No. 127February 1 – March 31, 2013

Edited and distributed by the Ward Administration Promotion Division of Naka Ward Office, City of Yokohama, 35 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0021Tel: (045) 224-8123 Fax: (045) 224-8214 E-mail: na-koho@city.yokohama.jp URL: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/english/

Do you speak Japanese? If you don’t, do you want to? It goes without saying that Japanese is the most-used language in Japan. You need it in living, playing, working, and all other aspects of your life here. It is said that the best way to master a language is to live in the country where the language is used. If that’s true, then this is an ex-cellent opportunity for you to start learning Japanese.

We have visited a Japanese class held at Naka International Lounge to give you an idea of how classes proceed and what the teacher and students are like. We hope this article will encourage you to start studying Japanese in the near future.

Let’s Learn JapaneseIntroducing a Japanese Class

★Class Format and Members Naka International Lounge class is for beginners. There are six groups of different lev-

els. The group we visited had four students and a teacher. The class was conducted using a single table and a white board, and the teacher and students were close to each other.

★Class 1. “What do you plan to do during the New Year holi-

days?” The teacher started the class with this question. Each student shared his or her plans for the holiday season. The teacher then wrote down the kanji (Chi-nese character) for toshi (year) on the board and gave instructions on how to write and read it. The teacher also explained eto* and tried to find out the eto signs of the birth years of the students. The class started with casual conversation about the New Year holidays, and this conversation led to educational discussions about kanji and Japanese culture.

2. The students then learned new words from a handout prepared by the teacher. The words that were intro-duced that day were ones related to winter, such as fuyu-yasumi (winter vacation) and sutobu (stove). The students first read out the words with the teacher and then wrote them down.

3. Next, the students practiced conversation using a sample text. They divided into pairs, with one person posing questions and the other responding. They were having a tough time reading the text. We saw how learning Japanese can be difficult.

4. Lastly, since New Year’s is coming soon, the students wrote nenga-jo (New Year’s greeting cards). The teacher taught the history of nenga-jo and how to write them. This helped to deepen the students’ under-standing of Japanese culture.

*What are eto? Eto are the twelve zodiac signs in Chi-nese astrology. Each year has a sign as-signed to it, so everyone has a sign for his or her year of birth. The signs also correspond to different directions and times.

★Interview with the StudentsQ. Why are you studying Japanese?A. To learn about the Japanese culture, which I admire.

It is difficult to live in Japan if I don’t know Japanese.To find work.

Q. What is difficult for you in studying Japanese?A. The fact that there are many difficult characters, including kanji, hiragana, and kataka-

na.Q. There are many Japanese schools. Why did you choose to study Japanese here at Naka

International Lounge?A. Because a friend of mine recommended this place to me.

Because classes of different levels are offered and I was placed in the group that fits my

Message from Japanese Teacher Hisayo NishiiI have heard that many of the foreigners in Yokohama

came to Japan to work. Many of them wish to study Japanese, but it seems to be difficult for them to do so. Please gather your courage to knock on the doors of Japanese schools. If you do so, not only will you be able to speak the language, but you will also gain new friends and enjoy life in Japan more. There are many Japanese classes available free of charge in Naka Ward. I encour-age you to learn Japanese!

★Information about the ClassNaka International Lounge Japanese ClassInquiries: Naka International Lounge, Tel: 045-210-0667 (in English, Chinese, and Japa-nese) URL: http://nakalounge.main.jp/e_index.html

Ms. Hisayo Nishii, the Japanese teacher

The teacher explaining eto

Writing new vocabulary on a handout

Answering an interview while using a text as a reference

Making New Year’s greeting card

level.Because this lounge is in my neighborhood and is convenient for me.

Q. Do you have any messages for people who are trying to start studying Japanese?

A. Let’s learn Japanese together if you are going to continue living in Japan!We would like to welcome you to learn Japa-nese with us at Naka International Lounge!

Join us!

Places with Beautiful Nighttime Scenery in Naka WardIt is extremely cold nowadays, but the air is clearer than in any other season. It is a good season to enjoy nighttime scenery. In this section, we will introduce some locations where

you can enjoy beautiful views at night. We recommend that you visit them with your loved ones.

Red Brick WarehouseThe view of Osanbashi and the Bay Bridge

from the warehouse is mystical, with beautiful lights reflecting on the surface of the sea, and you can enjoy the quiet rhythm of the waves.Access: Around 6-min. walk from Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station on the Minato Mirai Line

Sakuragicho Sta.

Bashamichi Sta. Nihon-odori Sta.

Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.

Kannai Sta.

Kannai Sta.

JR Negishi LineIshikawacho Sta.

Yokohama Municipal Subway

Yokohama Archives of History

Yokohama Marine Tower

Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Jack)Osanbashi Yokohama Interna-tional Passenger Terminal

Anybody can enter Osanbashi. From the tip of the pier, you can view the en-tirety of the Yokohama Port, including the Bay Bridge, the Marine Tower, and the illuminated Hikawamaru. When you turn

around toward the town, the Red Brick Warehouse and the Minato Mirai area will appear like jewels in the scene that unfolds before your eyes.Access: Around 10-min. walk from Nihon-odori Station on the Minato Mi-rai Line

Harbor View Park From this park, you can get an excellent view

of the entire Yokohama Port, including Yamashita Park and the Bay Bridge. The view of the lighted Bay Bridge is breathtaking. You can also see the ships going to and from the port.Access: A 7-min. walk from Motomachi-Chuk-agai Station on the Minato Mirai Line

Osanbashi and docked ships seen from the Red Brick Warehouse

The Bay Bridge seen from Harbor View Park

Hikawamaru and the Marine Tower seen from Osan-bashi

The Red Brick Warehouse and the Minato Mirai area seen from Osanbashi

2 Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges

LoungeM I N A M I M I N A M I

Information CornerYO K EYO K E

International LoungeN A K AN A K A

International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA

Event atS a n k e i e n G a r d e n

International LoungeKO N A NKO N A N

Yokohama Museum of Art

●Yokohama International Forum 2013—52 Seminars by 43 Entities (in Japanese)Two-days of “Watch and Learn!” seminars and workshops will take place at

the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yokohama. You can attend as many seminars as you like during the event and experience various activities. There will be seminars on international cooperation, international exchange, multicultural co-existence, supporting foreigners in Japan, supporting the resto-ration of the Tohoku region, etc.

About 1,300 people came to last year’s event, including people from NGOs/NPOs, schools, government bodies, and international organizations. Rarely does an event offer so many open seminars. Please stop by and gain some new in-sights!

Date and Time: February 9 (Sat.), 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.February 10 (Sun.), 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (admission starts at 10:00 a.m. on both days)

Related Gallery Exhibition: January 29 (Tue.)–February 18 (Mon.), 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.; open every day) Note: Hours will follow forum hours on February 9 and 10.

Venue: Conference room, JICA Yokohama Access: An 8-min. walk from Bashamichi Station (Minato Mirai Line) or a 15-min. walk from Sakuragicho Station (JR and municipal subway lines)Fee: ¥500 for university students and older visitors (valid for two days)Free of charge for high school students and younger visitors Note: Some seminars will collect fees for distributed materials.Please visit our website for further details. URL: http://yokohama-c-forum.org/

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges

LoungeM I N A M I M I N A M I

Information CornerYO K EYO K E

International LoungeN A K AN A K A

International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA

Event atS a n k e i e n G a r d e n

International LoungeKO N A NKO N A N

Yokohama Museum of Art

The 14th Konan International Lounge FestivalProgram: Japanese speech contest, regional songs and dances, shops of regis-tered groups, teas and sweets from around the worldDate and Time: February 24 (Sun.), 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Venue: Himawari-no-Sato Hall, Konan Kumin Bunka Center 4F; a 3-min. walk from Kamiooka Station (Yokohama municipal subway)Tel: 045-848-0990

Let’s Learn Hawaiian Hula DancingHula dancing relaxes both your body and mind. As you dance, you can learn

about Hawaiian nature, music, and their culture.Date and Time: March 19 (Tue.), 10:00 a.m.–12 noonPlace: Conference room 1, Yumeooka Office Tower 6F Fee: ¥1,000 (please pay at site)Capacity: 25 people on a first-come, first-served basisNote: Please bring a T-shirt you can move easily in. We will lend you a pa’u skirt. Please bring a drink and a towel, as you may break a sweat!Reservations: From February 11 (Mon.); please call us or come directly to the lounge.Promoter: Konan International LoungeInquiries: Tel: 045-848-0990Yumeooka Office Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Kamiookanishi, Konan-ku, Yokohama

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Motomachi, Yokohama

Motomachi will be full of people in green, the symbol of Ireland. On the day, be-fore the St. Patrick’s day (Sat.), 16th, March, Motomachi Shopping Street becomes crowded with about 10,000 people enjoying Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Please come and enjoy the pipe band and marching band, Irish dance team, and rhythmic music of Ireland led by St. Patrick. Don’t forget to wear something green!

Date and Time: Mar. 16 (Sat.). Parade starts at 2:00 p.m. Irish music and opening ceremony will start at 1:00 p.m. After the parade, dance will be performed at 3:30 p.m.Venue: Motomachi Shopping StreetInquiries: Irish Network Japan YokohamaE-mail: http://inj-yokohama.com/?page_id=9URL: http://inj-yokohama.com/

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges

LoungeM I N A M I M I N A M I

Information CornerYO K EYO K E

International LoungeN A K A

International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA

Event atS a n k e i e n G a r d e n

International LoungeKO N A NKO N A N

Yokoh ama Do l l M u s e um

（中）（中）N A K A

Naka International LoungeIn Naka Ward Community Activity Center (next to Naka Ward Office)34 Nihon-odori, Naka-kuHours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Tue. and Sat.)10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Mon., Wed., Thu., Fri., and Sun.)Closed: The 4th Mon. and Year-endTwo staff are always present. (Japanese, English, and Chinese are available.)Tel: 045-210-0667, Fax: 045-224-8343E-mail: nakalounge@yoke.or.jpURL: http://nakalounge.main.jp/

Yokohama ParkYokohama Park

NakaWardOfficeNakaWardOffice

ZAIMZAIM

Naka CommunityNaka CommunityActivity CenterActivity Center

CityHallCityHall

Nihon-odori Sta.Nihon-odori Sta.

JR Kannai Sta.JR Kannai Sta.

YokohamaStadium

YokohamaStadium

Minatomirai LineMinatomirai Line

Naka International Lounge Festival (Naka-ku Tabunka Festa)The Day You Meet the World

This is a day for you to come into contact with various cultures and feel con-nected to the rest of the world. There will be traditional music performances, stage performances of traditional dances, sales of foreign food and fair trade goods, exhibitions of art works by children who are involved with foreign cul-tures, Japanese speech presentation by Japanese learners, workshops for chil-dren, a quiz rally, and many other activities. You can have fun and experience

Japanese FoodNiku-jaga(stewed meat and potatoes)

Ingredients (for four people):3 potatoes (360 g), 1 onion (180 g), 1 carrot (120 g), 200 g of pork (in thin slic-es), 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, 4 cups of soup, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 2 table-spoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of sake, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce

☆Recipe: 1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 4 pieces. Soak them in water and drain

them well.2. Peel the carrot and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion thinly.3. Heat the pan over a medium flame, pour in oil, and fry the pork after cutting it

into large bite-sized pieces.4. Add an onion and fry it for 2 minutes. Add potatoes and carrots, and fry them

until the surfaces of the potatoes turn slightly transparent.5. Add soup and turn up the flame slightly. When the soup starts boiling, return

flame to medium strength, add sugar and sake, and boil for 5 minutes. Skim off the scum.

6. Add mirin and soy sauce, place a small lid directly on the ingredients, boiled, and simmer over a low flame for 20 minutes. You should occasionally pour soup on the ingredients and shake the pan to ensure that the flavor soaks into the entire dish.

General Information and Counseling in Foreign Languages (Yokohama City)

YOKE Information Corner Tel: 045-222-1209 Pacifico Yokohama 5F, 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-kuNaka International Lounge Tel: 045-210-0667 34 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku

・Please call YOKE Information Corner to make a reservation for a legal consultation or consultation at the Public Counseling Office. If you can receive consultation in Japanese, please call the Public Counseling Of-fice directly (Tel: 045-671-2306).

・Please inquire about dates and times for a specific place.・If you need an English or Chinese interpreter when going through procedures at the Naka Ward Office, please

call on Kokusai Sabisu-in (international service staff) on the second floor.English: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, 1:00–5:00 p.m. Chinese: 8:45 a.m.–12:00 noon, 1:00–3:45 p.m.

Niku-jaga is the perfect dish for this season, when freezing-cold days come one after another. This dish of steaming-hot potatoes and meat flavored with sweetened soy sauce soup is extremely popular in Japan.

●YOKE Information Corner Opens Facebook PageURL: http://www.facebook.com/2012yokeThe YOKE Facebook page will provide the following information:Information and reports relating to YOKE seminars and events Introductions of YOKE activities and information about the YOKE officeInformation related to multicultural co-existenceUseful information for foreigners And much more!

We will do our best to make our page fun to visit.We hope you will click our like button!Please tell your non-Japanese friends and those interested in multicultural co-existence about the site.

Last year’s forum

other cultures at the same time. Date and Time: March 2 (Sat.), 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Note: Japanese speech presentation by Japanese learners will start at 10:30 a.m.Venue: Yokohamashi Ginou-Bunka Kaikan, a 5-min. walk from JR Kan-nai Station south exitInquiries: Naka International Lounge Tel: 045-210-0667 E-mail: nakalounge@yoke.or.jp

Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013 3

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges

LoungeM I N A M I M I N A M I

Information CornerYO K EYO K E

International LoungeN A K AN A K A

International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA

Event atS a n k e i e n G a r d e n

International LoungeKO N A NKO N A N

Yokoh ama Do l l M u s e um

58-1 Honmoku-sannotani, Naka-ku Tel: 045-621-0634/0635 URL: http://www.sankeien.or.jp

●Plum Blossom Viewing February 9 (Sat.)–March 3 (Sun.)

Sankeien Garden is renowned for its beautiful plum flowers. There are about 600 plum trees in the garden. Some are rare trees such as Garyobai (lying dragon plum) and Ryokugakubai (green calyx plum), which has green calyxes (the part directly be-low the petals) and was donated from Shanghai.

Related EventsEvery day during the event: Free traditional barley tea serviceFebruary 10 (Sun.)–17 (Sun.): Bonsai exhibition with plum trees and other treesFebruary 10 (Sun.): Rice cake pounding February 16 (Sat.), 17 (Sun.), March 2 (Sat.), and 3 (Sun.): Monkey show February 23 (Sat.): Performance of hayashi (traditional Japanese music) February 24 (Sun.): Haiku contestNote: You must pay ¥1,000 to take part in the contest.

●Haiku Exhibition March 15 (Fri.)–May 28 (Tue.) at the Sankei MemorialExcellent works selected from haiku pieces contributed to Sankeien in haiku con-tribution boxes throughout the year and from the haiku contest of the plum blossom viewing are exhibited. Haiku pieces made by famous haiku poets in Sankeien Garden are also introduced.Supported by: Yokohama Haiwakai

●Cherry Blossom Night Viewing Late March–Early April, until 8:30 p.m. (The dates will be determined depending on the period that the blossoms appear.)Garden hours will be extended while the cherry blossoms are in bloom so that visi-tors can enjoy the mystic beauty of the flowers in the dark. Also, the three-storied pagoda and other buildings will be lit up and will appear very different at night.

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges

LoungeM I N A M I M I N A M I

Information CornerYO K EYO K E

International LoungeN A K AN A K A

International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA International Exchange CenterH O D O G AYAH O D O G AYA

Event atS a n k e i e n G a r d e n

International LoungeKO N A NKO N A N

Yokohama Museum of ArtTwo Photographers: Robert Capa Centen-

nial/Gerda Taro RetrospectiveThis exhibition is comprised of two separate exhibitions of photographs by two

photographers: Robert Capa and Gerda Taro. Although Capa is still extremely popu-lar 50 years after his death, Taro—Capa’s private and professional partner who died early—remains little known. This exhibit casts a spotlight on their connection and differences through a total of about 300 photographs and other materials that trace their lives and activities.Dates: January 26 (Sat.)–March 24 (Sun.)Hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.)Closed: Thursdays (except January 31)Venue: Yokohama Museum of Art, 3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, YokohamaInquiries: Tel: 045-221-0300URL: http://www.yaf.or.jp/yma/english/

Ookagawa Riverside Cherry Blossom Festival

This annual cherry blossom viewing event will take place again this year. A variety of events, such as music performances, stamp rallies, etc., will be held at the row of cherry blossom trees along Ookagawa River.Venue: Ookagawa River between Sakae-bashi and MiyakobashiPeriod (event): Apr. 6 (Sat.)–7 (Sun.)(Lantern illumination): Mar. 23 (Sat.)–Apr. 14 (Sun.)Access: (Keikyu Line) A 1-min. walk f rom Koganecho Sta. or Hino-decho Sta.(Munic ipa l subway) A 5-min. walk f rom Sakuragicho Sta . or Bandoubashi Sta.(JR) A 5-min. walk from Sakuragicho Sta.Inquiries: Mr. Ichinose, Chairman of Ookagawa Cherry Blossom Festival Committee,Tel: 090-3680-5501 (in Japanese)

Schedule for February and March

Kannai Sta.

Ishikawacho Sta.

YokohamaStadium

YokohamaCity Hall

ChinatownChinatownKanteibyoTemple

Naka WardOffice

HCIC is here

Cancer Screening (Gan Kenshin)Application & Inquiries: Health Promotion SectionTel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)

Free for those age 70 and older; please bring your health insurance card and a document to prove your age.

AIDS Check and Medical Consultation (Eizu Kensa to Soudan)Every Thursday 9:00–9:30 a.m.Inquiries and Reservations: Health Promotion Section, Tel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)*Reservations required. The applicant may remain anonymous if he or she so chooses.

Health Checkup InformationCheck-ups will be held at the Naka Ward Health Checkup and Immunization Center (HCIC) at 116Yamashita-cho, unless rescheduled. Please inquire in Japanese. Parking is not available.Please use public transportation.

Stomach Cancer ScreeningDate: Mar. 15 (Fri.) 8:45–9:30 a.m.Application Limit: Mar, 12 (Tue.)

Offered to those age 40 and older; ¥1,570; limited to 40 people per day; applicants MUST NOT EAT and DRINK after 8:00 p.m. on the day before the test. No eating or drinking on the day of the checkup.

Lung Cancer ScreeningDate: Mar. 15 (Fri.) 8:45 - 9:30 a.m.Application Limit: Mar, 12 (Tue.)

Offered to those age 40 and older; limited to 50 people per day; Fees: ¥680 for an X-ray and ¥1,350 if a sputum examination is included.

Time: 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Number tags are passed out from 12:30 p.m. to facilitate smooth and orderly procedures. Measurements, clinical examinations, dental examinations (18 months, 36 months) and a lecture on nutrition and dental care are provided. Please bring your Mother and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Kenko Techo) and writing materials. Children older than 4 months must bring the toothbrush they are currently using. A urine analysis is conducted for 3 year olds. Questionnaires regarding check-ups in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Vietnamese are available.

Checkups for Infants (Nyuyoji Kenko Shinsa)Inquiries: Children and Families Section (Kodomo Katei Kakari), Tel: 045-224-8171 (in Japanese)

4 months

Birthday Sep. 16-30, 2012 Oct. 1-15, 2012 Oct. 16-31, 2012 Nov. 1-15, 2012

Date Feb. 5 (Tue) Feb.19 (Tue) Mar. 5 (Tue.) Mar. 19 (Tue.)

18 months

Birthday Jul. 1-15, 2011 Jul. 16-31, 2011 Aug. 1-15, 2011 Aug. 16-31, 2011

Date Feb. 12 (Tue.) Feb. 26 (Tue.) Mar.12. (Tue.) Mar. 26 (Tue.)

36 months

Birthday Jan. 1-15, 2010 Jan. 16-31, 2010 Feb. 1-15, 2010 Feb. 16-28, 2010

Date Feb. 6 (Wed.) Feb. 20 (Wed.) Mar.6 (Wed.) Mar.13 (Wed.)

Gerda Taro Robert Capa, Segovia Front; Spain; late May–early June 1937 (gelatin silver print, collection of ICP, ©ICP)

Flower Tour of SpringNaka Ward has a number of spots where you can enjoy magnificent cherry blos-

soms. Why don’t you walk around the town in the spring breeze?Cherry Blossoms (Flowering: Late March to early April)Motomachi Park: There are about 100 cherry blossom trees in the park and about 30 cherry blossom trees at neighboring Yokohama Foreign Cemetery. A 7-min. walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.Kannai Sakura-dori: There are about 60 double cherry blossom trees (Yae-zakura) on both sides of the street. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in late April. A 3-min. walk from Kannai Sta.Kashiwaba Park: It’s worth taking a look at the large cherry blossoms here. When they are in full bloom, the park appears to be flooded with cherry blossoms. A 3-min. walk from Kashiwaba bus stop.Negishi Shinrin Park: About 340 cherry blossom trees are situated around the grassy open space. Asahidai or Takinoue bus stop.Yamate Park: The oldest Western-style park. The park has large cherry blossom trees with branches spreading like umbrellas, and is considered a secret spot for cherry blossom viewing. A 5-min. walk from Yamatecho bus stop.Honmoku Sancho Park: Yokohama-hizakura are planted on the hill in the park. A 2-min. walk from Wadayamaguchi bus stop.Honmoku-dori: A row of cherry blossom trees lines up on both sides of Honmoku-dori, extending 2 km from Makado to Wadayamaguchi bus stop.Ookagawa Riverside: There are about 800 cherry trees along the banks of Ookaga-wa River. Hinodecho Sta. or Koganecho Sta.

Naka Ward Town News (NWTN) has served foreigners in Naka Ward for more than 20 years now. Over the past 20 years, as IT technology has advanced and globalization has accelerated, our readers have expressed to us a variety of different needs. To adapt to the changing times, in addition to providing information in print, NWTN will now provide information in a more timely manner using the Internet.

Up until now, the primary function of NWTN has been to provide information about events in Yokohama City and other relevant cultural information in print. After the change, the printed edition of NWTN will primarily provide information about daily life. Meanwhile, the Internet will make it possible to provide information in a more timely manner.

4 Naka Ward Town News February 1, 2013

News & Tips from Naka Ward & Yokohama City

Living Information i Rules of Living in Japan: Moving

Editor’s Note I think the best way to master a foreign language is to live in the country where it is spoken as the mother

tongue. For Example, if you want to master English, you should live in the US, Britain, or some other English-speaking country.

If you are living in Japan, this is a good opportunity to master Japanese. I really recommend you start study-ing Japanese. You can expand your communication with other people and enjoy Japanese life more if you speak Japanese.

There are several ways to learn Japanese. Learning it in a school is the one way that was introduced in this issue. Find the method that suits you best, and enjoy learning Japanese and Japanese life.

Naka Ward Town News to Change from June 2013 Issue

In Japan, many people move in spring because April marks the start of the new fiscal year and school year. There are many procedures to be taken when you move. This article will introduce these procedures.

ProceduresThe procedures for moving are usually followed in the order given below.

1. Cancel the rental agreement for your current residence.If you are living in rental housing, you need to give the owner a notice that you want to cancel

the rental agreement one or two months prior to the day you plan to move out. (The exact deadline is written on your rental contract. If you do not read Japanese, please ask someone who does to check it for you.)

2. Ask a company or friends to help you move out.There are many companies that can help you move. If you intend to hire one, it is better to ask

several companies for estimates so that you can compare costs. If you are going to ask friends for help, it may be useful to rent a car.

3. Inform others that you are moving.You need to notify various parties of your intent to move out and move in.

The following are the main places that you should notify before moving out: - Electricity, gas, and water companies- Telephone company- Banks and other financial institutions- Elementary and junior high schools (follow the procedures to transfer schools)- Submit a notification to the municipality of the residence that you are moving away from that

you are moving out. The municipality will provide you with a moving-out certificate. Submit the moving-out certificate to the municipality of your new residence. If you are moving between two locations in Yokohama City, you do not need a moving-out certificate.

The following are the major places that you should notify after moving in:- Electricity, gas, and water companies- Elementary and junior high schools (follow the procedures to enter school)- Bring the moving-out certificate from the municipality of your prior residence and your resident

card, special permanent resident card, or certificate of alien registration to the municipality of your new residence, and submit a notification that you are moving in (within 14 days after you move in). If new family members will be with you, you need to provide documentation of their relationship with you (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).

- Seal registration- Driver’s license (report changes in address)

To Prevent Troubles at Your ResidencePlease observe the following rules and manners at home at all times.- Do not allow family members and friends to live with you without

the permission of the housing owner. Also do not rent out the hous-ing to somebody without permission.

- Do not change the room layout of the housing or renovate it. - Do not shout. Walk quietly to prevent footsteps from irritating your neighbors. Do not play your

music loudly.- Strictly follow the garbage rules of the area (how to sort garbage, when to take it out, etc.).

For everyone to live comfortably, it is extremely important to follow proper manners. It is also best to communicate actively with neighbors to live comfortably and safely.

★If you get into a trouble over shikikin (security deposit)Some people get into trouble with the housing owner when moving out over the return of shikikin.

Shikikin is paid to the owner as a deposit by the renter when moving in, but should be basically re-turned when moving out. You can consult the National Consumer Affairs Center or local consumer centers (http://www.kokusen.go.jp/ncac_index_e.html) if you encounter problems related to shikikin.

To avoid such trouble, please read your rental contract. If you do not read Japanese, please ask someone who does to read the contract for you, and make sure that you understand the content of the contract well.

Current NWTN New NWTN

Name Naka Ward Town News Same

Publication 6 times a year 4 times a year

Size 4 tabloid sheets 4 A4-size sheets

Color 2-color printing 4-color printing

Information Mainly sightseeing and event information Mainly information relevant to daily life

Distribution Sent by mail and placed at major stations Same

Internet Naka Ward Office HPNaka Ward Office HP(To be renewed once or twice a month)

Changes

Note: The plan above is still under consideration. Details are subject to change.

We Want Your Opinions on NWTN!NWTN will be renewed from the June 2013 issue. Please send us your opinion to improve the new paper.

We want your opinions on such questions as:• How do you like the current NWTN?• What information do you want in the new NWTN?• Which do you prefer, tabloid size or A4 size?• Where do you want to pick up the paper?• What are your favorite articles? (e.g., Japanese food, News and Tips from Naka Ward and Yokohama City)

Your opinions are welcome on any other topics related to NWTN.Send us your opinion and win a sachet made at Sankeien Garden, which is popular among foreign visitors. We will send sachets to ten random-ly chosen people. Please note that the winners will not be announced. The deadline is March 31 (Sun.; must be postmarked by this date).Send to:Naka Ward Town News Desk, Public Relations Section, Ward Administration Promotion Divi-sion, Naka Ward Office35 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0021

Please send your opinions via postcard or letter. Please write in English. NWTN will change!

Final Tax Returns for 2012Please file your final returns for income tax, gift tax, and consumption tax (for self-employed

persons) for 2012.

You must file and pay your income and donation taxes by March 15 (Fri.). Self-employed per-sons must file and pay consumption and local consumption taxes by April 1 (Mon.).

Venue: Nisseki Yokohama HallNisseki Yokohama Bldg. 1F, 1-1-8 Sakuragicho, Naka-kuPeriod: Feb. 5 (Tue.) to Mar. 15 (Fri.) (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and na-tional holidays; however, this excludes February 24 [Sun.] and March 3 [Sun.])Hours: Admission from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Submission until 5:00 p.m., consultation from 9:15 a.m.)Inquiries: Yokohama Naka Tax Office Tel: 045-651-1321 (Japanese auto-mated voice system)

Inquiries in English: Tel: 03-3821-9070 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)URL: http://www.nta.go.jp

Get Vaccinated against Measles and Rubella

Measles and rubella are acute infectious diseases of the entire body that are caused by virus-es. You can protect yourself against them by receiving two immunization shots. If you still have not received the second shot, please do so at an early date because the period during which you can get a vaccination free of charge is limited. After the period expires, you must pay a fee.

Eligibility for First Vaccination:From 12 months of age to before 24 months of age

Eligibility for Second Vaccination:Those born between April 2, 2006, and April 1, 2007Those born between April 2, 1999, and April 1, 2000Those born between April 2, 1994, and April 1, 1995

Those who fall under any of the above categories can get vaccinated between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013, free of charge.Venue: Designated medical institutes in Yokohama City (hospitals in Yokohama)Inquiries: Health Promotion Section, Health and Welfare DivisionTel: 045-224-8332 (in Japanese)

To Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.Nippon Maru Memorial Park

Queen’s SquareMinato Mirai Sta.

Minato Mirai-odori St.

Landmark Tower

Bank of Yokohama

Gas Station Moving sidewalk

Colette-Mare

Sakuragicho Ekimae bus stop

To KannaiJR Sakuragicho Sta.

Subway Sakuragicho Sta.

No parking (for cars and bicycles) available

Nisseki Yokohama Bldg. 1F, Nisseki Yokohama Hall