Winter break

Japanese class will be off during the winter break from 17th December 2011 (Saturday) to 12th January 2012 (Tuesday).
Last class for this year – 16th December 2011 (Friday – Christmas party)
First class for next year – 13th December 2011 (Friday)
Class fees for December and January will be 1000 yen per month instead of the 2000 yen.

Christmas Potluck Party

Tabunka Tomodachi Center will be having their annual Christmas Potluck Party this Friday, 16th of December 2011 from 11:30 a.m. Bingo game will be played. Bring a dish and do come and join us.

Typhoon No. 15 (Taifu 15 go)

A strong typhoon Roke is approaching and might reach Kanagawa and Kanto region. Pay attention to news and weather forecast on TV or internet.

Heavy rainfall or strong winds can cause delays or cancelations of public transportation.
Schools might be cancelled or finish earlier than usual.

Talk with your family or friends about ways to keep yourself safe.

Japan Meteorological Agency
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html (English)

NHK World
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/index.html
(English. Other languages can also be chosen.)

Japanese Language Proficiency Test

JLPT is a standardized test to measure the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
It is a multiple choice exam (mark sheet).
There are 5 levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5).
N1 is the highest level and N5 is the easiest level.

Test Date: Dec. 4, 2011 (Sun)
Test Registration Process: Test Guides (application forms) will be sold at large bookstores all over Japan.
Deadline of application: Sept. 30, 2011
Test fee: \5,500

（English）
http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/index.html
（Japanese）
http://www.jlpt.jp/about/index.html
（Chinese）
http://www.jlpt.jp/cn/about/index.html

J. Test of Practical Japanese

J. Test is a test conducted to measure the Japanese language proficiency of non- Japanese. In gaining employment and entry into higher level schools in Japan, know your current Japanese language proficiency level by taking the test. For jobs which require the use of Japanese language, a test to measure
the communication skill of a non-native is also conducted.

■ J. Test of Practical Japanese
Test Date: 7/10 (Sun)
Test Registration Deadline: 6/15 (Wed)
Registration fee: 3,600 yen
Public testing sites: Saitama, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka

■Business J.Test
Test Date: 7/10 (Sun)
Test Registration Deadline: 6/15 (Wed)
Registration fee: 4,500 yen
Public testing sites: Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagano, etc.

Application through the internet is possible.
（Homepage in Japanese）
http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/index.php?id=1r
(Homepage in English）
http://j-test.jp/xp/modules/tinyd10/content/index.php?id=11

Scheduled Power Outage in Kanagawa

There will be scheduled power outage for 3 hours daily until end of April. The schedule for 14th March is as per below depending on which group you live at
Group 1 6:20～10:00 16:50～20:30
Group 2 9:20～13:00 18:20～22:00
Group 3 12:20～16:00
Group 4 13:50～17:30
Group 5 15:20～19:00
To check which group you are under refer here
http://www.tepco.co.jp/images/kanagawa.pdf

Planned Power Outage

Tokyo Electric Power Company is now considering “planned outage” starting as early as tomorrow, March 14th.
Supply of electricity will be stopped for 3 hours daily, between 7am and 10pm.
All facilities, including companies or schools, are subject of power outage.

Be prepared for power outage and be equipped with flashlights, foods or water.
Earthquakes might continue.
Take necessary precautions for your own safety.

Japan earthquake how to protect yourself (multilingual information)
http://nip0.wordpress.com/about/

If your family members or friends would like to receive INFO KANAGAWA,
send an e-mail to
infokanagawa@k-i-a.or.jp
Please specify the language in which you want to receive the bulletin.

Kanagawa International Foundation
infokanagawa@k-i-a.or.jp

Information on Earthquake

Most of the trains or electricity is back in service.
But minor earthquakes still continue and Tsunami (tidal wave) could hit coastlines of Japan.
Stay away from ocean and rivers.

Make sure that you are safe and well equipped.
Conserve energy, try to use as little energy as possible to prevent power failure.

NHK World online provides news in various languages.
Choose a language from “Select Language” on the right hand side of the site.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

NHK radio programs in 16 languages/
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/radio/program/16lang.html

If your family members or friends would like to receive INFO KANAGAWA,
send an e-mail to
infokanagawa@k-i-a.or.jp
Please specify the language in which you want to receive the bulletin.

Kanagawa International Foundation
infokanagawa@k-i-a.or.jp

お花見 Cherry Blossom Party

日時：2011年4月1日（金）
場所：厚木市青少年広場
持ち物：シート、飲み物、おやつ、
　　　　（参加講師や学習者におにぎり2個でます。）
　　　　　食べ物は自由にお持ち下さい。
＊雨の時は中止です。

Date : 1st April 2011 (Friday)
Time : 11 a.m.
Things to bring : Mat for sitting, own lunch, drinks and snacks.
* Japanese teachers and students will get 2 rice ball each.
Venue : Atsugi Young Plaza (beside Tennis Court)

The party will be cancelled if it rains.

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Spring vacation

Japanese class will be on spring vacation from 12th March 2011 (Saturday) to 14th April 2011 (Thursday). Last class before vacation will be on 11th March 2011 (Friday) and first class after vacation will be on 15th April 2011 (Friday).
Fees for March and April will be 1000 yen each instead of 2000 yen.
Happy Holiday.