Another Glowing UFRA Xmas Party Review

I was very glad that I was able to go to the UFRA Christmas party this year. It's been a few years since I had gone so it was nice to see so many friends as well as to make new friends.

It was my first time to see the party in it's "sit-down dinner" style, as before we always had a buffet and dance party.

I rather enjoyed this style as I could have a better chance at talking with people. We also had time to go to other tables and socialize. That was so good.

The MC, Meme was excellent! She was so cute and so talented in her language ability - it really flowed smoothly. She's a natural.

The atmosphere was so relaxed with Krystyna at it's helm. The prizes were top notch as usual.

Thank you UFRA for a wonderful evening!!!

Diane Miura

Panel on Kanji Learning

UIFA (Urayasu International Friendship Association) will present “Learning Japanese kanji – one of the ways to survive in
Japan”

Place: Kokusai Center (Il Mare 2nd Fl.)
Date & Time: Jan.18th (Sun) 2pm-4pm

4 panelists will discuss how the study of kanji can be taught to non-Japanese speakers and how to master Japanese characters.

For inquiries and reservations

please call the UIFA office at

047-381-5931 from Jan. 8th.

UFRA Our World Today Series: “English Rakugo as a Tool of Peaceful Communication”

Ms. Kimie Oshima will speak on “English Rakugo as a Tool of Peaceful Communication”

Place: Kokusai Center (Il Mare 2nd. Fl.)
Date & Time: Jan 31st (Sat) 5pm-6pm, fol lowed by an informal get-together.

Kimie Oshima is a sociolinguist and an associate professor at Bunkyo Gakuin University. Since 1996 she is also a performer of English Rakugo and has performed in almost 20 different countries.

For reservations call the office from Jan. 5th
ＴＥＬ：047-351-1111（extension 1466）

See you there!!!

UFRA Christmas Party Pictures

UFRA Christmas Party Review

The UFRA Christmas party was held last Sunday and there were about 90 people gathered at the Brighton Hotel. Everyone was in festive mood.

The Hawaiian music and dancing was very entertaining and as one of the December birthday boys and girls, I was led into a Hawaiian dance. Luckily I was at the back and so was not so noticeable but everyone else danced very well.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and there was plenty of time to chat to new and old friends. Michie and I had a ball.

We were also very lucky and won two handsome prizes. One of which, a night at a hotel for two, will allow us to celebrate our many years of married life together -- a second honeymoon. Yes, I'm very glad we went to the UFRA Christmas party!

James House

UFRA Received Chiba Prefectural Award

UFRA has been awarded the Chiba prefectural award from Governor Domoto on the Culture Day of Nov. 3rd. After 22 years of UFRA's hard volunteer work, it has finally been recognized by Chiba prefectural government. The picture was taken at out monthly meeting holding up the award from Chiba Prefecture.

UFRA Bake Sale for Charity

We raised 76,000 ¥ from our bake sale to help education of children in refugee camps in Middle East.
We got to see and meet people from all over Urayasu, and connect with other NPA's in the area.

Thanks to all you came out and baked for a good cause.

UFRA Xmas Party Sunday Dec 14th 2008

It’s time again for the fabulous UFRA Christmas party! Come join UFRA in celebrating the holidays with a sit down buffet dinner, with the musical styling of Ao Auqua, dancing, and a thrilling raffle with great prizes. There isn’t a better way to spend the holidays than with your loved ones.


Date: Sunday December 14, 2008
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Place: Urayasu Brighton hotel
Fee: 6000 yen (UFRA MEMBER 5000)


For Reservations please call UFRA Office at the Urayasu City Hall 047-351-1111 ext 1665

Photo Exhibition: Danchi Beautiful

The Melting Pot from Boston, a UFRA Charity Concert

On July 12 UFRA sponsored a charity concert at Wave "Chu Hall" to raise money for the victims of the typhoon in Myanmar as well as for refugees living in camps on the border of that country and Thailand. Entitled "The Melting Pot from Boston," the concert featured the talents of Meena Malik, soprano; Aristedes Rivas, cello; and So Oyama, piano, in a top-notch program of classical music from Europe, Latin America and Japan.

The concert certainly lived up to its billing. The three performers, who met and began or are pursuing their careers in Boston, brought a wonderful diversity with them. Ms. Malik (the daughter of UFRA Chairman Emeritus, Rabinder Malik) is of mixed Japanese and Indian parentage and sang in German, Japanese, Italian and Portuguese. Mr. Rivas, who began his classical training and performance career in Venezuela, delighted the audience with the music of Beethoven as well as folk music from his country. Mr. Oyama currently lives in Nagoya but has performed in orchestras and competitions in the USA and Europe.

The program also comprised a melting pot of musical traditions. The first half featured music from German-speaking 19th century Europe: lieder of Schubert and Schuman as well as Beethoven's magnificent 3rd sonata for cello and piano.The second half moved into the 20th century and to other continents as well. Ms. Malik sang songs by Japanese composers Ryutaro Hirota and Kosaku Yamada. Mr. Oyama and Mr. Rivas performed Le Grand Tango by the Argentinean composer Astor Piazolla. And all three performers combined their talents wit h a rendition of Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos of Brazil. The performers then treated the audience to a couple wonderful encores: an aria by Puccini and some Venezuelan folk music on cello.

The audience at Wave "Chu Hall" at Shopper's Plaza in Shin-Urayasu clearly enjoyed the entire evening. Moreover, I'm certain everyone was satisfied at being able to do something worthwhile to help people in places where such wonderful music is lacking. The funds raised will be donated to UNICEF to help victims of the typhoon in Myanmar and to a program for refugees in camps at the Thai-Myanmar border administered by the United Nations High Commission for the Refugees (UNHCR).

BON ODORI Festival

BON ODORI
Dates: Aug. 15th(Fri.) & 16th (Sat.)
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm
Place: Urayasu Shogakko
*It's the elementary school near the Chuo Kominkan.

30th Urayasu City Fireworks Display

30th Urayasu City Fireworks Display
Date: July 26th (Sat.)
*In case of rain or strong wind, it will be postponed to the next day.
Time: 7:30pm- 8:45pm
Place: Hinode area (same place as last year)

There will be free bus services from Tozai Line's Urayasu Station and Keiyo Line's Shin-Urayasu Station.
This year's key word of the display is "FLY HIGH!"and there will be 8, 700 shots of fireworks.

Hawaiian Culture Circle

Have you been to Hawaii? Do you dream of going there? Are you interested in Hawaiian culture?A new group, a Hawaiian Culture Club or Hawaiian Circle is about to get started in Urayasu. Sean Shinshiro was born and raised in Hawaii. Now living in Japan, he teaches classes in Hawaiian cooking, culture and history. His wife has taught hula for 17 years. They wish to create a "Hawaiian community in the area where people can call on each other for help and information about anything Hawaiian."

The first meeting will be held on Sunday June 29 at the Urayasu Community Center near Urayasu Station from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

For more information, contact Sean Shinshiro - sshinshiro@msn.com Or look out for future information to be posted here or in the UFRA Newsletter.

A Few Images from the Urayasu Sanjya Matsuri

As the summer Olympics rolls around, so does the once every
four years Urayasu Sanjya Matsuri. [ Three Shrine Festival ]. Now on the border
across from Tokyo this once poor fishing village could only afford to
hold their festival every four years. Nowadays its a HUGE party, and
the community really comes together to have a good time and carry
the heavy portable shrines around the neighborhood.


yankee girls Urayasu 2008



Head above the rest Urayasu 2008




Time to Nibble Urayasu 2008





The Way Home Urayasu 2008

www.lucidcommunication.com

Charity for the Chinese Earthquake

At the last UFRA Committee meeting, Takako Ueda reported that a total of ¥207,000 was raised through the sales of the buns as well as through a few generous donations. Thanks again to all who participated and/or bought the buns!

It was decided to donate the money to the ADRA Japan. ADRA is the Adventist Development Relief Agency, which is active in relief efforts in many of the world's disasters. Click here to open the ADRA International website.

UIFA's Neighborhood Exchange Forums

UIFA - the Urayasu International Friendship Association - invites all UFRA members (as well as other interested persons) to join their Neighborhood Exchange Forums. They take place at the Youth Center next to the new fire station near the library.

Monday, June 16: Preparing for and surviving earthquakes. 14:00 - 16:00 in room 401.
Saturday, July 5: All about the Tanabata festival. 14:00 - 16:00 in room 401.

For inquiries, contact the UIFA Office (Tel. 047-381-5931)

Family Sport and Recreation Day is Cancelled

There is a slight amount of rain this morning. But the weather report predicts showers from noon. Therefore, with regret, it has been decided to CANCEL the family sport and recreation day. A BIG thanks go out to Barbara Egawa and all the others who have worked so hard to prepare for this day. I know that everybody hopes we can organize another day like this in the future. Perhaps in the autumn when it is less likely to rain so much!

I am BUMMED!! (i.e. saddened) And I know you are too!

Gerald

A Report on the Buns for Charity, for the Chinese Earthquake Victims

I'd like to give you a report about China Earthquake Charity Sale.

China Earthquake Charity Donation
May 28,29 10am to 5pm at Tomioka Public Hall
Lecture* Asai Mari (UFRA's member)
Coordinators* Vivian, Barbra and Takako Ueda

This Charity Sale idea comes out by chance, decided in a very short time, no much time to prepared. But through many people's support we did a good job for China Earthquake calamity.

On the first day, it was beautiful weather. We had around 30 people came to help ( you can imagine how noisy)Especially Super Tankentai's young mamas. It was first time　for them to make nikuman by their hands. As you know we all amateur so our nikuman is not big enoughlike professional. Soft like store's but our nikuman have a lot of people's Love .

On the second day was raining. We got orders more than first day but only 9 people show up. It makes us strained. No air condition and ventilation fan. When you came into Tomioka Public Hall you can smell some chinese aromas with warm air.

Beside makng nikuman we had some great sale's lady. Thanks Barbra, Meme,Krystyna and Miyahara-san. Without them we couldn't goes smoothly. I would like thanks Local Net Work Section staffs. They willing to support our charity work.. Thank you all again.

Sales Income 171,000 (Nikuman 375 Manntou50)
Donations 21,000

Total 192,000

best regards
Takako Ueda

Krystyna's View on the Chinese Buns for Charity

Following Meme’s report from the first day of the charity for China’s earthquake victims I would like to add few words about the second day (Thursday). I dropped to Tomioka Kominkan in the afternoon to help little bit with packing of nikuman and mantou and later distributing them between my friends and neighbors. Mr. Malik came that time too to pick up his dinner “okazu”.Takako-san and Vivian with some Chinese friends were there just finishing baking. Well… they did really GREAT JOB! Mari-san Takako-san, thank you very much for your time and efforts to make this charity success! Without your energy and leadership it wouldn’t be possible. My thanks also goes to all who help UFRA with this project – Local Network Section staff (all of them bought buns or donated money), Tsujimura-san and all helpers in the kominan.

Steamed Buns to raise Money for the China Earthquake Victims

We were busy in Tomioka Kominkan's kitchen room--- about 30 people showed up today to help make the steamed buns! It was amazing! Thank you to the great effort of Mari Asai and Takako Ueda for leading this charity event, to all those who helped, and to all those who bought the steamed buns! UIFA's Ono-san also came to help, and all the staff members of the Local Network Section also bought the steamed buns!

Art of Ufra Mult-Cultural Art Exhibition

It't time for the Art of UFRA Multi Cultural Exhibition.  Come by to see some great work by UFRA members and their students.

WHERE:   SHIMIN PLAZA WAVE 101 Shin-Urayasu

WHEN:  Sat July 5  - Sun July 6

TIME: Sat 5  12:00 to 7:00

Sun 6 10:00 to 5:00

Opening Party  SAT JULY 5  at 5:00

Works by

Mimi Dhar and her art Students

Jacob Schere and his mixed media Students

Krystyna Hirayama and Mamoru Kawaguchi Calligraphy

Tatiana Kawakami Oil Painting and Quilts

dont miss it!!

Super Tanken Tai

Super Tanken Tai

Welcome New Members!

We are a non-profit organization formed to provide an opportunity for families residing in Urayasu City with similar and different backgrounds to come together and find a connection through games, sports and crafts.

Because we are a volunteer group, we will be asking for your continued help and support throughout the year. Membership is open to all UFRA members and their associates with children from 4 through 10 years old.(Kindergarten – 6th grade). Munchkin Tag-A-Longs(younger siblings) are welcome. All indoor events are scheduled where a playroom is available, with parents asked to please provide care on a rotation basis. All outdoor events also require parental supervision.

Membership is limited to 20 families. If the group no longer has an opening, you are welcome to place your name on a waiting list. You will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.

SUPER TANKENTAI plans to meet once a month, usually on the 3rd or 4th Saturday (sometimes on Sunday) with most events scheduled for mornings. We require that one parent join their child in taking part in our monthly activities. We hope parents will derive as much as their children from our monthly gatherings.

Fees: All costs, such as crafts, parties, and room rent will be collected or made payable at least one month prior to the event or in some cases on the day of. A sign up sheet will be presented to you upon arrival. We ask that you record your attendance, as well as dues paid. We appreciate your cooperation in attending to these matters. We have made every effort to keep all activities and field trips within a reasonable budget.

We have reached the sixth year for SUPER TANKENTAI and hope that you will enjoy all events planned for the upcoming months. We are always open for your opinions, ideas, or feedback and encourage you to do so.

As leader of this group, I’d like to invite you and your children to join us in exploring new places, discovering new things and learning through adventurous outings. Pack your backpacks and get ready for an exciting year as a member of the SUPER TANKENTAI!!!!!

Barbara Egawa

Buns for the Victims of the Chinese Earthquake

We hope to make at least 300 buns for the price of 2,000 yen per package (about
5 buns?) and donate the proceedings to the victims of the Chinese earthquake.


Dates: May 28th (Wed.) and 29th (Thurs.)
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Place: Tomioka Kominkan (kitchen room) Urayasu

* please bring your apron and head-scarf

If any of your time permits, please come. Also, please spread the words
to your friends and acquaintances and take the orders.

The buns may be picked up at Tomioka Kominkan at about 4:00pm (better this way), or may be delivered (who can help with the delivery?)

Some Thoughts on One of UFRA's new Classes

This Spring UFRA has begun to offer some new classes. A
student writes to offer her experience in one of them:
One of UFRA’s new classes this Spring is the Mixed
Media Art Class taught by Jacob Schere. I attended the
first lesson and enjoyed it very much! The semester has 12
classes and we are going to work on 6 art projects, such as
stencil art, T-shirt designing, and linoleum printing. We
started with the creation of colorful collages – and the
interesting thing was that just after one class you could
see how much hidden imagination we have! I hope we’ll
be able to show our work in UFRA’s multi-cultural
exhibition in July.
Jacob’s student, “K”

UFRA Brochure

UFRA Brochure

When you receive the materials from the April 12th
General Meeting, you will also receive a copy of the new
UFRA Brochure! The text was written and translated by
UFRA Committee members with additional assistance
from Yoon Sue Mannaga. Be sure to use the brochure to
publicize UFRA among your friends and colleagues!

contact the UFRA office for more copies.

Outdoor Family Event for June

WHAT: Family Sports Day/Picnic Style Lunch
WHEN: June 8, 2008 (Sun.)
TIME: 10:00 - 15:00 (or until dark)
WHERE: Akemi SOGO Park (Parking available)
*Cancelled in case of rain

Pack a lunch and prepare for a day playing outdoor
games or sports. Bring along your favorite toys or
sporting goods as well as something to sit on - leisure
sheets or camping chairs. There will be ball games,
prize winning contests and even a pinata.
Don’t forget the sunblock!

UFRA Elects a New Board

On April 12, UFRA held its annual general
meeting and elected a new slate of
committee members who will serve in their
posts for the next two years. The new
committee members are:
Chairperson: Ms. Krystyna Hirayama

Vice-Chairpersons: Ms. Amy Matsuoka and Ms. Meme Ise

Secretary: Ms. Mimi Dhar

Treasurer: Mr. Samresh Dhar

Editor: Mr. Gerald Wright

Historian: Mr. Jacob Schere

Activity Coordinators: (Classes) Ms.
Takako Ueda; (Events) Ms Manjulika Hanari,
Ms. Barbara Egawa, Ms Yuni Cho and Ms
Vivien Zhang

Senior Advisor: Mr. Rabinder Malik

Advisors: Ms. Monika Furuhata and Ms. Monika Kamiya

Afternoon Tea

On Saturday, March 15 at Il Mare, UFRA put on an
Afternoon Tea. Advisor Krystyna Hirayama reports:
“I have to admit that Afternoon Tea is one of my
favorite UFRA events. We could get together with
old friends and new, take time to chat and exchange
opinions while sipping tea - this time a delicious chai
that (Activity Coordinator) Mimi Dhar brewed.”
meeting.

Our World Today

Our World Today
On March 10 at the Bunka Kaikan, UFRA Secretary
Meme Ise presented part 1 of UFRA’s 2008 Our
World Today. Called “Oyako English,” it was a fun
and unique way for parents and children to learn
English together. Altogether 25 parent and child pairs
took part in two separate 45-minute sessions. The
theme of Oyako English was 'Let's Enjoy English,'
and the classes covered ABC's, colors, numbers, and
greetings with games, exercises, and story-telling.
Meme reports that parents and children had so much
fun that the time in each session flew by.

The second part of Our World Today consisted of
an English lecture, presented by UFRA member
Edward Venz, who talked about being “A Foreign
Father in Japan,” an interesting and relevant topic for
many of us raising a family here. With 50 seats
reserved in advance along with a few others joining in
at the last moment, the hall was full. We saw old
friends as well as several new faces in the audience,
and it appeared that several businessmen came
straight from work. They had learned about the
lecture through the local City News (English) or the
KOHO (Japanese). The get-together afterwards was
lively, and Eddie was kept busy answering questions
and talking to people.

Thank you Eddie for such an interesting talk.
Thanks, too, to the City Hall International Affairs
staff and manager Mr. Sakuma (Local Network
Section) for their support and presence on the day.