVID-19 stabilizes and the entry of international students begins, we aim to be more active and energetic in our activities.
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International Red and White Singing Festival
The 10th of August will see the event being held in Indonesia. The announcement has reached 160,000 medical university students, and two out of the final ten contestants will be selected to compete in the Grand Finale in Osaka. https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWYUrArr9F/
The theme of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, "Designing a Society with Shining Lives," aims to co-create a sustainable society that supports individuals in realizing their desired ways of living and maximizing their potential, with the active involvement of the international community.
Special Feature: "Designing a Society with Shining Lives"
Dr. Nobusada Shinoura, a graduate of the University of Tokyo School of Medicine, has been actively involved at institutions like the National Center for Global Health and Medicine. In 1992, he obtained his medical doctorate from the University of Tokyo and studied abroad at the University of Cincinnati. Since 2000, he has been making significant contributions at Komagome Metropolitan Hospital and became the Chief of the Department of Neurosurgery in 2009. Dr. Shinoura has a remarkable track record in awake brain surgery (surgery performed while the patient is conscious). Some of his notable works include "Facing Upward to the Sky Rather Than Toward People," "Five Brain-Boosting Habits," and "Brain Compatibility Determines Relationships."
Dr. Shinoura's latest book: "Non-Medicinal Treatments for Dementia, Developmental Disorders, and Depression - The Cutting Edge of Therapy" https://onl.la/8twyfpi
Volunteer Interpreter Guide Regular Activities at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays are in full swing. The website has also been renewed. No prior English proficiency or extensive tourism knowledge is required. Anyone with a desire to convey the beauty of Japan can become a competent guide within six months. Please start by participating in the explanatory meeting on Zoom. https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/zoom%E8%AA%AC%E6%98%8E%E4%BC%9A/
The 3 Most popular articles of Globalcommunity by 2023.July
NO.1 Most popular Japanese songs of all, from the IRWS(The International Red-White Singing Festival).
The "GlobalCommunity" has also entered its 13th year of publication with the theme of interaction between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan.
We will continue to focus on issues that transcend ethnic groups, such as health, medical care, the environmental field, and cross-cultural exchange.
Making steady efforts without forgetting our original intentions, we look forward to your continued support.
Corona has calmed down, and international students have begun to enter Japan, and I would like to continue to work energetically.
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1: Japan's first attempt "International Student Week" (International Student Support Consortium Osaka) 12 events including related events were held this year as well.
During International Student Week 2022 "11/12-11/20", the popular sushi-making "Nigiri Sushi Experience" was held at Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka.
The "GlobalCommunity" has also entered its 13th year of publication with the theme of interaction between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan.
Going forward, we will continue to focus on issues that transcend ethnic groups, such as health, medical care, the environmental field, and cross-cultural exchange.
We will continue to make steady efforts without forgetting our original intentions, and we look forward to your continued support.
Corona has calmed down, and international students have begun to enter Japan, and I would like to continue to work energetically.
"Established in February 2009, shortly after our establishment, we visited the "2016 Tokyo Olympic Bid Committee" at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. They were also in need of a group of students who could speak foreign languages, and luckily on that day, we received a request to provide interpreting support at the overseas press center for the IOC visit in April.
"Surprisingly, we had our first practical meeting on the same day. About 50 members who can speak English, Chinese, and Korean volunteered for a four-week schedule. Initially, the members consisted of international students, Japanese students from groups such as LEAF and AISEC, who are proficient in English and other foreign languages, and members of the "Student Group working for the 2016 Tokyo Olympics bids".
"On the final day, we had the opportunity to participate in a special press reception, where we gained valuable experience, including interviewing the president of the Foreign Press Club and the world-renowned architect, Mr. Tadao Ando."
After that, he decided to base our activities at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, where we conducted study sessions on shrines and Shintoism, and were challenged to guide tourists from overseas.
In 2019, total registered numbers exceeded 300.
"Volunteer interpreter guide that anyone can do if they are motivated
What I learned from guiding foreigners when I was a student"
"When I was in high school, I had the experience of guiding foreign tourists even though I didn't understand English. I had a strong desire to study abroad, but I couldn't do anything in Osaka, where I don't see many foreigners."
"However, when I was running around Osaka Castle, I happened to see an elderly foreigner couple. At first, I didn't have the courage to talk to them, but one day I took the courage and started talking to them by looking at the guidebook I had prepared. Somehow they tried to understand me, so I managed to make myself understood. After doing it a few times, I got used to it and gained confidence.
If you try hard enough they will be happy with your clumsy English. I really appreciate it."
" I hope to tell 'the joy of volunteer guides' to those people who don't have the courage to talk to foreigners, or who don't have the opportunity to talk to them. We want you to experience doing it. " (Founder of GC Student Interpreter Volunteer Guide, Kazumi Miyazaki)
1: Confidence in speaking a foreign language ⇒Courage Important for speaking a foreign language
2: You can experience Japanese culture from a foreigner's point of view.
⇒ You can rediscover the good points of Japan.
3: While comparing the culture of the guest and Japanese culture
You can learn to communicate deeply and meaningfully.
⇒ Cultivate a sense of tolerance for different cultures.
4: You can be very grateful for what you have done. You will be able to feel the joy of being thanked.
⇒ You can feel the true joy of human beings.
5: Because verbal communication is not enough,
you will try to understand what guests want to know in every way.
⇒ Feeling compassion for others.
Acquire advanced communication skills.
↓↓↓
Interpreter Volunteer Guide is a very meaningful experience that comprehensively nurtures the basic skills necessary as a member of society, such as "practical language skills", "sympathy", and "communication skills".
An alumni interview with those who are active in Japan and abroad
From July 2022, we have also started working as student interpreter volunteer guides at Osaka Castle and Houkoku Shrine.
While working as an interpreter guide you can also learn about other cultures through "real voices" from the guests that cannot be learned from books. It is just the same experience when you are abroad.
one of the pleasures of continuing this activity is the interaction with the guests and other fellow interpreter guides
Please try to participate in this activity that you can really enjoy while being a "volunteer"!
(Mr. Taniguchi, former leader of the third generation, Keio University)
The International Red-white Singing Festival (IRWS) is an "international exchange event where Japanese sing and sing in foreign languages and foreigners sing and sing in Japanese", which is run mainly by GC student interpreter volunteer guides.
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3: Wake up! Japan (book introduction)
Break away from the past and build a strong future for the revitalization of Japan
At the Second Conference for Democratic Asia on December 6, 2012
Advocating Democracy in Asia-Mass Meeting in Tokyo
Author Henry Storkes (FINANCIAL TIMES First Editor-in-Chief of Japan Branch)
Thanks to the 10th International Red and White Song Battle sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Osaka Tourism Bureau, we were able to successfully hold it on November 20, 2021. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Please see the following page for the state of the day.
The 2022 event will be postponed due to the restructuring of the operating system, and from 2023 onwards, we will work even harder toward the Osaka Expo in 2025. Thank you for your continued support.
The 11th International Red-White Singing Festival is scheduled to be held in November 2023.
The "GlobalCommunity" has also entered its 13th year of publication with the theme of interaction between Japanese and foreign residents in Japan.
Going forward, we will continue to focus on issues that transcend ethnic groups, such as health, medical care, the environmental field, and cross-cultural exchange.
We will continue to make steady efforts without forgetting our original intentions, and we look forward to your continued support.
Corona has calmed down, and international students have begun to enter Japan, and I would like to continue to work energetically.
1: The "The 7th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival" is very exciting after 50 years of Okinawa's return to the mainland.
It's not well known on the mainland, but it's a very international and heart-warming event where people from all over the world, like big families, who have roots in Okinawa gather together.
It's a chance once every five years, so I'll be an observer for three days from October 30th.
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the leading regions of outbound immigration in Japan, stretching back more than a century. Our ancestors crossed the sea, pioneered new lands in distant countries, and overcame difficulties through sheer hard work. While building a living foundation in each region and firmly rooting in the local cross-cultural society, their communities inherited Okinawa's unique traditional culture and identity. At the time of the last Festival, it was estimated that there were about 420,000 ethnic Okinawans living around the world.
The "World Uchinanchu Festival" honors the achievements of Okinawan people from all over the world, recognizes the great value of the community heritage of Okinawa, and seeks to expand and develop the Uchina network through exchanges with Okinawan citizens around the world. The purpose is to bring people together, reaffirm their roots and identity, and thereby be able to pass them on to the next generation.
The festival is sponsored by the Uchinanchu Festival Executive Committee of the world, which is organized by Okinawa Prefecture and related organizations and has been held approximately once every five years since the first festival in 1990 (Heisei 2). It has been held 6 times so far.
Thanks to the 10th International Red and White Song Battle sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Osaka Tourism Bureau, we were able to successfully hold it on November 20, 2021. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Please see the following page for the state of the day.
In addition, it has been decided that the 11th International Red and White Singing Festival will be held at Osaka University on November 20th.
We are looking for participants, volunteers, and cooperating organizations! !!
Thank you so much for your concern and support for a long time.
『Globalcommunity』 is now in its 13th year of publication as a web magazine for mutual communication between Japanese and Non-Japanese living in Japan.
We focus on the important news such as health, environment, and communication for the multicultural society.
We will continue to make efforts without forgetting our original intentions.
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Happy and Heart-warming news from Japan!!
Covid-19 has calmed down, Int'l students have begun to enter Japan.
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For 10 years of experience of holding Int'l Red-White Singing Festival(IRWS), we have made a ranking of popular Japanese songs among Non-japanese by considering all applicants and selected performers and the auditions choice of locals in Cebu and Bali where IRWS was held.
3：Int'l students are very welcome for Japanese society ・・ The 10th International Red and White Singing Festival, which is authorized by the Japanese Ministry of a foreign affair, were held with the attention of the media, connecting the stage in Osaka with performers in Cebu, Bali, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo.
7-1：Int'l students are very welcome for Japanese society ・・ The 10th International Red and White Singing Festival, which is authorized by the Japanese Ministry of a foreign affair, were held with the attention of the media, connecting the stage in Osaka with performers in Cebu, Bali, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo.
