The X-Pat Files -  April 2007

 (Brought to you by H&R Consultants)

  The X-Pat Files Community E-Newsletter provides a forum for the spread of information useful for English speakers living in Aichi.  You can use the newsletter as an informational resource, and of course you can send in information you would like to share.
  This newsletter is a community service from The Japan Real Estate and Relocation company, H&R Consultants (www.japanhomesearch.com), and is edited by Sue Conolly (http://web.mac.com/conolly).

  Contents for This Edition

  1.  Earthquake Preparation
  2.  Weekend Trip, Day Trip
  3.  Oyako Cafe for Parents and Children
  4.  Ohmori Clinic (English speaking doctor)
  5.  Walkathon International Charity Festival
  6.  ACCJ Event - IT for the Small to Medium Enterprise
  7.  Events in Nagoya this month
  8.  Participants Wanted: Housing Discussion
  9.  Pilates in English
  10.  Cherry Blossom Fever
  11. Gold and Gems - One Year of the X-Pat Files

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   1. Earthquake Preparation
(Thank you to Yufuko Matsumura for information contained within this submission)

There's no point in being too worried about an earthquake that may or may not hit while you are living in Japan, but there's even less point in not being prepared for the eventuality.  Since a major earthquake has not occurred in this area since the Ansei Tokai Earthquake in 1854, a major earthquake is expected to strike in the near future. This is called the Tokai Earthquake.

While it is not possible to provide warnings for all earthquakes, there is a system of three types of information that are released to the public to foresee the Tokai Earthquake:

1. Tokai Earthquake Observation Information or "Tokai Earthquake Report" (Tokai Jishin Kansoku Jouhou）

This is just a preliminary stage and means that the various organizations are gathering more data on the likelihood of an earthquake.  Don't change the way you are living, except to pay attention to TV and radio.  By the way, if you are ever concerned about an earthquake it is best to be able to see national television station NHK (Channel 3 on most televisions) in your home.  While the other Japanese commercial stations also recieve the information, the NHK always has the best and latest information as the official channel in Japan.  For the Chubu Area, Radio i (79.5FM) has bullitens in foreign languages for the spread of earthquake-related information.

2. Tokai Earthquake Warning Information or "Tokai Earthquake Advisory" (Tokai Jishin Chuui Jouhou)

This information is dispersed when there is a greater possibility of an earthquake occurring.  Children must be accompanied home from school by a responsible adult, and facilities will start preparing for the eventuality of an earthquake.  Check your emergency supplies and confirm your evacuation routes.

3. Tokai Earthquake Alert Order or "Tokai Earthquake Warning" (Tokai Jishin Yochi Jouhou)

This announcement is issued if it appears that the Tokai Earthquake will strike in the near future.  Earthquake Disaster Warning Headquarters will be established and Emergency Message service 171 will be activated.  Change into comfortable clothing and close the gas main and valves on propane gas cylinders.  Those who live in areas where there is a danger of tidal waves or landslides should quickly contact neighbours and evacuate to a safe location.

It is also possible to check on earthquakes that have already happened, on the Japan Meterological Agency page which contains maps of affected areas and level of maximum seismic intensity (the Japanese system - JMA Seismic Intensity). 

It is important as a family to discuss what you will do in the event of a large earthquake. 

* Where is the safest place at home?
* Where are the emergency supplies at home?
* Do you have fire extinguishers in your home and where are they?
* Where is the nearest evacuation shelter and evacuation route?
* What are the responsibilities of each family member when evacuating?
* Decide how to contact family members, and about where to meet for both a daytime and nighttime earthquake scenario.
* Put personal effects and first aid kit in a place where they are easily accessable
* As a family, learn how to use the NTT disaster emergency dial 171.
* Look into disaster information options from your mobile phone provider such as this one from Softbank, this one from au, or this one from docomo.  Remember that in the event of a disaster different phones will work in different areas depending on which transmitters have been damaged.

Also as a family, prepare the following items for emergency evacuation:

*  By your bed: shoes (in case of broken glass), flashlight, whistle, glasses, medication
*  Emergency survival bag (put in an easily accessable place known to all family members) : valuables such as cash including change, passports, foreign registration cards, credit cards, bank passbook, drivers licence.  *  Radio, emergency food rations, bottled water, mobile phone.
*  Clothes to be used in an emergency, including gloves and small towels.
*  First aid kit including medicine, bandaids, tissue paper, small scissors, tape etc.
*  The emergency bag must be as light as possible for ease of carrying.

In another place in the house known to all family members, stockpile the following items:

* Emergency food and bottled water for three full days
* Portable cooking stove and fuel (careful to check use-by dates and safe storage)
* rope
* disposable chopsticks
* blankets
* strong masking tape
* paper tableware and thick foil cooking plates (available from camping stores)
* Families who camp - keep your camping goods updated and in good order, in an easily accessable place.  Taking up camping as a family hobby is one of the best earthquake preparations you can do!

Again as a family, think about your responses as a family in the time of disaster:

* Learn about the location of evacuation shelters in your area.
* Learn about the provision of water in the case of an emergency.
* Read up on advice from the fire department.
* Find good guides to earthquake preparation on the internet - even if they are not from this exact area much of the information contained is useful.  Use the guides like a checklist, be prepared.
* Read up on earthquake warning systems. 

Earthquake-proof your home, paying special attention to items that could cause injury:

* Special items to help stabilize furniture are sold in home centers.  These are called Jishin Taisaku Goods.  Find the jishin taisaku area in your local shop, and see what small measures you can take to stop your furniture from falling over, or glass from breaking.
* Glass should be reinforced in some way - some windows are already earthquake proof such as pebbled glass with wire criss-crossed through it to prevent splintering.  Clear glass however can have plastic film applied to it to stop the glass from splintering as it breaks.
* Cupboards that contain plates and glasses should, if possible, have sliding doors and not opening doors.  If they do have opening doors, one easy thing to do is to apply child locks so that doors do not open easily by shaking.
* Get into the habit of turning your gas off at the mains.  In Japan this is a relatively easy thing to do in the kitchen - you just need to make the habit.
* Displaying beautiful items on open shelves, use some kind of double-sided tape to prevent them from falling over, or worse yet, flying off the shelf and injuring someone.  You can buy this tape from the home center - experiment with different types to find the best kind for your purpose.
* Beds should not be under windows or near mirrors.  Think about potential injury and escape routes when placing a bed in a room.
* Do not put tall furniture on soft flooring like carpet.
* Put light objects on the top and heavy objects on the bottom.
* Don't put heavy furniture near doorways - it could block your escape if it fell.

Finally, just get into a good frame of mind for earthquake survival.  Remember, it's not about fearing the worst.  It's just about making the best of a potential emergency:

* This guidebook from Mie Prefecture gives good advice about earthquake proofing your home and surviving an earthquake, with real experiences from earthquake survivors.
* Again, in the event of an earthquake it is important to pay heed to information being distributed by national television station NHK (Channel 3 on most televisions) and Radio i (79.5FM), so seek out sources of this information when you can.  Having access on your TV to Japanese television stations, and an FM radio that works on batteries, is the difference between having information and not having it.
* Be nice to your neighbours.  Join the local neighbourhood association.  Take part in local community clean-up campaigns.  In the event of emergencies (not just earthquakes), your neighbours could be your best resource.

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  2. Weekend trip, Day trip
(Thank you to Helen Braithwaite for this submission)

If you ever find yourself in northern Nagano prefecture with a couple of hours to spare I can recommend a visit to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park. We went there on the way home from a ski trip recently.  It's an easy and pleasant 20 minute walk from the car park to the entrance and then 500 yen per adult to get in.  It is not as picturesque as it could be, but you do get to see wild monkeys in an onsen, which is the whole idea.  They feed the monkeys periodically so that they are plenty around and our children thoroughly enjoyed it.  Take a look at the website for a better feel of the place.

http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/top/english.html

I would also recommend a visit to Meiji Mura in Inuyama- a 30 minute drive from Nagoya.  Basically, this is a museum of buildings from the Meiji era - a time where there was a flood of foreign influence on the architecture in Japan. However, even if you have no interest in the buildings, the grounds have a wonderfully spacious and natural feel, and I felt like I could breath again after spending so much time living in the city.  If you have kids, don't be put off by idea of a building museum - both of our young kids absolutely loved it, and our son Joshua would have spent all day just watching and riding on the steam train given the chance.  There are also trams and buses to ride on, a small maze, funny bicycles to try out, restaurants, coffee shops and a working turn of the century post office!  Entrance was 1,800 yen for adults, with the normal concessions available.

http://www.meijimura.com/english/index.html

Editor's Note:  The above submission has inspired me to devote an artcle next month exploring options for weekend trips and day trips.  If you have some good experiences to share or some recommendations for places to go, please send these to me at info@xpat-files.com.  Thank you!

My husband also recently visited the monkeys in the onsen, and I have another recommendation to add to the above.  For anyone who has seen the exellent Japanese anime movie Spirited Away, it is said that the onsen in the movie was conceptualized around this onsen ryokan near Jigokudani.  I have never stayed here myself, but the photos of the rooms on the Japanese website (click on room names to see individual photos) look so very enticing.  To book your place at Kanaguya, have a Japanese speaking friend call 0269-33-3131 or fax 0269-33-3135. 

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  3. Oyako Cafe Nico for Parents and Children
(Thank you to Betty Mizutani for this submission)

Attention moms with small kiddies!  When was the last time you had time to enjoy YOUR meal while watching your child play happily with other kids without you running interference?  This small cafe located in Narumi-cho Midori-ku is the perfect place!

Upon your entrance to the cafe, remove your shoes at the genkan. From there you will be seated and given a menu to browse at your leisure.  You write your request on the provided order slip and wait for your food to be prepared with care.  While the menu is limited, it is not as if a big vat of something is lying around simmering all day.  The food is freshly prepared while you wait and your child starts playing in the play area that is equipped with a BABYSITTER!

WHAT?  Yes, a babysitter!  With certain menu items, 1 hour of kidsroom playtime is included.  (This information is in katakana and kanji in parenthesis behind the menu item.)  If you don't order some of these select menu items, which are very tasty I might add, you can expect to pay 210yen for 1 hour of playtime or 105yen for 30 minutes.

While the menu is only in Japanese, the fellow who greeted me tried his best to speak a bit of English.  For any R.E.M. fans, he's your man to talk about the band!

Oyako Cafe Nico
Tel/Fax: 052-877-5852
Address: 1F Blanche Mizuhiro, 93-76 Azamizuhiroshita, Narumi-cho, Midori-ku, Nagoya, 458-0801
Address in Japanese: 名古屋市鳴海町字水広下93-76ブランジュ水広1Ｆ
Driving Map (Japanese)
Wider Map (Also Japanese)
Opening Hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm or 4:30pm according to day and classes on that day (please refer to calendar)

Guide for Use (Translated from website)

* Cafe is for use by parents with children between the ages of 0 and 6.  If one person in a group has children within these ages the group may enter.  Also, those involved in the activities at "Oyako Cafe Nico" may enter.
* Children between the ages of 1 and 6 may use the Kids Space.  There is support by a trained childcare worker, however this should not be thought of as babysitting (the mother must remain in the cafe).
* Babies under one year of age must only use the Kids Space with their parent or guardian.
* The cafe provides highchairs, baby chairs or mats for napping.
* The toilet has been designed for use by parents and children, with space for changing nappies.  We also sell disposable nappies of all sizes.
* There is a breastfeeding room, however depending on classes at the time it may not be available for use.
* The cafe is completely non-smoking.
* Pets are not welcome.
* For safety, there is a limit to how many can use the facilities at one time. 
* During busy times (from opening to about 3pm), we ask that you only stay for a maximum of one and a half hours.
* You may bring with you only baby food that you have made yourself or that had been designed for your child's allergies.  If you need hot water please let us know.  We also sell organic baby food.
* We run parent-child lessons, sell natural bread and also magazines.

Fees

* Guardians and persons over 7 years of age, please order one drink.
* Kids room use: 1 hour for 210 yen, plus 105 yen for every additional 30 minutes.  However, when your children order from the selected "Gohan" menu, one hour in the Kids room is free.  However, if parents order from the children's menu fees for the Kids Room still apply.

Classes (for example, translated from website)

* Parent-child yoga - every Tuesday from 10-11 (term runs from April to June)
* Mamas Make-up lesson - Mondays from 10 - 11:30 in the breastfeeding room, 2000 yen for a 30 minute private lesson. For this class only apply by phone to Masami Make 090-9194-9063.
* Baby sling wearing club - Monday April 16th, 10:00 - 11:00
* Allergy class - Saturday 7th April, 10:00 - 11:00
* Entrance Ceremony Photo Sessions - Friday 6th April and Saturday 7th April, 3:30 to 5:30 (children not entering school or kindergarten may also participate)

For all classes, apply to kouza@oyakocafe.com


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  4. Omori Clinic
(Thank you to Diana McElyea for this submission)

I would like to share information about Dr. Kensho Ohmori who speaks good English and has good attention in his Clinic.
 
The Clinic is just in front of Sogo Rehabilitation Center (purple line) Exit 2.

 
His office hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12, and 4 pm to 7 pm. Saturdays only in the Morning.
 
You don’t need an appointment, just show up any time. It is really easy. They have lab and other services too, such as rehabilitation.
 
He attends adults and children.
 
There is a Japanese website at: http://www.ohmori-clinic.biz-web.jp/ with a picture of the building and a table of office hours.
 
Omori Clinic
Address: Nagoya-shi, Mizuho-ku, Hassho-touri 1-4
Telephone: 052-834-5656

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  5. Walkathon International Charity Festival
Abigail Lloyd

Have you heard of The Walkathon?  It’s a huge event in Meijo park that happens every year.  I would like to take this opportunity to offer you the chance to get involved in this, the 16th Walkathon International Charity Festival 2007 held on Sunday, May 20th between 9:15am and 4pm.
 
About The Walkathon
 
* Participants are encouraged to walk laps in the beautiful grounds of Meijo park, and their participation ticket helps raise money to support many charities that operate in the Nagoya/Aichi area.
* There will be food vendors and stalls, music and entertainment, and lots of games for the younger participants.
* A super opportunity for international exchange between members of the Japanese and international community.
 
If you would like to get involved, or are in need of some tickets, (JPY 2,000 for adults/JPY 1,000 for children- including free Walkathon t-shirt!) please do not hesitate to contact me: Abigail_lloyd@hrconslt.com　
I would be happy to also supply you with flyers, posters and tickets.
 
Also, we are seeking volunteers!
* 1/ to organize some games for young children
* 2/ to help out on the day in general
 
Any people/groups interested in getting involved, please get in touch with me ASAP!
Thank you,
 
Abigail
Charity Walkathon 2007 Committee

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  6. ACCJ - IT for the Small and Medium Enterprise
(Thank you to Noriko Kato for this submission)

The ACCJ (American Chamber of Commerce in Japan), Chubu Chapter is proud to present:

Mr. Steve Brown
ACCJ Independent Business Committee Chair
President, Zergsoft

"IT for the Small and Medium Enterprise"

DATE: Thursday, April 26th, 2007, 7-9pm (door opens at 6pm)
VENUE: Nagoya Kokusai Center 3F #2 Conference room
COST: Members: 3,000 yen, Guests: 4,000 yen

If you run a business with fewer than 100 employees, you are probably acutely aware of the problems involved in implementing IT systems.  Trying to figure out issues such as what to automate, how much to spend, and how to prepare for system failures is a daunting task.

Steve Brown, President of Zergsoft and co-chairman of the ACCJ Independent Business Committee, has been dealing with these issues for the past 10 years. He has been developing software for small and large businesses for over 10 years, starting his own company, Zergsoft, 7 years ago.

His presentation will cover topics including:

    How to identify areas of your business may benefit from IT
    Deciding between pre-packaged software and custom built
    How to leverage open-source software
    Strategies and tips for managing custom development


Registration Form (copy and paste into e-mail or print)

Name (ID) : __________________________________________________

Company Name:_______________________________________________

Phone:___________________________ Fax_________________________

E-mail:_______________________________________________________

Guests:_______________________________________________________

______________Sorry, I must cancel

Note:  If you cancel after the deadline, the full participation fee will be charged to your account.

You are encouraged to register online through the ACCJ Member Data Center.  Please visit http://member.accj.or.jp/cgi-bin/WebObjects/ACCJ  and log in using your member ID and password.

For more information please contact:

Noriko Kato
Operation Manager - Chubu
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Marunouchi Fukao Bldg. 5F
2-11-24 Marunouchi, Naka-ku
Nagoya, 460-0002
Tel: +81 52 229-1525
Fax: +81 52 222-8272
Email: nkato@accj.or.jp
Public website: http://www.accj.or.jp
Employment Central: http://www.ecentral.jp
Living in Japan: http://www.livinginjapan.info

Other Upcoming Events:
3/28 Shape the Walkathon meeting
4/2 Membership relationship Committee Meeting
4/2 Nomunication
4/11 Shape the Walkathon meeting
4/19 Independent Business Committee meeting
 
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  7. Events this month

 Hanami in Tsuruma Park
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN (CHUBU)

Date: Saturday 7th April
Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Start.
Please feel free to come anytime. The food should be arriving around 12pm to 1pm.
Access: Tsurumai Station; Tsurumai subway and JR Chuo lines.
Please look for the New Zealand Flag. 
Or, call Steve Burson on 090-9942-8292 or Bryce Conlan on 080-3667-7105.
Tsuruma Park
Price: Members 1,200 yen, Guests 1,500 yen (Sandwiches and finger food included)
RSVPs close: COB Thursday 5th April 2007
'No shows' and cancellations after this date will be charged in full.

The ANZCCJ (Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Chubu Chapter invites everyone to come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the beautiful and picturesque Cherry Blossoms in Tsurumai Park. Meet up with new and old friends, extend your business network or just enjoy a cold beverage in good company in a social setting (the real reason for Hanami!).

Reservations can now be accepted by email to bryce_conlan@hrconslt.com

Please remit payments by COB Thursday 5th April to the following account:
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank: Akasaka Branch
Ordinary Account #7923681
Account Name: ANZCCJ Events

OR Cash will be accepted on the day

Tokai Japan Canada Society Hanami Party

Date: April 8 (Sunday)
Time: 12PM
Place: Meijo Koen by the windmill
Fee: Members, 500; Non-members, 1000; Children, Free
Look for the Canadian flag and enjoy the coming of spring at the first TJCS social event of 2007. There will be some light food and drink, but please bring something to contribute to the potluck feast.

For details: info@tjcs.jp

Friends of TJCS members are welcome.


Easter Luncheon and Kids Egg Hunt

Date:    April 8th
Time:    Easter lunch will be available from 11:30
Place:   Shooters
Offer:    Glazed Ham or Roast Turkey, sautéed vegetables, Mashed or baked potatoes, assorted side dishes, salad and steaming hot fresh bread, coffee and tea
            Cocktails and dessert are separate
Price:   ¥2, 000

United Airlines will be the sponsor of this party and we will be raffling off two business class tickets (Drawing will be held the following week at Shooters. You do not have to be present to win). The cost of each raffle ticket will be ¥2000. Buy four and get one free. Value of the tickets is Almost $7,000.00.
Proceeds from the tickets will be going to the Mikokoro Center and affiliated charities.

Kids Egg Hunt
 
Date:    April 8th
Time:   Starts at 1:30
            We will leave from Shooters with the kids and go to Shirakawa koen
Price:    ¥1200 per child

Kids will receive a Traditional Basket of Easter goodies including an chocolate Easter rabbit and the Easter candy. In addition all of the Easter eggs in the hunt will be included. There will be a golden egg hidden amongst the eggs in the hunt. The lucky kids who find the egg will get a large chocolate rabbit


The Meet & Greet lunch is held on the second Tuesday of the month at Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Fushimi. 

 Date:  Tuesday, 10th of April
 Time: 11:30am -
 Place: http://www.shooters-nagoya.com/
 Price: 1500 yen for buffet lunch and a drink
 RSVP:  Please RSVP by Saturday the 7th of April 2007.  RSVP to Helen Braithwaite at helenjbraithwaite@gmail.com or by phone 090-2186-3717 during office hours.

Shooters has a relaxed atmosphere and is closed during the day except for our event, so we have the run of the place.  This means that it is a VERY easy event for mothers with  babies or small children.  It also means, however, that there must be an RSVP so that Shooters can cater for the correct number of people. 

Nagoya International PC Club is a group of computer users from many nationalities who get together on the 3rd Saturday of every month to discuss computer related topics. Have a computer question? Thinking of building your own website but don't know where to start? Problems with spam? Want to edit better pictures using your PC? Find new friends and answers to your questions by joining us! We meet at Shooters American Bar&Grill (Fushimi) every 3rd Sat. at 12:00 noon. The Macintosh side of the Club meets 1 hour earlier (11:00am) also at Shooters. Please check our website at www.nipcc.org for details. New members always welcome! This month's topics are:
 
Date and Time: April 21  11am
Mac meeeting Topic: COCOA Class #4: Using Classes
Speaker: Ernie Schaal

Intro to Objective C: Learning the programming to make the application work. Creating Classes: Creating classes and adding outlets and targets for those classes. Help Files: Adding help files for online help.
 
Date and Time: April 21  12 noon
PC Meeting Topic: Open source applications for Windows/Mac users:
Speaker: Jeff Wilcox

Open source applications available to non-Linux PC users can be a great addition to your setup.  With a little know-how you can get capabilities that either aren’t available in commercial software or would be quite
expensive.


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  8.  Participants Wanted: Housing-related discussion
(thank you to Atsuko Chikami for this submission)


Please contact me (Atsuko Chikami) if you are interested in joining this discussion!  There is a 5000 yen gift coupon for those who participate.

Date:   Saturday, April 7th  from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Place:  Nagoya Kokusai Center 20F
*Access: just in front of the Kokusai Center station; Sakura-dori line (a few minutes from Nagoya station) Please refer to the subway area map at; http://www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp/

Background Information

The Japanese housing company “Toshin-Juken” would like to rethink about the housing situation in Japan by comparing it with those in other countries. Using the results from their studies, they are hoping to improve their product planning.
People from most countries overseas tend to put importance on purchasing a house, re-forming it, and even passing the estate on to future generations. They are often willing to buy even an old house.
On the other hand, Japanese people like to buy a new house and their children do not often inherit this house.
According to these reasons, in Japan new houses are constructed one after another. In addition, their promotion methods are quite unique in the Japanese market.

Participant Nationality  Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Japan
Condition    People who have experienced living in both their own countries and in Japan,
and have some idea of difference about housing.
Incentive     A 5,000-yen gift coupon
Contact      Atsuko Chikami
Tel: 090-7690-1854
Mail address: source0306@yahoo.co.jp or atsuko@mba.nifty.ne.jp

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 9. Pilates program for English speakers

Have a private session using Pilates machine or take a group Mat Pilates class.  Instructor has taught Pilates in San Francisco Bay Area for nine years.

Universal opens March 30th!!!

We are offering special trial sessions.

Date: March 30th (Fri) ~April 12th (Thurs)
Price:  Private   ¥4,000 for 40 minutes
            Group Class   ¥1,000 (55min.)   This is half the price of usual trial sessions.  Limited to six people for each group class.

Please feel free to visit web site ( in English )

http://www.universal-pilates.com/english/index.html

Location of Studio
  14-70 Hoshigaokamotomachi Chikusa-ku Nagoya  Nexus Hoshigaoka　2F-B
Three min. walk from Hoshigaoka Station of Higashiyama Line.

Contact
Phone: 052-737-1237     
e-mail: info@universal-pilates.com

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  10. Cherry Blossom Fever
Jenny Elsby

It's hanami, or cherry blossom season, and you pay have noticed the prevalance of blue tarpualins in the park.  Before you set out with your little picnic basket and instant warming sake, do your homework to see where the best spots are and when they are best viewed.

The International Center has a guide for hanami spots on their website, but for a truly great guide to the different spots and the updates on how full their blossoms are at the current time, it is better to turn to a Japanese website such as Tokai Walker.  Take a look at the following page for a list of the best spots in this area.  Next to the name of the place is a little graphic which tells you how "full" the blossoms are at the current time, so you can pick and choose which you go to first:

http://www.walkerplus.com/hanami/tokai/aichi/

Listed below are links to the famous hanami areas as they appear on the above page.  You can click on the link for a picture of the place and some information in Japanese, and a map on which you can zoom in and out.  Phone numbers are provided for extra information, but please be aware that in some cases, these phone numbers belong to the local tourist associations, so might mislead the navigation system in your car if you try to use them.  In any case, they will get your car in the general area of your destination at which time you can always ask!

Along the banks of the Kawasaki River in Mizuho-ku    MAP  Ph: 052-831-6161
Nagoya Castle   MAP  Ph: 052-231-1700  Website in English
Tsurumai Park   MAP  Ph: 052-731-8590
Togokusan Fruit Park in Moriyama with Weeping Cherry Trees    MAP  Ph: 052-736-3344
Okazaki Park with Okazaki Castle   MAP  Ph: 0564-23-6217  Website in English
Along the banks of the Oe River in Ichinomiya   MAP   Ph: 0586-72-4611
Along the banks of the Kiso River in Ichinomiya   MAP   Ph: 0586-28-9131
Kariyado Park in Handa   MAP   Ph: 0569-21-0180
Ochiai Park in Kasugai   MAP   Ph: 0568-85-6244
Nihon Monkey Park   MAP   Ph: 0568-61-0870  Website in English
Meiji Mura   MAP   Ph: 0568-67-0314   Website in English
Inuyama Castle   MAP  Ph: 0568-61-1711  Website in English
Momo Taro Park in Inuyama   MAP  Ph: 0568-61-6000
Sakurabuchi Park in Shinshiro   MAP  Ph: 0536-23-7634
Along the banks of the Gojo River in Iwakura   MAP  Ph: 0587-66-1111
Misaki Suihen Park in Toyoake   MAP  Ph: 0562-92-8312

Finally, if you are planning attend hanami in other parts of Japan you might like to use this link on Japan Guide to help you plan dates.

Happy Hanami!!

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  11. Gold and Gems - One Year of the X-Pat Files
  Sue Conolly

It's been one year since the X-Pat Files started collecting and distributing information to the Chubu community.  When the X-Pat Files started, I found that I was creating most of the content myself.  You might notice that very few of the articles for this edition of the newsletter have come from me.  That's the way I like it, not just because I don't have to think of things to fill the newsletter, but because of my idea of this newsletter as a kind of treasure chest of expatriate information.  Here's a smattering of information that has grown from donated information in this newsletter and in the past:

English speaking doctor in Mizuho-ku  (this edition)
Fairy dentist near the International School  (March 2007 edition)
Springfest 2007 in April  (March 2007 edition)
Shimojima wrapping supplies  (December 2006 edition)
B Spa La Soeur beauty clinic (Novmber 2006 edition)
Music Together Children's Group (February 2007 edition)
Sonne Garten Organic Cafe and Supermarket (February 2007 edition)
Heavens Sonohara Snow World (February 2007 edition)
Sapporo Snow Festival (January 2007 edition)
Nagoya International PC Club/ Mac Group (various editions)

That's just a very brief taste of it.  If you include articles that were written at the suggestion of a reader, I could add even more.  If you include articles for which I have got the idea from another expat besides myself, more and more.  My role as the editor of this newsletter is not to provide information.  My job is to make sure that information flows smoothly within the Nagoya expatriate community.

When I recieve information from the community about a new English speaking doctor I didn't know before,  my mind immediately leaps to the mother with the sick child who may read my next newsletter.  How amazing is it that someone helped me to research into earthquake preparation, just when an earthquake hit Japan and put earthquake preparation into people's minds?  As I edited and added links to this month's information, I daydreamed of the parent and small child who can now have lunch in the parent-friendly cafe.  I see in my mind's eye, the hopeful small business provider finding the information on this month's ACCJ presentation just at the right time.

Nobody can tell what information will benefit who at what time, but one thing is for certain.  In this small community that is Nagoya, the very best sources of information come from other fish swimming in the same pond.  We are all like gold miners, except that when we hit that lucky streak we immediately want to share our good fortune with everyone else!

That's my vision for this newsletter.

Editor's Note: I'm not sure who (if anyone) reads the text in italics below that appears on every newsletter, but please take a moment to read it now.  The X-Pat Files is proud to provide this service to the Nagoya community and would like to continue to improve in the upcoming year.  Thank you for your continued support.

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  That`s it for this edition of the newsletter. We hope you found it informative - please let us know what you would like to see in future editions, and we will attempt to address your issues.

 If you need to find some information from a previous edition, please try the search function on http://www.xpat-files.com.  Carrying out a text search with key words will take you directly to previous editions of the newsletter in which information appeared.

  A disclaimer - While we do try to check submissions when they come to me, we do not take responsibility for the accuracy of any donated information.  Nor do we take responsibility if your experience of places and services you find through this newsletter are not as rewarding as they were for the person who originally sent in the information. Obviously everyone`s experience is different.

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  The newsletter will be as good as the contributions made to it, so please send in ideas and materials!