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[E-mail us your information about community-related events, clubs and associations]
CHARITY
Buy Nothing Day on Sat., Nov. 28, with celebrations throughout Japan. The 17th International Buy Nothing Day is an eco-holiday for carbon dioxide reduction, fairer trade and green economics. Observe by not shopping and promoting the idea. Enjoy colorful events put on by local groups and individuals. For event info, flyers, and to post about your Buy Nothing Day, visit bndjapan.org
ILBS Christmas Charity Fair will be held Sat., Nov. 28, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka, 1F Annex, Green Room. Entrance tickets ¥500 at door. Offered will be handmade Xmas handicrafts and decorations, homemade and embassy-baked goods, white elephants, jewelry & accessories, minimart, stationery goods. Great raffle prizes — tickets ¥500 each at site (you need not be present for the draw). Proceeds will support International Ladies' Benevolent Society charities. ILBS-supported welfare institutions will also participate. Inquiries: ilbs_contactjp[*at*]yahoo.co.jp
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
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.aig78.org
Clothing donations welcome. Tokyo Masonic Lodge No. 2 F. & A. M. welcomes clean, used men's clothing and blankets for the homeless and day laborers of the Sanya district. Contact Richard A. Smith at greywolf128[*at*]hotmail.com or call (090) 9972-2978
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
CLASSES
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. (Nov. 25) 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
Japanese cooking class for foreign residents: Meguro International Friendship Assoc. presents Japanese New Year feasts — "osechi." Let's try Japanese New Year dishes! Date: Thu., Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Place: Kamimeguro Juku Center (2-6-6, Yutenji, Meguro Ward, Tokyo, a 5-minute walk from Yutenji Station — no parking). Limited to 25. Languages: English, Japanese. To apply, inform MIFA by phone or e-mail of your name, address, telephone number and nationality. Please let us know if you are vegetarian or Muslim. Tel: (03) 3715-4671. Fax: (03) 3715-4672. Mobile: (090) 6185-9473. E-mail: info[*at*]mifa.jp. Site: www.mifa.jp
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 more information, 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
Want to learn Indian cooking (non-vegetarian/vegetarian/sweets) using world-renowned Indian spices? Cooking lessons at our home in Nagoya. Please contact us by e-mail at drfesty[*at*]yahoo.com, by post at Dr. Festi lova, 511 Nijigaoka Mansion, 1-1-1 Nijigaoka, Meito Ward, Nagoya, or call (090) 9176-1899
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
Meditation in Meidaimae. Only five minutes from Shinjuku or Shibuya. All welcome, beginners included. Mon.-Thurs. evenings at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge. Info from (03) 3323-5728 or e-mail meditate_in_meidaimae[*at*]yahoo.com
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
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
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 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 info, 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
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
English Speaking Society: The Japanese American Citizens League is forming an ESS. This group will be lead by professional English teachers or Japanese American native speakers. It will be free. For information, please visit www.jacljapan.com
Outdoor Club Japan is a foreign and Japanese volunteer group that organizes outdoor and social activities out of Tokyo (hiking, climbing, camping, onsen etc). Web site: www.outdoorclubjapan.com
Do you like to sing show tunes? Amateur show choir for men and women in Chiba is open for all parts, especially bass parts. We sing beautiful show tunes, pops and Christmas music conducted by a young American baritone singer. Rehearsals take place every Saturday, 3-5 p.m., in Nishi-Chiba, Chiba City. Our next performance is scheduled for Sun., Nov. 29 at the Floral Museum, Chiba City. For more details, contact Coco Tabuchi on (043) 284-3181 (tel/fax) or (090) 9297-1684
CLUBS
English discussion group meeting: The East West Discussion Group will hold a meeting on "The difference between 'budo' and sports," presented by Mr. Fumio Takano, on Thu., Nov. 19, 7-9 p.m. The venue is Room 2 (6th floor), Waseda Hoshien Seminar House, 2-3-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku Ward 169-8616 (tel (03) 3205-5411). See www.hoshien.or.jp. Admission ¥700 Japanese, ¥500 non-Japanese and students. For details, call Tatsuo Imazeki on (090) 4827-5285 or mail veu01132[*at*]nifty.ne.jp
Nagoya International Personal Computer Club meets at noon on the third Saturday (Nov. 21) 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 (Nov. 21) of each month. E-mail: aytm[*at*]jcom.home.ne.jp
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 (Nov. 26) at the Dai-Ichi Hotel in Shimbashi, Tokyo. For further information, visit breakfast. freetoasthost.org or mail btm4947[*at*]hotmail.com. Prior reservation is required
Fuji Friends International Hiking Club welcomes new members to join us on monthly hikes around the Kanto area. Hakone, Boso, Chichibu, Miura, etc. E-mail fujifriendstokyo[*at*]yahoo.jp for details
Afternoon Tea Club: Do you like tea? Scones with jam and cream? Relaxing with conversation, enjoying great atmosphere and making new friends? Inviting all afternoon tea and British culture lovers! Japanese and every other nationality most welcome. This club is organized by an afternoon tea club (nonprofit) just for people who enjoy all these things, in cafes and hotels around Tokyo. For more details, please e-mail britishculture[*at*]gmail.com
Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in Tokyo meets once a month to celebrate the Bard. Come to read or to listen. All nationalities welcome. For info: groups.yahoo.com/group/Shakespeare-sama/
French Cooking Friend Club meets monthly. Cook French and European food and speak French, English and Japanese in a casual, international atmosphere. Easy and fun French international cuisine with interesting recipes for everybody, and of course an outstanding, smiling native teacher. For info, mail frenchcookingfriend[*at*]hotmail.com
EDUCATION
Japan Association for Language Teaching Nagasaki November meeting will be held Wed., Nov. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Dejima Koryu Kaikan 4F (white building next to Dejima Wharf and Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum). Topic: "Functional literacy and contextual learning theories applied to English language learning." Cost: members and students free, "one-day" members ¥1,000 (bring a first-timer to a meeting and each of you pays ¥500). Info: jalt.org/groups/Nagasaki and www.kyushuelt.com/jalt/nagasaki.html. Look for our Nagasaki JALT and Friends Facebook group or join our newsletter at www.kyushuelt.com/jalt/nagamail.php3
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 (Nov. 22) 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
The Association of Foreign Teachers in Japan sponsors "Phonotactic constraints and the history of English phonology," presented by English lecturer Koichi Tateya, on Sun., Nov. 22, 3-4:30 p.m. at Takushoku University, Myogadani Campus (Marunouchi Line), Room C505, Tokyo. For further information, contact gb16851753[*at*]yahoo.co.jp
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
Spanish in Meguro: Would you like to learn Spanish? Come and learn with us every Tuesday in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. Beginners: 6-7:20 p.m; lower-intermediate: 7:30-8:45 p.m. Native teacher from Spain. Price depends on number of students. For more information, please contact Mr. Fushida on (090) 8115-7385 or (03) 3714-5131 in Japanese
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
Business Chinese lessons in both Mandarin and Cantonese are now available for learners doing business with China. Classes are nonprofit; beginners welcome. Pick a time that suits you. Call Mr. Cheng on (048) 7677-869 or (090) 8332-2356
Cantonese and Mandarin lessons: Improve your business conversation skills and practical Chinese-Japanese translation skills. For learners who plan to work in Hong Kong, Singapore or China. All levels. Free trial. Call N. Fung on (090) 8332-2356
Global Presentation Skills — a seminar sponsored by WWB Japan K.K., "Empowering Global Opportunity," sponsor of 99 Presentation, Networking and Discussion Forums . The trainer, with over 14 years of experience in Japan, has delivered over 120 presentations in greater Tokyo. A must for all competent English speakers who need the confidence and success which comes from mastering this essential skill, for interviewing, networking, promotion, marketing, sales, foreign placement, or even simply travel. For further info, contact (050) 1009-0566, or see wwb-japan.com/presentation.html
Japanese lessons: Akasaka Nihongo Club is offering a new class from October, which will be 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
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
SOCIAL
Improv-A-Go-GO! What: Tokyo's awesomest improv free-for-all and sketch comedy jam fest. When: Every third Weds. (Nov. 18), 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
Thanksgiving Party: The Japanese American Citizens League, an American NPO, will have a traditional Thanksgiving party with foods like turkey and yams on Sat., Nov. 21 from 7 p.m. at The Pink Cow, Shibuya, Tokyo. The cost of the meal will be ¥3,000. For more details and to sign up, visit www.jacljapan.com. Please come and join us for this traditional American holiday meal!
Fete du Beaujolais Nouveau Buffet Brunch on Sun., Nov. 22, from 12:30 p.m. Join us for warm southern French hospitality in Shonan, Kanagawa Pref. Cost: ¥3,500. Kids under 12: ¥500. For info, see www.soleilprovence.com or e-mail info[*at*]soleilprovence.com. Proceeds will go to next year's Fujisawa Beach Cleaning Project. After the fete, enjoy a walk along the beach and a late-afternoon visit to Kamakura's Hasedera Temple. The temple gardens are lit up from 5 p.m.
Swedish Annual Christmas Bazaar: SWEA Japan, the Japanese Chapter of the Swedish Women's Educational Association, invites you to its annual Christmas Bazaar at the Embassy of Sweden on Sun., Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fee: ¥500 yen. Includes Lucia performance at 12, 1 and 2 p.m. Mulled wine, ginger cookies, bake sale, smorgasbord, grand raffle. Contact sweajapan[*at*]hotmail.com or call (080) 3422-1257
Christmas party: The St. Andrew Society of Yokohama and Tokyo requests the pleasure of your company at our Christmas party on Sun., Dec. 13 from 5.30 p.m. at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel Akasaka. Come along with the kids for a fun-filled afternoon featuring delicious food and drink, live music and dancing. Visit www.st-andrews-society.com
Tokyo Social Network: New (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
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
OTHERS
Lakeland Lecture: "Averting a Looming Catastrophe: wise methods to protect climate and life simultaneously" with Dr. Yoji Natori, coordinator for Conservation International Japan. Lakeland Lectures are a forum for researchers, students and members of the public to discuss issues affecting Japan. Takes place Wed., Nov. 18 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
Fifty Years after Frank Lloyd Wright: Marking the 50th anniversary of his death, filmmaker and Wright scholar Karen Severns will assess the designer's lasting impact, with a focus on his years and legacy in Japan, on Fri., Nov. 20 from 6:30 p.m. at the Tokyo American Club, Women's Group Classroom 2, Minato Ward. Adults ¥2,100, children (18 and under) ¥1,500. Sign up online or at the Member Services Desk — open to public. Contact Matthew Roberts on (03) 4588-0980, fax (03) 4588-00256 or mail matthew.roberts[*at*]tac-club.org. TAC site at www.tokyoamericanclub.org
Beginners' meditation retreat: Tetsugyuji International Zen Temple in Oita Prefecture will hold an intensive beginners meditation retreat Fri., Nov. 20 to Mon. 23. The head abbot of Tetsugyuji is Reverend Paul Tesshin Silverman, he will be returning to Oita from New York to hold this special retreat in English. Prior to his relocation to New York nine years ago, Rev. Silverman held these very popular retreats on a regular basis. Participants for this powerful, intensive Zen training will be limited to the first 25 applicants. For more information and details about the retreat, go to www.tetsugyuji.com
Spoken word performance: "A Meeting of the Ghost Buffalo Shirts" — spoken word by Marcellus Nealy and Frank Spignese (with guests, live painting and DJs), at The Pink Cow, Shibuya, on Sun., Nov. 22. See www.thepinkcow.com. ¥1,000 with one drink, 7-11 p.m. Frank Spignese's "The Great Flood" will be on sale
Fifth Sunday Fiction: Printed Matter Press (www.printedmatterpress.com) will present the final Fifth Sunday Fiction Series of 2009 on Sun., Nov. 29 from 7 p.m. at Ben's Cafe in Takadanobaba, Tokyo (www.benscafe.com). The featured reader will be Jon Mitchell, author of "No night to be alone," recently published in The Japan Times. Novelist Michael Hoffman, another JT writer, will read from his nonfiction article on Japanese names. Host Hillel Wright, also a regular JT contributor, will serve as MC and read a short story. Following the featured reading, there will be an open stage for all writers of fiction and/or creative nonfiction. You can sign up at the venue or via pmpresstokyo[*at*]hotmail.com. Printed Matter Press books will be for sale at discount prices, including new releases "The Great Flood" (poetry with audio CD by Frank Spignese) and "off beat: the Allen Ginsberg interview" with Hillel Wright, which includes the complete 45-minute 1985 interview on audio CD
Japan-U.S. ties via baseball: Journalist Robert Whiting presents "U.S.-Japan Relations Seen through the Lens of Baseball: The Meaning of Ichiro, Dice-K and Bobby V" on Wed., Dec. 2 from 7 p.m. Venue: Lecture Hall, International House of Japan. Admission: Free. Language: English (no Japanese translation). On the occasion of the publication of the new, updated version of the best-selling "You Gotta Have Wa," Robert Whiting will talk about the recent changes that can be observed in U.S.-Japan relations through the lens of baseball. For details, go to www.i-house.or.jp/en/ProgramActivities/japan_ihj/index.htm. Registration and inquiries: Program Department, International House of Japan, 5-11-16 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo 106-0032. Tel: (03) 3470-3211. Fax: (03) 3470-3170. Mail: program[*at*]i-house.or.jp
Unitarian Fellowship of Tokyo meets at 3 p.m. on the second Sunday (Dec. 13) of each month (Sept through June) 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
Oedo Antique Fair — Japan's largest fair of international antique goods — takes place every third Sunday (Dec. 20), 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
Shinjuku Shalom Church has a new 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
Overeaters Anonymous can be contacted on (03) 5605-9425, by e-mailing oatokyo[*at*]yahoo.com or visiting www.oaintokyo.org
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
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. Choices for Tomorrow strives for a cruelty-free lifestyle and aims to provide beneficial content for you. We would like many people to know about the current condition that animals are facing every day. Please check out www.choicesfortomorrow.org and mail inquiries to info[*at*]choicesfortomorrow.org
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.
Gays, lesbians and bisexuals: Please participate in this Internet survey to help organizations develop resources for English-speaking gays, lesbians and bisexuals living in Japan. The survey takes 20 minutes and is anonymous and confidential. The survey period is from Sept. 1 to Jan. 1, 2010. Go to https://www.gaytravel.jp/. The survey is being conducted by a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare-funded Study Group on the Development and Evaluation of Community-based HIV Prevention Interventions for MSM (Men who have sex with Men) at Nagoya City University. Please contact (052) 853-8032 (in English or Japanese) if you have questions
Free English living guide: Mais Co., Ltd. has recently published the 2009-2010 edition of the free English living guide "The Expat's Guide to Japan," a compact guidebook that covers all the basic yet essential information to help make living in and around Tokyo and Yokohama more pleasant and convenient. Free of charge. We are currently looking for new distribution points. Please contact us for sample copies and individual orders at Mais Co., Ltd., 3F Nisshin Bldg. 4-11 Yotsuya, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 160-0004 or phone (03) 5367-2119, fax (03) 5367-2292, e-mail info[*at*]mais.co.jp or see our site at www.mais.co.jp. More info on the guide at www.mais.co.jp/japanesecity/expats_e.html
Free, anonymous HIV testing at Namba, Osaka, is temporarily closed. For our new schedule, please call the Center for Health and Rights of Migrants on (06) 6354-5901 (Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) or visit www.charmjapan.com. English telephone consultation on reproductive and sexual health every Tue. and Thu., 4-8 p.m.
The Japan Helpline — From a simple question to emergency assistance. Check out our site at www.jhelp.com or call (0570) 000-911
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. For info, call (075) 781-0011 or see www.kamigamojinja.jp
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