Monthly Archives: March 2009

City Life, Suita City

Spring ’09 Arigato Evento in Suita City

Thank-you Event in Suita

March 15th, 2009: Grace (Canada) sings “Kizuna”, an original WCJ song, with superb prose at the “Thank-you event”. The different flags held by each participant complete the international atmosphere of our group.

It takes great courage to sing on stage but it requires special people to sing in a foreign language! Most of us are not fluent in Japanese yet we are trying our best to learn Japanese songs and dances. The effort we put into the event is all for the host families and the city that welcomed and hosted us with opened arms. Although we are not perfect, our intentions and efforts are greatly appreciated. Professionals, we are not, but we performed with all our hearts. 🙂

City Life, City Theme Activities, Suita City

Super WCJ Performance at Local Festival!

ABC Festival in Suita city

March 15th, 2009: With only two days of practice, WCJ participants performed for the first time at the local ABC Festival in Suita city! Even with limited rehearsals, the performance was a hit among the enthusiastic crowd. Because songs like “Hi wa mata noboru” and “Gake no ue no Ponyo” are so popular in Japan, the audience eagerly sang and dance along!

“Encore! Encore! Encore!!”

Our participation at the festival was an excellent way to interact with the community. We were able to bring an international flavor to a local event and experienced the amazing feeling of contributing to Japanese society.

City Life, Our participants, Suita City

German Country Presentation

presentations - Philip presents about Germany

WCJ participants all have a chance to give a presentation about their country. Although it only last about 15 minutes, these presentations are very interesting and informative. It is not every day that you have the opportunity to learn about a foreign country from a native.

Here Philip is giving an excellent presentation on Germany.

“Germans became proud of Germany again for the 1st time after hosting the World Cup in 2006.”

City Life, City Theme Activities, Our participants, Suita City

Cultural fun and relaxation

traditional sumo


at the bowling alley with students from Kansai University

After two great but tiring days of training, we had an opportunity to relax and experience traditional Japanese culture.

Jake (Texas) and Herbing (Kenya) are solving their problems the old fashion way, a traditional sumo grudge match! These guys are very courageous to also wear the traditional costumes! This is something definitely not many tourists get a chance to try.

Later in the day, the fun continued at the bowling alley with students from Kansai University. It was great to interact with these young intellects of Japan in this festive setting. Of course, even intellectuals have to get down and have fun sometimes. 🙂