Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre

Happy Birthday to us!!

2012-01-07T18:14:00.002+11:00

In 2012 Hyogo Cultural Centre is celebrating our 20th birthday!!! It seems amazing that we have been going so long and, as I look back over the variety of events and activities, I also feel proud of what we have achieved. Our current Director, Mr. Kawanabe, first started the Centre in 1992 and worked until 1995 when he first hired me (lucky me!!). Then, when the Centre changed location to City Beach in 2009, Mr. Kawanabe was once again asked by Governor Ido to take over the Directorship. The past 2 and a half years in City Beach have been really wonderful and I really feel that we have made ourselves at home here in the little Japanese hub together with the Japanese School and the Japanese Association.
I would like to organise many celebratory events this year including a big birthday party and possibly even a tour to Hyogo for Members. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions!
Best wishes for the New Year.
Melissa x

Bridge of Friendship

2011-04-16T12:11:00.003+10:00

EARTHQUAKE / TSUNAMI RELIEF FUND FOR JAPAN 2011

Have you seen our Bridge of Friendship? If not, why not come in to the centre, make a donation and write a message for the people in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami? We are trying to cover our bridge in messages and raise as much money as possible to help our friends.

On Friday, March 11, 2011 at 2:46pm a tremendous earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 struck the Tohoku region of Japan. This earthquake was followed by a tsunami, which quickly destroyed whole towns and left total devastation in its path.
To date it is feared that more than 21,000 people have lost their lives in this horrific event. Thousands more have been left homeless.
The Hyogo Cultural Centre Bridge of Friendship is a symbolic representation of the strong bond between Western Australia and Japan.
We invite all visitors to make a gold coin donation to the Earthquake / Tsunami relief fund for Japan 2011. For each donation, please write your name and message on a sticker and attach it to the bridge. Our aim is to start at Western Australia and hopefully cover the entire bridge with donations reaching all the way to Japan.
All donations will be transferred to the Red Cross Japan Appeal.
Your support, cooperation, and generosity in this appeal is greatly appreciated.

Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-12T16:17:00.002+11:00

Minasan Konnichiwa,

It is with great sadness that we watch the images from the recent devastation in Japan. We would like to extend our sympathies to the people of Japan and anyone who has family and friends who have been affected by the disaster.

If anyone is interested in making donations, please conatct the Consulate of Japan in Perth on 9480 1800.

Hinamatsuri

2011-03-02T17:54:00.003+11:00

Minasan Konnichiwa,

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri! Don't forget to come into HPGCC and see our hina doll display. Why not take a photo of your daughters in front of it?

It is customary to take the display down after March 3rd. It is said that if it stays up past this date the family's daughters will not get married!

But did you know that in the Kansai region of Japan (in which Hyogo Prefecture is located)you can leave the display up for longer without suffering this fate?

Takeshita Demons

2011-02-18T17:23:00.002+11:00

Minasan Konnichiwa,

Has anyone read Cristy Burne's novel Takeshita Demons? It's really meant for kids, but it's still an interesting read for adults too! I didn't know very much about Japanese mythology before reading this book, but now I am interested in finding out more.

The story begins with Miku Takeshita reminiscing about her grandmother who introduced her to the world of demons. Now living in the UK, Miku mistakenly thinks she has left this world behind. But the arrival of a mysterious relief teacher at her school soon sees Miku and her unsuspecting friend Cait thrust back into the exhilarating and highly dangerous realm of the supernatural.

Cristy received the inaugural Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children's Book Award in 2009 for Takeshita Demons. This award was established to promote fiction for eight to 12 year olds.

Cristy recently released the sequel to Takeshita Demons which introduces such delightful demons as the filth-licker who visits unpolished bathrooms and licks the filth from the shower and bath. Whilst this may sound like a welcome addition to the household, I can assure you you may think differently upon introduction.

As well as reminding us to clean our bathrooms, Cristy's playful way of introducing Japanese demons to children would be a great resource for the Japanese or regular classroom.

Has anyone read Takeshita Demons 2? Let me know what you think.

30th Anniversary of Hyogo-WA Sister State Relationship

2011-02-12T12:21:00.003+11:00

Minasan Konnichiwa,

2011 is the 30th Anniversary of the Hyogo-WA Sister State Relationship! To celebrate we are holding a number of events, such as the Hyogo Essay Competition, the Phoenix Choir visit and the Banshu Textile Exchange Program.

But maybe there's something you would like us to organise to celebrate the occassion?! If there is anything you would like to see happen please let us know.

Summer of Genji

2010-07-07T15:52:00.002+10:00

Hi again. One of our lovely members told us about an online discussion forum between current readers of Genji Monogatari. The members are trying to read this ancient tale by the end of the northern summer, so why not join them? http://summergenji.wordpress.com/about/
Enjoy!

Happy Family Plan

2010-07-07T15:49:00.003+10:00

Happy Family Plan is a new DVD addition to the library. A lovely, touching film with the special addition of the language resource, Disk 2, created by The Japan Foundation. Special note - check out the Top Ten Nihongo on Disk 2 to see the very funny, loveable Shingo Usami, who will be back in Perth for our September seminars. You can buy your own copy of Happy Family Plan and then bring it in for Shingo to sign!

Chatterbox

2010-07-03T14:37:00.002+10:00

Hey everyone, did you know that Chatterbox has grown to almost 40 members now? We have people attending of all ages - both Australians and Japanese. If you are at a loose end on a Saturday arvo, please come and see us between 2pm and 4pm. Free for members and just a $2 donation for non-members. Don't worry about your language proficiency - just a hello or konnichiwa will get you in the door.

Japanese Stores in Perth

2009-11-19T18:25:00.003+11:00

Hi All,
Does anyone know of any great stores in Perth to purchase Japanese related gifts and products?
best wishes
maureen

Japanese Cultural Demonstrations

2009-11-19T18:19:00.003+11:00

Minnasan Konnichiwa,
HPGCC prides itself on providing enjoyable Japanese workshops and seminars for people of all ages. If you would like to see a particular Japanese cultural demonstration or would like any workshops presented at our centre please let us know. We hope to bring you an exciting programme in 2010.
best wishes
Maureen

Chatterbox Club!

2009-11-19T18:17:00.002+11:00

Minnasan Konnichiwa,
Did you know that our Chatterbox Club is back?

This is the perfect opportunity for you to make new friends, catch up with old friends, and participate in language exchange over a cup of tea or coffee. Chatterbox is suitable for all ages and language abilities, as it provides Australians and Japanese people with the opportunity to brush up their language skills in a casual and social atmosphere. This event is exclusive to HPGCC Members. However, as membership is only $10 for the remainder of 2009, it is a bargain!

New participants are welcome to come along and become a Member on the day.

best wishes
maureen

Japanese Websites

2009-11-19T18:11:00.002+11:00

Minnasan Konnichiwa,
Does anyone know of any great Japanese related websites that are worth looking at? Any topics welcome!
best wishes
maureen

Learning Japanese!

2009-11-19T18:02:00.003+11:00

Hi All,
HPGCC strives to provide a great selection of books, dvds and educational resources to assist people in learning the Japanese language. If you can share any tips to help people learn Japanese then post your blog here and help others!
best wishes
Maureen

Movie/Book Reviews!

2009-11-19T17:57:00.003+11:00

Hi All,
Have you seen a great Japanese movie lately? Or have you read a great Japanese related book?
Let us know, we would love to hear from you!
best wishes
Maureen

Places to visit in Hyogo!

2009-11-19T17:49:00.004+11:00

Hi All,
Have you visited a great place in Hyogo?
Well then, this is the forum to exchange information and post a blog or two about your favourite place to visit in Hyogo. Share your fun with others!
Hope to hear your suggestions soon!
Best wishes
Maureen

Welcome to HPGCC

2009-09-22T17:06:00.000+10:00

Hyogo Prefectural Government Cultural Centre was established in 1992 by the Hyogo Prefectural Government to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sister State relationship between Western Australia and Hyogo Prefecture.

Our aims are to promote understanding and exchange between Western Australia and Hyogo in education, culture and business.

Major activities include workshops, demonstrations and seminars on language, life and culture, exhibitions of Japanese arts and crafts, and the promotion of educational, sporting, youth and cultural exchange.

Hyogo Cultural Centre has a well stocked library of books, periodicals and videos for people of all ages.