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Today's Contents:

1. The first bits: Things To Do, World Cup update, JETRO test, Mt. Fuji trip, Online Dictionary.
2. Course information.
3. Student Interview: Dean Abadzic (SILAC)
4. Japan Guide: Todai-ji Temple
5. About The Yamasa Institute for Japanese Studies
6. Subscription Information

1. The first bits.

(a) World Cup update:

It was ashame to see one half of the hosts go out of the World Cup on Tuesday - Japan lost 1-0 to Turkey in a tight game at the Miyagi stadium. The competition has been full of shocks with sides like Senegal, Korea and America progressing to the Quarter Final stage. Pre-tournament favorites Argentina and France went out in the Group stages and Italy lost to Korea in a controversial match in the 2nd round. I think there will be a few more surprises in store before this World Cup finishes and I have given up trying to predict the results of matches. To be honest, I would like to see a Senegal V Korea final!

(b) Things to do:

  • Fireflies: During June you should be able to see the 'Genji' firefly in many river banks around Okazaki. The best place to go is the Yamatsura river near the World Children Art Museum in Oka-Machi (Okazaki) or the Otogawa river at Hantanashi-cho. Although the firefly population dwindled in recent years there has been efforts by students from local schools to preserve them and you can see them from now until the end of June - the best time of day is between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.

  • Shopping: Okazkai has one of the largest shopping malls in Aichi prefecture, but if that isn't enough for you then you might want to check out Gamagori's new Laguna. Part of the port area of Gamagori has been developed to include a factory outlet mall, food courts, fish market, marina, cinema complex and theme park. To get there take the JR line from Okazaki train station to Gamagori - this costs 320 Yen one way and takes between 10 and 15 minutes. There are shuttle buses that go from Gamagori station to the marina and the bus ride is about 5 minutes. More detailed information on the marina will be in a future issue of the Newsletter.

  • Free Japanese Classes! Okazaki International Association holds free Japanese lessons taught by volunteers to non-Japanese living in Okazaki. Every Saturday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at Tatsumigaoka-kaikan (3rd Floor), a 10 minute walk from Higashi Okazaki Station to Higashi Myodaiji cho. And also every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday and Sunday of the month in Aoi Hall at Yamasa from 10:00am - 12:00am. Call 0564-23-6644 for more details.

  • Climb Mt Fuji: The annual pilgrimage to Japan's national icon has been pencilled in for the weekend of July 27th/28th. The Mt. Fuji climb will be open to everyone and really is an experience of a lifetime. The cost of the trip will be 12,200 Yen including 5% tax and this will include transport to and from Mt. Fuji and sake from Declan when you reach the top. Please see Declan Murphy in the International Office for more information.

    (c) New Immigration office in Gifu:

    Due to Nagoya Immigration office being stretched to its limits by the number of queries and applications it has been receiving, a regional Immigration office has been opened in Gifu to cater for all those living in the area. The office is a 1 minute walk from JR Gifu station and a 4 minute walk from Meitetsu Shin-Gifu station. The address of the office is - 3F Nihon Izumi Bldg, 3-8-1 Kano, Shimizu-cho, Gifu 500-8429. Tel: (058) 268-7050.

    (d) JETRO test:

    The JETRO test is a government recognized test specializing in Japanese language business communication and is held once a year in Japan and other countries around the world. Applications are being accepted for this years test until July 10th - the test itself takes place on September 28th at several locations, including Nagoya. The cost of taking the test is 5,500 - 6,000 Yen depending on the level. For more information contact your academic advisor (if you are currently a Yamasa student and will be in Japan on September 28th) or:

    Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) JETRO Test Secretariat
    International Communication Department
    2-2-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8466
    Tel: (03) 3587-1143 Fax: (03) 5563-2857
    E-mail: nihongo@jetro.go.jp
    Web site: www.jetro.go.jp

    (e) 2002 Football Pass & Japan Rail Pass:

    Japan Raliways is still offering a 'football pass' which enables all those who hold a temporary visitor (tourist) visa to use all JR lines except the Nozomi Shinkansen and Narita Express for 5 consecutive days. The cost of the pass is 22,000 Yen and will be on sale from designated JTB, Nippon Travel Agency or Kinki Nippon Tourist stores until June 30th, for use up until July 4th.

    (f) Online Kanji Dictionary now accessible:

    On Thursday 17th of January the programmers in the back office released the test version of Yamasa's OCJS Online Dictionary. This dictionary is published in English, Chinese (Traditional), Spanish, Korean, German and Czech and includes both a word dictionary and a Kanji dictionary in an online database. At the moment the only version you will be able to see is the test version, so the server will be very slow. It will give you a good idea of some of the resources that the OCJS project has been working on over the last 18 months, so if you have the time have a look at:

    http://www.yamasa.org/ocjs/kanjijiten/index.html

    (g) Radio Show:

    Radio Show

    Joseph Huang and teachers in FM Okazaki studio
    FM Okazaki

    Joseph Huang, who graduated from Yamasa recently, will finish his run as DJ on FM Okazaki on Monday 24th of June. His last, emotional, show will be on Monday from 9:30pm - make sure you tune in to 76.3 FM. If you would like to request a song, make a dedication or send Joseph a message to be read out during his show please come to the International Office or fax Joseph directly on 0564 55-8764 (make sure you include his name and your own name on the fax).

    Streaming audio has now been restored. However due to the continued legal uncertainty concerning music copyright, we will not stream the audio whenever music is being played on the local airwaves (FM 76.3) - the only way we could restore the streaming audio during the talk and news components was to remove the background music which is popular in Japan. The URL for FM Okazaki is http://www.763.fm/live.html and you will need to download a player if you haven't already done so. Please note that music comprises about 1/3 of each program - if two songs are played consecutively then you may need to wait a few minutes before you can hear the station again.

    The programming of the station is a good way to practice your Japanese language listening skills. The program schedule for April to June is now online (in Japanese of course) in pdf format. Please note that it's a heavy file and will open inn a new window. You can download the document at http://64.56.185.232/pdf/fm0204_06.pdf

    (h) Jobs:

    A local company is interested in hiring a Japanese speaking foreigner with marketing experience to work as product manager handling a major project. The product range is from a major european manufacturer. The successful applicant should be degree qualified, fluent in English, have Japanese proficiency of upper intermediate or higher (equivalent of Level 2 minimum) and be committed to work for minimum of 2-3 years. For details contact Declan Murphy at the International Office.

    Recruitment ongoing for the following positions at Yamasa:

    see http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/careers.html for details and other vacancies, and contact careers@yamasa.org if you are interested in applying. Most are connected with web publishing and translation. Study Japanese for free in exchange for part-time work in the International Office. These are ongoing positions - we need people all year round, so please contact us if you are interested in positions later in the year as well.

    (i) Other bits:

    Jon Walden
    Admissions Coordinator, International Office
    The Yamasa Institute - Aichi Center for Japanese Studies
    1-2-1 Hanehigashimachi Okazaki
    Aichi Japan 444-0832

    Tel: +81 (0) 564 55 8111
    Fax: +81 (0) 564 55 8174 (admissions)
    Fax: +81 (0) 564 55 8113 (student affairs)
    Email: Admissions
    Email: newsletter@yamasa.org
    URL: http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/
    URL: http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/

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    2. Course Information

    Accommodation

    Until the middle of August all of Yamasa's accommodation is full and the only accommodation available between now and then is in the Rec World Hotel. Students applying for courses from June and July and wishing to stay in accommodation which is currently unavailable will be placed on a waiting list. There are usually some last-minute changes, so check with Admissions for information or see the availability file for details. Please note that accommodation is not reserved until we have recieved the tuition fees for your chosen course in full.

    Accommodation in apartments in the annexe of the Rec World Hotel (near Daijuji Temple) will be used whenever Yamasa's accommodation becomes full. The prices for the "1K-Single" and "2K-Shared" room options have been discounted and are now the same price as the Student Village. For more information on the apartments in the Rec World Hotel annexe, please see the following pages:

    http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/hotel.html (for accommodation description)
    http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/tankisei.html (for price list of accommodation)

    Message from Housing Office: Please also note that it is extremely important that you rank your accommodation preferences clearly. Upgrades are possible in the event of cancellations - so if your first preference is a single room in the village, select "Village single" as first choice, "Residence U" as your second choice and so on.

    Long-term Courses:

    Student Visa: Applications for October 2002: Applications are now being taken for the next student visa start date of October, the application deadline for which is June 20th 2002. If you need more information about these dates, please check the deadlines for the student visa listed in each course in the program catalogue. If you wish to apply for the October 2002 start please complete an application form online (see http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/apply.html for details) or contact Admissions for more information.

    Short-term courses:

    Discovery Tour starting on August 23rd - itinerary at: http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/discovery_20020823.html Contact Admissions for details. There are still a few places available - join a very small private tour: There are still a number of places available - join a very small private tour: Includes Includes Tokyo Disneyland, Goza beach, Tokyo, Ueno Koen, Goza fish market, Obara washi, Hamanako, Dogashima, Shimoda Bay, Minami Izu, Onsen and Gourmet: Seafood, Kyoto - Ryoanji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera, Jishu Jinja, Ago Bay, Tenryu Gorge, Komagane-take, Mindscape museum as well as many other locations.

    Other Discovery Tours all have vacancies - contact Admissions for further information. Tour dates for next year are available at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/discovery_dates.html

    All SILAC programs have space but accommodation is not available until August 8th, unless there are cancellations. Contact Admissions as soon as possible for information.

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    3. Student Interview: Dean Abadzic (SILAC)

    Dean Abadzic
    Dean Abadzic

    After nearly a years absence from contributing interviews for the Newsletter, Brett Robson was asked to do this weeks student interview. He tracked down one of the students after their lessons had finished one day......

    Brett: Where are you from?
    Dean: I was born in Germany to Croatian parents and moved to Colorado (USA) when I was in junior high school.
    B: and then you went to university?
    D: Yes, I studied Petroleum Engineering but then went on to do a Masters and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering.
    B: So you started off trying to destroy the environment and then end up trying to save it?
    D: (smiling) Yes that's right.
    B: What did you do your Ph.D. in?
    D: I researched ... (Brett has no idea what Dean is talking about)
    B: That's very interesting.

    B: Why did you come to Japan?
    D: To study Japanese, I came directly to Yamasa.
    B: Any particular reason?
    D: I'd like to use it in work, not necessarily in Japan, but with Japanese related companies. I'll keep studying back home and probably come back to Yamasa at least one more time. I've already bought the second textbook to take home.
    B: Excellent! We do get a number of students who come back to Yamasa a second time.
    D: I think it shows respect for people, their culture and their country if you've made an attempt to study their language.
    B: That's not necessarily true when I'm speaking Japanese. (both laughing)

    B: How long are you studying this time?

    Continued at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/student_int_29.html

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    4. Japan Guide: Todai-ji Temple

    Todai-ji was founded by Emperor Shomu in 745 to protect against the horrible epidemics which were commonplace at that time, and to consolidate the power of the Imperial throne. The temple took more than 15 years to build. The main hall is still the worlds largest wooden building, even though it was rebuilt in 1790 at only two-thirds of the original size.

    The main entrance to the temple is inside the Nandaimon, or Great Southern Gate. The Nandaimon was rebuilt in the 13th Century and features two guardian Kings (Nio), each more than 8 meters tall. Once you go through the gate, the sweeping horned roof of the Daibutsuden comes into view. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), houses the largest bronze statue in Japan. The 15 meter tall, blackened figure sitting on a lotus throne depicts Rushana, later known as Dainichi Nyorai(The Cosmic Buddha). This statue is commonly know as the "Great Buddah of Nara" and is perhaps the city's most famous attraction. The completion of the statue was an extraordinary achievement. After several attempts at casting the statue failed, it was finally dedicated in 752. The Emperor Shomu, his wife the Empress Komyo, and the reigning Empress Kogen all gathered to dedicate the statue by "opening his eyes". An Indian priest stood on a specially built platform and painted in the eyes, using a gigantic brush. From the end of this brush were hung colored strings which ran down to the VIP's below, enabling them to take part in the ceremony as well. Also in attendance were local monks, numbering in the hundreds, as well as ambassadors from China, India, and more distant places. The guests brought a dazzling assortment of gifts. Many of them have been preserved in the Shoso-in treasury, along with the original paint brush.

    Great Buddha
    Great Buddha of Nara
    The Todai-ji Buddha has not had an easy go of it over the years. In the ninth century, an earthquake knocked over his head. Then on two separate occasions, first in 1180, and again in 1567, his right hand was melted in a fire. Each time, the statue was repaired, but, as a result of these disasters, little remains of the original figure. However, the Great Buddah is stilll impressive for its sheer size and for the technological victory at the time of its original construction. As you walk around the hall, don't be shocked to see people attempting to squeeze through a hole in one of the rear support pillars. The Japanese believe that if one is successful in squeezing through, they are guaranteed a place in Heaven. As you leave the Daibutsuden, take a minute to look at the Octagonal Lantern at the bottom of the steps. It is one of the oldest treasures in the temple dating from the founding of Todaiji. The lantern is supported by a post enscribed with an excerpt from a Buddhist text discussing the merits of lighting lanterns.

    Located to the west of the Daibutsuden section is the Kaidanin. The Chinese high preist, Ganjin, established the Kaidanin in 754 as Japan's first and principle ordination hall. The hall was rebuilt in the Edo Period and includes stautes of 8th Century representations of the Four Heavenly Kings. These small clay figures are beautifully carved. They each stand on a different fiendish beast, while protecting a small buddha in a wooden pagoda. Behind the Daibutsuden is the Shoso-in which, at first glance, looks like a log cabin on stilts. It was constructed in the 8th century to store the treasures of Todai-ji. For whatever reason, the building has preserved them in perfect condition. Now the treasures of Todai-ji are kept in..............

    Continued at http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/nara/todaiji.html

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    5. ABOUT THE YAMASA INSTITUTE'S AICHI CENTER FOR JAPANESE STUDIES

    The Yamasa Institute is committed to providing high-quality education in the Japanese language. We are a non-profit organization, a part of the Hattori Group. We are accredited by Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education - APJLE, accreditation number B302 - and "the only Institute in the Mikawa region with the appropriate programs, systems, curriculum and facilities required for quality Japanese language education" according to the Ministry of Justice. Further, in recognition of the excellent quality of our programs, we are in the top tier of 'Appropriately Authorized Japanese Language Education Institutes' - in fact, the only school in the Mikawa area with this prestigious recommendation. For full details see the accreditation section on the homepage at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/accreditation.html

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    6. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

    You are being sent this newsletter because at some time you contacted the Yamasa Institute's Aichi Center for Japanese Studies through email, or you contacted an internet-based Japanese language information service which forwarded your email to us. If you do not want to receive further issues of this newsletter, please send a message to unsubscribe@yamasa.org with the word "unsubscribe" in the title. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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    (c) 2002 The Yamasa Institute Aichi Center for Japanese Studies
    1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi Okazaki Aichi Japan 444-0832
    Tel: +81 (0) 564 55 8111 Fax: +81 (0) 564 55 8113
    URL: http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/
    Email: Admissions