Volume 13, Number 4 |
If you have ever had to do business at the "Kencho" (Prefectural Capital) in Mito in the past, you will perhaps remember the run-down, cramped quarters the various offices occupied in the old building a few blocks north of Mito Station. That has all changed now, as the Ibaraki government office, together with the prefectural police offices, has just moved to the newly-built, high tech facilities located on spacious grounds on the southern edge of Mito, about 5 km southwest of Mito Station.
The ´80 billion plus project began in 1993 with the drawing up of plans, with actual construction beginning in 1995. Construction of the four main buildings that make up the complex was completed at the end of March, and the moving in is to be completed by mid April.
The main building is a 25 story edifice that has a height of 116 meters, which makes it the tallest building in Ibaraki prefecture, other than the giant Buddha in Ushiku, which is listed at 120 meters. Unlike the Buddha, however, which has only very narrow slit-like windows to look through in the shoulder high observation platform, the capital building has a very spacious observation deck on the top floor with excellent views in all directions. On a clear day, Mt. Tsukuba, Kasumigaura, the Pacific Ocean and the mountains north of Mito are all clearly visible.
The 10 story Prefectural Police headquarters is located next to the main building, while the 5 story Prefectural Assembly is located on the other side. Behind the main building is a much smaller structure that houses public welfare agencies. Both the main building and Police headquarters feature spacious atriums, with that in the main building extending from the 11th floor all the way to the top of the building, and that in the Police headquarters from the 2nd floor on up. Both are covered with transparent ceilings that give them bright, airy atmospheres. The main atrium even has live trees, and features a coffee shop with numerous tables to enjoy a leisurely snack.
The grounds of the complex promise to develop into a first-rate garden in their own right, though it will take some time for the newly transplanted trees to take root and grow. Two large ponds and numerous interesting rock sculptures grace the grounds, much of which covers a large, underground parking facility. A rather unusual feature is the cavernous rainwater storage area that captures runoff for later use.
Even if you have no particular business to take care of at a prefectural office, this new attraction is well worth adding to your plans whenever you visit the "Kairakuen" Gardens or any other sightseeing spot in the Mito area. As the main building towers over anything else in the area, it's pretty easy to find, except perhaps on a foggy day. It's located just south of the Route 50 Bypass directly south of Senba Lake. From Tsukuba, you can either get off the Joban Expressway at the Mito Interchange and simply follow the elevated Route 50 Bypass to the East, or if you want to save a few yen, you can get off at the Iwama Interchange and travel east to Route 6. Follow that north and turn off to the left on the road leading into central Mito, just after Route 6 widens out into 4 lanes.
On April 8, NHK broadcast a special report on the New Joban Line being built between Tokyo and Tsukuba. First conceived in the 1980's at the height of the "bubble economy", the line has been delayed by numerous problems, not the least of which is the faltering economy. As plans began falling further and further behind, an inside joke was to refer to this grandiose project as the "New Jodan Line" (jodan=joke), as many began to wonder if it was just going to be a pipe dream. The "joke", however, now seems to be turning serious.
The land right-of-ways have all been purchased and the beginning at Akihabara Station are already well under construction. The Tsukuba Terminal is to be built underground in the area just north of the bus center. The recently completed car tunnel connecting Chuo Dori with Tsuchiura Gakuen Sen was part of the preparations for the Tsukuba Station. Already, 28% of the entire line is under construction, with the sections requiring the most time, such as bridges and tunnels being built first. If there are no further delays, people should be cruising into Tokyo in 45 minutes, roughly half the present travel time on the bus (and much less than half if the traffic is heavy!).
The total cost of the project is now projected to be 1.5 trillion yen, which works out to an average of 25 billion yen per kilometer, presumably the most expensive train line ever built! The delays, totally up to 5 years already, have added an extra 200 billion yen in costs, and further delays would simply add to the cost overruns. This is one reason local governments are committed to making sure the schedule isn't allowed to slip any more.
An integral part of the overall plan is to develop new housing areas along the line as it is being built. Plans call for an additional 100,000 residents in Tsukuba by the time the line opens, with much of that increase being attributed to commuters moving out into the new "bed towns" scheduled to go up. Simply building the infrastructure of roads, sewers, etc. for these new developments will mean an additional 100 billion yen in the Tsukuba City budget per year, and thus, as budgets are tight, concerns have been expressed as to whether or not the project will be able to stay on schedule.
As part of its activities, the Tsukuba Information Center sponsors a bilingual discussion group the fourth Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 pm, with invited guests giving a presentation from their area of expertise or experience. This month, we are pleased to have Mr. Jose Camacho from the Philippines speak about his country. Recently, the literacy rate educational standards of the Philippines has greatly improved. An unfortunate consequence of this, however, is that the economic gap between those who have access to higher education and those who do not has increased. Mr. Camacho will speak on the role of education in the development of the Philippines and the problems caused by a shortage of schools, teachers and teaching materials along with the complicating factors of language (English, Tagalog and other native languages).
When one thinks of the Filipino culture, dancing and music often come to mind first. Not to be disappointed, Jose will teach the participants a few traditional steps as well. In addition to the regular refreshments, some Filipino treats will be provided as well. So come on and join us in experiencing a taste of this heart-warming country.
The Coffee Hour is meant to be an informal exchange of information and opinions. English and Japanese are both used with efforts made to make sure those who can't understand one or the other are able to at least get the gist of the conversation. Likewise, you don't need to commit yourself to the entire two hours and can come and go freely. So drop by, whether for a short time or for the entire two hours, and enjoy some free refreshments along with the stimulating conversation.
The International Exchange Fair '99 will be held in and around the Tsukuba Central Plaza on Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9. Every year, various foods and folk dances from around the world are introduced to the people in the hopes of increasing cultural awareness.
Date & Time: May 8-9 10:00am-5:00pm Place: Tsukuba-shi Tsukuba Center Plaza
Type: Performances such as singing or dance on outdoor stage; shops (food, goods, etc.); Exhibition of culture and information; stage performances on Sat. only.
For more information, call the Tsukuba Cultural Foundation at: 56-7007; fax: 56-7009; Takezono 1-10-1 Tsukuba (in Tsukuba Capio)
Tsukuba English Playschool started in 1992 in answer to a need for an English speaking pre-school activity. The programme is theme based and provides an environment where children can play and interact in English. There are various activity centres, art & craft projects, stories, puzzles and games. There is also a small lending library.
As Playschool is not a language school, generally children should be comfortable with the English language. Children are not usually ready for playschool until about the age of three and a half, so please do contact us to come and observe a session.
Playschool is held Wednesday mornings from 10 am to noon at the YMCA hall. The cost is ´25,000 per term and a one-time registration fee of 15,000Y. For more information, call Dianne at (0297)68-3317.
We would like to announce a Toastmasters demonstration meeting in Tsukuba. The Toastmasters is a public speaking training program. Anyone who is interested in developing good communication skills is welcome!
Are you a shy person who has trouble talking in front of a large audience? Are you a good speaker who would like to develop even better communication skills? If you are just interested in better communication skills and/or leadership development, the Toastmasters will provide you with good opportunities.
We are currently planning to establish a bilingual club of the Toastmasters. The meeting format is still under consideration. However, a tentative format is an English session (one hour with a full format), followed by a Japanese session (30 minutes with a short format).
The purpose of the Japanese session is two-fold, 1) to provide non-Japanese native speakers with Japanese-practice opportunities and 2) to incorporate Japanese who are not confident enough to give English public speeches but like to learn communication skills. We would also very much appreciate your opinions about the format or other issues in this club-building process.
A demonstration meeting will be held at Techno-Growth House of AIST (2F Meeting Room) on April 15th (Thursday). It will start at 7:00 pm through 8:30 pm. A poster for this meeting is available at: http://www.aist.go.jp/NIBH/ourpages/iwasaki/members/iwasaki/TM.html
If you have any questions/suggestions about the meeting/TMs, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Kouichi Iwasaki, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology phone 81-298-54-6589, iwasaki@nibh.go.jp
An English language interdenominational worship service is held once a month normally on the fourth Sunday of every month at 2 pm. at the Tsukuba Gakuen Church near Daiei. The April service is on April 25th. Services are followed by an informal fellowship time at the Tsukuba Christian Center next door. The Japanese language congregation meets every Sunday morning at 10:30, and the service is translated into English over headphones. There is also a Bible Study in English every Tuesday evening at 8:00 in the Christian Center. For more information or help with transportation, call Tim Boyle at 55-1907.
The Tsukuba Catholic Church has an English mass at 8:00 am every Sunday and the Japanese masses on Saturday night (6 pm) and Sunday morning (10 am) are accompanied by an summary of the message in English. There is even a Spanish mass on the 3rd Sundays at 3 pm. On the last Sunday of the month, there is a coffee social after the English mass. For information, call the church at 36-1723. The Tsuchiura Catholic Church offers an English mass on the last Sunday of each month at 3 pm (tel. 21-1501). There is also a Portuguese mass on the 3rd Saturday at 7 pm.
The Tsukuba Baptist Church offers an English language Bible study before the Japanese service every Sunday from 10 to 11 am. It is located in Inarimae just east of Nishi Odori on the street closest to the meteorological observation tower. Tel. 58-0655.
The Megumi Church in Tsuchiura (489-1 Kami Takatsu) also offers English translation of their 10:30 Japanese service over ear phones. An English Bible class is held every Sunday morning at 9:00. There is also an International Fellowship group that holds a monthly pot luck dinner usually on the third Saturday. For information on that, call Melissa Ishio at 38-1374. For more information, call the church at 22-2244 or e-mail LDN03144@niftyserve.or.jp (Also see their Tsuchiura Megumi Church Web Page at http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/ro/tmc/index.html).
The Tokyo International Church, Tsukuba Branch in Amakubo 3-3-5 (across from Tsukuba Univ.) offers a 10:30-noon Chinese (Mandarin) service interpreted into both English and Japanese. There is also an English language Bible study every Sunday evening at 7 pm. For information, call Rev. Huang at 52-6820.
The International Christian Assembly meets every Sunday at Free Space K (in Shimohiratsuka next to Kasuga 3 chome) from 10 for Bible Study and 10:30 for worship. For more information, call Richard Swan at 36-0993.
The Nozomi Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tsuchiura (23-27 Komatsu 3-chome) also offers programs in English, including a worship service Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and a Bible class on Sunday mornings at 9:30. English Bible information courses are available any time. For more information, call Glen Hieb at 0298-21-3578.
The Tsuchiura Christian Church offers an English message translated into Japanese every Sunday morning at 10:30 am. For information, contact Paul Axton at 56-2167.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tsukuba ward is located at Higashi 2-21-22 by Higashi Middle School between Doho Park and Tsuchiura Noda Sen. Services are translated into English over headphones. The Sacrament Meeting begins at 10 am followed by Sunday School at 11:10 and Priesthood and Relief Society at 12:00. A Gospel Doctrine class in English is also offered. For more information, contact 52-6548.
The Jewish Community of Japan, invites anyone of the Jewish faith in the Tsukuba area to feel welcome at any of their programs in Tokyo. Sabbath services each Friday at 6:30 pm followed by Sabbath dinner; Kosher Kitchen, Saturday morning, 9:30 am. Contact 3-8-8 Hiroo, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150; tel. 03-3400-2559, fax. 03-3400-1827.
Cherry blossoms in the Tsukuba area have ended their short existance and now in the latter part of April and early May it's time for the Azaleas. One variety of cherry tree, however, what is called "Yaezakura", does bloom later in April, with the most spectacular displays being along the entrance to the Meteorological Research Institute (next to the 210 meter observation tower) and just off the southern entrance to Tsukuba University off of Higashi Odori. The azaleas are everywhere, with no obvious first choice of sites.
Japan is famous for its beautiful gardens, though the typical image of Japanese gardens is more centered on shape and form than raw color, as in western gardens. Nevertheless, Japanese love flowers, and now is the time to see some really spectacular displays in and around Tsukuba.
Flower Park in Yasato on the back side of Mt. Tsukuba is probably the most spectacular, as it has rows upon rows of various flowers blooming throughout the Spring months. It costs ´600 to get in, but is well worth it. To get there, drive along route 125 about half way between Tsuchiura and the northern boundary of Tsukuba until you come to the road that leads over the mountain ridge. You will be able to see the road leading over the mountain. The park is easy to find, being on the left side of that road a few km after you've crossed the mountain.
Another much closer garden you'll want to take a look at is the peony flower garden in Kukizaki. It specializes in "botan" (peony) flowers, which can be as big as 20 cm. across. They are at their peak during Golden Week in early May, but there are lots of other flowers as well. To get there, proceed down Science Odori towards the Yatabe Interchange, and turn left at the light just before Science Odori crosses over the expressway. There is a gas station on the left-hand corner. Proceed down this road over the expressway and straight on for about 2.2 km. (If you come to a fork in the road, you have gone a little too far). Turn right (signs on both sides of the road). The peony gardens are located a couple hundred meters ahead next to a cemetery.
Tulip displays can also be spectacular, with three separate parks on the south shores of Lake Kasumigaura featuring tulips that bloom from mid to late April. The nearest is the Kasumigaura Sogo Koen on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura just south of Tsuchiura Station. The entrance to the park, which also features a Dutch style windmill, is about 1 km from the junction of route 125 and the road leading south from the station. Though more distant, the displays in Miho and Sakuragawa are even bigger, with the latter boasting 230,000 tulips in bloom! The Miho display is in the Kihara Castle Park (just northwest of the Texas Instrument Plant), while the Sakuragawa display is in the Wada Park on a little peninsula jutting out into the lake on the east (far) side of the town. It is a bit off the beaten path, and so you'll need a map to figure out which unmarked back road to take.
Spring Festivals
The Kasama Azalea Fair; held April 18 - May 16, features 35,000 azalea bushes in bloom peaking around early Golden Week. It is located to the east of downtown Kasama (famous for its pottery). Ask for "Tsutsuji Koen." The Kasama Pottery Festival will also be taking place from May 1 - 5, and so the two would be a nice combo during Golden Week (though beware, the traffic during certain periods of Golden Week won't make you feel very "golden"!). The city of Kasama is also developing "Geijutsu no Mori Koen" ("Forest of Art Park"), a 54-hectare park featuring art displays, "hands on" art, etc, in a nature preserve atmosphere. Much of it is complete and now open, and it promises to be quite an attraction. In years past, numerous hillsides were planted with wild flowers that were at their peak in early May. Definitely worth exploring. It is located a few km due east of Kasama Station off of route 355.
The Ryujin Carp Streamer (Koi Nobori) Festival will be held 4/22 - 5/ 16. Along Japan's longest suspension walking bridge (375 m.), there will be 300 giant "koi nobori" suspended above Ryujin Lake. It is located north of Mito, about a 2-hour drive from Tsukuba, not far from the famous Fukuroda Falls, one of the most spectacular in Japan. Both are well worth a visit during Golden Week. To get there, drive up the Joban to the Hitachi Minami Ota Exit and turn left onto Route 6. Then turn left again on Route 293 (a few hundred meters up Route 6). It's about 5 km from there to the junction with Route 349 (in Yamashita Town). Keep on 293 for another 2 km until it bends sharply to the left. Exit 293 at that point by going straight ahead for another km or so until you come to a main road. That is the road you want. It's called the Hitachi Ota - Daigo Sen. Turn left and proceed about 20 km. The dam, lake and bridge are on the left. Fukuroda no Taki (waterfall) is located about 15 km farther to the north. Turn left at the first main road (about 12 km up) and go across the pass. Bon voyage!