June 2014 VOL.

211 Published by AIC

ASAHIKAWA Info
For further information or to
register for events contact:
Asahikawa International Committee
(SASAKI Mai, Kim LACEY, or
SAITO Emmy)
Location:
International/City Affairs Division,
Comprehensive Policy Dept.
Address:
Asahikawa International Center
Feeeal Asahikawa 7F, 1-jo-dori 8-
chome, Asahikawa 070-0031
Tel: (0166) 25-7491
Fax: (0166) 23-4924
E-mail:
cir_kokusai@city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp


Hokkaido News Top 5 1
By TAKADA Nobuhiro



Upcoming Events 2-3



Life in Asahikawa 4
Recommended Spots Around
Asahikawa
By SAKURABA Satoshi



Hello Asahikawa 5-6
(Stacey Fujikawa)
Interviewed by AIC


Movies 7



Bulletin Board 8
Inside This Issue...
April 23
Eijun TSUCHIDA, a former principal cellist of Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, had the 200
th
charity concert at Hokkaido
Newspaper Plaza in Sapporo for the children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. He always plays the cello whose
owner was killed by the tsunami in Iwate Prefecture at charity concerts where he usually begins with El Cant dels Ocells,
Pablo Casals favorite piece. The money TSUCHIDA raised for the children in Tohoku has reached 17 million yen.
May 3
Kamishihoro Town, near Obihiro, announced that donors to the town are invited to a hot-air balloon ride, if donations from
Hokkaido reach more than 500 thousand yen and from outside of Hokkaido, more than a million yen. Kamishihoro is known as
a host for Hokkaido Balloon Festival in August and Kamishihoro Winter Balloon Meeting in February every year. The
town was funded by donations of 243.5 million yen last year.
May 8
Japan Policy Council made a public announcement of projected population for women, aged 20 to 39 in Japan. According to ,
the report, female demographic will be down by more than half in 2040 compared to 2010 in 147 municipalities across
Hokkaido and 33 in northern Hokkaido. 116 municipalities in Hokkaido and 28 in northern Hokkaido whose population is
estimated less than 10,000 in 2040 are likely to disappear due to challenges in properly maintaining infrastructures.
May 11
Cycling lovers can enjoy a 400 km ride along the coastline of the Okhotsk Sea in June. Japan Cycling Association is holding
Okhotsk Line 400 Ride from Wakkanai City to Ohmu Town on July 10 and 11 for the first time. In addition, cyclists can have
another long-distance bike ride on July 12 and 13, if they take part in the 33
rd
International Okhotsk Cycling 2014 from Ohmu
Town to Shari Town.
May 15
China Eastern Airlines decided to start regular flights between Asahikawa and Shanghai from July 10 on. The airline plans to
operate the international flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays for the time being until October 24. This is the third
international flight to connect to/from Asahikawa, after Taipei, Taiwan and Seoul, South Korea.
June 2014
Compiled by TAKADA Nobuhiro
Special Thanks to KAWAI Tatsuo, Proofreader & Advisor
Also visit us at: http://asahikawaic.jp/en/
Page 2
ASAHIKAWA Info
Reducing Kitchen Waste: Healthy Cooking Grand Prix

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of MIURA Ayakos best-selling and debut novel,
Freezing Point (), MIURA Ayako Literature Museum is offering a chance for
readers to vicariously experience a setting of Freezing Point, Mihonrin. For your
information, MIURA was not only a native of Asahikawa, but also spent almost her entire
life here in the City until her death in 1999.

Date: now to June 29th (Sunday)
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (admission is until 4:30 pm)
Venue: MIURA Ayako Literature Museum (Kagura 7-jo 8-chome)
Admission: General500, University/High School Students300, Middle School
and Under150
The Exhibition of 23rd Kembuchi Picture Book Village Grand Prize Winner

This exhibition will be featuring nineteen original pictures of Hiroshi ABEs picture book, A
Crocodile and a Dolphin (, which won the 23rd Kembuchi Picture
Book Village Grand Prize. In addition, there will be fifteen pieces of original photographs
from a renowned Japanese photographer Seiichi MOTOHASHI, which were used in a photo
picture book called, My Family Owns a Butcher Shop , which won a
Bibakarasu Award

Date: now to June 22nd (Sunday) except on Mondays and Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Venue: Gallery PuruPuru of Kawauso Club Office (7-jo 8-chome)
Admission: Free
Tatsuaki KURODA was a nationally recognized woodworker and lacquer artist who was
selected as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Living Japanese National Treasures in
1970. Many of his works are known for a fusion of art and craft. The exhibition will also
examine relations between artists, designers, and other close creative contemporaries who
worked with KURODA or were greatly influenced by his works.

Date: now to June 22nd (Sunday) except on Mondays
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (admission is until 4:30 pm)
Venue: Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art (inside Tokiwa Park)
Admission: General920, University and High School Students610,
Elementary and Middle School Students300
Website: http://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.jp/hk-asamu/
The World of Tatsuaki KURODA: In Commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of His Birth

The First Tasting of Freezing Points Holy Ground, Mihonrin, through Vicarious Experience

Environmental Affairs Department of Asahikawa City is looking for ways to reduce kitchen
waste by inviting people to share their delicious and healthy recipes that include skins and
cores of vegetable and fruit. Any recipe is welcome as long as it is original.

Date: now to July 11th (Friday)
How to Participate: Fill out the assigned form and mail with a picture of the food to:
(6946)
Or email necessary files, with a subject line to
gomigenryo@city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp
Who Should Apply: Anybody who is residing in or commutes to Asahikawa City
Prize: 10,000 (1), 5,000 (2), 3,000 (2), Asappi character goods for all
For More Information Contact: 0166-25-6324
Page 3
ASAHIKAWA Info
Kawai Concert: Keisuke TOYAMAs Piano Recital

The focused timeframe for the exhibition is around Showa 25 (1950), when two of INOUEs
works, (Bullfight) and (The Hunting Gun), were nominated for the prestigious
Akutagawa Prize. The former work won the 22nd Akutagawa Prize, but this period was a
considerably challenging phase for INOUE Yasushis life, as he was still working for a
newspaper company at the age of 43 while trying to concentrate on writing. This exhibition
will try to look into the origins of INOUEs literature inspiration during this time through his
short stories and poems.

Date: now to July 27th (Sunday)
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (admission is until 4:30 pm)
Venue: INOUE Yasushi Memorial Hall (Shunko 5-jo 7-chome)
Admission: General200, High School Students100, ChildrenFree
For Further Information Contact: 0166-51-1188
Special Exhibition Yasushi INOUE: Man and Literature

SHIMAZU Aya is an enka singer known for her biggest hit song Aizome Katsura wo Mou
Ichido, which was released in 1991 and sold over 3 million copies. She also has appeared
on the prestigious Kouhaku Uta Gassen a few times.

Date: June 3rd (Tuesday)
Time: Daytime2:00 pm, Nighttime6:30 pm
Venue: Asahikawa Civic Culture Hall (7-jo 9-chome)
Admission: 6,500
Ticket Offices: Lawson, Ticket Pia (7-Eleven), Gyokkodo Feeeal Asahikawa, Coach&Four
Asahikawa Music Corner
SHIMAZU Ayas 2014 Concert: White Rainbow

Dixieland Jazz Festival

If you like the live Dixieland-style jazz of old New Orleans, this would be a fabulous concert
for you. They will get you clapping, tapping on your feet, and singing along with the tunes.
The concert will also be featuring Mr. & Ms. TOYAMA, who are representative figures and
performers for Dixieland-style jazz in Japan, as commentators to talk to you about history and
styles of Dixieland and its influence.

Date: June 26th (Thursday)
Time: 6:30 pm
Venue: Asahikawa Civic Culture Hall (7-jo 9-chome)
Admission: Members4,300, General5,000
Ticket Offices: Ticket Pia at 7-Eleven (P-code: 227-140), Gyokkodo Feeeal Asahikawa
Keisuke TOYAMA was born in Sapporo and began playing the piano at the age of five. He
has been awarded with prestigious prizes in the major piano competitions in Japan, including
the 73rd Japan Music Competition (2004). He has also performed with the Tokyo
Philharmonic, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Warsaw National Philharmonic
Orchestra. You will be able to hear this promising young pianists delicate yet colorful tones
for Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt at this concert.

Date: June 6th (Friday)
Time: Doors 6:00 pm, Show 6:30 pm
Venue: Taisetsu Crystal Hall (Kagura 3-jo 7-chome)
Admission: Members and Students2,200, General2,500, Pairs4,000
Ticket Offices: Kawai Asahikawa Shop, Taisetsu Crystal Hall Sales Office, Asahikawa
Civic Culture Hall Sales Office, Gyokkodo Feeeal Asahikawa, Coach&Four Asahikawa
Music Corner
ASAHIKAWA Info
Page 4
Recommended Spots Around Asahikawa
By SAKURABA Satoshi
As the weather gets warmer, we spend more time engaged in outdoor activities. June is in the middle
of the rainy season () in most parts of Japan. However, the rainy season does not come to Hokkaido,
with the exception of the southern area, namely Hakodate). Therefore June is an excellent time
to enjoy various outdoor activities, as mild temperature and equable climate continue throughout the
month.


I love driving around Hokkaido, so today I would like to introduce some of my favorite spots locat-
ed near Asahikawa City.


When it gets hot, you can cool down your body in Limestone
Cave in Town of Toma. This cave is not so
large, but once you step inside you will feel the sense of coolness
and relaxation, as the temperature within the cave remains rela-
tively constant despite the changing seasons. This cave is located
not far from Asahikawa for you to escape from hot summer
weather ahead. Moreover, because the cave is usually not consid-
ered a famous sightseeing spot in Hokkaido, you can go there an-
ytime you want. I personally think that this cave is the best-kept
secret spot.


Alternatively, you can go to Fukagawa), Takikawa), and Sunagawa), all
located along Route 12. There is a roadside station named Rice Land Fukagawa (
) in Fukagawa where you can eat delicious Kamameshi ricea rice, meat, sea-
food, and vegetable dish served in a small pot). Takikawa has numerous restaurants famous
for mutton barbecue (Jinghiskan), and Sunagawa is known for many confectionery stores,
along with a large park located by a rest area of highway.


Furthermore, as you may already know, Bieiand Furanoare one of the most
famous sightseeing spots in Hokkaido. They are located along Route 237. You will see beautiful flower
fields and green hills during this season. Moreover, delicious fruits, vegetables, and sweets can also be
found.


As you see, there are many enjoyable sightseeing spots and delicious food around Asahikawa.
ASAHIKAWA Info
Page 5
Name: Stacey Fujikawa
Hometown: Alberta, Canada
Interviewed: May 15th, 2014 by AIC
AIC: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Stacey: Hello. My name is Stacey Fujikawa. I am from a small town in Alberta, Canada near the
Rocky Mountains surrounded by wheat fields, cows, and cowboys. From my last name, you
might guess that I am either Japanese or married to a Japanese person. Its the prior, I am half
Japanese. My paternal grandparents are from Japan. My grandfather was from Kumamoto-ken
and my grandmother was from Yamaguchi-ken. I am third generation Japanese-Canadian
(sansei). Currently, I am teaching English in Higashikawa. I teach at kindergarten, elementary,
and junior high school. It has been a wonderful three years, but I will be returning to Canada in
August. I'll miss Higashikawa and Hokkaido very much.
AIC: When/how did you become interested in Japan?
Stacey: I've always been interested in Japan since it is part of my heritage. In high school I was
selected to go on a Lions Club international youth exchange. I participated in a five week home
stay with a family in Wakayama, followed by a Japanese culture camp with about 30 high
school and university students from all over the world. It was an amazing experience. I knew I
would come back to Japan again. At the end of university, I decided to apply to the JET
Programme.
AIC: What do you do in your free time here?
Stacey: In my free time I like to go cycling weather permitting. We have some wonderful cycling
paths in our area. I cycled around Okinawa this past winter and rode the Shimanami Kaido from
Onomichi to Imabari during Golden Week. I also love to travel and take photos. I have traveled
throughout Japan and to nearby countries to make the most of my time in Asia.
AIC: Is there anything you wish youd known sooner that might have made your life
easier in Japan? What were some things
that were most challenging?
Stacey: The only thing I wish I had known sooner
was more Japanese! Haha. There isn't really
anything that presented itself as a huge
struggle or challenge living in Japan. My
coworkers and town have been very helpful
and supportive from the beginning. I think my
understanding of situations and Japanese
culture would be more in depth if my Japanese
was more advanced.
Landscape of Staceys hometown, Alberta
ASAHIKAWA Info
Page 6
AIC: Great to hear that your life in Japan has been good. How was your first impression
of Hokkaido when you first got here? Has it changed much?
Stacey: Hokkaido is sister provinces/prefectures with my home province, Alberta, Canada.
Higashikawa also has a sister city in Alberta. Before coming to Hokkaido, I figured with these
connections that Hokkaido must be similar to Alberta. There are some differences, of course,
but there are many similarities. Both Hokkaido and Alberta boast some of the most beautiful
nature and mountains, wide open spaces, and fresh air. I find the people in both places to
generally be genuine and relaxed. It was easy to settle into life here in Hokkaido and for it to
feel like a second home.
AIC: Alberta sounds like a wonderful place that I would like to visit sometime. Lets talk
about food a bit now, haha. What is your favorite Japanese dish and do you know
how to cook it?
Stacey: I have loved sushi and sashimi for most of my life. Hokkaido seafood is especially fresh and
delicious! My maki-sushi arent very pretty, but I know how to make them. My first soup curry
experience was here in Hokkaido, and it is now one of my favorite foods, especially during
winter. I learned how to make soup curry my first year here.
AIC: Is there anything that you would like to
do before you go home?
Stacey: I want to cycle as much as possible and take
lots of photos to help me remember this
beautiful island and all the wonderful people
Ive met the past three years. I am going to miss
Hokkaido a lot. There are still a few spots on
our wonderful island that I haven't visited yet. I
hope to visit them before I leave.
AIC: What is your future plan, if you dont
mind sharing?
Stacey: Right now, my only plan is to reconnect with
family and friends back home. I haven't been
home in two years. I miss them all very much.
After that, I am not quite sure. I might go back
to university. I might travel. I might work. The
next chapter of my life is still a mystery to me.
AIC: Hope you enjoy rest of your time in
Hokkaido. Thanks for the interview
today, Stacey.
Stacey: You are welcome.
Stacey Fujikawa Interview (Part 2)
Continued from Page 5
Staceys photograph from cycling around Okinawa
Page 7
ASAHIKAWA Info
Movie schedules change often. Please call the theater for confirmation and details.

*Every Wednesday is Ladies Day. Adm ission is \1,100 (tax included) for women at all theaters.
*<Dinos Cinemas Only> Every Thursday is Mens Day. Admission is \1,100 (tax included) for men.
*The 1st day of every month is Movie Day in Asahikawa. Admission (tax included) is \1,100 for Adults,
\800 for Senior High School Students and Under at all theaters.


Cineplex 7 Asahikawa: Nagayama 12-jo 3-chome Western Powers Nagayama / 49 1000
URL: http://www.kadokawa-cineplex.co.jp/asahikawa/ (Japanese)
Directions: Take Dohoku Bus No. 66, 72 or 665 at Bus stop No. 18 in front of Feeeal Asahikawa (1-jo-dori 8-
chome). Get off at Nagayama 10 (ju)-jo 3 (san)-chome.
Now Showing
X-Men: Days of Future Past (English)
Yamikin Ushijima-kun the Movie 2(Japanese)
Seiten no Hekireki (Japanese)
Monsterz (Japanese)
Bokutachi no Kazoku (Japanese)
Hakuoki Part2 (Japanese/Animation)
WOOD JOB! (Japanese)
Akumu-chan the Movie (Japanese)
Aibo the Movie 3 (Japanese)
Thermae Romae 2 (Japanese)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (English)
CrowsExplode(Japanese/PG12)
Detective Conan the Movie (Japanese/Animation)
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie (Japanese/Animation)
Frozen (English)
Coming Soon
Sokonominite Hikarikagayaku (Japanese/R-15) 6/7
Need for Speed (English) 6/7
Noah (English) 6/13
Haru wo Seotte (Japanese) 6/14
Watashi no Hawaii no Arukikata (Japanese) 6/14
Watashi no Otoko (Japanese/R-15) 6/14
300: Rise of an Empire (English/R-15) 6/20
Chokosoku! Sankinkotai (Japanese) 6/21
Kawaki (Japanese/R-15) 6/21
Transcendence (English) 6/28

Dinos Cinemas: Taisetsu-dori 5-chome / 21 1218
URL: http://www.geodinos.jp/cinema/asa_schedule.php?StoreID=5 (Japanese)
Directions: Take Dohoku Bus No. 61, 62, 67 or 667 at Bus stop No. 18 in front of Feeeal Asahikawa (1-jo-dori 8-
chome). Get off at Nippon Seishi Mae.
Now Showing
Seiten no Hekireki (Japanese)
Oh! Father (Japanese)
WOOD JOB! (Japanese)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (English)
Monsterz (Japanese)
Ieji (Japanese) until 6/6
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (English)
Aibo the Movie 3 (Japanese)
Thermae Romae 2 (Japanese)
CrowsExplode(Japanese/PG12)
Detective Conan the Movie (Japanese/Animation)
Soredemo Yoru ha Akeru (Japanese)
Kikaider Reboot (Japanese)
Frozen (English)
Coming Soon
Need for Speed (English) 6/7
Marriage Blue (Korean) 6/7
Noah (English) 6/13
Haru wo Seotte (Japanese) 6/14
300: Rise of an Empire (English/R-15) 6/20
3 Days to Kill (English) 6/21
Saint Seiya Legend of Sanctuary (Japanese/
Animation) 6/21
Chokosoku! Sankinkotai (Japanese) 6/21
Kawaki (Japanese/R-15) 6/21
Transcendence (English) 6/28
AIC Bulletin Board
Contribute to the AIC newsletter and share any interesting information you may have with other readers. You may write on any topic
including, items to buy or sell, offers for culture/language exchanges, or write an essay about your life in Asahikawa or your hometown.
The article should not be profit related! Please send your submissions to us at the AIC.
**The opinions expressed in the essays are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the Asahikawa International Committee or the City of Asahikawa.**
The AIC offers many services to make your life in Asahikawa more enjoyable. Here are just a few:
Volunteer Guide: Volunteers are registered to help translate and interpret.
Event Volunteer: The AIC plans many exciting events throughout the year, such as Friendship Parties.
Why not become a volunteer and help plan these events?
Homestay: Families are registered to welcome you into their homes for an overnight stay or just for an afternoon visit.
For further information or to register, please contact AIC.
The Asahikawa International Center (Feeeal Asahikawa 7F 1-jo-dori 8-chome) has two computers available
for public use free of charge. There is a time limit for use and prior registration is necessary. Please feel free
to come by and use them anytime as well as check out some of the other services and activities available at
the Asahikawa International Center.
Asahikawa International Committee
Asahikawa International Center Feeeal Asahikawa 7F, 1-jo-dori 8-chome, Asahikawa 070-0031
Tel: (0166) 25-7491 Fax: (0166) 23-4924
E-mail: cir_kokusai@city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp
Page 8
Interesting activities, such as quizzes, discussions, songs, games, handcrafts and
many more, all in English! Come meet new people, relax, and relate on Fun Fridays!

Dates: June 13th&27th
*Fun Fridays are held on every 2nd and 4th Friday
Time: 1:00-2:00pm & 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Asahikawa International Center, Common Meeting Room (1)
(Feeeal Asahikawa 7F 1-jo-dori 8-chome)
Charge: 1,500 for 3 months (Free for volunteer leaders)
Asahikawa Nihongo no Kai is available
to help foreigners near Asahikawa area with
their Japanese studies. The lessons are pro-
vided weekly for anyone who wants to learn
Japanese for an hour to an hour and a half.

Textbook: You will need to provide your own.
Location: Varies
Charge: 300/lesson

For more information or registration:
Call Asahikawa International Committee at
0166-25-7491 or stop by Asahikawa Inter-
national Center (Feeeal Asahikawa 7F)
The 23rd Asahikawa Taisetsu
Two-Day Walk 2014 will be taking
place in July this year. There are 4-5
different courses (30km, 20km,
10km, 5km and 2.5km) to suit any-
one, and the courses are designed
to accommodate participants with
physical disabilities as well.
Please bring your own towel,
drinks, rain gear (if necessary), cap,
etc The event is to be held rain or
shine.

Dates: July 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun)
Venue: Rear exit of Sci-Pal (Science museum)
Entry Fee: General1,500, College and High School
Students\1,000,Nordic Walking\500, Participants with
Disabilities\500
Sign-up Period: Until June 25
For More Information Call: 080-6073-6311