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Today's Contents:

1. The first bits: Yamasa Bulletin Board, Job Listings, Things to do, Autumn 2003 Tour Schedule.
2. Japanese Customs, Superstitions and Famous People
3. Course and accommodation information: April 2004 Applications
4. Staff Interview: Noriko Fukuta
5. In the News: "Employees Aim for the Stars"
6. About The Yamasa Institute for Japanese Studies


(1) The first bits:

The leaves are changing colors and leaf mania has hit Japan again. The Autumn version of 'Hanami' requires you to marvel at the color of leaves on the trees as they change from their standard green color to various shades of yellow, orange and red.

There are some good places to view the leaves in the Aichi area and now is the time to go!

Korankei - The most popular place in the area, the Autumn Leaf festival runs from November 1st to November 30th, with special lighting at night. To get there take a Meitetsu bus bound for Asuke from Higashi Okazaki station and get off at the Korankei stop. The bus ride takes around 1 hour depending on traffic. As the 4th most popular place to see the leaves in Japan it can get crowded at weekends.

Horaiji - Another well known spot which is also close to the famous Yuya onsen. To get there take the JR Line to Toyohashi (25 minutes) and then change to the JR Iida line to Hon Nagashino station (1 hour). Finally, take the Toyohashi Tetsudo Bus to Horaiji (10 minutes).

Okazaki Higashi Koen - A little closer, with no need to take a train or a bus, Okazaki's Higashi koen also has a zoo which is free and is good place to enjoy the Autumn leaves.

(a) OCJS price change:

From January 1st 2004 the price for all levels of access to the Online Center for Japanese Studies will change. Price for basic will go up to 12,000 Yen for a year, standard to 24,000 Yen and professional 36,000 Yen. So if you're thinking of signing up, or haven't taken a look at the OCJS before, do it now and save yourself thousands of Yen!

(b) Yamasa Bulletin Boards:

Whether you're a student past or present, planning on coming to study at Yamasa, or just curious about what it's like to live and study in Japan, Yamasa's bulletin boards will give people a unique opportunity to communicate about anything they wish. This is another first for a Japanese language school in Japan and we are encouraging everyone to post messages on the board. To access the bulletin board you will need to use your student ID number and date of birth, or if you are not a student at Yamasa then you can gain access by registering as a visitor.

(c) Course/accommodation cost calculator:

It can be difficult and also time-consuming to try to figure out how much studying at Yamasa will cost with all the course and accommodation options available. So we've come up with a nice easy way for you to work out how much you'll need by creating our own course/accommodation cost calculator. It couldn't be easier - just choose the course, the length, and accommodation and the calculator does the rest. It even takes you to a currency convertor so you can find out how much the course will cost in your own currency as well as giving you a monthly average of costs. What more could you ask for?? You can find the calculator at http://dbo.yamasa.org/doc/ryugaku.nsf/PriceCalculator1?OpenForm

(d) Things to do:

OIA Friendship Party 2003: Come on down for an evening of entertainment, Okinawan music and dancing, games, prizes and more! This is a great chance to meet and socialize with Japanese.

Date and time: Saturday November 29th 6:00-9:00pm.
Place: Kozan Kaikan (Higashi Okazaki). Next to the Okazaki Shimin Kaikan.
Entry: 1,000 Yen.

For more information contact the OIA office on (0564) 23-6644. Tickets can also be purchased from Student Affairs in the Yamasa II building.

Culture classes with the Okazaki International Association (OIA): The OIA is holding a series of classes over the next few months designed to introduce various facets of Japanese culture to foreign residents living in Okazaki.
Flower arrangement: To be held at Jonantei (the teahouse in Okazaki Park) on the weekend of December 6th/7th. Price has not yet been decided but should be under 1000 Yen.

There will be Japanese cooking and karate classes in early 2004. Applications can be made by completing a form located outside the International Office at Yamasa, or by calling the OIA office on (0564) 23-6644.

Free Origami and Kimono Classes! On the first Friday of the month the Okazaki International Association also holds free paper folding classes in Aoi Hall at Yamasa frmo 3:30pm. On the third Friday of every month they hold a kimono class at 2:00pm in Aoi Hall where you can try on a Yukata.

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 0564-45-5778 for more details, or email yoshiaki_yamamoto@hotmail.com


2003 Autumn Tour schedule:

NOV/23-24 - Overnight trip to Kanazawa and the Sea of Japan coast. We visit Tagata Jinja (the "Penis" shrine), the UNESCO World Heritage listed "gassho zukuri" village of Ogimachi in Shirakawago, before heading on to Kanazawa city with its old samurai quarters and famous Kenroku-en garden. Next day we head towards the Noto peninsula to see the Himi Coastline with the beautiful snow-capped Tateyama mountains in the background, before heading to the mountain city of Takayama with its historic Takayama Jinya (barracks), old quarter and Kokubunji temple.
(Cost: 23,700 yen including tax. Departure from your accommodation on NOV/23 at 0700, return on NOV/24 by 2030. Includes all transport, all admission fees, accommodation and dinner on November 23rd, breakfast on the 24th. Does not include lunches.)
NOV/29 - Day trip - to the Higashiyama hills of eastern Kyoto, we visit Ginkakuji, the Path of Philosophy, Chionji, the canal museum and Kiyomizudera
(Cost: 7,900 yen including tax. Departure from your accommodation on NOV/29 at 0700, return by 1930. Includes all transport, all admission fees. Does not include lunch.)
NOV/30 - Day trip - to southern Nara, we visit Muroji: Horyuji, Chuguji, Yakushiji and the Genjo Sanzo complex
(Cost: 7,900 yen including tax. Departure from your accommodation on NOV/30 at 0700, return by 1930. Includes all transport, all admission fees. Does not include lunch.)
For questions/bookings contact the International Office. The Autumn Tour schedule is also online at http://www.yamasa.org/ace/english/index.html

(e) Job Listings

  • Job Title: Office Coordinator, International Office

    Job description:
    The Yamasa Institute is seeking an experienced professional to join the International Office in a senior management role assisting the Director of the International Office. The Coordinator will be responsible for:

    1) Supervising the operations of the International Office and the Admissions section.
    2) Building quality assurance into the Admissions Selection Process.
    3) Providing a key advisory role in the management and policy formulation of both the ACJS and OCJS.
    4) Supervising the development of yamasa.org content in line with the language neutrality policy.
    5) Ensuring customer focus is maintained.

    This is a full time position commencing from March 1st, 2004. Applications are requested by email to careers@yamasa.org or by postal mail/courier. Please address correspondence to

    The President
    The Yamasa Institute
    1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi
    Okazaki-shi, Aichi-ken
    JAPAN 444-0832

    Questions regarding the position may be directed to careers@yamasa.org or by fax to 81-564-55-8113. Please quote the REFERENCE NUMBER when applying for the position or asking for information about this position. Applications should include a full resume detailing education and experience. The resume should be in English and Japanese.

    More information about the position can be found at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/careers/acjs_int_in.html

  • Job Title: Researcher

    Job description:
    1) Research and create / update database on clients and industry.
    2) Research and collect market intelligent on human resource related activities, eg. salary survey, benefits survey, etc.
    3) Assist Consultants in providing consultation to our clients.
    4) Assist in organising conferences and events in Tokyo, and the region.
    Requirements: Graduate with any discipline. Knowledge and experience of banking is preferred but not mandatory. Proactive, energetic, service oriented and teamworkers are required. Must possess good communication skills.

    Company description:
    Our Group have been in business for 7 years in the region, and has 5 offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai. We provide human resource consultancy and organise events and conferences in the region. Our clients are major Investment Banks and MNCs.

    Career developments:
    1) Successful researcher will be groomed to be full pledged consultant.
    2) As the Group has 5 regional offices, interoffice posting for overseas exposure is abundant.
    3) Promotion is based on performance and merits. Staff with good management skills will be tasked to run an operation (an office or few offices)
    4) The Group is still growing and looking to expand to international market.

    Interested parties can send their resume to kgneo@euro-group.com or fax to 03-3436-2112

  • Job Title: Freelance Information Researcher

    Job description:
    Diagonal reports, a business-to-business market information company is seeking a freelance information researcher in Japan. They require a graduate, post-graduate or similar researcher who is able to do the following:

    1) Obtain detailed information (i.e. conduct desk research and interviews). Educational qualifications are secondary to quality of research.
    2) Present these findings in plain English according to the required format.
    3) Meet established deadlines and who is available for freelance and part-time research.

    The company pays competitive rates per project and provides full training of their specific requirements. Interested researchers should apply with a brief resume, including:
    A) Proven (academic or market) information research experience and
    B) Time availability

    to: dreports@eircom.net or info@diagonalreports.com or Fax + 353 46 9541250.


    (f) 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/

    Return to top of page


    2. Japanese Customs, Supersitions and Famous People:

    Have you ever wanted to know how you should take a bath in Japan, why you shouldn't cut your nails at night and what you should do if you see a funeral car? Have you always wondered about that singing group of pre-pubescent girls called 'Morning something or other' that you always see on TV, or why Japanese people seem to be very keen to know your blood type? Well wonder no longer, because this section will answer all those questions and more..........

    In this issue we look at:

    Japanese customs: Toilets
    Superstitions: Bloodtype
    Famous People: Ichiro Suzuki

    You can find the full article at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/other_14.html

    Return to top of page


    3. Course Information

    Accommodation

    If you are coming to Okazaki during the next few months, please visit the housing availability site, which has been upgraded.

    Message from Yukiko Iijima (Housing Officer): 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 the April 2004 have now begun. Please note that we will take into account a number of factors when considering a student visa application including age, academic background, nationality and so on - automatic acceptance of a student visa application is not guaranteed. If you need more information about dates, please check the deadlines for the student visa listed in each course in the program catalogue. If you wish to apply for the April 2004 start please contact Admissions. The deadline for submission of applications is December 20th 2003.

    Short-term courses:

    Tour destinations: The December 12th Discovery Tour visits a variety of destinations including Magome, Hiking the Nakasendo, Tsumago, Obara Washi, Sekigahara, Hikone Castle, Lake Biwa Cruise, Chikubu Island - Tsukubusuma-jinja, Iga-Ueno: Ueno Castle, Okutono Jinya, Toyota Motor Factory tour, Asuke, Takisanji, Horaiji-san (Hiking), Nagashino, Shitagahara and many other destinations. See http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/discovery_20031212a.html for more information.

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

    All extension programs have space from November 13th but accommodation is very limited. The next available start date for AIJP, AJSP and Acceleration Format 1 is January 6th 2004.

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    4. STAFF INTERVIEW: Noriko Fukuta - SILAC

    Noriko Fukuta
    Noriko Fukuta

    The following interview was translated from the Japanese original.

    Patty: Sensei, I was wondering if I can interview you for this week's newsletter.
    Noriko: Me? The interview? Okay. I guess the time has come.
    P: Haha, yes I guess. When will be a good time for you?
    N: After class, let's say around 3 pm?
    P: Okay, I'll be waiting.

    Fast forward to 3pm.....

    P: Thank you for agreeing to do the interview.
    N: No problem. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
    P: Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Let's start with what did you do before becoming a teacher.....
    N: Well, I've been working for Yamasa ever since I graduated from a 2-year junior college and a year at vocational school.
    P: Oh really! So working here was your first job?
    N: That's right. I majored in Japanese and Japanese Culture in college, but I didn't get to study a great deal about grammar, so I went to a vocational school that prepares you to become a Japanese language teacher.
    P: I see. When did you decide that you wanted to become a Japanese language teacher?
    N: When I was 15 years old I'd decided that I wanted to become a.......................

    Continued at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/staff_int_31.html

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    5. In the News:

    In this edition we have another article to help you practice "Employees Aim for the Stars" ganbatte!

    About "In the News": This section aims to help you improve your understanding of articles in contemporary Japanese print and web media. Articles are from a wide range of sources including business, fashion, music, lifestyle, entertainment, crime, politics, international relations and so on. All articles are printable, and are accompanied by streaming audio files of the article being read at normal speed by male and female native speakers. Furthermore there are questions from the OCJS faculty that will help you confirm your reading or listening comprehension skills. (If you are an advanced learner, you may wish to attempt the questions after first listening to the audio link only, and then read the article to test your listening comprehension skills).

    In addition, by using the link generator of the OCJS online dictionary with its definitions and kanji animations, you can easily check the meaning of new words, and also the stroke order of any Kanji that are new for you. The titles of the links ARE NOT translations of the headline accompanying the article (we don't want to give beginner level students too many hints to the answers), but are indicative of the subject field.

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    6. 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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    1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN 444-0832
    Tel: +81 (0)564 55 8111 Fax: +81 (0)564 55 8113 Email: Inquiries

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