Over the years WIN International has received a lot of support. What we have accomplished couldn't have been possible without the efforts of a great number of people. (more)
Posted in December 2005
Front Page / Archives / Events
Events
There are many festivals, exhibits celebrations and other events in Wakayama and the Kansai area. Find out what's going on, where and when.
WIN Staff
It was in the early hours of Boxing Day, 2004 which decided the destiny of more than a quarter million lives in South-East Asia. The Matara District of Sri Lanka was one of the worst areas affected by the tsunami. (more)
Posted in December 2005
Julian Richards
Politics is about staying on message. Political parties use talking points to frame issues, such as what is at stake in an election. In a well-disciplined campaign a politician’s vocabulary shrinks almost exclusively to a Party-approved shortlist of words, which manage to work their way into everything they say. (more)
Posted in October 2005
Julian Richards
In the future, when the world is run by thinking machines, May 11th may well be a public holiday. It was on that day in 1997 that IBM computer Deep Blue beat chess champion Garry Kasparov and machines overtook humans as the preeminent chess playing entities on the planet. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Editor’s Note: The following is an abridged letter from MBA students at the Postgraduate Institute of Management in Sri Lanka. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Julian Richards
Opportunities to witness bona fide violent political protests first hand are few and far between. This is especially true in China where public expressions of discontent are routinely met with government censure, widespread arrests, and the occasional declaration of martial law. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Isaac Nicols
Falconry, or in Japanese takagari, is the sport of hunting wild quarry in its natural state with a trained raptor. We’re not talking dinosaurs here; by raptor I mean hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Sebastian Bednarczyk
The ‘Golden Week’ is one of those times when it seems like everyone in Japan goes somewhere for a holiday. Golden Week is locally known as a ‘Renkyu’ or consecutive holiday. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita translated by David Geer
Currently in Japan, because of severe economic circumstances within local governing bodies, the merging of cities, towns, and villages (shi, machi, mura) is being pushed forward. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Here is an advanced listing of fireworks that will light the Wakayama Prefecture skies at the beginning of August. These are subject to change so please call to confirm times and dates. (more)
Posted in June 2005
David Geer
On May 22nd there will be an amateur sumo meet across from the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly in Wakayama City at 10 a.m. The event is being sponsored by professional sumo wrestlers training here in Wakayama at their outdoor arena so it should be a good opportunity to see what sumo is like first hand. (more)
Posted in April 2005
Nichols Isaac
Imagine seeing hundreds of Samurai warriors marching down the streets accompanied by traditional dancers, taiko drumming, and swordsmanship displays. (more)
Posted in April 2005
Alcantara Francisco
Last December, like many other foreigners in Japan, I ventured off to Thailand for my Christmas holiday. When the tsunami hit I was in Koh Lanta, an island south of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. (more)
Posted in April 2005
Alcantara Francisco
On September 17th 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the President of Mexico Vicente Fox, signed a FTA between both countries that will enhance both trade and economical relations between Japan and Mexico. (more)
Posted in April 2005
David Geer
On February 11th (a national holiday), high school International exchange volunteers who working with the Wakayama International Exchange Association (WIXAS) will be conducting a special event entitled “Let’s See the World”, an event at which foreign residents and Japanese high school and college students will form 4 person groups and participate in several quiz games and conversations. (more)
Posted in February 2005
Lhaba Tshering
In Bhutan, different regions of the country celebrate New Year on different dates corresponding to their beliefs on the turn of the New Year, which has been passed down through generations. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Tina Jabir
For the festive holiday season, Malaysians are busily preparing for celebrations by catching all the bargain sales in conjunction with the festival. The festival that I mean is the celebration of Eidulfitri for Muslims. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Thandar Maung
Myanmar’s New Year Festival, called Thingyan (water festival), is celebrated according to the Myanmar Calendar. That is about between April 10 and 20. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Dileepa Samudrage
In April, Sri Lankans celebrate their National New Year – “Aluth Avurudda” in Sinhala and “Puththandu” in Tamil. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Aiko Kajiwara
The World Youth Choir, or WYC, is a world-class choir made up of approximately 80 young people from over 30 countries. The choir members, ranging from 17 to 26 years of age, are selected through a rigorous audition process held in each county. (more)
Posted in August 2004
Chika Hiramatsu
Autumn, as a shoulder season, is one of the best times to practice sports. This coming October 24, the “Wakaura Bay Jazz Marathon” organized by Wakayama City, the Wakayama City Board of Education and the Executive Committee of “Wakayama Bay Marathon with Jazz” will be held in Wakaura. (more)
Posted in August 2004
Sean Aquino
WIN International and WIN Concord have a new website. The design of the previous site hadn’t significantly changed for a very long time and WIN felt that they needed a new format for both organizations. (more)
Posted in June 2004
Here is an advanced listing of fireworks that will light the Wakayama Prefecture skies during the month of August. These are subject to change so please call to confirm times and dates. (more)
Posted in June 2004
by Chika Hiramatsu
European Eyes on Japan photo exhibit.
April 24 ~ May 23 Info: 073 - 436 - 8690
Photographic works themed around Koya and Kumano from Risazu Suzuki and Yoshimitsu Nagasaka.
April 24 ~ May 23
\310 (general public), \210 (college students)
(more)
Posted in April 2004
Marina City will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a Starlight Illusion series of fireworks with a flower theme for 7 nights. These computer-programmed and accompanied with special music fireworks will feature cherry blossoms, peonies and chrysanthemums. (more)
Posted in April 2004
Museum of Modern Art Wakayama Info: 073-436-8690 September 13 October 26 Works from 4 young Kansai modern artists inspired by agriculture and country living. Approximately 35 works, paintings and sculptures, will be featured. Autumnal Leaf Festival Nov 14 (Fri)... (more)
Posted in October 2003
Nov 8, 9, 15 and 16 The Kasuga Shrine gives the rare opportunity for people to wear Heian-period clothing for free during the daytime. Kasuga Shrine is slightly west of the Hanwa Kainan Higashi exit.... (more)
Posted in October 2003
A special Noh play will be performed at the outdoor auditorium of Kataonami Park October 12 at 5:30 p.m.. This type of play, called Takigi Noh, is unique because several small fire lanterns are used to shed light on and... (more)
Posted in October 2003
by Martin St-Pierre
Museum of Modern Art Wakayama
Info: 073 - 436 - 8690
July 19 - August 31
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit of works and sketches by Seiki Kuroda who is known as the father of European painting in Japan. (more)
Posted in August 2003
by Martin St-Pierre
Pet World
Date: August 2 - 31
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Wakayama Marina City ?WAVE?
Fee: 500 yen for both adults and children over 3 years old
This is the greatest indoor pet event in the Kansai area with more than 300 to see this summer.
(more)
Posted in August 2003
August is the Fireworks month par excellence in Japan. Here is a short list of the more important displays throughout the Prefecture. Katsuura Onsen Fireworks in the Nachi bay area in Nachi-Katsuura. August 1 2000 fireworks Info: 0735 - 52... (more)
Posted in August 2003
Marie Nicole DeRoche
Salsa Classes
Starting July 1st, professional international salsa dancers and instructors Edwin & Fumiko, will offer salsa classes in Wakayama City. They often hold salsa workshops in the U.S.A., Korea and other places in the world. (more)
Posted in June 2003
Although all these fireworks events will be held in August, we thought it best to let you know well in advance so you can include them in your summer plans. All events are subject to change so please call (in... (more)
Posted in June 2003
A Nihonbuyo, Classical Japanese dance performance, will be held on Sunday April 13 at Wakayama Kenmin bunka kaikan (Kenbun) from 11:00 am. More than 100 of the many Japanese classical performing arts schools will take part in this Nihonbuyo. Heads... (more)
Posted in April 2003
Junzo Tamura (Dec. 31, 11 p.m.- Jan. 1, 1 a.m.) You can ring in the New Year by actually ringing the bell at the Jisho-do bell house located next to the Prefectural Museum. The spot rests atop a hill and... (more)
Posted in December 2002
Some of you reading this may have come to the big salsa dance party at Palm on July 7th (the eve of The Star Festival)! If you did, THANKS A LOT for coming!! Some of you, as well, may know me... (more)
Posted in August 2002
*Kashima Jinja Hanabi JR Minabe Sta. 8/1(Thu.) 8:00-9:00 Info. 0739-72-3355 *Katsuura Hanabi Taikai JR. Nachi Sta. 8/1 (Thu.) 8:00-9:00 Info. 0735-52-5311 *Enjugahama Matsuri JR Gobo Sta. 8/3(Sat.) 20:00-21:00 Info. 0738-22-8193 *Yuasa Matsuri JR Yuasa Sta. 8/3 (Sat.) 4 (Sun.) Info.... (more)
Posted in August 2002
Malaysia?s cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia?s two most prominent trading partners throughout... (more)
Posted in May 2002
In the past, "Waka Matsuri" was a big festival held in Toshogu (shown below) on the second Sunday in March. It was called "Kishu no Kunimatsuri" (meaning a country festival of Kishu), and "Tenka Matsuri" (meaning a festival of the... (more)
Posted in April 2002
Hello to all around the Wakayama area. Hope everybody is doing all right in these crazy times we're living in. I wanted to tell you all about a charity show that we'll be doing to benefit the folks from Afghanistan.... (more)
Posted in March 2002
WIN will hold its annual dance fest at the venerable Old Time in Arochi. (073-428-1950) So break out your dancing shoes, limber up and prepare to party down and come out with your friends for a good time. There will... (more)
Posted in October 2001
For those interested in seeing and/or buying some of Japan's antiques and collectibles, the Kobo-san fair held on the 21st of each month at Kyoto's To-ji (Eastern temple) is a good place to start. There is also another fair at... (more)
Posted in September 2001
The Wakayama Information Network, WIN will hold its 14th annual International Party on Saturday, October 13th at Old Time, Wakayama's most venerable entertainment spot. The starting time will be 7 PM. Cocktails will be served from then. This year's edition... (more)
Posted in September 2001
*Kashima Jinja Hanabi JR Minabe Sta. 8/1(Wed.) Info. 0739-72-4949 *Katsuura Hanabi Taikai JR. Nachi Sta. 8/1(Wed.) Info. 0735-52-5311 *Kibun Hanabi Taikai JR. Minoshima Sta. 8/3(Fri.) Info. 0737-83-1111 *Kishigawa Natsu Matsuri Nankai Kishi Sta. 8/4(Sat.) Info. 0736-64-4181 *Enjugahama Matsuri JR Gobo... (more)
Posted in August 2001
July 1st is 'Yamabiraki', or opening day of the climbing season on Mt. Fuji. You can climb Fuji-san outside of the short July to August season, but at any time of the year, the temperature at the summit is about... (more)
Posted in July 2001
The City of Wakayama will be holding a weekly Japanese conversation class for foreigners living in or commuting to Wakayama. Come one, come all to learn Japanese conversation-alleviate the hassle of not being able to communicate with the natives, erstwhile... (more)
Posted in May 2001
Catholic Yakata Catholic Church Dec. 24 7:30 p.m. ` Dec. 25 9:00 a.m. ` * 3rd Sunday 4:00 p.m. English Mass TEL (073) 425-1069 Presbyterian Wakayama Kyokai (Church) Candle Service Dec. 24 7:00 p.m. ` TEL (073) 422-9293... (more)
Posted in December 2000
Another WIN party - another rip-roaring night of fun, dancing and laughter. On Saturday 14th October, about 100 Japanese and lucky- to- live- in- Wakayama foreigners joined in celebrating WIN's 13th birthday. Festivities took place in Old Time in Arochi... (more)
Posted in November 2000
The November meeting of the French Society will be Saturday, November 18, from 5 p.m. at the WIXAS Center in the Wakayama Big Ai Building. For more information contact Theresa Kanter at 0736-33-4401 or theresa@pop.cypress.ne.jp... (more)
Posted in November 2000
The French Society will have its next meeting on October 14 at WIXAS (8th Floor of the Big Ai Building in Wakayama City) from 5:00 until 6:30. If you have studied French and would like to practice your conversational skills,... (more)
Posted in October 2000
Everyone is a WINner at our 13th, anniversary party! Come one, come all members of the foreign community and join staff of WIN on Saturday evening, October 14th. We'll be meeting at around 7p.m. at The Old Time, that well-known... (more)
Posted in October 2000
Come embarrass yourself and experience others embarrassing themselves at KNOW's 10th annual Japanese speech contest. With the aim of making friends, deepening mutual understanding, and giving students of Japanese an opportunity to practise it, the contest, which consists of recitation... (more)
Posted in September 2000
The staff at WIN cordially invites all members of the foreign community to join us and specially invited guests for an evening of delight and indelible memories, as we celebrate our 13th anniversary at one of Wakayama's most renowned establishments,... (more)
Posted in September 2000
*Katsuura Onsen Hanabi Taikai 8/1(Tue.) JR. Kiikatsuura Eki-------Info. 0735-52-5311 *Kibun Hanabi Taikai 8/4(Fri.) JR. Minoshima Eki-------Info. 0737-83-4777 * I love Uchita Hanabi Taikai 8/6(Sun.) JR. Uchita Eki-------Info. 0736-77-2511 *Hureai Summer Festival 8/8(Tue.) JR. Hujinami Eki-------Info. 0737-25-1111 *Shirahama Hanabi Taikai 8/10(Thu.)... (more)
Posted in August 2000
For all us tight fisted, penny pinching gai-gin there will be a FREE concert at Katoanami beach in Wakayama featuring Bob Marley, Lauren Hill, and Santana. Well....actually they have been invited but they have not replied as of yet. We... (more)
Posted in July 2000
Wakayama is playing host to a delightful charity concert on Saturday, July 1st at Shimin Kaikan. The show will start at 6:30 P.M. Masato Iseki and Kayo Hashimoto will fill the summer evening air with marvelous renditions of authentic French... (more)
Posted in June 2000
The French Society will meet on February 19 for conversation, wine, and cheese. If you have studied French, please join us. There is no membership fee. Place: WIXAS, 8th floor of the Big Ai Building, Wakayama-shi Time: 16:30` 18:00 For... (more)
Posted in February 2000
KNOW will be holding its first event for the year 2000 in the form of a New Year's International Exchange Party. Come one, come all and enjoy various songs and dances from many countries. We from KNOW would like to... (more)
Posted in January 2000
Catholic Yakata Catholic Church Dec. 24 7:30 p.m.` Dec. 25 9:00 p.m.` * 3rd Sunday 4:00 p.m. English TEL (073) 425-1069 Fr. Coor Presbyterian Wakayama Kyokai Candle Service Dec. 24 7:00 p.m.` TEL (073) 422-9293... (more)
Posted in December 1999
On Friday, the tenth of December a wonderful show is coming to Wakayama MASA and Miche Braden are coming all the way from the Big Apple, New York to give us a rare treat. These two talented ladies will headline... (more)
Posted in December 1999
Last Update 2005-12-01T01:14:25 GMT+09:00
