TOWN TOPICS - SHOW COMPLETE, ENGLISH - 6/9~15,2013
Compiled and translated by Brent Millis
～読上げ用の原稿として書かれているものです。実際の放送とは違う箇所もありますことを御了承ください。～
_Welcome to Town Topics Joetsu Now -- an English information program on news
and events in the area. I'm your host Brent Millis.
_Let's get started.
This week's news stories... Takada Castle Road Race, Student Teachers from
America and Yoshikawa Bayashi. Event information will follow.
_First,
Takada Castle Road Race.
[OPENING] Over 2100 runners took part in the 14th annual Takada Castle Road
Race though the streets of Takada recently.
INTERVIEW
NOISE
The road race is a half marathon event with 4 distances the runners can choose from 3, 5, 10 and 21 km.
This year's event attracted runners from as far north as Akita Prefecture and as far
south as Fukuoka Prefecture.
Starting in Takada Park, the race winds through the city to its goal at Ohtemachi
Elementary school along the Honcho shopping street.
As this year was blessed with fine early-summer weather, there were plenty of
supporters and fans lining the streets to watch.
PAUSE / INTERVIEW
_Next,
Student Teachers from America.
[OPENING] In accordance with an intercollegiate agreement, Joetsu University of
Education welcomed 2 American student teachers last month.
Both from the University of Iowa, the pair visited a junior high school related to the
Joetsu university to teach the difference between the 2 cultures.
Tommy Stuart and Evonne Butikofer arrived in Japan May 19th, and stayed for
approximately 2 weeks, teaching and interacting with students at the university as
well as local area elementary and junior high schools.
During their visit to the junior high, they spoke to the differences between the
American and Japanese cultures in a quiz format.
NOISE / INTERVIEW
The agreement between the University of Iowa and Joetsu University of Education
started 13 years ago.
Though Joetsu has been sending students to the U.S. for the duration of the
agreement, this is the first time that Americans have come to Japan to study.
Students in Iowa's education department spend 16 weeks in on-the-job training
programs as student teachers, so as to hone their skills. 8 of those weeks can be spent
in overseas programs.
Upon their return to the U.S., both the American student teachers stated they had
plans on taking what they learned on education in Joetsu, as well as the international
aspects of it, and continue their studies.
INTERVIEW (x2)
_Finally,
Yoshikawa Bayashi.
[OPENING] Yoshikawa District is attempting to revitalize the area by reintroducing
interest in both singing and listening to local folk songs.
The local tourism association is working on a new folk song and dance combination
called the "Joetsu Yoshikawa Bayashi" and resident volunteers are helping them
perfect it through practice.
SHOW
This is the Joetsu Yoshikawa Bayashi.
In an effort to invigorate the local economy, the Yoshikawa Tourism Association, has
asked local singer Midori Mishima to compose it for them.
Within the lyrics are images of local landscape and history such as Mt Yone,
Okamidake and the famed Echigo sake brewers.
On the day of filming, dressed in kimono, the dancers ran through the moves in a full
dress rehearsal.
MISERU
INTERVIEW (x2)
In hopes of garnering interest among residents, the Yoshikawa Tourism Association is
planning to send the dance troupe to perform at local events and festivals, as well as
to kindergartens and elementary schools to teach youngsters the dance steps.
_It's time for this week's events and movie information.
A mobile aquarium featuring a variety of small land and sea creatures will stop at the
Eleven Plaza's event stage on June 15 & 16, 10:00 - 15:00. There will also be quizzes
and other fun activities. Great for all ages.
Students from the Takada Agricultural High School will open a special cafe serving
cake and sweets. Called the Mountain Cafe, it opens on June 15, from 10:00 to 15:00
at the Hotto Station Gobankan in Honcho 5chome area.
Join famed violinist Kimiko Nakasawa and her husband, who is a specialist violin
maker and doctor, for the Tsunami Violin Concert. Two shows will be held on June
15th at the Michi no Eki Arai's Kubikino Jouhoukan. First show starts at 11:00 and
second show at 14:00. Both a concert as well as a talk, there will also be a photo
exhibition of Great East Japan Earthquake images.
_Movie news is up next.
Showing at J-Max movie theater June 6nd to 14th
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Olympus Has Fallen
Oblivion
Anna Karenina
with The Great Gatsby starting on June 14th
Please note that all movies and times are subject to change without warning.
_And now, health information from local area pediatrician, Dr Tsukada.
Spring is here and the following ailments are prevalent in the Joetsu area.
KANSENSEI ICHOUEN
YOURENKIN KANSENSHOU
TE ASHI KUCHI BYOU
_Finally, important information on bicycle safety as well as how to contact us.
As of July 1, 2012, it has been illegal to ride a bicycle while listening to headphones
or speaking on a mobile phone. Police officials will be enforcing these rules with
warnings and fines. Riders who intentionally ignore warnings or police directives on
this issue could face a fine of up to 50,000 yen.
This law has been in effect for cars for several years, with far more severe penalties
and consequences for offenders.
If you would like to contact us, please email us at hoso at jcv dot co dot jp with the
subject "Town Topics Joestsu Now". While we may not be able to answer or
broadcast your email, we will read it. Thank you.
_That's all the English information for this week.
Be sure to tune in next week...
_We'll bring you more. Until then.