A huge field on Mount Wakakusa in Nara Prefecture will be set on fire at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 following a 15-minute fireworks display.
Admission to the mountain is free on the day of the event, which is held annually, but visitors will not be permitted to climb to the top.
The venue is a 15-minute walk from Daibutsuden Kasugataisha Mae bus stop on a city loop bus that starts from JR and Kintetsu Nara stations.
For more information, go to narashikanko.or.jp/yamayaki/img/gaido.pdf (in Japanese) or call (0742) 27-8677.
Residency consultation event planned in Hyogo
Foreign residents are invited to a free consultation with licensed administrative scriveners on issues related to their residency status in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, on Jan. 26.
The session will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and a translation service will be provided in English and Chinese.
The venue, Nishinomiya City International Association, is near JR Nishinomiya Station. For more information, please visit www.nishi.or.jp/homepage/nia/whats_new/soudan_e.html (in English) or phone (0798) 32-8680.
Wakayama staging concert for infants
Infants can enjoy a concert and play with musical instruments Sunday in Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture.
A small group of musicians from the Osaka Symphony Orchestra will play various pieces, including tunes from "Doraemon" and "My Neighbor Totoro," on the violin, viola, cello and piano. The concert has two sessions, the first of which starts at 1:30 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m.
Admission is ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for participants between the age of 4 and high school students, and free for younger children. Under a special offer, a pair of tickets for a parent and a child is available for ¥1,200.
The venue, Kainan Shimin Koryu Center, is a 13-minute walk from Shimotsu Station on the JR Kinokuni Line. For further details, visit www.wacaf.or.jp/event/event.html?sno=3619 (in Japanese) or dial (073) 436-1331.
Learn how to cook 'setsubun' dishes in Aichi
Foreigners who work, live or study in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, can learn how to cook special "setsubun" dishes on Feb. 3, the last day of winter according to the traditional lunar calendar.
Participants will prepare lucky "eho" sushi rolls, soup with sardine dumplings and green tea mousse in the class from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Those interested need to make reservations by Wednesday by visiting Komaki International Association. Those below junior high school age will not be allowed to join the class. Participation costs ¥500.
The venue is Komakishi Kominkan, a 10-minute walk from Komaki Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line. For more information, go to www2.schoolweb.ne.jp/weblog/data/2370011/q/1/1214489.pdf (in English), or call (0568) 76-0905.
Tokai will hold free orchid show, workshop
A flower show featuring orchids will take place Jan. 26 and 27 in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, which is known for its flower cultivation.
Visitors can enjoy the orchids on display and learn how to grow them. They will also be able to purchase orchids. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 26 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following day. Admission is free.
To access the venue, Tokai Shimin Taiikukan, take a shuttle bus or city loop bus from Otagawa Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line.
For further details, please visit www.city.tokai.aichi.jp/4696.htm (in Japanese) or telephone (052) 603-2211.