What’s Inside
2 Membership News
Bunka-Sai Gift Booth Needs Donated Items
3 Annual Membership Drive
4 Kashiwa News Birthday Reunion!
5 Alumni Reunion Partnership Award Recipient: Linda Canada
7 Anime Drawing Contest!
8 Alumni Updates
9 English Teacher Report: Spring, Around the Corner
10 Teach English in Japan
11 Memories of Japan
12 TSCA Yard Sale
INSERT > 45th Annual Bunka-Sai Flyer > Bunka-Sai Advertising Form
___________________
Since 1973, the cities of Torrance, California, and Kashiwa, Japan, have enjoyed a sister city partnership, with the goal of furthering international friendship across cultures.
President’s Message
By Hazel Taniguchi
Januarywasaverybusymonth!Newof icersandboardmembersstartedtheirterms.Planscontinuedforthe45thanniversarycelebrationandBunka‐Sai.The
AlumniReunionwasahugesuccesswithsomanymembersattending,greatpotluckfood,and14studentapplicantsandfamiliesintroduced.Thankyoutoallthoseonthecommitteeandtoeveryonewhoparticipated.
The45thanniversarycelebrationwasalsoahugesuccess,withmuchcreditgoingtocitystaffandcommitteemembers.Renewingandmakingnewfriendshipswassimplywonderful.Thankyoutoallwhoplannedtheeventsandtoallwhoparticipatedastheycould.TheTorranceadultdele‐gateswillgotoKashiwainOctobertocelebratethe45thanniversarythere.PleaselookforphotosandanarticleintheMarchissueofournewsletterregardingthecelebrationthismonth.
Now,weneedtoconcentrateonBunka‐Sai.It’searlythisyear,soweneedtomakespeci icplansrightaway.Westillneedhelpinthefollowingareas:allbooths,especiallytheBBQ,gift,dango,andcottoncandybooths,settinguponFridaythe6th,andcleaninguponSundaythe8th.Nojobistoosmallorinsigni icantwhenthereasonfordoingBunka‐Saiistofundthe“gem”oftheSisterCityProgram—theStudentCulturalExchangeProgram.WeneedthehelpofpastandpresentTSCAmembers.Ifyoucanvolunteerforjusttwohourseachday,thatwouldbeoftremendoushelp.Tothepublic,weinviteyoutocomeandlearnabouttheJapanesecultureandsupportthestudentprogram.
AfterBunka‐Sai,theselected2018studentdelegatesandtheiradultleaderwillbeattendingorientationsessionstopreparethemfortheirtriptoKashiwainJuly.InAugust,wewillbehostingtheKashiwastudentsandadultleader.Wewillneedhostfamiliesthen.Ifyouareinterested,pleasecontactus.MostoftheactivitiesareplannedbyTSCA,withafreeweekendfor/witheachhostfamily.Hostingcanbeveryrewarding.TheKashiwastudentsareeagertolearnabouttheAmericanculture.
DidyouknowthatwehaveacherryblossomtreegrovehereinTorrance?ThegroveislocatedjustoutsidetheGeorgeNakanoTheatre,acrossfromtheTorrancePoliceDepartment.Fivetreeswereplantedduringthe25thanniversary,andadditionaltreeswereplantedeachtimewecelebratedananniversary.Therearenowninetrees.TheyusuallybloomaroundMayorJune,dependingontheweather.
IfyouareinterestedintheSisterCityProgram,pleasefeelfreetoattendourmonthlymeetingsorcontactus.Moreinformationisavailableonourwebsiteattorrancesistercity.org.Thankyou!
www.torrancesistercity.org February 2018
TSCA NEWS T O R R A N C E S I S T E R C I T Y A S S O C I A T I O N
CALENDAR FEBRUARY 28 Membership Dues deadline to be included in the printed 2018 TSCA Membership Directory
MARCH 1 Deadline to place an ad in the Bunka-Sai Program Booklet
MARCH 3 TSCA Garage Sale (7 am-12 noon) 21230 Anza Ave, Torrance 90503
MARCH 7 Bunka-Sai Planning Meeting (7-8:45 pm) Katy Geissert Library Polly Watts Room, 2nd Floor 3301 Torrance Blvd, Torrance 90503
MARCH 12 TSCA Association Meeting (7-9 pm) City Hall West Annex Commission Room 3031 Torrance Blvd, Torrance 90503
MARCH 28 Bunka-Sai Planning Meeting (7-8:45 pm) Katy Geissert Library Polly Watts Room, 2nd Floor 3301 Torrance Blvd, Torrance 90503
Torrance Sister City Association
PRESIDENT Hazel Taniguchi
VICE PRESIDENT Cindy Scotto
SECRETARY Wendy Ito
TREASURER Ronald Reeve ______________
Newsletter Editor Summer Nagano Gray
Newsletter Distribution Donna Dunlap
Comments or submissions? Please send an email to [email protected]
2 TSCA News / February 2018
NEW AND RENEWED MEMBERSHIPS
Membership News By Reiko Higa, Membership Chair
Corporate($200/year)TorranceRe iningCompany,LLC
Suppor ng ($75+/year)Miles,Marilyn&Frank
Family($40/year)Albitz,Phil&VelmaCortez,Dana&NatashaDiederich,DanielDonaldson,Janet,Sarah,Matthew&SkyeFlynn,Janet&JohnFrichtel,Debbie&TimGalinato,ReganHankey,RussellHerbers,Jerry&SueHolloway,MackenzieKuo,Kane,Amy&SamanthaMaroney,JillandFamilyMatsubara,Paul,Kathi&SydneyMcGee,John&CarmenNagahiro,AlyssaNash,ReneeNewhart,LilyOda,Steve,Sharyl&MelanieShimizu,MarieShintani,Patsy,Ron&Melissa
Family (cont’d)
Shiosaki,Joan&EdwinTsay,IreneUeki,Sumi&MasakiUjimori,Harvey&KayVasquez,Sibbald
Individual ($20/year)Abraham,AlisonAllen,SheilaClark,KeikoCoury,AmyGoodrich,MargeHaugen,JessicaKilburn,KathyMachado,ChelseaMarlowe,PatO’Donnell,MaureenTanaka,Yaeko
Dona ons DonaldsonFamily($60)Herbers,Jerry&Sue($10)KuoFamily($60)Miles,Marilyn&Frank($25)
Thankyouforjoiningorrenewingyourmembershipfor2018andthegenerousdonations!
Bunka-Sai Gift Booth Needs Donated Items Spring is in the air...almost! That means it’s time to clean out your drawers, closets, and garages for all those items you stashed away for the Bunka-Sai Gift Booth (April 7-8)! We are seeking new or like‐new donated items for our ever‐popular gi booth! Japanese items are especially appreciated. Kitchenware, decora ve items, toys, that item you got for Christmas or your birthday that’s just not you...donate them and we’ll turn them into money to help fund our Student Exchange Program!
Bring your items to our March 12 TSCA mee ng (see Calendar for details) or drop them off on the porch of Karen Wheeler, Gi Booth Chair (4034 Bluff St, Torrance, CA 90505). If you have any ques ons, please contact Karen at [email protected]
Thank You...we couldn’t do it without you!
NEW
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Have You Paid Your 2018 Membership Dues Yet? There are several membership levels available — for every situation!
Or complete the form below and mail it in with your check. Deadline to be included in the printed TSCA Membership Directory is 2/28/18.
TORRANCESISTERCITYASSOCIATION2018 Membership Application
Except for the Life Membership, all dues are in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2018
Name ______________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
City ___________________________State ____ ZIP Code ___________
Telephone ( ) _____________________ E‐mail address________________________________________
I wish to receive my TSCA News newsle er by U.S Mail
My membership is: NEW RENEWAL I do not want to be listed in the TSCA directory
Directory Update: New address New telephone number New e‐mail address
I am interested in par cipa ng in TSCA ac vi es ______________________________________
Enclosed is a donation to TSCA (in addition to my annual dues) in the amount: $______ Total enclosed: $_________
Make your check payable to TSCA and mail with this form to: Torrance Sister City Associa on c/o Cultural Services Division 3031 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503
TSCA mee ngs are held on the second Monday of each month at the Civic Center West Annex Commission Room, 7 pm. (Excep ons: No mee ngs in August or December 2018. The February and November mee ngs will be held on Tuesday, the 13th.)
ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND GET INVOLVED!
Membership Commi ee Chair: Reiko Higa (310) 619‐4361 or [email protected]
Individual $20 per year Family $40 per year Suppor ng $75+ per year Benefactor $125+ per year Corpora on $200+ per year Life member $2,000+ (one‐ me dona on)
Torrance Sister City Association
Paying your membership dues is faster and easier than ever with PayPal! www.torrancesistercity.org
TSCA News / February 2018 3
Kashiwa News By Hisataka Takikawa
To
BofMLiMth
Birthday Reunion! Earlier this month, 2017 Kashiwa student delegates Kana Horie (3rd from left) and Sayaka Tamura (3rd from right) revisited their many friends in Torrance to celebrate Sayaka’s 19th birthday!
What a fun reunion! The girls were able to stay with their previous host families (Dunlap/Ihde, Gan, and Makino families), and all eight of the 2017 Torrance student delegates met them for a delicious Korean BBQ dinner! There were a few tears upon saying goodbye, but we look forward to seeing them again!
2018 Adult Leader Ms. Atsuko Takahashi
2018 Torrance Committee Board Members (from left): Vice-chair Ms. Yoriko Ishida, Chair Mr. Masahiko Arai, Liaison Ms. Akiko Nobusawa, and Treasurer Ms. Chie Suzuki
Many KIRA members enjoyed a wonderful New Year Party at Palette Kashiwa headquarters
4 TSCA News / February 2018
TSCA News / February 2018 5
Themorethan100attendeesattheTSCAAlumniReuniononJanuary13weregreetedwithcolorfulblueandwhitetableclothsandbeautiful,glitter‐dippedredrosecenterpieces(thankstoReikoHiga).TSCAPresidentHazelTaniguchiwelcomedeveryoneandwishedgoodlucktothe14studentapplicantsforthisyear’s45thstudentexchangeprogram.
TorranceMayorPatrickFureyalsoprovidedawarmwelcome,thenintroducedhiscolleaguesontheCityCouncilwhowereinattendance:CityCouncilmenGoodrich,Grif ithsandWeideman;CityClerkRebeccaPoirier,CityTreasurerDanaCortez,andFormerCityClerkSueHerbers.
HazelgavespecialrecognitiontoVicKilburn,apastTSCAPresident,andMikkoHaggottHenson,foundingTSCApresident.ShealsothankedtheAlumniReunionchairpersons:SindyKang,DonnaDunlap,ReikoHigaandShirleyTanaka.
Ms.PoirierinstalledtheincomingTSCAof icersfor2018andassistedCindyScottoinpresentingCerti icatesofAppreciationtooutgoingof icersandboardmembers:WernerWilloughby,DavidGelbaum,CindyScotto,JudyGibson,SarahDonaldsonandWilliamFu.
DonnaDunlappresentedthisyear’sPartnershipAwardtoLindaCanada,PastPresidentoftheJapaneseAmericanHistoricalSocietyofSanDiego.
DavidGelbaum,StudentSelectionCommitteeChairfor2017and2018,introducedthe2017TSCAstudentdelegates.TheyeachsharedafavoriteexperienceoftheirstudentculturalexchangelastsummerinKashiwa,thenavideooftheirtripwasshown,thankstostudentdelegateSakoMakino.
Davidthencalledoneachofthe2018applicantstointroducethemselvesandtheirfamiliesandsharewhytheyareinterestedinbeingastudentdelegate.TheAdultLeaderfor2018,ChelseaMachado,saidsheisexcitedtobepartofthisyear’strip,andthenewAdultLeaderfor2019,JessicaHaugen,wasintroduced.
Theannualrollcallofmembers,acknowledgingtheirparticipa‐tioninvariousrolesintheorganization,wasledbyTSCApastpresidentLoriChongEurich.
Attheconclusionoftheprogram,attendeesdancedthetraditionalKashiwaOdori,ledbythe2017studentdelegates.Everyonecircledtheroom,smilingandingracefulrhythm,a ittingendtoajoyousoccasion.
Alumni Reunion
By Sindy Kang Photos by Sydney Matsubara
Fourteen aspiring Student Delegates for 2018 attended the Alumni Reunion. They introduced themselves and shared why they would like to be selected for “the trip of a lifetime.”
At the conclusion of the event, the attendees formed a circle to dance the Kashiwa Odori.
Torrance City Clerk Rebecca Poirier (at podium) installed new TSCA Officers (from right) President Hazel Taniguchi, Vice President Cindy Scotto, Secretary Wendy Ito, and Treasurer Ronald Reeve. Immediate Past President Werner Willoughby was also acknowledged for his service.
Alumni Reunion
Partnership Award Recipient 2018
Linda Canada Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego
EachyearTorranceSisterCityAssociationacknowledgesacommunitymemberwhohasworkedwiththeAssociationandsupporteditsmissiontopromoteapersonalrelationshipwithoursistercityinKashiwa,Japan.
Aspartofourannualculturalexchangeprogram,theKashiwastudentdelegatesspendmostoftheirtimeinTorrance,buttraveltoSanDiegoforafewdaysforadifferentviewofhistoryandcultureintheUnitedStates.
TSCA irstfoundLindain2011whenWernerWilloughby,then‐CommitteeChairofAuguststudentactivities,wentonlineandfoundtheJapaneseAmericanHistoricalSocietyofSanDiego.HesentanemailrequestingsuggestionsforplacesofinteresttoincludeinourKashiwastudents’tourinSanDiego.Linda,then‐PresidentoftheSociety,answeredhisemail.MaybeitwastheTorrancenamethatsparkedherinterest(LindamovedtoTorrancewhenshewas10yearsoldandgraduatedfromWestHighSchool),orperhapsitwasherdedicationtoshareandpromotetheJapaneseAmericanhistory—happily,itresultedinalastingconnectionwithTSCAthathascontinuedformanyyears.
AftergraduatingfromUCLA,LindaearnedherJD,practicedlaw,andmovedtoSanDiego.ShehaspersonallymetourgrouponShelterIslandeveryyearforthepast7years,sharingherwealthofinformationandexplainingthehistoryoftheJapanesein luenceinSanDiego.ThestudentsvisittheFriendshipBell,agiftfromSanDiego’ssistercity(Yokohama,Japan),andtheTunamen’sMemorial,abronzesculptureofthree ishermanthathonorsgenerationsof ishermenfromdiversecultures.TheylearnhowtheJapanese ishermenusedaveryeffectivetechniquetocatchtunaandhowtheytaughtthistotheirfellow ishermen.
WecannotthankLindaenoughforthetimeanddedicationshehasprovidedtoenhancetheexperienceofourKashiwastudentswhileinSanDiego.TSCAishonoredtopresentLindaCanadawithour2018PartnershipAward.
Domoarigato,Ms.Canada!
Donna Dunlap, chair of TSCA’s Partnership Award Committee, presents Linda Canada, past president of the
Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego, with the 2018 TSCA Partnership Award for her dedicated support of the Torrance-Kashiwa student cultural exchange program.
6 TSCA News / February 2018
Bunka-SaiBunka-Sai45th
Annual
Japanese Cultural FestivalSaturday & SundayApril 7 and 8, 201811:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ken Miller Recreation Center3341 Torrance Boulevard (At Madrona Avenue)
Presented by
The Torrance Sister City AssociationTorranceSisterCity.org
Proceeds to benefit the student cultural exchange program
City of Torrance • Community Services Department • 310-618-2930
FREEAdmission&Parking
Enjoy children’s games and activities, tasty plate lunches,
baked goodies, craft items, and cultural performances
$250GrandPrize!
ADVERTISING FORM For TSCA’s Bunka-Sai 2018 Program Booklet
Supporting the Student Cultural Exchange program
When: Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, 2018 Where: Ken Miller Recreation Center, the Toyota Meeting Hall, and the Torino Plaza Objectives: To help the community learn about the Japanese culture To raise funds for the Student Cultural Exchange Program The Student Cultural Exchange Program is..... a cultural exchange program that takes place each year in July and August. Since 1974, Torrance sends a maximum of eight students and an adult leader to Kashiwa, Japan, for three weeks in July. Kashiwa sends a similar group to Torrance in August. This program is often referred to as “the gem” of the Sister City Program. Please help us by placing an ad in our festival program booklet Your ad will promote your company/business and support the Student Cultural Exchange Program. Personal ads celebrating special occasions, etc., are also welcome. Your ad will appear in the program booklet that will distributed to an expected 2,000+ visitors over the weekend. Cost (no change in years): Full-page ad..........................................................$200 Half-page ad.........................................................$100 One-fourth page ad................................................$50 Business card size ad............................................$25 Specifics: Must be no larger than 8 1/2 “ x 11”. Must be camera ready. Deadline: March 1, 2018, in order to meet the printing deadline Checks payable to: Torrance Sister City Association or TSCA Questions? Please e-mail [email protected], or call Shirley Tanaka at (310) 293-8600. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Complete and return the section below* * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Company Name___________________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________City_____________ State_____ ZIP Code___________ Contact Name________________________ Phone #_______________ E-Mail_________________________ Ad information: Size_________________ Cost_________ Use last year’s ad?_________________________ New?_______________ Camera-ready copy enclosed?______________________________ Specific instructions_________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________ Mail this portion, your ad, and check to: Torrance Sister City Association 3031 Torrance Blvd., Attn: Cultural Services Division Torrance, CA 90503 Thank you for your support!
Torrance Sister City Association’s
ANIME DRAWING CONTEST!
***Win Cool Prizes!***
Open to middle school & high school students
Forms and more info at www.torrancesistercity.org
Elise
Fuj
ita, 2
017 A
nim
e Con
test
Ove
rall W
inne
r CATEGORIES
■ Overall ■ Cutest ■ Best represents Japanese Culture
Prizes awarded for each Category
RULES Entries must be drawn on 8½” x 11” paper
in Portrait (vertical) format. Entries may be in Color OR Black &White. One entry per person per category. On the BACK of the drawing, include the following:
Your Name, Age, School, and Cell Phone Number. Entries must include a Release Form and Waiver signed
by the artist and parent/guardian.
Entries must be submitted IN PERSON on Friday, APRIL 6, 2018, 4pm – 6:30pm Ken Miller Recreation Center (3341 Torrance Blvd)
Winners will be announced on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 12:20 pm
Alumni Updates
StephanieMikamo (EnglishTeacheratKashiwaMunicipalHighSchool,August2014‐2017).“After inishingmyjobatIchikashi,IwenttostudyataJapaneselanguageschoolinTokyo.InDecember2017,ItooktheJapaneseLanguagePro iciencyTest,LevelN2,andwasfortunatelyabletopass!
“StartinginAprilofthisyear,IwillbeteachingatRikkyoUniversity’sEnglishDiscussionCenter.Iwillbeleadingsmallclassesofsixtoninestudents.Inthesediscussion‐basedclasses,thestudentswillpracticehowtoexpresstheiropinionsinEnglish.”
JillMaroneyHonoredasWomanoftheYearByGailRoulette
WhilemanyTSCAmembersweregreetingouranniversarydelegationfromKashiwaonFebruary8,severalothermemberswereattheDoubleTreeHotelforanotherevent.ThatwouldbetheSwitzerLearningCenter’s19thAnnualSouthBayWomenoftheYearawardsluncheon,whereourownJillMaroneywasoneoffourwomenhonoredfortheircommunityservice.Jillwasparticularlyhonoredforhervolunteerism.
OfcourseweknowJillasaninvaluablememberoftheTSCABoardandvariouscommitteesformanyyears,andasaformervicepresidentandadultleader.Butwelearnedshealsohasmanyyearsofexperienceinothervolunteercapacities,includingtheParent‐TeacherAssociation(PTA)andAmeri‐
canYouthSoccerOrganization(AYSO),andshesupportsnonpro itssuchasSwitzerLearningCenter,TorranceCulturalArtsFoundation,andGoldenHeartRanch.Further,sheiscurrentlyPresidentoftheTorranceHistoricalSociety.
Duringheracceptancespeech,JillpraisedherexperiencesinTSCAasspecialbecauseoftheconnectionwiththepeopleinKashiwa.
Jillaptlyrepresentsthemanyvolunteerswhogiveoftheirtimeandtalentstohelpmakeourcommunityabetterplacetolive.
8 TSCA News / February 2018
Jill Maroney
Jill Maroney (Ieft) was among the honorees at the Switzer Learning Center’s 19th Annual South Bay Women of the Year awards luncheon.
To view Torrance CitiCABLE’s (February 1-6) coverage of the Women of the Year award honorees, log on to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFYWCHoP1B4 and cue up to 10:36 minutes to begin the segment.
CongratulationsJill,onanawardwell‐deserved!
Spring, Around the Corner OneofthewonderfulthingsI’vediscoveredaboutJapanesewinteriskairo—disposableJapaneseheatpacksandhandwarmers.Studentshavethemintheirpockets,andwhiletryingtoindthematthegrocerystore,Iaccidentallyboughtoneswithastickybacking.Perfectforadheringtotheinsidemysweatersandstayingwarm.
AnothercommonsightaroundIchikashi:anassortmentofcute,bright‐lycoloredlapblanketsusedbyteachersandstudentsalikeintheof iceandinclassrooms—atrendIquicklyadopted.
And,now,Ilovestayingwarm,butthatdoesn’tmeanIdon’tlikeplayingoutsideinthecold!ItsnowedacoupleoftimesinKashiwaandinTokyorecently,andthoughitwashardonallcommuters,itreallywasaWinterWon‐derland.Imademy irstsnowangelonthebaseball ield,hadmy irstsnowball ightwithsomestudentsafterschool,andbuiltasmallsnowman—yukidarumainJapanese—ontheof icebalcony.
MyiPhonecamerarollisfullofpicturesandvideosofswirlingsnowandserenecountrysidebackdrops.Againstmybetterjudgment,Istuckmybarehandsintopilesofsnowonseveraloccasions,inaweatthewholeexperienceofit.Don’tworry,Mom,I’vesinceboughtpropermittens,butit’shardto indthewordstodescribethesheerjoythatsurgedthroughme.
Now,withtheendofwinter,whichisslowlymeltingaway,comestheapproachingendofthethird‐year
students’timenotonlyatIchikashibutalsoashighschoolstudents.Atthispointintheirhighschoolcareers,it’scommonformanythird‐yearerstostopcomingtoschool—thoughtheywon’tof iciallygraduateuntilspring—topreparefortheirentranceintouniversity.
AttheendofJanuary,thewholeschoolgatheredtosendthemoffwithacelebra‐tioncalledyosenkai,whichtranslatesto“seniorfare‐well.”Watchingthesecond‐yearstudentssingatouchingsongofgratitudetotheirsenpai,IfeltlikeIwaslivinginaJapanesedrama.Itwasamazingtoseesomanyofthestudents—usuallysosilentandpoisedatschoolassemblies—cheer,singanddanceastheyhonoredtheirseniors.
Inothernews,regardinglifeoutsideofschool,Iwasabletomeetupwithsomeofmy
friendsfromthe38thTSCA/KIRAstudentdelegation:MinaandShiori,andtheiradultleaderShibata‐san,whoislikeourmom.Thisyear,I’mcomingupon7yearsofbeingblessedbytheircompanionship.There’sreallynothinglikespendingtimewitholdfriendstowarmtheheartonacoldwinterevening.
AlisonAbrahambeganteachingatKashiwaMunicipalHighSchool(Ichikashi)inAugust2017aspartofTSCA’s3‐yearEnglishTeacherprogram.ThisprogramprovidestheopportunitytoliveandworkinKashiwawhilelearn‐ingabouttheJapaneselanguageandculture.
TSCA News / February 2018 9
English Teacher Report
By Alison Abraham
Top: Snowy sunset view from Ichikashi’s Foreign Language office. Bottom: One of my last days with my first-ever class at Ichikashi,
third-year students from Class 3B.
Teach English
in Kashiwa, Japan
The Torrance Sister City Association seeks qualified applicants for one high school English teacher in Kashiwa, Japan, the Sister City of Torrance. A minimum one-year contract runs from August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. The contract is renewable for a maximum three-year assignment.
Duties: Conduct and assist in a variety of English conversation classes; assist with coordinating campus visits by parents, administrators, and junior high students; and assist with extracurricular activities, which may include judging and assisting with speech contests, serving as adviser to the English Conversation Club and business trips, and coaching students for college interviews. Volunteer work with KIRA (Kashiwa International Relations Association) and other city groups may also be required.
Qualifications
Applicants must: Live or work in Torrance Be fluent in written and spoken English Hold a Bachelor’s degree plus a teaching credential
or have demonstrated teaching experience Possess a keen interest in the Japanese language
and culture Represent the Torrance Sister City Association and
foster the goals and objectives of the English Teacher Exchange Program.
Compensation
Annual salary of approximately 4,800,000 Japanese yen
One-way airfare from Los Angeles to Japan
National health insurance (deducted from monthly salary)
Subsidized housing and transportation allowance
Paid Japanese holidays and personal days
To Apply
Please send resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation by U.S. mail only.
Must be postmarked by April 12, 2018, and received by April 19, 2018.
Mail to: Lori Chong Eurich, Chair TSCA English Teacher Selection Committee c/o Community Services Dept. 3031 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503 Qualified applicants will be scheduled for panel interviews in May. For more information, call Lori Chong Eurich at (310) 373-6146.
TorranceSisterCityAssociationwww.torrancesistercity.org
Memories of Japan Part 4 in a series of reports
from TSCA’s 2017 Delegation
Festivals in Japan: Matsuri
By Sako Makino, Student Delegate
SummerinJapanisatimeforhotweather,shavedice,andofcourse,matsuri.Matsuri,orfestivals,inJapanfeatureawiderangeofdifferentfoods,games,anddances.Thoughorigi‐nallyitwasmeanttobeacelebrationofthedead,mostparticipantsnowa‐dayshavefuntakingpartinthemanyactivitieswithoutknowingthereasonforcelebration.Myhostfathermentionedthis,butdidnotseemupsetbyit.Hewasinsteadsmilingashewatchedhisdaughter,mylittlehostsister,giveitherallasshetookpartinabon‐odori.ThatwasthenightIexpe‐riencedmy irstmatsuriwhileinJapan.
IhadgonetoafewJapanesesummerfestivalswhenIwasyounger,soIthoughtIknewwhattoexpectwhenmysecondhostfamilydecidedtotakemetoone.ThefunIhadatthematsuriexceededmyexpectations,tosaytheleast.TheimageIhadofJapanbeingaquietplacefullofpeoplewhowereratherreservedandkepttothemselvesfadedasIfeltthepercussionofthetaikoechoinmychest.Theloudmusic illedmyearsandIwasdelightedtoseeagreatnumberofpeopledancingabon‐odoriinacircle.ItonlytookafewmomentsbeforemyfriendandIjoinedinandweretaughta
coupleofdances.Ilaterlearnedthatthereisahugevarietyofbon‐odori,andthatthestylesaredifferentdependingontheprefecturesorregionsfromwhichtheyhavesprung.Thedancesmainlyconsistofafewstepsthatrepeatforthedurationofthesongplaying,andtheparticipantsdanceinacirclearoundthetaikoplayers.ManypeopleweartraditionalJapaneseclothingwhenattendingamaturi,suchasyukata,jinbei,orhappi.(WhentheTorranceandKashiwadelegationspartici‐patedintheKashiwaMatsuri,weworematchinghappitodancetheKashiwaOdori—apopularbon‐odoriinthearea).Thenightendedwithireworksthatlitupthenightskywithdifferentshapes,sizes,andcolors.Thoughmyhostsisterwasscaredoftheloud“booms”the ireworksmade,shenonethelessenjoyedtheshowwhilecoveringherears.
WhatIlearnedwhileinJapangoesfarbeyondthefestivals,butthatnightwaswhenIwasmostproudof
myculture.Thatculture,whichhasbeenwovenintothematsuri,issocolorfulandrich,andIwasabsolutelyoverjoyedtohavebeenabletoappreciateitinthewayIdid.IhopetoparticipateinmanymorematsuriinthefuturewhenIrevisitKashiwaandmyhostfamilies.
Top photo: Here I am (at right), dancing in the 2017 Kashiwa Odori with the other TSCA and Kashiwa student delegates. Although we didn’t win the prize, we had an unforgettable experience!
TSCA News / February 2018 11
TORRANCE SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION 3031 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, CA 90503
Saturday, March 3, 2018 ● 7 am - 12 noon 21230 Anza Ave, Torrance, CA 90503 (near Torrance Blvd)
Do you brake for bargains? Enjoy flea market finds? Enjoy spending your money on a good cause?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, you won’t want to miss this once-a-year blockbuster Yard Sale, which will feature a variety of interesting
and unique new and gently used items (such as books, toys, clothing, kitchenware, furniture and gadgets).
All proceeds (and we mean every single penny) will benefit this summer’s TSCA Student Exchange Program. This event is hosted by the TSCA Student Selection Committee
and the 2018 student exchange applicants and their parents.
Note: If you have any items to donate for this Yard Sale, please bring them by 7 am, already priced. Thank you!
we look forward to seeing you there!
TSCA YARD SALE
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