hubun no Hi (the Vernal Equinox), is a national holiday here in Japan. The equinox will happen on March 20th of this year. The holiday replaced the national Shinto holiday, Shunki Koreisai, in 1948. These days, Shubun no Hi is meant to be spent with the family. It is also a day of good luck for farmers, who are looking forward to the next growing season.

Spring 2017 Japanese Classes

The AWIA would like to present the 2017 spring semester of our Japanese classes! Whether you’d like to study Japanese for your daily life here in Aizu, or are looking to challenge the JLPT, the AWIA is here to help. Each class is divided into small groups, according to level and language goals. For participants interested in joining for the first time, a Japanese language level assessment is provided before classes begin. Come kick-start your Japanese with the AWIA!

Thursdays, April 6th to June 29th (No class on May 4th); 6:30pm-8:00pm

Fridays, April 7th to June 30th (No class on May 5th); 10:00am-11:30am

Aizu Keikodo, 3rd floor

AWIA Members: 4,000 yen; Non-members: 6,000 yen (12 classes)

AWIA Members Bowling Party and Dinner

Join the Aizu Wakamatsu International Association and your fellow members for our March event. After a friendly bowling competition (2 games), we'll be moving the party over to One’s Home (just across the street!), for plenty of food and all you can drink! If you are interested in just bowling, or just partying, that’s fine, too!

Saturday, March 25th; 4:00PM– 7:30PM (for both events)

Bowling Tournament (4:00PM-6:00PM): Aizu Royal Bowl (3-53 Nakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu, 965-0878 ) Party (6:00PM– 7:30PM): One’s Home (4-11 Nakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu, 965-0878 )

Parking Available at Tiger Parking (3-60 Nakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu, 965-0878 )

2 hours for free with 3,000 yen validated parking ticket

Bowling: 1,100 yen (including shoe rental) Party: 3,500 yen (students: 2,000 yen)

with the by Tuesday, March 21st

AWIA Photo Release Statement

The AWIA would like our members and event participants to be aware that events may be photographed by staff. Your attendance implies granted consent for the AWIA

to use these pictures in our newsletters or on our official website.

Please let us know if you do not wish your photograph to be used.

Aizu Wakamatsu: Omachi and Noguchi Hideyo Seishundori

http://www.gurutto-aizu.com/detail/newsdetail_238_17611.html

965-0871 Fukushima-ken, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi,

Sakae-machi 2-14, Leo Club Garden Square 5th FL

e-mail: mail@awia.jp website: http://awia.jp

tel (0242) 27-3703

If you have any recommendations, or questions about the newsletter, let us know!

The Annual Three Lion Dance

Sunday, March 20th; between 10:30am and 4:00pm.

Japanese Learning Information

Summer JLPT Applications 2017

For those of you interested in taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test

(JLPT), it’s time to start studying! If you are ready to take the plunge, the

application process also begins this month, on the 29th, for the July 2nd test.

Applications can be processed online. To apply, register with MyJLPT, at the JEES

website: http://info.jees-jlpt.jp/?lang=english. There is a 5,500 yen test fee. Applications sent by mail

will incur an additional cost of 500 yen per application. For questions about the test or application,

feel free to contact the AWIA.

Wednesday, March 29th to Friday, April 28th

Sunday, July 2nd

LOCATIONS

10:30am Tsuruga-jo Castle Grounds

12:00pm Amida-ji Temple

1：00pm Honmachi Street, Yamahei Parking Lot

1：40pm City Hall

2：20pm Shinmei Street, Lion D’or

3:00pm Omachi Street, Aizu Shinyo Kinko Parking Lot

Tsurugajo “Aizu Terasu” Illumination Make sure to visit the illumination display at Tsuruga-jo this month!

Until Saturday, March 11th; 5:30PM to 8:00PM daily (until 9:00PM on Friday and Saturday)

Tsuruga-jo Tower and grounds

http://aizukanko.com/db_img/cl_img/737/document.pdf