[E-mail us your information about community-related events, clubs and associations]

CHARITY

Oxfam Charity Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK ( www.footnik.net), Ebisu, Tokyo on Tue., March 16, 8-10:30 p.m. Back To School Special: Just when you thought school was over, we're taking you back to test your memory! Think you can remember trigonometry? Still got some French? Know your sedimentary from your metamorphic rock? Then join us for our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu, study hard and avoid detention! ¥1,000 to play. Everyone welcome. Limit of five people per team. Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you promising pupils! All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan

Charity exhibition: Refugees International Japan presents "Art of Dining" on Tue., March 16, 12-8:30 p.m. Opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Place: The Westin Tokyo, Yebisu Garden Place, Kaede Room B1 (a few minutes walk from Ebisu Station) — see www.westin-tokyo.co.jp/access/index.html#en. Aim: Charity art exhibition with 21 designers to raise awareness of and support refugees worldwide. Admission: ¥3,500 at the door. For more info, see www.refugeesinternationaljapan.org/user/40/Art_of_Dining or call (03) 5500-3093. Includes exciting raffle prizes, such as tickets for Virgin Atlantic Airways and stays at the The Westin Tokyo and Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo

Being a more effective supporter and volunteer in 2010: A three-part workshop series. No. 3 on Fri., March 19, 7-9 p.m.: "Grassroots organizing: mobilizing people to take action." Location: TELL community center, Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. For details, visit one-day-workshops.blogspot.com/

Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group monthly meeting on Fri., March 19, 7-8.30 p.m., Oxfam Office, Ueno, Tokyo. Volunteer-run fundraising committee organizing unique charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan. Interested in event planning or fundraising? Join our open, monthly meeting and find out how you can help. Make a difference, make friends and have fun! See www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ for more info

Operation Chile: The Japan Emergency Team announces the commencement of Operation Chile in response to the huge quake that hit the country on Feb. 27. In its 84th disaster operation since 1989, the team is in urgent need of bottled water, canned and instant food, tents, sleeping bags, GSM cell phones, laptop computers, home medical kits, powdered milk and unused airline miles. Volunteers and those interested in donating can do so at www.jhelp.com or info[*at*]jhelp.com or Postal Furikae 00140 2 64932

Operation Haiti: The Japan Emergency Team is assisting local partners working in Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake of Jan. 12. A medical team has arrived in Haiti and is treating patients. Urgently needed supplies include bottled water, instant and canned food, powdered milk, tents, sleeping bags, rice, used GSM cell phones, used laptop computers. Donations can be made at Postal Furikae 00140 2 64932 or online at www.jhelp.com

Used stamps (including full postmarks where possible) wanted to raise funds for a cancer hospital in Sri Lanka. Send to — 574-0011, Osaka-fu, Daito-shi, Hojo 2-16-35, Kokusai Rentai. (Acknowledgments will be sent by e-mail)

Amnesty International defends human rights worldwide through letter-writing, campaigns and fundraising. People of many nationalities are active in an English-speaking local group in Tokyo. New members and supporters welcome. For more information, check out www.aiten.org

A Dream a Day in Tokyo provides weeklong, expenses-paid vacations to kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families. We welcome volunteers and supporters. Mail bindu[*at*]guesthouse.or.jp or see www.guesthouse.or.jp/english

The Japan Emergency Team asks the community to help with its efforts by donating used laptop computers for use in Baghdad, Iraq, to assist in resettlement and relief efforts for the nearly 500,000 refugees. Any used laptop computer with Wi-Fi function can be sent to: Operation Baghdad, The Japan Emergency Team, Box 65, Tokyo 106-8691. E-mail help[*at*]jhelp.com for more info

Fundraisers wanted: To help the homeless of Tokyo, we'll be collecting funds and providing services around the city. Train fare contributions and snacks provided to participants if needed. For those who cannot participate, we are providing telephone English conversation lessons where 30 percent of the fees will be donated to the homeless. See brendalesenglish.web.fc2.com or call Chris on (080) 3219 1997 for more information

CLASSES

A Parent Effectiveness Training Course will be offered in Omotesando, Tokyo, on Wednesdays: March 17 and 31, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This well-known family communications skills course teaches practical skills that will enable you to create more loving and caring family relationships. Attend to learn effective ways to listen to your kids and get them to listen to you, so that you can all get your needs met, solve family conflicts, and establish family rules that kids will follow. To register or for more info, contact pamnoda[*at*]wta.att.ne.jp

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School puts the cheek back into life-drawing. No drawing experience necessary. Just come down, sketch, drink, chat and have a blast! What: A burlesque-themed class, we combine cabaret, life-drawing sessions, complex costumes, smoking models, and boozy fun! Fourth Wed. (March 24) of the month, 8:30-10:30 p.m. ¥1,500 with a drink. Where: The Pink Cow, Shibuya. Phone: (03) 3406-5597. For info, send a mail to dillon[*at*]drsketchytokyo.com or visit www. thepinkcow.com or www.drsketchytokyo.com

Career strategy seminar presented by FEW Japan: A full day of presentations and workshops by experienced, successful women focusing on hands-on learning. Time: Sun., March 28, 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temple University Azabu Hall, Tokyo. Pre-registration ¥12,000; FEW members and students pre-registration ¥10,000; at door ¥15,000. See www.fewjapan.com

Drawing on the Writer Within is a revolutionary programme of creative writing — transformational work intended for anyone who has ever wanted to write but thinks he or she cannot, or does not know how to begin. It is also for wordsmiths who feel blocked and/or feel the need to authenticate their writing voice. See www.thewriterwithin.net/ for schedule of courses and workshops

Experience the power and excitement of Japanese "taiko" drumming. For more information on meetings, check out www.akaonidaiko.com

Chinese brush painting began about 6,000 years ago. Rivka Sue teaches Chinese brush painting in Tokyo. Join her class and you will explore the joy of Chinese brush painting. Please contact Rivka Sue at rivkasue[*at*]hotmail.com

Cooking friends meet monthly to prepare and eat European food in Shibuya. Learn about cooking with a professional native teacher and speak French, Italian, English or Japanese. Reservations are needed for those who wish to attend. For more info, e-mail italiancookingfriends[*at*]hotmail.it

The Tokyo Comedy Store offers workshops in improvisational comedy and a whole lot more in Azabu Juban. For more information on shows, check out www.tokyocomedy.com/english

Drawing and painting: Tokyo's leading center for intuitive art studies offers drawing and painting classes for artists of all backgrounds from our fully equipped and convenient downtown Okachimachi studio. Discover how to draw out and gain confidence in your creative wisdom within! See www.genesiscards.com for details

Creative photography classes held in English with an experienced British photographer in Urawa City, Saitama Pref. (www.facesandplaces.jp). You have a digital camera and you know how to use it. Now learn to take great photos! For further information, please call (080) 1234-7475 or mail claxtonmcmc[*at*]hotmail.com

Choir practice takes place every Thursday 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Tokyo Metro Church in Tachikawa. Each session includes English pronunciation practice by native speakers, breathing techniques and lots of singing. No experience necessary. For more info (in Japanese), please call (042) 548-0132, or (in English) e-mail englishattmc[*at*]yahoo.com

Knightly combat and culture: Discover the lost arts of medieval Europe. Study two-handed sword as well as sword and buckler. You can even fight as an armored knight. Other courses include dancing, costume making and calligraphy. Show off your skills at our regular theme parties! Where: Castle Tintagel, Mejiro, Tokyo. Phone (080) 3690-8657 or e-mail jnoyes[*at*]castletintagel.com. Check out www.castletintagel.com

Let's cook tasty Thai dishes! Do you like tom yam kung? Do you like Thai cuisine? Do you want to cook it yourself? If your answers are "yes," "yes" and "yes," why not start cooking it now! Have fun while learning Thai cooking. Individual lesson at home or small group lessons (3-5 persons) at home are provided. You will learn how to cook Thai dishes and about Thai cuisine and culture. Contact me at surintorn[*at*]hotmail.com or (090) 6346-2930 for more info, and please visit oishii-thai.blogspot.com

Find Your Writing Voice: Creative writing classes are now being held weekly in Tokyo. For further information, please call (03) 6454-7078

Photography classes: Learn the art and craft of photography from a leading international expert. Studio courses with professional fashion models and makeup artists at Harajuku Studio, plus outdoor location shoots in central Tokyo are offered. To register or for further information, please contact timporter.tokyo[*at*]gmail.com

Cooking classes: Enjoy learning French and Italian dishes with a native teacher in Shibuya. You will cook three dishes with recipes that anybody can do. Lesson taught in basic English but feel free to speak Japanese, Italian or French. Reservation needed. For details, mail cookingfriends[*at*]hotmail.fr

Feature-writing classes for all those interested in newspaper, magazine and blog writing. Practice how to conduct inspirational interviews, how to refine your writing and then enhance your skills with photojournalism. Come ready to jump into a topic that you're passionate about! Classes held in central Tokyo by journalist with 25 years' publishing experience. Call (090) 4122-6626

CLUBS

English discussion group meeting: The East West Discussion Group presents "Cowboy Ethics: Empowering the corporate playing field" with James Nicholas Papatones, CEO, WWB Japan K.K., on Thu., March 18, 7-9 p.m. Venue: Room 2 (6th floor), Waseda Hoshien Seminar House, 2-3-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku Ward 169-8616 (tel (03) 3205-5411), Tokyo. See www.hoshien.or.jp. Fee: ¥700 Japanese, ¥500 non-Japanese and students. For details, mail Shigetomi Imai at sigetomii[*at*]yahoo.co.jp

Nagoya International Personal Computer Club meets at noon on the third Saturday (March 20) of the month in Hibino, Nagoya. Call (070) 5152-2662 or visit www.nipcc.org for further details

Kokubunji Toastmasters Club, an international English-language public speaking club, welcomes people to its monthly meetings, which are held on the third Saturday night (March 20) of each month. E-mail: aytm[*at*]jcom.home.ne.jp

The Foreign Nurses Association invites the public to its next monthly meeting on Wed., March 24, from 6 p.m. at Tokyo Women's Plaza. Dr. Andrew Meeko will speak on "Depression Busting: How you can make a difference." For details, contact Ann on (049) 225-9500

Breakfast Toastmasters Club: Are your communication and leadership skills keeping you ahead or behind in today's economic climate? Your confidence and effectiveness as a public speaker can grow in the supportive atmosphere of Breakfast Toastmasters. We are an English speaking club that meets at 8 a.m. every second and fourth Thursday (March 25) at the Dai-Ichi Hotel in Shimbashi, Tokyo. Prior reservation is required. For further information, visit breakfast. freetoasthost.org

Tokyo Book Club meets on the second Sunday of each month in Shibuya to read/discuss good fiction from around the world. April 11: The short-story anthology "Prague: A Traveler's Literary Companion." For details, contact jeffdjp[*at*]yahoo.com or (090) 9240-0814.

College Women's Association of Japan (CWAJ) is an organization for women committed to education, cross-cultural exchange and friendship. CWAJ's primary service initiative is the provision of scholarships for women wanting to further their study both in Japan and overseas. CWAJ holds monthly luncheon meetings, tours, classes, exchanges between members and evening monthly programs. For future info and membership, see www.cwaj.org

Tokyo Canadian Club for Canadians and friends of Canada. Join the club for events with Canadian nostalgia and a monthly pub night. Visit our Web site at: www.tokyocanadianclub.com

Wine-tasting club: We meet monthly in Tokyo. Learn about wines with a native teacher, enjoy a gourmet dinner and speak English, French or Japanese in a friendly and international atmosphere. Enjoyable, interesting and cultural wine-tasting for everybody. Mail frenchwinetasting[*at*]hotmail.com

AFL (Australian Football) in Osaka. We are the Osaka Dingoes Australian Football Club. We hold weekly training at Osaka Castle Park. We have regular games with teams from Tokyo and Osaka. The club has male and female teams. For further information, see www.osakadingoes.com or mail osakadingoes[*at*]hotmail.com

Square and Compass Masonic Lodge #3 meets Sundays in Kunitachi, Tokyo. Meetings begin at 1 p.m. with lunch at 12 p.m. For further info, contact Wm. W. Burgos at wm[*at*]square-compass3.org

The Nippon Australian Football League is the largest non-race-based football league in Japan. We have the (Osaka) Kinki Kangaroos, Nagoya Redbacks, Kyoto Kockatwos, Hiroshima Cranes, Nagano Kumas and the Kobe Crocodiles. We are looking to start new teams in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyushu from September. Anyone willing to take up a position as player or coach please contact us. We also have a women's team — the Kinki Koalas. See our web page at www.nafl.jp, send a mail to nafl[*at*]hotmail.co.jp or call Andy on (090) 4299-2202

Wine-tasting club: Monthly meeting to learn about wines with a native teacher and enjoy a gourmet dinner in a nice restaurant. Lesson includes learning about winemaking, wine production, grape varieties and how to coordinate with food. You will taste five kinds of wines together with your French dinner. For details, mail frenchwinefriends[*at*]hotmail.com

EDUCATION

Culture and English by Music presented by WWB Japan K.K. "Empowering Global Opportunity": A Memorable Experience! Target music: "I Want It That Way." Time: Sat., March 20, 2-4 p.m. Place: 2-7-1-306 Mita, Tokyo. Perks: Heightened opportunities for fun, foods and beverages, exposure to history, comprehension, listening, musical vocals, pronunciation and TOEIC-style exercises via video technology. Trainer: Native English speaker with over 14 years' professional experience. Fee: ¥3,000. More information at wwb-japan.com/karaoke-eigo-english.html and wwb-japan.com/english/index.html?_startPage=3. Registration: Please call (050) 1009-0566 or e-mail wwbgold[*at*]gmail.com. Pre-registration is requested

From Music to English is a class to help you improve your listening, pronunciation and vocabulary by learning and singing English songs. Any nationality is welcome. Every first and third Sunday (March 21) of the month at Kin no Tsubo, a minute from Yoga Station in Tokyo on the Denentoshi Line. Kids: 1-1:40 a.m.; Adults: 2-3:30. Contact Kin no Tsubo on (03) 3707-0345 or mail kmc[*at*]kinsmc.com

Lakeland Lecture: "Memories Lost or Erased: The Spanish Civil War" with Ken O'Keefe, Spanish Civil War scholar. Lakeland Lectures are a forum for researchers, students and members of the public to discuss issues affecting Japan. Takes place Tue., March 23 from 7 p.m. at 5-7-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, 1F. See map at www.lcjapan.com/lectures or call (03) 3225-0425

Are you comfortable to speak in front of people? Would you like to be an effective leader and become successful in your profession? Please achieve your goals with us, Sakura Toastmasters Club (NPO), to become an effective communicator and leader. We are an English-language public speaking club with international members that meets at 7 p.m. for two hours every second and fourth Wednesday (March 24) in Omotesando, Tokyo (at Aoyama Life-Long Learning Center). Seeing is believing. Guests are free, and always welcome! For further information, contact jkccc872[*at*]ybb.ne.jp

Oxfam Japan IVG English Workshop on Sat., March 27, 2-4 p.m. Join our workshop to discuss global issues, practice your English and meet new people. Topic: "World Trade and the Uneven Balance of Power." Who is hurt by that chocolate bar you're eating? Why don't free-trade agreements work for both sides? And what is being done about it? In this workshop, we will learn why world trade policies are unfair towards poor economies, what trade organizations are trying to do, and how effective they are. Join us for an informative and lively discussion! Participation fee: ¥1,000. Location: Oxfam office in Ueno, Tokyo. To reserve, please e-mail us at oxfamjp.ivg.awareness[*at*]gmail.com. High beginner to intermediate level English. Maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel

University teachers: Uncertain times at work? Isolated? Don't know where to turn? We're stronger if we stand together. Contact the University Teachers Union (National Union of General Workers Tokyo Nambu). Web site at www.utu-japan.org

The Association of Small English Schools seeks owners or managers of schools with less than 100 students. Contact Louis at (090) 4453-1080 or see www.ne.jp/asahi/eigo-de/karaoke/assess.htm

Chinese Class: Do you want your children to learn Chinese? Rivka Sue teaches Mandarin Chinese to children aged 3-5. If you are interested in taking the lesson, contact rivkasue[*at*]hotmail.com

Japanese language lessons: Ex-Berlitz instructor teaches private lessons or small classes with friends or family. Direct method, all levels. Free trial lesson. Contact K. Sato on (090) 7271-1109

Want to practice my French: Just completed a year of French language courses and looking for possibilities to test and expand my conversational skill. One-day-a-week homestay with a French family would be ideal, or I'm open to any suggestions. As I am an ESL teacher, I could tutor English, baby-sit, help with school work, etc. Please contact me on (050) 5511-2413 or mobile (090) 2339-8914 or e-mail yssrc[*at*]nifty.com

Playing in English for children in Meguro, Tokyo: Every Saturday, all foreign and Japanese children are welcome to play, communicate and learn together. Groups: less than 3 years old, 3-5 years, 6-8 and over-8s. Sessions last 90 minutes. You can stay with your kids or leave them alone with the teachers. Activities include singing, playing games, reading stories, etc. If you are a native English speaker, you can apply to become a teacher as well. For more info, mail eigodeazobo[*at*]gmail.com

English conversation takes place every Friday in Konan Ward, Yokohama. Each session includes free conversational English, pronunciation, grammar and intonation activities. No experience is necessary. For further information (English and Japanese) on these sessions, please send an e-mail to english_conversation_school[*at*]yahoo.com

Bilingual English telephone lessons throughout Japan from Brendales Communication — even if you just want to talk to someone. See brendalesenglish.web.fc2.com or call (080) 3219-1997 for more information

French language lessons: For all levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced), ages (children, teens, adults) and purposes (travel, hobby, moving to France, exams). Our site: www.learnfrenchintokyo.webs.com. Contact us: frenchfaster[*at*]hotmail.com

International appeal: I'd like to practice languages and hope to spend time with new international friends with whom I can speak in both English/Spanish and Japanese. E-mails welcome, to cooltokyojin[*at*]yahoo.com

Japanese lessons: Akasaka Nihongo Club offers a Japanese class taught by volunteer instructors every Saturday between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Venue: Akasaka Fukushi Kaikan, a 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda subway line. For more information, call (03) 3401-4306 or (080) 1099-9762

Sensei Club: Find teachers and students (Tokyo and Japan) — for English and other subjects! Contact teachers or students directly. It's free! Visit us at www.senseiclub.com

Japanese lessons: Akasaka Nihongo Club is offering a class for beginners on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Venue is near Akasaka Station on Chiyoda subway line. For details, please telephone (03) 3401-4306 or (080) 5432-4306

SOCIAL

Improv-A-Go-Go! What: Tokyo's awesomest improv free-for-all and sketch comedy jam fest. When: Every third Wed. (March 17), starting 8 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.) Cost: Free! Why: To chill with a martini and burrito with the up-and-coming improvisers of Tokyo. Also, see what treats the Tokyo Comedy Store have lined up. At: The Pink Cow, Shibuya. Tel: (03) 3406-5597. Web: www.thepinkcow.com

Ladies' golf: Gaijin Golfers, a free online community of golfers in Japan, has launched a women's league. This league is all about connecting women of all nationalities to learn, play and enjoy golf for business and enjoyment. Golf is a great way to socialize, expand your circle of friends, business connections, enjoy nature and have fun. For more details, go to www.gaijingolfers.com

Open Mic Night: Every Thursday night from 8 till 1:30, CoZmo's Cafe in Shibuya comes alive with local and talented musicians. Free. Musicians, singers, dancers and poets are welcome to take the stage, and music lovers are welcome to listen to new, talented artists. Sign up on arrival — no reservations. Alternatively, just come to listen and enjoy. For more info, send a mail to info[*at*]cozmoscafe.com, call (03) 3407-5166 or check out www.cozmoscafe.com

The Japan African-American Friendship Association (JAFA) is a group with chapters located in both Tokyo and Osaka that promotes educational and cultural exchange activities between Japanese people and African-Americans. For more info, check out www.jafa.org/

Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese supports foreign women with Japanese partners. See www.afwj.org for more information

DigitalEve Japan, a supportive international community of women interested in digital technology, hosts DigitalEVEnings, workshops and DigitalEVEnts. Free membership. Mail info[*at*]digitalevejapan.org or visit www.digitalevejapan.org

The Canadian Alumni Association in Japan (CAAJ) holds monthly events that are designed for networking between people who have studied in Canada and those who are interested in doing so. For more info, contact (03) 3224-0944, e-mail membership[*at*]caaj.jp or check out www.caaj.jp

Knitters' niche: We can trade yarns and help/teach each other, meet new people and have fun together. Men also welcome. For more information, please contact hime4232[*at*]yahoo.com

Tokyo Social Network: Free site — find new friends, partners, language teachers, students. Job networking. Create groups and events to meet new people. See www.tokyosocialnet.com

Chicks' Music Night is a free open-mike event held every Tuesday at CoZmo's Cafe in Shibuya. Singers, songwriters, musicians, DJs, bellydancers, salsa dancers . . . all women are invited to participate in this new collaborative musical event. Please call or e-mail for booking. Happy hour all night for girls! For more info, send a mail to info[*at*]cozmoscafe.com, call (03) 3407-5166 or check out www.cozmoscafe.com

Sing with a live band: You can sing the song of your choice backed by a band. Let me know the song you would like to sing and the band will prepare it. Call (090) 4453-1080 or mail largelouis[*at*]gmail.com

OTHERS

Gourmet curry event: Marunouchi's cafe ease (1F Marunouchi Building) is holding a special curry event through Fri., March 26. The event features a variety of gourmet curry dishes prepared by four guest chefs on the cafe's weekly lunch menu, each made using fresh vegetables and rice grown locally in and around the Tokyo area. See (in Japanese) shokumaru.jp/event/20100313.html

Tokyo Marunouchi Tulip Fair is back with the return of spring, from Thu., March 18 to Mon., March 22, lining the Marunouchi boulevards with tulips from Otemachi to Yurakucho. In addition, a luscious garden with over 20,000 tulips will be displayed in front of the Marunouchi Building. Please join us in welcoming spring to Marunouchi! Places: Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi Building, Shin-Tokyo Building, Naka-dori Ave. and throughout the Marunouchi area. For info (in Japanese), please see www.tokyo-event.jp/details/11294179.html

Foreign Residents and Naturalized Citizens Association (FRANCA), a newly registered NGO lobbying for long-term non-Japanese residents and multicultural Japanese, has two meetings this month — in Sendai, Sun., March 21 at 1 p.m. and Tokyo International House, Roppongi on Sat., March 27 at 6 p.m. Join us. More details at www.francajapan.org — or mail Arudou Debito (debito[*at*]debito.org)

Oedo Antique Fair: Japan's largest fair of international antique goods takes place every third Sunday (March 21), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission free. The fair takes place at Tokyo International Forum. For more info, contact (03) 5221-9035

Poetry reading in Kyoto with Jerome Rothenberg, special guest of Japan International Poetry Society. Time: Mon. (national holiday), March 22, 6-9 p.m. Place: Heartpia Kyoto, Conf. Room 3 (www.heartpiakyoto.jp/access/index.html) — a minute's walk from exit 5 of Marutamachi Station on the subway's Karasuma Line. Admission: ¥1,000. Jerome Rothenberg will perform a representative section of poems from his earlier and later work, including poems set in Japan from his book "A Paradise of Poets," and collaborative poems from a renshi event with Tanikawa Shuntaro, Yotsumoto Yasuhiro, and Jeffrey Angles. For further information, contact Keiji Minato at cage-m[*at*]tempo.ocn.ne.jp or Jane Joritz-Nakagawa at janenakagawa[*at*]yahoo.com

English rakugo recital on Mon., Mar 22, 12:30-4 p.m. Venue: Asakusa Kokaido 4F, 1-38-6 Asakusa Taito, Tokyo. Nearest Station: Asakusa (subway). Contact: Eiraku (Representative of Canary Rakugo School) on (090) 2909-3796 or e-mail sudo.sekitei[*at*]y9.dion.ne.jp. Admission free. Eiraku Canary Rakugo School can be found at www.k5.dion.ne.jp/~canary/

BookNotes Author Series: From 6:30 p.m. on Sun., 28 March, architect Azby Brown will provide an overview of the lessons we can learn from the sustainable society developed by Japanese of the late Edo period, as described more fully in his book "Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan." Part of the monthly BookNotes Author Series at Good Day Books, Takadanobaba, Tokyo. Admission: Buy a copy of "Just Enough" from Good Day Books. Limited seating. For more info, visit our site at www.gooddaybooks.com or phone (03) 5421-0957

Unitarian Fellowship of Tokyo meets at 3 p.m. on the second Sunday (April 11) of each month for a speaker presentation and friendly discussion of religious themes and social issues, at International House, near Roppongi/Azabu Juban stations. More info on (03) 3470-4611 or contact us at unitarianfellowshipoftokyo[*at*]gmail.com

Cherry Blossom Fair: TIS (Tokyo International School) is holding its annual Cherry Blossom Fair on Sat., April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to the public. Please come and enjoy a variety of international foods, games, arts and crafts, a climbing wall, a raffle and a bargain bazaar. Great fun for children and families. Place: Tokyo International School, 3-4-22 Mita, Minato Ward. Free. Inquiries: Call (03) 5484-1160 or visit www.tokyois.com

Overeaters Anonymous can be contacted on (03) 5605-9425, by e-mailing oatokyo[*at*]yahoo.com or visiting www.oaintokyo.org

Okinawa study program: Are you interested in learning more about the U.S. military base issue in Okinawa? Do you want to help prevent the dugong from becoming extinct in Japan? If yes, then please join us for an active study program from Thu., April 1 to Mon., April 5 in Okinawa. The goal of the study tour is to witness first-hand what is happening in Okinawa, and to help raise awareness of the base issue both in mainland Japan and abroad. To join, please contact jonathan.yamauchi[*at*]gmail.com. Please note that this program is not for profit, and costs are being kept to a strict minimum. Info: www.us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com

YOKE Information Corner provides information on daily living and answers various questions from the foreign residents of Yokohama in various languages. YOKE also offers advice and information on international exchanges, volunteer activities and groups supporting foreign people. For more information, call (045) 222-1209

See Tokyo through the eyes of an English- speaking native! Our guides might not speak perfect English, but their hospitality, spirit and cultural insight will make your Tokyo experience heart-warming and memorable. They'll show you around your favorite neighborhood for free. Call Kimi Information Center on (03) 3986-1604. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shinjuku Shalom Church has an English Service every Saturday from 3 p.m. at Shinjuku Ward, Nishi-Shinjuku 7-9-6 Kotobuki Bldg., Rm 201. Phone (03) 3371-7558. With ice-breaking, singing, messages and refreshments. This is a chance to practice English and get some spiritual food.

Kamigamo Shrine in Kita Ward, Kyoto, offers daily tours with English-speaking guides. Participants should be at the shrine at 9:30 a.m. Tours at other hours available on request. Cost: ¥500. Please check in advance that tour for the day will take place. Call (075) 781-0011 or see www.kamigamojinja.jp

Animal welfare/rights: We are thrilled to announce the launch of choicesfortomorrow.org, a site with comprehensive information in Japanese and English about animal welfare and animal rights. Please check out www.choicesfortomorrow.org and mail inquiries to info[*at*]choicesfortomorrow.org