Studying Islamic Culture
Saturday, February 24

Getting to Know Islamic Culture?was the last of the 2017 fiscal year lecture series. In this lecture Sarah Qureshi Yoshim ,Director of Nagoya Mosque’s External Relations, was invited?to?speak about the state of the Islam and that of Muslim children living in Japan. She helped to raise awareness to the thirty-five foreign and Japanese attendees.?

From Participants’ Questionnaires

● Whether it’s Ramadan or praying, I thought that Islam was very flexible. I did not know that Islam?was a religion that cherishes peace and?values moderate viewpoints. I didn’t?even know that women?were cherished. I also learned that IS and Islam are totally different. I don’t know what’s true or not unless I take a look at all sides of various kinds of news and events.

● I was even scared of Islam, at first , based on its portrayal on the news, but now through international relationships I have?a lot of Islamic friends. African,?Indonesian, and people from other countries are good friends. I thought it was scary to see a one sided view on the news.

● When I heard the authentic?points of view?of Muslim children, as a parent with children, it felt like my heart was being torn. I strongly feel that it is necessary to obtain correct knowledge and information about Islam.

● Although it is easy in Japan to be swayed by the media, I thought?if?opportunities to hear such “true voices” increase, it will lead to?better?multicultural understanding and?create a more harmonious?society. I also want to share what I learned today.

● It is quite embarrassing.?I’m surprised I didn’t know the true?Islam, which is quite different from the Islam I previously knew. It’s unavoidable to question?the unwavering media. It was really nice to be able to get a new understanding?by participating.?My view of the media has changed.

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Saturday, January 27 at Kansai International Center

About 110 people including around 40 foreigners participated in Let’s Enjoy the New Year. In addition to traditional Japanese games, their was a demonstration of?a lion dance competition. Participants enjoyed discovering games and activities that interested them.

In cooperation with:
Soroptimist International, Rinku, Osaka
Third Place
Mizuhiki Art Society
Ikuta Shrine Lionmask?Preservation Society
Osakananihae

International Party
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Kitashouji Brewery Company, Shiroku Hall

It was a energetic?party of 130 people including 41 foreigners. Families participated and people of various ages and nationalities enjoyed singing, dancing, games and chatting.

In the Find a Friend game?participants were divided into groups based on answers to questions such as “What month?were you born?” and “What is your favorite color?” One of the questions that was asked was?”How many siblings do you have?”. The greatest number of siblings was twelve.

● I enjoyed the event at such a wonderful venue. It was fun to talk with people from various countries. (S)
● The Macarena dance is always fun. (M)
● It was my first time as the MC, but it was a nice experience. In addition, my husband’s dance was exciting. (Irene / Taiwan)

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Kansai International Center

74 people from 29 countries exchanged words at Kansai International Center. Japanese learners from ica and Japanese language trainees?from Kansai International Center, along with Japanese attendees, all split up into small groups and?gathered around tables. They? and?communicated?with gestures, Japanese?and English.

What were foreigners’ impressions of the event?

● It’s fun to hear opinions from various people. (Germany)
● I enjoyed being asked various questions from Japanese people. (Italy)
● The local food?recommendation?is?sword fish sushi. (Korea)

What were Japanese people’s impressions of the event?

● I’ve never had such a opportunity to talk with foreigners, so it was a nice experience.
● I felt that all the foreigners were forward thinking (including future research and work).

Participants’ Countries?of Origin

Europe + NIS
Italy, Germany, Moldova, Lithuania, Uzbekistan

Middle East
Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine

Africa
Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, Benin, Liberia,? Mauritania

Asia
Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Nepal

North America
USA

Latin America
Haiti, Honduras, Argentina

Studying Islamic Culture: Cooking Class
Sunday, October 15 at Sano Public Hall Kitchen

As part of the Islamic Culture Understanding Lecture, a cooking class was held by Syrian native and ica Japanese language student, Ms. Nagam. Twenty?people participated is this event.

Menu

◆Maroba◆?
fried eggplant slices, ground beef with rice, topped with cashew nuts
It looks like a cake!
◆Molukhia Soup◆?
made with dried molukhia.
◆Syrian style salad◆
with refreshing lemon and dry mint

Participants’ Words

● It was surprising to hear that it was a regular dish. I want to eat it again.
● I was impressed when the maroba was done. The scent and shape were so attractive.
● Syria’s culture, language, etc. were also introduced and I became more interested in Syria.
● I was surprised to learn that rice is even eaten in Arab countries. I am happy to be able to have the ingredients close at hand. Spices are absolutely necessary! Should I buy some spices now?