Sunday, April 2, 2006

Tour to view procession of 'tayu' entertainers:
A volunteer guide interpreter is organizing an excursion for English-speaking foreigners April 16 to see a procession of women in gorgeous kimono in Kyoto.

The tour will visit Joshoji Temple in Kita Ward to observe "tayu," the highest-ranking female entertainers. The women will walk along Takagamine Street from Koetsuji Temple to Joshoji in their characteristic slow steps. At Joshoji, memorial services will be held in honor of Yoshino, a famous 16th-century tayu in Kyoto's pleasure quarter.

Participants will meet guide Paul Satoh at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Kyoto City Tourist Information Office on the second floor of the JR Kyoto Station building.

Participants are required to pay the actual cost of the tour, which will be around 2,000 yen including transportation and lunch. Another 1,000 yen will be accepted as a gratuity.

Reservations must be made in advance. The event is reserved for non-Japanese only.

For reservations and details, fax Satoh at (072) 831-2797.

Education fair for study in Britain:
The British Council's Osaka office is hosting an education fair for people wishing to study in Britain.

The fair will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 9 at the council's office in Kita Ward.

As part of Education UK Day, participants will be able to discuss study plans with representatives from 30 universities, colleges and language schools.

The fair will also offer a wide variety of information to people simply interested in Britain or have already chosen a study destination. The fair will include a series of seminars on life and study in Britain, as well as on IELTS (International English-Language Testing System) tests and discussions with Japanese who have studied in the country. Also, there will be demonstrations of English-language and IELTS preparation, as well as a demonstration college class for interpreters and translators.

The sessions will be conducted in English with Japanese interpretation, or in Japanese.

Participation is free. Reservations are not required.

The venue is on the fourth floor of the Dojima Avanza building, which is a five-minute walk from JR Kitashinchi Station or from Nishi Umeda subway station.

For more information, call the organizer at (06) 6342-5301, e-mail educationuk.osaka@britishcouncil.or.jp or visit the Web site at www.educationuk.jp

Turkish 'kilim' textiles on display in Kyoto:
The Japan-Turkish Society is holding a display and sale of Turkish "kilim" textiles April 13 to 15 at its facility in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto.

Kilim is a type of flat-woven wool that was created by nomadic Turkish women. The colors and patterns vary from region to region, with the product typically made into carpets, rugs, bags and other items.

This is one of the few opportunities in the Kansai region to take a look at kilim products in large volume. About 500 products will be on sale, with prices starting at several thousand yen. Visitors will be able to touch the fabrics directly and will be provided with explanations on differences in patterns, colors and weaving techniques.

The event will run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

The venue, Nihon Toruko Bunka Kyokai, is a three-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Line or from Shijo subway station.

For more information, call the organizer at (075) 255-7530.

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