TsukuBlog

AgESD Symposium 2008
( Agricultural Education for Sustainable Development Symposium 2008)

10th November (Mon.)
[Special Conference Room, University Hall A]
< Young Researcher’s Forum >

09:30-10:00 Oral Presentation Ⅰ
Montana Ruchirasak, Assistant Professor,
Kasetsart University   “Sustainable core competency
–Enhancing of organic rice producers in Thailand”
10:00-10:30 Oral Presentation Ⅱ
Kazunori Minamikawa, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences
10:30-11:00 Break
11:00-11:30 Oral Presentation Ⅲ
Yayat Hidayat, Graduate Student, Bogor Agricultural University
“Educational and research activities on watershed management
study program to develop   sustainable agriculture.”
11:30-12:00 Oral Presentation Ⅳ
Mari Horigane, Ph.D. candidate, University of Tsukuba
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-14:00 Special Lecture Ⅳ
Kazuhito Suga, Vice-Director, Japan Volunteer Center (JVC)
“Current activities of JVC (tentative)”
14:15-14:45 Oral Presentation Ⅴ
Lourdes S. Edano, Assistant Professor, UPLB
“Needs and development of sustainable agriculture in the Philippines”
14:45-15:15 Oral Presentation Ⅵ
Ousmane Diene, Graduate student, Ibaraki University
“The use of symbiotic fungal association with crops for
a sustainable agriculture production”
15:15-15:30 Break
15:30-16:30 Discussion
Details: http://www.agbi.tsukuba.ac.jp/~agesd/e-index.html

The tremendous advances made in the medical sciences over the past few centuries have been simply astounding. Much of this progress can be attributed to the efforts of diligent, talented, and sometimes just-plain-lucky researchers who set about looking for solutions to medical questions by applying the scientific method — which depends heavily on observing the results of controlled experiments to prove hypotheses.

Animals, in their forced role as experimental subjects, have played a crucial part in this March Forward, as many important medical studies from the times of Pasteur and Pavlov to the present day, have been made with the use of test animals. Every year at least tens of millions of vertebrates (and so many more invertebrates) are used around the world in tests which end with these creatures being SACRIFICED.

At Tsukuba University Medical School, as well as at other research institutes in Japan, the role that animals play in scientific progress, and the suffering often involved in their making a CONTRIBUTION to humanity (and sometimes to their fellow animals as well) does not go unrecognized or unacknowledged (for whatever that is worth) .

Once a year, usually in the first week of November (when the climate is most comfortable), an announcement is made throughout the medical school complex, that a special memorial service (ireisai, 慰霊祭) will be held at the IREIHI (慰霊碑), a memorial tablet which is tucked away in the shadows of the small woods, just east of the hospital’s power plant. The IREIHI itself was made 20 years ago by a student of the university and the inscription on it reads “JIKEN DOBUTSU IREIHI”, or “monument for consoling the spirits of experimental animals”.

On the day the ceremony is announced, hundreds of  doctors, researchers, administrators, office staff and representatives of the companies which supply the animals attend, many bringing flowers, or foods which the animals might like. Since Tsukuba University is a government institution which must abide by rules separating church and state, incense, which would usually be offered on such an occasion, is not used, because of its overtly religious (Buddhist) connotations. Usually, a distinguished researcher or administrator makes a short speech about the number of animals sacrificed and the need to reduce this number and alleviate suffering. Those assembled then close their eyes for a moment of silence. I am told that many of those who attend this ceremony feel a sense of satisfaction or solace in having shown their respect and gratitude to the sacrificed lab animals.

Some laboratories in Tsukuba affiliated with private companies hold more elaborate and overtly religious IREISAI. For several reasons, I, myself, do not  like the idea of using animals for experiments (when it is not absolutely necessary to do so). But since millions of creatures ARE being used (and abused) in the name of science, I think it is a good thing to give them a little (even if it’s only on one day) RESPECT.

Thanks to Dr. Sugiyama, director of Tsukuba University’s Center for Experimental Animals for giving me his time and for showing me his dedication to providing the best conditions possible for the animals under his care. Still I get the willies every time I pass his building. If anyone would like to attend the ceremony please let me know and I will inform you about it (on the day it is held).

On Sunday, April 27th, the Ibaraki Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching will offer two presentations. All are welcome. There will be no charge. No pre-registration is necessary.

Date: Sunday, April 27
Place: Ibaraki Christian University, Hitachi Omika
Cost: Free
More info: http://www.kasei.ac.jp/jalt/

Morning Session (Part 1): 10:00 (Registration from 09:30)
Doing Culture Ethnographically/Study Abroad Programs
by Elaine Gilmour, Associate Professor, Miyagi Gakuin Women’s University

This presentation examines what an ethnographic approach to teaching culture is, and suggests components for a community based ethnography course. We’ll also consider the point of such a course from the students’ perspective, by looking at questionnaire response data provided by students who have participated in Study Abroad programs during their university experience.

Lunch Break: 12:00-14:00

Afternoon Session (Part 2): 14:00
Actually Teaching Listening
by Alastair Graham-Marr, ABAX
Teaching listening effectively means teaching both phonology and knowledge of discourse. A working knowledge of the phonology of natural connected speech, elisions and liaisons, weak forms and reductions helps students with their ‘bottom-up’ decoding skills. Developing student knowledge of discourse, particularly of scripts (those discourses in English that tend to follow a set pattern) helps them with their ‘top-down’ predictive skills.

JALT Ibaraki chapter meetings are open to all interested in learning and teaching languages. Abstracts for the presentations and access information for the venue, as well further information for future events are available on the chapter website.

When:
May 29, Thursday, from 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Venue:
University of Tsukuba 30th Anniversary Hall

Program:
14:45
Welcoming address/ Palabras de bienvenida por autoridad de la Universidad.

14:55 to 15:25
Lecture by ambassador Daniel D. Polski/ Conferencia del Sr. Embajador de la Republica Argentina Daniel D.Polski
Lecture title: “Argentina‚ key drivers for sustainable economic development”/ “Argentina: Factores Claves del Desarrollo Económico Sustentable”
　　　　　　
15:35 to 16:00
Argentina tango evening/ Demonstration and lesson by Luna de Tango Company, Demonstracion y clase de tango a cargo de “Luna de Tango Company.”

16:00 to 17:00
Social gathering/ Let’s talk about Argentine

Please contact Sugimoto at 029-853-6785
or visit the following page for details:
http://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/hall/20080521140055.html

Program:
http://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/up_pdf/20080521140055001.pdf

Electronic dictionaries are good because they can help you look things up quickly when you are on the go, and they often have a few tools to help you study. However, most Japanese-English electronic dictionaries are designed for Japanese people, so some of them cannot be used well unless you already know kanji. It is important to find a dictionary that is “foreigner-friendly”, meaning that you can use it even if you do not know how to read kanji (yet).

I have owned two electronic dictionaries in the past. Both of them were Canon Wordtanks. However, the last time I bought an electronic dictionary was in 2001 and they have changed a lot since then. It used to be that Canon was the only one that foreigners could use, but now there are lots of choices. (And I am not sure if the current model of the Wordtank is still foreigner-friendly.)

If you are thinking of buying an electronic dictionary, you might want to try asking around to see what people are buying these days. A good place to ask about this is TAIRA, a local mailing list that includes about 1000 members. There should be a few people on the list who have recently purchased an electronic dictionary and who are willing to give you advice. This topic comes up on TAIRA every now and then, so you can also look in the archives for some general advice.

Advice about models
* Japan Shop (Since this shop is mainly for people who are not already in Japan, you might want to use this site to compare models and then buy the one you choose at one of the local electronics shops.)

See also…
* Electronic Dictionaries: A Buyer’s Guide (Dated, but still useful.)
* How to Choose a Good Dictionary (Mainly for paper dictionaries, but some general points to consider.)
* Article on Kanji Dictionaries in Alien Times

Message from City Chat Cafe:

City Chat Cafe is a place where International and Japanese people living in Tsukuba can come together and meet. There is no charge for entry and no reservation is needed.

・Bilingual students can help the communication
・University of Tsukuba covers the expenses

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Are you curious about the Japanese lifestyle?
Would you like to meet Japanese families and make friends?

City Chat Cafe is a place where international and Japanese people living in Tsukuba can come together and meet. Come and speak Japanese or English.

You are very welcome to join. Everyone is welcome: children, families, individuals. There is no charge for entry and no reservation is needed. Just come!

The First City Chat Cafe Meeting
Date & Time: Sunday, August 31st, 2008; 14:00 - 16:00
Place: LALA Garden 1st floor, LALA Club

To learn more about City Chat Cafe, please see our website.

This is a message from the Association of Chinese Students in the University of Tsukuba:

Given the recent unfortunate event in China (a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan area last Monday May 12), the Association of Chinese Students in the University of Tsukuba has organized a donation-collecting event within the Tsukuba area. This Saturday, they
are going to be in Ninomiya House room #3308 from 7 pm to 9 pm to collect donations. Those people who want to support the earthquake victims in China, please stop by. Any amount will be welcomed. Even with 100 yen, you are offering a bit of warmth for those who are in need. (Please check out the association website if you can read Chinese.)

If the schedule is inconvenient to you but you still want to help, please make your donation by depositing money to the Association of Chinese Students or the Red Cross Japan. Please find below the
information about both donation accounts:

1. Red Cross Japan (by the post office)
Account number: 00110-2-5606
Account name: 日本赤十字社 (Nihon Sekijyuujisha)
For more details please check this URL:
http://www.jrc.or.jp/sanka/help/news/1394.html

2. Association of Chinese Students in the University of Tsukuba (by Joyo Bank)
Branch: 研究学園都市 (kenkyugakuentoshi)
Account #: 2995843
Account name: Tsukuba daigaku chuugoku ryugakusei gakuyukai
After you make the deposit please notify the Association by email　(acssut[AT]gmail.com) with all the information about the deposit.

As far as I checked over the internet there are some other donation methods in Japan such as Yahoo Wallet. Please check them out to find the most convenient method for you.

The University of Tsukuba’s dormitory festival “Yadokari-sai” will take place on this Friday and Saturday evening at Hirasuna dormitory’s parking lot. The festival is organized by new students who enrolled this April. They welcome all people not only students but also residents around the university. Many food booths, parades, fire works, yukata (Japanese cotton robe) beauty contest etc. Have fun!

An organization called School Information Niko Niko provides help with educational issues to foreign parents of school-aged children. Volunteers meet every second and fourth Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30pm at the volunteer room at the Tsukuba Information Center. If you like to know more about the Japanese educational system (elementary and junior high school), please ask one of the volunteers. Volunteers are able to speak Japanese, English, and Spanish.

Contact the School Guidance Division of Tsukuba Board of Education (Toyosato Branch Office) — Tel: 029-836-1111, ext. 4222 — for more information.

Tomorrow is the 春分の日(shunbun no hi), Spring Equinox Day, but did you know it’s also one of four science days at Ibaraki Nature Museum in Bando City? Children of all ages get in free on Saturdays except during long holidays, but on science days, everyone gets in free!!

There are many events planned for tomorrow, so pack your lunch and visit this museum if you don’t have any plans! This museum’s outdoor facilities include VERY nice parks, so this is a also a nice place to enjoy spring weather.

Make your very own pencil
There are 4 sessions, and each session is open to first 30 applicants. Sessions are from 11:30 to 12:00, 12:00 to 12:30, 12:30 to 13:00, and 13:00 to 13:30.

This event will be held in 自然発見工房(shizen hakken koubou), or Nature Center. This is the museum’s outdoor facility, and is about 10min walk from the main building.

Science Show by Mr. Kitazawa
From 12:30 to 13:30, held in the lecture room on the 1st floor.The museum will start handing out the 整理券(seiri-ken), or numbered tickets, from 11:50 to first 60 people.

Mr. Mitazawa is a former curator of Energy Museum in Omachi City, Nagano(been there many times!) and Tsukuba Expo Center. He was also the management director of the Global House, the pavilion where the frozen mammoth was during the world expo in Aichi.

Guided Tour of the “Ant” Exhibit
From 11:00 to 11:30, 12:15 to 12:45, and 15:30 to 16:00. Meet at the entrance of the special exhibition space.

The guided tour of special exhibit about ants and other tiny creatures called The Adventure in Search of Soil Creatures which started last Saturday.

Special talk: “Today’s starry sky”
From 11:00 to 11:30. Held in the lecture room on the 1st floor.First 60 applicants. Special talk about the stars you can see around this time of the year.

Special talk and tour: “Let’s look at the Sun”
From 11:30 to 12:00 Meet in the exit area (not the main entrance)

Water System Backyard Tour
A guided tour by Aquaworld Ooarai staff! Meet in the aquarium area.

A tour will start at 10am and a group of about 10 people will leave every 30min until 12:00. The tour starts again at 13:00pm and the last group will leave at 14:30. Seiri-ken, or numbered tickets will be handed out from 9:45am and 12:45pm.

Lecture by Director of NPO birth/Green Sustainable Center
From 13:30 to 15:00. Held in the screen hall on the 3rd floor. There’s no limit on participants but must pre-register before attending this event.

Here’s a list of Ibaraki Nature Museum’s Science (free admission) Days:
Science Day (Space):
March 21 (春分の日, Spring Equinox Day)
Science Day (Life):
May 4 (みどりの日, Green Day)
Science Day (Earth):
June 5 (環境の日, Environment Day)
Science Day (Ibaraki):
November 13 (茨城県民の日, Ibaraki Day)

I always go there by car, but you can also get there by bus/train. There are buses leaving from TX Morita Station West Exit. Get on the ones bound for 猿島(Sashima)　or 岩井(Iwai), and get off at 自然博物館(Shizen Hakubutsukan (Nature Museum)). It takes about 20min to get to the museum from the Moriya Station, and the museum is about 5min walk from the bus stop. Please look at this page for the bus schedule.

(I have been asked to add some points for clarification, so I am reposting this message. Please read the following carefully if you are thinking of applying for these classes.)

International students and researchers and their families are eligible for free Japanese classes taught by undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in Japanese language education at the University of Tsukuba. The lessons are offered so that the graduate students can practice their teaching skills. The classes are videotaped and people observe the lessons from the other side of a one-way mirror. (These classes are not associated with the regular Japanese classes offered by the International Student Center at the university.)

Students should be able to read and write hiragana and katakana. If you are not familiar with these Japanese alphabets, they will send you a list so that you can learn them before the classes begin.

Students are divided into two classes according to the results of a placement test. J1 meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and J2 meets on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students must agree to attend all classes.

The classes run from Monday, April 23 to Wednesday May 30. There are three 40 minute periods per day and students must attend all three classes. Period 1 is from 3:30pm to 4:10pm, period 2 is from 4:15pm to 4:55pm, and period 3 is from 5pm to 5:40pm. The content of the classes includes basic vocabulary, elementary grammar, everyday conversation, and cultural activities. Classes are held at the University of Tsukuba and the tuition is free. There are no classes during Golden Week (April 30 to May 4).

If you want to apply, send an email with your name, sex, nationality, native language, occupation, address, phone number, and email address to jissyu_yaru2007[AT]yahoo.co.jp by April 7, 2007. It is not possible to enroll in the classes after this date. The number of participants is limited, so it may not be possible for all applicants to participate in the course.

[ This class has already reached maximum enrollment. Thank you. - Feb.20, 08 ]

Tsukuba Gakuin University students, who are studying to be Japanese language teachers, will be offering free Japanese course for non-Japanese speaking residents of Tsukuba. This course will be an ideal course for stay-at-home parents of preschool-age kids who are 3 years old and older because another group of students at TGU will be offering free exercise course for preschool-age children while their parents take the Japanese lessons! These students are the ones who contribute wonderful Japanese language articles to the Alien Times every month, so I am very sure that those who take part in this course will have fun learning Japanese!

Applicant eligibility: Resident of Tsukuba who can read Hiragana. Please note that priority will be given to those who are from non-Chinese character (kanji/漢字) cultural zones.

**************************
たのしく日本語を学ぼう　日本語教室のお知らせ
日本語の先生になりたい学生といっしょに日本語を勉強しませんか？
いつ：2008年3/3 3/5 3/7 3/10 3/11 3/13 全部で６回
9:30～12:20
どこで：筑波学院大学（つくばがくいんだいがく）（つくば市吾妻）
いくら：￥０
だれに：日本語初級の外国人　ひらがなが読める人
なにを：簡単な日本語の会話
そのほか：３さい～５さいくらいのお子さんがいる人は、お子さんといっしょに
大学に来てください。お子さんたちは、大学の学生といっしょに簡単なスポーツや
ゲームをしましょう。（保険（ほけん）\500）

メールをください。kanakubo[at]tsukuba-g.ac.jp
２月に一度大学にきてください。説明をします。
２月２５日（月）まで、うけつけます。
筑波学院大学　金久保紀子

Let’s learn Japanese with univ. students!
Tsukuba Gakuin University are going to have Japanese language class on March. Intstructors are all students who expect to be Japanese teachers.

Date&Time：2008年3/3 3/5 3/7 3/10 3/11 3/13 Total 6days
9:30～12:20
Place：Tsukuba Gakuin University (Tsukuba Azuma)
Fee：￥０
Level：Beginners with Hiragana reading skill
Contents：Japanese daily conversation
You can come with your kids( Three years old or more).
We prepare Kid’s exercise class（insurance\500）

Feel free to send us an email. kanakubo[at]tsukuba-g.ac.jp
We will have briefing on February. Contact us before Feb. 25
KANAKUBO Noriko @Tsukuba Gakuin University

[ This class has already reached maximum enrollment. Thank you. - Feb.20, 08 ]

1964 was a pivotal year in post-war Japanese history. With the inauguration of the first SHINKANSEN bullet train, the introduction of the first color TVs, and most importantly, the hosting of the Olympic Games, it was a year which now symbolizes Japan’s economic recovery and marks its return to the forefront of the international scene after a two decade period of frenzied rebuilding following the total devastation of WWII. 

In 1966, the Japanese government designated October 10th as Taiiku no Hi (Sports Day) to commemorate the Games. If you are wondering why October was selected as a day to remember the Summer Olympics, you are not alone. The fact is, however, that in 1966, the Opening Ceremonies were held on the 10th of October! The wise decision to hold the Tokyo Summer Games in Autumn was made in deference to Japans cruelly humid summer weather (why wasn’t the same change made for Beijing?).

Since the year 2000, as part of the HAPPY MONDAY MOVEMENT (having national holidays on Monday to make a 3-day weekend), Taiiku No Hi has been moved to the second Monday of October, giving us a nice break in what is probably Japan’s best season weather-wise. 

Over the Sports Day weekend you are likely to hear signal fireworks (aizu no hanabi) announcing that school and university sports festivals (UNDO KAI) are being held. For the Japanese, these events are MAJOR markers of the passage of years. It is common for grandparents to come from afar to be present, and in Tsukuba, parents often go out in the middle of the night to stake out a good place to put down their plastic sheet for the next morning’s festivities. You can get a glimpse of what goes on at an UNDOKAI on YouTube.

If you turned on the TV this morning, you might have seen some of Japan’s Olympic medalists giving workshops for schoolchildren and also scenes of little Aiko (the daughter of the Crown Prince and Princess) running (victoriously, of course) in her first Sports Festival.

Many Tsukubans set aside time every year during the second weekend in October to attend Tsukuba University’s three day Culture Festival. All of those who do have their own favorite attractions. For me, there is the music, especially the jazz cafe and the Andean Folk Music Troupe. This year, with the blessing of truly glorious weather, not a soul could have left disappointed. With a wide range of cheap and delicious foods, live music in all genres, arcade games, scientific displays, and technological exhibitions all served up with youthful enthusiasm, for me the GAKUEN-SAI is the true TSUKUBA FESTIVAL (Tsukuba Matsuri).

As I have written before, one noticeable thing for many graduates of foreign universities is the lack of any political or INTELLECTUAL presence in the Tsukuba University festival. In recent years, however, environmental awareness has started to be felt with several booths selling organic produce or showing data from research on GREENER LIVING. Still walking the length of the campus this weekend, I felt pessimistic about recent calls to lower the voting age in Japan to 18.

For LOTS OF INTERESTING DETAILS ON THE TOKYO OLYMPICS SEE THIS PAGE and THIS ONE. (You should read more about this event!)

I am a member of the International Relations Subcommittee of the Tsukuba Science City Network. The committee exists to promote international exchange in Tsukuba, especially as it pertains to science and technology, and it includes various people from research and educational institutes around Tsukuba and representatives of the city and prefectural governments.

The committee has just completed one project and is looking for suggestions about where to focus its energy next. If you have any ideas about how to improve international relations in Tsukuba, please feel free to get in touch with me. Your ideas could include:

• ways to make Tsukuba a more international city
• ways to make Tsukuba more appealing to foreign researchers who are invited here
• ways to make it easier to live in Tsukuba
• ways to increase the profile of Tsukuba in the world

Feel free to “think big” and brainstorm, as well as coming up with ideas that just need a little bit of work to implement. Your ideas can be in point form, or you can write out a full proposal — anything is fine. I cannot promise that your ideas will be implemented, but I will promise to pass your thoughts on to the committee so they can get an idea of Tsukuba looks like from our perspective and how we might like to improve things.

I am not sure yet when the next committee meeting will be held, but it will probably be in about one month or so. If you come up with any ideas in the meantime, please feel get in touch with me (through TsukuBlog).

Japan Association for Language Teaching (Ibaraki Chapter) February Event

Sunday, February 17th, 09:30 – 17:00
at
Tsukuba Gakuin Daigaku
Azuma 3-1, Tsukuba
Doors open at 9:30 – No pre-registration necessary!
JALT Members: Free One-day Members: 500 yen

Featured Speaker:
Joe Tomei
Kumamoto Gakuen University

Morning presentation (09:45 - 11:45):
How Did We Get Here? Understanding the Current Situation of Japanese Higher Education by Examining its History

Afternoon presentation (14:00 - 15:30):
Teaching Phonetics for Multiple Purposes: One Approach

JALT Ibaraki chapter meetings are open to all interested in learning and teaching languages. Abstracts for the presentations and access information for the venue, as well further information for future events are available on the chapter home page.

Support the Chapter Book Fair!
Donate your unwanted books or educational materials – and get used ones for 50 yen!

There will be special lectures on the nature of New Zealand, and life and conservation work of kiwis in English by the Chief Executive of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Dr. Seddon Bennington and by a Kiwi Ranger, Peter Graham of New Zealand Department of Conservation at Ibaraki Nature Museum this Saturday from 13:30pm to 15:30pm.

The lectures are limited to 300 people, but there are still some openings. If you are interested in attending these lectures, please call the museum at 0297-３８-２０００ between 9:30AM and 5:00PM and reserve your spot ASAP. Please ask a Japanese speaker to call the museum for you if you don’t speak Japanese. Please also note that the lectures are aimed at junior high school students and above, so no small children will be allowed in. The lectures will be simultaneously translated into Japanese.

From the New Zealand Embassy website,
“New Zealand exhibition at Ibaraki Nature Museum, 14 July-30 September“

You probably already know about Tsukuba Public Library and the library at the University of Tsukuba, but did you know that many of the research institutes here in Tsukuba also have extensive collections? It is not always possible to take the books out of such libraries, but you can usually at least gain access to them if you ask nicely.

Here is a list of libraries in Tsukuba.

Read more »

Make your own replica of a desmostylus teeth fossil
November 10, Saturday
From 10:30 to 15:00, First 120 people,
Free, No reservation is required*

*However, what you will need to do is to get there at or before 10:30 and “sign up” for the desired time. If your kids have a soccer practice or something in the morning, for instance, you can go to the museum at 10:30am and sign your kids up for 2:00pm session. Fossil making takes 10-15 minutes and drying time takes about 30min. You can look around the museum while you and your kids wait for the replicas to dry, or you can enjoy golden coloring of ginkgo leaves! This weekend is the perfect time to enjoy ginkgo leaves at AIST.

AIST Geological Museum website (English)
Make-Your-Own series page (this page is in Japanese, but you can take a look at the pictures of what you are going to make)

Related article:
Desmostylus Exhibit in Tsukuba

Map and Survey Festival (測量と地図のフェスティバル/Sokuryo to Chizu no Festival) will be held this Sunday, June 3, which is the 測量の日(sokuryo-no hi/Day of Survey).

There will be events and activities like a marching band performance, kid’s geography quiz competition, treasure hunt games, and “measuring in paces.” My son and I went to this festival last year, and we both had a lot of fun. All the events are free and there will be FREE buses leaving from the loadins zone #6 at the Tsukuba Center Bus Terminal on that day. All the visitors will receive a free “map of Japan puzzle.”

Map and Survey Festival
When:
June 3, Sunday
From 9:30AM to 4:30PM
Where:
The Science Museum of Map and Survey
(Access map in English is HERE)

Other events this weekend:
Yasato Pottery Festival
Namiki High School Festival
Mongolia Exhibition
Michi no Ichi (arts and craft fair)
Science Day and Environment Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum

Since there are many researchers in Tsukuba (some even in the field of Medical Science, perhaps?), I thought this museum will get the attention of many TsukuBlog readers.

Meguro Parasitological Museum (目黒寄生虫館 or Meguro Kisei-chuu kan) is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to parasites.

The Meguro Parasitological Museum is a research facility that was established in 1953 by the private funds of Satoru Kamegai (1909-2002), a Doctor of Medical Science. Since its establishment, the Museum has achieved substantial success owing to the help of volunteers in the private sector as well as the assistance of the government, in addition to the support of the academic establishment. The parasite-related materials and specimens held by the museum along with the museum’s research and publication activities allow the museum to pride itself as one of the most distinguished museums in the world.

I’ve never been there (yet!), but I first learned about this place when my friend e-mailed me an image of T-shirt with a picture of a tapeworm on it many years ago. Apparently, the popularity of that T-shirt and other T-shirts and products with tapeworm and other parasite designs is catching on.

It’s a bit early, but if you are already looking for souvenirs to take home during the summer break, the things you can buy in this museum will definitely leave lasting impressions…, good or bad.

T-shirts 1900 Yen - 3300Yen
You can get UNIQUE T-shirts at the shop.
Over 10 types T-shirts are sold and available sizes are depends on designs.
Above all, the best number is a black shirt with a “raised” tapeworm across the front. You can feel it!

Others…
Bag, Cellular phone strap, Key chain, Pen, Postcard, Ruler, Sticker etc… Can you believe that a real parasite (Anisakis) is sealed in the key chain? It is the best seller of all. Also the ruler which is printed cute cartoon parasites is quite popular souvenir at the shop.

This museum is only a 15-minute walk from the JR Yamanote Meguro Station, and the admission is free (they accept donations).

>> Welcome to the World’s Only Parasitological Museum!

Click to download the April 2008 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Click to download the August 2006 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The December 2006 issue of Mind The Gap is out now!!

Go to the December 2006 issue on the Mind the Gap website for all the latest info for international students of Tsukuba University.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Kate
‘Mind The Gap’

Click to download the July 2006 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Click to download the June 2006 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Click to download the October 2006 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Click to download the September 2006 issue of Mind the Gap.

Mind the Gap is a newsletter for students of Tsukuba University. It is an extra source of important information about living and studying in Japan, catering especially to the students of Tsukuba! We are here to make your life easier and make sure that you enjoy this unique opportunity to study abroad. We will keep you up-to-date monthly with important notices and deadlines for visas/documents/entrance exams/dormitories, and don’t miss the monthly comic ‘Yougakusei’ and ‘Views from the Shokudou’! Please check this website every month for the latest issue, which is also posted in the lounge at the International Student Center (ISC). Also, print-outs of the latest issues are available in the ISC office to take home.

Comments or Questions?
mindthegaptsukuba[a]yahoo.co.jp

Japan Geotechnical Consultants Association has announced the first 83 locations out of about 380 candidate sites to be included in their list of 100 geology spots in Japan, a.k.a., 日本の地質百選 (Nihon no Chishitsu Hayku-sen) last month. JGCA organized this project to raise public interest in local geology and at the same time, give local tourism industry a boost.

According to JGCA’s website, it made a selection based on the candidate site’s importance in understanding the geologic history of Japan and how the particular site will benefit the local education and tourism if picked.

So what’s so unique about the geology of Mt.Tsukuba?

According to Kazuhiro Miyazaki of Institute of Geology and Geoinformation (part of AIST), Mt.Tsukuba is made up of mainly two kinds of plutonic rocks, gabbro around the top of the mountain, surrounded by granite. The famous “Toad-shaped Rock” on Mt. Tsukuba is one big chunk of weathered gabbro, for example. Mr. Miyazaki states that a mountain made up of gabbro is rare. Orbicular granite is another rarity found in Mt.Tsukuba, and it is designated as the Ibaraki Prefectural natural treasure. Orbicular granite can be seen in the Ishioka City side of Mt.Tsukuba. (information based on June 17 issue of Asahi Newspaper)

As you know, or if you didn’t know, Mt. Tsukuba has been known as one of (100 since 1964 after a book called 日本百名山, Nihon Hyaku Meizain, came out that year) notable mountains in Japan since Edo Period (1603 to 1867 a.d.), so this new project has brought a new glory to this much-loved mountain. Mt. Tsukuba is the only site in Ibaraki to be included in the list of 100 so far.

If you love cycling or hiking, you might be interested in looking at the current exhibit called “Rediscover the Nature of Tsukuba” at Geological Museum before you plan your next outing. The exhibit is all in Japanese unfortunately, but you can still see the images of various geologically interesting sites in Tsukuba area. You can pick up magazine-type and fold out-type catalogs there. If you are heading home for summer, these catalogs can also be good souvenirs for your friends and families to show them what Tsukuba is like…, geologically!

catalogs from the exhibit

Rediscover the Nature of Tsukuba
Geological Museum (AIST)
April 17 to July 16
Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Namiki High School in Namiki will hold its annual school festival called かえで祭(Kaede-sai) this coming weekend, and it’ll be the last festival the school will be holding as a “high school.”

As I have mentioned in my post last month titled “Tsuchiura Nihon University Secondary School and a new school in Namiki,” Namki High School will end its 23-year history as a high school next spring, and will become the first public secondary school in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Kaede-sai is from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 1pm on Sunday. All the games, food and exhibits are prepared by the Namiki High students. This is definitely a very family-oriented event. Please take a look at the school’s blog to see what the festival was like last year: Namiki HS Blog

There are parking spaces, but I really recommend going there by bike or by bus though the bicycle parking lots get VERY crowded as well. If you are planning on using the city’s Tsuku Bus, take Route #5 and get off at 学園並木 (Gakuen-Namiki) which is literally in front of/across the street from Namiki HS, or take Kanto Tetsudo bus and get off at Gakuen-Namiki (260yen from Tsukuba Center Bus Terminal unless they made any changes to the fare).

Other events this weekend:
Yasato Pottery Festival
Map and Survey Festival
Mongolia Exhibition
Michi no Ichi (arts and craft fair)
Science Day and Environment Day at Ibaraki Nature Museum

* Important Update (May 30)*
Namiki HS sent out letters to all elementary schools in Tsukuba City yesterday, asking parents and children to refrain from coming to their festival this weekend because the school has confirmed a case/cases of measles. The festival will still go on, however. The festival was supposed to provide the opportunities for kids and parents in Ibaraki to take a look at their facilities, so the school regrets making this announcement.

Hi Everyone,

Are you moving house or upgrading your appliances?

A new “Re-use” system has been developed by the Tsukuba University “Environmental Circle EcoRanger” (official student body, supported by University of Tsukuba office - campus life section), so that new students coming to Tsukuba can live economically and ecologically.

If you have appliances and household goods that you don’t need, please bring them to Ichinoya or Hirasuna dormitories in Tsukuba University on the following dates. They can also pick up your goods by car if necessary.

I think its a great idea, as every year there is always SO much stuff dumped at the dormitories that goes to waste. So, why not organise your things in March and give the things that you don’t need to the new students.

Details

Household goods accepted:
Microwave oven, rice cooker, toaster oven, electrical appliances, TV, electric heater, desk lamp, etc. Only household goods in GOOD condition are accepted. Otherwise, they may reject your goods. Also, bicycles are accepted only with applicant’s copy of “Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration”.

Date, time, and location of receipt of goods:
3rd, 10th, & 25th March (also 26th & 27th March in Hirasuna)
9:00-11:30am, 13:00-15:30pm
Ichinoya and Hirasuna community bulidings (1Floor)

Email
zdk[AT]stb.tsukuba. ac.jp

Website (Japanese)
http://www.stb.tsukuba.ac. jp/~zdk/weal/