International Friendship Festa 2010

International Friendship Festa 2010

The International Friendship Festa 2010 was held on Sunday, October 17, at Nanbu Umesato Public Hall. Many people visited, joined and enjoyed various interesting programs.
The following programs were given there.

(1) Japanese speeches by learners in Japanese language class of NIA
(2) Exhibition booths of various foreign countries
(3) Attractions such as folk dancing and singing songs
(4) Tasting counters for various countries’ foods
(5) Japanese tea ceremony
(6) Trying on Kimono and ethnic costumes
(7) Free trials of the seal engravings
(8) Rally game of various foreign languages
We were happy to have a pleasant time with many foreign people.

Opening Ceremony

Greeting by Mr. Higashihara, the chief of the Festa 2010 executive committee

The invited guests were Mr. Nemoto, the mayor of Noda city, Mr. Sato, the GM of Noda school board, and Mr. Saitoh, the principal of Nanbu primary school.
We had greetings by Mr. Nemoto and Mr. Sato.

Japanese Speeches by Foreign People

Admirable Japanese speeches were made by learners in Japanese language class of NIA.
The speakers are from China (two persons) and Philippines (one person).

Attractions

In the lecture hall, we had a musical performance by handsaw and a chorus by pupils of Nanbu primary school.
They were wonderful.

Musical performance by handsaw

Chorus (Nanbu primary school)

Exhibition Booths

The exhibition booths of Philippines, Thailand, USA, Indonesia, Turkey, China, and Korea were opened. The activities of NIA and the Foreigner Support Group also were displayed.
At the Chinese booth we could enjoy free trials of the seal engravings.
The foreign language rally game, in which we collect simple native languages at each country’s booth, was interesting.

Exhibition booth of Thailand

Free trials of the seal engravings

Japanese tea ceremony and trying on Kimono

Not only foreigners but also Japanese experienced Japanese tea ceremony that is a part of the Japanese cultures.

Some foreigners looked happy to try on Japanese kimono, especially bride’s outfit.

Trying on ethnic costumes
We tried on ethnic costumes such as Chinese, Korean, and Indian costumes. Every costume suits you very well.

Tasting counters for various countries’ foods

The food counters of Philippines, China, Korea, Thailand and Japan were set. We could buy and taste the various countries’ foods. It was a hit.

Free trials of Japanese rice cracker grilling　

This program was done in cooperation with Kikkoman.
We could grill rice cracker by ourselves and taste it.
The crackers right after grilling are delicious.

Attractions

The attractions such as dancing and singing songs began at 12:30 in a square in front of the entrance of the public hall.

A music band (the Almighties) and singers

Folk dancing from Guinea

Songs by students of Tokyo University of Science
Juggling by a student of Tokyo University of Science

Folk dancing from Thailand (attendants at Thai dancing class)

Filipina singers

Okinawa samisen (Chibanchu, Nagareyama Samisen Dohkohkai)

Everybody including Chibanchu members danced for the finale.
It was wonderful that we could promote the intercultural communications among various foreign people, enjoy attractions such as dancing and singing songs, taste unique and delicious foods, and try on kimono and ethnic costumes.
Thank you very much for joining us.