This year, the annual YIRA speech contest will be held online! Applications for speeches from elementary, junior high, and high school students in ANY language (including Japanese) are now open!! There will be an awards ceremony for the 1 st and 2 nd place winners in each category, as well as awards for participation. Date: Mon., November 23 rd (online preliminary round)      　 Sat., December 5 th (final round at the Okitama Culture Center) Participants: Elementary/JS-20 students; High School-20 students Application Deadline: Fri., November 13 th To sign-up, please download the application form from the YIRA Facebook page or web site. After filling it out, send it to the YIRA office via fax or e-mail.

This is the third and final seminar in the 2020 YIRA Online Multiculturalism Class series. Come learn about mental health and stress management from certified psychologist and school counselor, Koume Abe. If you'd like to get the advice of a professional, this is your chance! Anyone is welcome, regarless of age or nationality! Translation will be available for non-Japanese speakers. ▲Foreign Culture and Your Mind: Mental Health Seminar ▲Date: Wed., October 21st 7:00-8:30pm ▲Speaker: Koume Abe, Certified Psychologist and School Counselor ▲Fee: Free (However, you must pay for any internet connection fees) To sign up, please contact us by e-mail or through Facebook message with your name, e-mail address, and country. ※Sign-ups will end 1 hour before the scheduled start time of the seminar.

Are you interested in Chinese culture? Come learn about things such as the population of China, and Chinese food. This is also an opportunity to learn some Chinese! ▲Chinese Online Class: October 20th, 3:00-3:30pm ▲Place: YIRA Plaza 'Arcus' or online ▲Number of Participants: up to 10 ▲Fee: Free (however, you must pay for internet access) ▲How to sign up: Feel free to come to YIRA and participate in person! If you would like to participate online, please like the YIRA Facebook page and send us a message! Please include your e-mail address, name, gender, and nationality in the message. You can also sign up by sending the same information to  yira@omn.ne.jp ※Please register at least one hour before start time, as we will send you the Zoom code.

Want to interact with the locals in English? Come to the YIRA English Langauge and Culture Class! This is your opportunity to talk with Japanese people from the comfort of your own home through Zoom, or in-person at YIRA. ▲English Language and Culture Class: October 15th, 3:00-3:30pm ▲Place: YIRA Plaza 'Arcus' or online ▲Number of Participants: up to 10 ▲Fee: Free (however, you must pay for internet access) ▲How to sign up: Feel free to come to the office and participate in person! If you would like to participate online via Zoom, please like the YIRA Facebook page and send us a message! Please include your e-mail address, name, gender, and nationality in the message. You can also sign up by sending the same information to  yira@omn.ne.jp ※Please register at least one hour before start time, as we will send you the Zoom code.

YIRA Chairperson KURODA Mika will be hosting an online seminar for you to enjoy during your time at home. Have fun learning how to make origami, simple desserts, and the like. Tyler will provide English translation, so you can join in regardless of your Japanese level. Let’s enjoy tea time together through Zoom! ▲At-Home Cafe: September 14th, 2:00-2:30pm ▲Number of Participants: up to 10 ▲Fee: Free (however, you must pay for internet access) ▲How to sign up: Please like the YIRA Facebook page and send us a message! Please include your e-mail address, name, gender, and nationality in the message. You can also sign up by sending the same information to  yira@omn.ne.jp ※Please register at least one hour before start time.