Alien Times July 2002

Tsukuba Mothers Network: Star Festival (Tanabata)

The Star Festival (Tanabata) will be held this month. It is a traditional Japanese event held on July 7. Let's enjoy it together. One of our members will play the Japanese traditional instrument, "koto". You can play "koto" with us. If you don't have children, join us as well. If you want to participate, please make sure to call us at least 3 days in advance.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

The Tsukuba Cultural Foundation has organized an international cooking class to enhance communication through food, culture and international exchange. For registration and more information, call the Tsukuba Cultural Foundation from July 2nd. First come first served.

Coffee Hour: St. Petersburg: Russia's Glorious Second City

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities of Russia. It is known as: "The Cultural Capital of Russia", "The window to Europe", and the "Venice of North". It is also, a special place for people who enjoy Russian literature. Additionally, the city is famous for the Hermitage Museum, Mariinsky Theater and the Kirov Ballet.

It was founded in 1703 by the Great Russian Tsar Peter the 1st and designed to be the center for the sciences, arts and culture and also as the main seaport of the country. The city has had to survive wars and revolutions.

Its character is rooted in its geography. Facing the Gulf of Finland, situated almost as far north as Anchorage, Alaska, the city has damp, frozen winters and rainy summers tempered by "white nights". The Neva River hooks through St.Petersburg, dividing into large and small branches and splintering off again into silvery channels. This month's guest, Ms. Tatiana Bolotova will introduce you to the Russia's Glorious Second City during the Coffee Hour. She has lived in St. Petersburg for a long time. She came to Japan with her family five years ago and now lives in Tsukuba with her beautiful children and husband who works at a research institute.

Ibaraki Travel Information Homepage

A great resource for getting information in English on various attractions and events in Ibaraki is the Ibaraki Travel Information website at: kanko.pref.ibaraki.jp/en/po.html

Religious Activities in English

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 July service, however, is a week early, on the 21st. It is followed by an informal fellowship time at the Tsukuba Christian Center next door. This month, a special guest, Dr. Rudy Diaz, a professor at Arizona State University, will give the message. Dr. Diaz has a great interest in science and faith issues, and makes presentations on the subject when the opportunity affords itself. He is in Japan to attend the "Advanced Lithography in Nanoscale Fabrication" symposium. (There will be no service in August.) The Japanese language congregation meets every Sunday morning at 10:30, and the service is translated into English over earphones. There is also a Bible Study in English every Wednesday evening at 8:30 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 also 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 earphones. 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 their church just off of Tsuchiura-Gakuen Sen east of Tsukuba (just behind the restaurant with the dragon on the roof) from 10 am for Bible Study and 10:30 for worship. On Easter Sunday, they will have their 5th Anniversary celebration with a dinner and drama following the service. For more information, call Tony Shreffler at 57-9006.

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 Sakura 2 chome 35-2. 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 57-9795.

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.

Summer Festivals

*JULY*

Gion Matsuris Galore
There are numerous "Gion Matsuri" scheduled for late July. "Gion Matsuri" are Shinto festivals usually taking place in the evening hours and centering around the portable shrines carried of rolled along the street. Information as to exact times and locations are not given in the Japanese listings, and so you may want to have a Japanese speaking friend call ahead for details. Foreigners who have not seen these celebrations find them an interesting bit of Japanese culture, and you have plenty to choose from. Other festivals are also included here.
*July 16, "Ninniku (Garlic) Matsuri", Ichinoya Yasaka Jinja in Tsukuba (just east of Higashi Odori, 2 lights north of Hiratsuka Odori). Tel. 64-1132.
*July 19-21, Edosaki Gion Matsuri, central shopping district (evening), tel. 0298-92-2221
*July 20-21, Ishige Gion Matsuri, through the center of town, with the main events being in the evening from around 6 pm to 10 pm. tel. 0297-42-3111.
*July 20-21, Mitsukaido Gion Matsuri, central plaza area near station. Tel 0297-23-2111.
*July 25-28, Shimodate Gion Matsuri, in front of the station. Early Sunday morning (around 6 am) , the "omikoshi" is carried through the river. tel. 0296-24-2111.
*July 26-28, Tsuchiura Gion Matsuri through the "Menuki Dori" shopping area (route 125 between the west side of the station and Kijo Park). The parades and festivities focus mainly on the late afternoon and evening hours, but last all day. The main event will be on Saturday evening, beginning around 7 pm. A good opportunity to see traditional Japan. tel. 24-2810.
*July 27, Ryugasaki Tsukumai Matsuri, traditional "dare-devil" type stunts on a 17 m. pole, from 6 pm. tel. 0297-64-1111.

Mitsukaido Fireworks
Friday evening, July 26, is the time set for a gorgeous display of fireworks along the Kinu River in Mitsukaido. The fireworks are to be launched from the river bank just to the north of the route 354 bridge. Tel 0297-23-2111.

Ushiku Kappa Matsuri
Focusing on the mythical character "kappa" (river monster), this annual festival is directed primarily at children. Held on the east side of Ushiku Station, it runs two days, July 31 and August 1.

*AUGUST*

Mt. Tsukuba Gama Matsuri (Toad Festival)
Sunday, August 4th, 10 am - 5 pm. This takes place around the Mt. Tsukuba Shrine and is an interesting event. Vendors of "toad's grease" chant their slogans during that time. Tel. 36-1111

Tsuchiura Kirara Matsuri During the period from Aug. 2 to 4, the shopping area to the west of Tsuchiura Station ("Menuki Doori") will be holding its annual festival. On the 2nd and 3rd, from 6 to 8:30 pm, there will be traditional dancing along the route ("Nanayuu Odori"), and on Sunday from 1 - 4 pm, you can get free rides on the tour boat on Lake Kasumigaura. On the 4th at 7:30, there will be a fireworks display on the east side of the station on the lake shore. tel. 24-2810.

Mito Komon Matsuri, Aug. 2-4. Named after the famous ruler who dressed as a commoner to go out and help his people, this festival is the main one held in Mito near the station. There is a fireworks display on the 2nd from 7:30 - 9:00, and on the 3rd from 5 to 9 pm, there is traditional dancing. The main parade is on Sunday from 2 to 6 pm. tel. 029-224-0441.

Fireworks Festivals
*Shimodate holds its "Hanabi Taikai" on Aug. 4, on the banks of the Kinu River. tel. 0296-24-2111. Shimotsuma holds a similar event on Aug. 10 at the Sunanuma Bridge with about 3000 bursts scheduled. tel. 0296-43-2111.
*Toride Tone River Fireworks Festival A big fireworks display will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 along the shores of the Tone River in Toride.
*Daigo-Machi Fireworks and Toronagashi Along the Kuji River each year, the town of Daigo (near the famous Fukuroda Falls in northern Ibaraki) holds a fireworks display and "toro-nagashi", the traditional custom of floating paper lanterns down the river. This year's event is scheduled for Aug. 14. tel. 02957-2-0285. A similar event is also scheduled in Tone, at the opposite end of Ibaraki (and closer to Tsukuba) on Aug. 17 at the Highway 4 Bridge. tel. 0297-68-2211.

Karasaka Manto (10,000 lanterns)
Held during the Obon holidays on August 15, this festival centers on the lighting of lanterns. Traditionally, lanterns were lit to help guide the spirits of the ancestors "home for the holidays" before they would be sent off again into the nether world for another year of wandering. The location is the Obatake Washi Jinja (shrine) in Niihari-Mura about 2 km west of the Tsuchiura Kita Interchange of the Joban Expressway.

Kasama Matsuri
If you are planning a trip to the pottery capital of Kasama, Aug. 16, 23, & 24 is a good time to go (or to avoid, depending on your interests), and get some of the flavor of Festival ala Japan. tel. 0296-72-9222.

Ina no Tsunabi
Literally meaning "rope fire", this traditional festival will be held twice, on the 23rd at the Takaoka Atago Shrine and on the 24th at the Obari Atago Shrine in Ina-machi (both events are from about 7:30 to 9:30 pm), to the south of Tsukuba. tel. 0297-58-2111.

*SEPTEMBER*

Matsuri Tsukuba
The first weekend in September is the traditional date for the local Tsukuba Matsuri, and this year is no exception. Held Sept. 7th and 8th, a number of interesting booths are set up and various cultural events take place through the 2 days. If the other festivals mentioned here are not something you want to take the time and effort to go to, this is your back-up option. It's always located along the central bicycle path and adjacent parks, and so it's not hard to find.

Ishioka Matsuri
One of the bigger local festivals is the Ishioka Matsuri held in mid-September every year. This year's festivities are from the 14th to the 16th, culminating in a grand parade in the center of town. This is probably the biggest local Matsuri, and is right at the end of the season. So, last chance until next year. tel. 0299-23-1111.

Your Daily Moment of Zen

1. We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a flat tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. No one is listening until you make a mistake.
6. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else.
7. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
8. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
9. It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
10. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
11. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
12. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
13. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat & drink beer all day.
14. If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
15. Don't squat with your spurs on.
16. If you tell the truth, you don!t have to remember anything.
17. If you drink, don't park; accidents cause people.
18. Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield.
19. Don't worry, it only seems kinky the first time.
20. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
21. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
22. Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
23. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
24. Duct tape is like 'the force.' It has a light side & a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
25. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
26. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your mouth is moving.
27. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
28. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Splish! Splash! Wet, Wild and Fun!

The ocean isn't too far away, but for those who would rather not make the drive, there are several different ways to cool off, get wet, and have a fun time too! There are a number of pools in the Tsukuba area where you can swim. The biggest is the indoor pool at Doho Park, which has both daytime and nighttime hours through September. There are also several outdoor pools in the area, open only in the daytime. These pools are located in Hanabatake, Ninomiya and Yatabe, and are open from 9:30-11:30 & 12:30-5:00, costing 200 yen or 350 yen, depending on place.

If you would like a lot of fun in the sun, a really nice place to visit is the Sanuma Sun Beach Swimming Center (0296-43-6661) in Shimotsuma, about 40 minutes northwest of Tsukuba. It is a large pool complex with giant slides, an almost 2 km long moving river pool, waterfalls, wave machines and the works. Admission and rentals for tubes are quite reasonable, so families can have a "funtastic" time without spending lots of money. Admission is 1100 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high and elementary school age children, and 300 yen for small children. To get there, go along Route 125 through Shimotsuma to a 3-way intersection with a stone works center at the corner. There are signs in Japanese pointing out the direction (to the right). The complex is on the right a few hundred meters up that road, and has a large parking lot. The season extends from July 20 through Aug. 30.

A similar park is located a bit closer in Tsuchiura in the Kasumigaura Park southeast of Tsuchiura Station. It advertizes itself as being able to handle 10,000 people, though we don't recommend going there on one of those days. It is, however, quite a nice facility with loads of things to do. The pool opens July 15 and closes September 1, with admission being 900 yen, 500 yen, 300 yen and 100 yen for adults, secondary school-age, primary school-age and preschool-age children respectively. Phone 24-6432.

If you are up for a drive to the beach, up north along the coast, there are the Oarai and Ajigaura beaches east of Mito. These beaches are good for swimming, body surfing, and lots of fun. They do tend to be crowded, but the facilities are good. The Oarai Beach also has a large fresh water pool next to the beach. Admission to it is 620 yen for adults and 310 yen for kids. The "Japan Body Board Carnival" is held there on Aug. 25, and you can even give it a try. Tel. 029-267-5111

In Oarai, there is the Aqua World Oarai (029-267-5151), which has impressive displays of sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins, etc., along with local crustaceans and fish. There are entertaining dolphin and seal shows as well as sea life displays. Oarai is famous for seafood, and you can purchase some edible souvenirs to remind you, though perhaps just briefly, of your time at the beach. Aqua World Oarai is located on the coast at the mouth of the Naka River just a few kilometers north of the Oarai Port. It takes just a bit over an hour by car (assuming you take the expressway, of course). Exit at the Mito, Oarai exit of the Kita Kanto Expressway on to Route 51 and go towards the coast. Exit it to the left a few kilometers down to go into the center of Oarai and follow that road right to the coast. Turn left and follow that up to Aqua World. Parking is free and the entrance fee is 1800 yen for adults, 900 yen for elementary and junior high school children, and 300 yen for pre-school children over 3. Doors open at 9 am and close at 7 pm.

Other beaches line the entire eastern side of Ibaraki, too numerous to list here. If you drive along the coast, you can, of course, stop anywhere you can pull your car over and walk along the beach looking for shells. More likely, however, you'll find a lot of chunks of styrofoam, pieces of wood, and a variety of other junk washed up by the tide. These sections of beach, are for obvious reasons far less crowded than the public beaches that have facilities and there is no charge. If you don't mind driving home without being able to take a shower, then you can take a dip most anywhere. It is much safer, of course, to use a public beach with life guards and changing facilities. Parking lots there, however, generally charge 700 yen or so per car with a similar charge per adult for use of the facilities (less for children).

Updated August 31, 2002
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