Nagazasshi 11.5 - Reaching New Heights!

nagazasshi VOLUME 11, ISSUE 5

MAR/APR 2019

REACHING

NEW HEIGHTS! HITTING YOUR GOALS ● NAGASAKI HIKES ● EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS ● ART GALLERY ● FREE DIVING

nagazasshi

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 5

MAR/APR 2019

Hello and happy spring! This is your editor-in-chief, Yeti Mallavi. We hope that you enjoy this issue as we continue to explore Nagasaki prefecture as well as all the beauty and challenges it offers.

While winter might be a time when people make resolutions or goals, and try new things, spring is always the perfect time for new starts, especially with clubs offering beginner courses. On page 4, you told us some personal goals and projects that you’ve completed while living in Nagasaki. Hopefully, they’ll inspire others to do something new too!

Now that the weather has gotten warmer, it’s also the perfect time to explore the many beautiful mountains and trails in Nagasaki. Flipi Poggenpoel and Cassandra Fegert show us some of the best hiking trails to trek in the prefecture on page 6.

Are you looking for something different to do around the prefecture this spring?

Then check out page 8 for some activities that give you some truly hands-on and interactive experiences.

In the last issue, we had the first part of our Nagasaki Art Gallery, which featured artists from around the prefecture. We continue with the second installment on page 10 this month, with three more artists who explore the world of printmaking, digital art, and copic markers.

In our new series of Nagazasshi Profiles, we take a dip into the deep end and interview Sayuri Kinoshita, a world record holder in free diving. Learn more about her on page 12.

As usual, we thank you for your continued support of the Nagazasshi! Happy reading!

Yeti Mallavi Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS 4 RISE UP NAGASAKI!

Setting and making goals!

6 NAGASAKI HIKES

Check out some of the nicest trails in the prefecture!

8 AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO MISS!

Hands-on experiences across the prefecture

10 NAGAZASSHI ART GALLERY PART 2

Part 2 of our features on artists in the prefecture

12 INTO THE DEEP

A profile of world-record-holding free diver Sayuri Kinoshita.

14 NIHONGO ON THE GO DIRECTOR: Dominic Balasuriya ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Will Tiley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Yeti Mallavi EDITORS: Andrew Haddow, Cassandra Fegert COPY EDITOR: Flipi Poggenpoel DESIGNER: Evan Hayden SOCIAL MEDIA: Emmanuel Feliciano CONTRIBUTORS: Stephanie Andrews, Dan Cohen, Evan Hayden, Cassandra Fegert, Zak Kloor, Yeti Mallavi, Will Morgan, Abbie, Philpott, Flipi Poggenpoel, Mamta Rughwani, Charlie Thoburn, Will Tiley, Emi Uchi, Daan Verhoeven, Kyle Yukawa FOUNDERS: Andrew Morris, Matthew Nelson COVER PHOTO: Evan Hayden INSIDE-COVER PHOTO: Evan Hayden

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS!

8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/events 8 facebook.com/VisitNagasaki/

stop ernation, ib h f o t u o t are e to get new. Wha im g t in t h c t e fe r om aki? pe elf with s ompleted in Nagas s ! It’s the r e u r e o y h e is g c Spring d challen you have ating, an oals that in g t d s n a r a c s o e r p eng onal chall some pers eague that anese coll p a J w e n ,a om me in ouched stiff r school sat across fr cr rs e ld u ou to strike. I d and sho e, I chose tethered to m d a s st h a e p Tight-lippe s ffl u ny thermo month l spring sh share my ti nodded, with nine , to g d in the annua re e rn o ff o e chilly m anese and bun?” She silence. On anbun-han t her in Jap e “h re – g ) a to te rd a ad seen. ian leaned forw as far as I h (spiced Ind i t, a rs ch fi r la e h sa kes ma ile – of potent mes, all it ta rowing sm ti g e a m h o it S w t. t bu be a mindse surprised, ’ could also n ig re o ‘f ly acceptab Feeling un p of chai. is half a cu ghwani Mamta Ru IN HASAMI FORMER ALT . I am not l May 2018 g on a ti n u 7 1 0 2 y in om Januar age of putt dressing) fr precision in each st o mpleted n co o I im d n (k me a itsuke h the n k o it d w p ie u d d e le u v g a st g g I beautiful ru er nist, so I st But, my teacher nev ono were so . I’m so io im ct k e t rf h e g p u o a o th obi. ar a kimon n, I always d tying an be able we efore Japa kimono an B to . m lo a so re e d y cours ys been m her kitsuke it had alwa d n a . g t, in n y a and eleg yself for tr proud of m happy and

oburn Charlie Th IN LT SASEBO 3RD YEAR A

4

my far out of lf se y m sh pu arned f person to ng my first year, I le o e p ty e do a Duri ally th l have to o physically. o I’m not re y h ll sc a ci h e ig sp 0pm ior h ne, e gins at 10:0 is, at my jun e comfort zo b ts e n e ik d h u m st ear e 25k about th the third-y a local mountain. Th hen I heard way that W . m n a o 0 e :3 ik night h around 6 ere was no it that t school at I figured th y. a climb w y m and ends a only did I ent on t w o n d ou g h , n ll a e d W e nce, even th thing.

I laugh si f r o a e rt y y so r t e tha . doing it ev I would do r each hike I have been , h rc a M again” afte g g in b im followin cl er lf “I’m nev 8th!

I tell myse e on March ik h t h ig n g my final I’ll be doin

vi Yeti MallLTaIN SASEBO 4TH YEAR A

phy) when se calligra e n a s p a (J u o do was alway racticing sh 015. My progress p y d e m rt r a a e st y I st in 2 owever, la Nagasaki H . to ld e u e m o m w d ca re rk I othe nth my wo it never b . Ever y mo meant I ly slow, but t te a le th p s m g alted co markin h d th, ss re re lo g o ro -c p ever y mon orange it h e it se w d to e be return frustrating nsei’s support. ed. It was ss a p ’t h my se n d a h g along wit in d teach d lo p t certified to ave but I kep w o n m I’ uldn’t h ecember! udents. I co assed in D Finally, I p elementar y school st uidance. g to i’s help and calligraphy t my sense u o h it w it done , sensei!

Thank you

pott Abbie PhLTilIN MINAMI SHIMABARA 4TH YEAR A

Some of Abbie's beautiful calligraphy →

Traveling across Kyushu, the kaleidoscope of natural beauty makes a clear case for “九州ナンバー１!”

(Kyushu Number 1!). Nagasaki is no exception, and with plenty of beauty on our prefecture’s doorstep, we’re certainly eager to emerge from kotatsu-hibernation and breathe fresh mountain air. To help you do the same, we summarized some of our favorite and most rewarding hiking trails below. Stay tuned for more adventures next issue!

For those hunting for additional hikes, keep an eye out for the Kyushu Nature Trail logo, for it almost always marks a great hiking trail. For more information, check these websites: kltf.info ● kyushu.env.go.jp/naturetrail/ ● pref.nagasaki.jp/sizen/1sizenhodou/sizenhodouidx.html

Remember these safety tips before you go: Take more water and food than you need.

Hike with company or inform someone of your whereabouts and timing. Keep hats, sunscreen and bug repellent on hand and charge your phone. And always remember animals exist.

TEXT: Flipi Poppengoel, Cassandra Fegert PHOTOS: Flipi Poppengoel 6

MT. TARA Access / Landmark: Ogawachijiri parking lot (West) Difficulty / Duration: 2 hours up

Accessible from Isahaya and Omura, both young and old enjoy day-hikes up to Tara’s peak, with a lunch stop at Kinsenji Shrine. The mountain includes both rocky and smooth areas, with various points of entry.

The peak is a ridge with multiple breathtaking vistas of nearby mountain ranges, Isahaya City, and oceans in the distance.

HOKAZAN CIRCUIT Access / Landmark: Konpira Shrine & Park Difficulty / Duration: 4 hours (one-way)

The hike begins east of downtown Nagasaki city. You go up to Konpira Park, down to Nishiyama Dam, up and over Hokazan, and finally end at Honkouchikobu Dam. An additional 3rd peak is possible for those interested in a longer hike, continuing up to the shrine on Hikosan further south. The fresh perspective of Inasayama, opposite Hokozan, is a must see. Bring plenty of water for this hike.

MT. SHIJIKI TRAIL Access / Landmark: 80-minute drive from Hirado bridge Difficulty / Duration: 40-60 mins (one-way)

Tucked in the westernmost tip of Kyushu, Mount Shijiki in Hirado is for the more adventurous hikers.

From afar, you can observe Mt. Shijiki’s pointed peak, boasting an elevation of 347 meters. Scattered with narrow paths and boulders, this trail is so steep that one must climb with ropes lining sections of the trail.

The journey to the top is worth the peril however, as you’ll find yourself amazed at the beautiful view of the nearby islands of Uku, Ojika, and Goto.

An Experience Not to Miss!

Nagasaki Prefecture offers many fun and interactive activities that will make your trip even more memorable!

PHOTOS: Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association（一社）長崎県観光連盟

Aiakane Kōbō THE TRADITIONAL INDIGO DYEING EXPERIENCE

In Obama Town, a small workshop called Aiakane Kōbō offers traditional indigo dyeing experiences. Create your own t-shirts, canvas bags, and many other goods using various types of dyeing methods, some of which are only available at certain times of year. You’ll see how they grow their own indigo plants, and there are even clothes, accessories, indigo tea and indigo salt for sale as well! The dyeing process has multiple steps and it takes roughly 2 hours in total. If you like being creative and don’t mind getting some dye on your hands, Aiakane Kōbō is the perfect place for a fun afternoon!

- Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

8

Island Lumina AN ENCHANTING ISLAND WALK

On the small island of Iojima, one of Nagasaki City’s latest attractions has arrived all the way from Canada! Island Lumina is a night walk that combines multimedia technology and the island’s natural beauty to tell the story of a young girl on an adventure to save her village. Follow her trials, solve simple puzzles and enjoy the island and its illuminations on a journey that takes 45 to 60 minutes. Nearby, there are great accommodation options and an onsen facility to relax in after your adventure! You can access the island via taking the ferry or by taking a free shuttle from the Nagasaki Station (reservations required).

- Yeti Mallavi

Mushigamaya CHOOSE IT AND STEAM IT!

With the hottest hot spring in the Shimabara Peninsula, the people of Obama Town have long made use of this to create all-natural steamers for food. At the Mushigamaya restaurant in Obama Town, you can experience this local tradition for yourself! The best part is piling your tray with exactly what you want to eat, then watching from a safe distance as the staff lowers your food into the steamers. Seafood is king here, with fresh seafood rice bowls and soup made with rich fish broth, but there are also plenty of meat options and a vegetarian set on offer too.

- Dominic Balasuriya

Nagasaki Biopark A ZOO 'WITHOUT BORDERS'

In Saikai City, another distinctive experience awaits: a zoo where you can interact with animals. Take the chance to pet and feed capybaras, an adorable large size rodent! Guests can also feed hippos with whole watermelons, or enter into the world of the playful squirrel monkeys. Lastly, don’t forget the Pet Animal World, where visitors can play with small family pets like dogs and cats! The Nagasaki Bio Park proves that a zoo can be a great place not only for humans, but even for the animals that thrive in it.

- Emmanuel Feliciano

9

Last issue, we had the pleasure of seeing Nagasaki through the eyes of various artists. For this issue, we continue to feature artists who have found their artistic expression while living here.

" Dreams"

Zak Kloor, Saza

(Hanga woodblock) The process of hanga requires carving fine lines into wood. The process was meditative and allowed me to think about dreams or ideas that I wish to achieve. While I was doing a different piece, this came to mind as a dream to pursue whether figuratively or literally.

Zak has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works with a focus in oil painting. He also explores other techniques and has been doing hanga printing for about two years.

10

" Nagasaki: A Land of Selfies Awaits" Kyle Yukawa, Higashi-Sonogi (Copic markers, Glitter pens)

Showing life in Nagasaki through various sightseeing locations throughout the prefecture. I added a high schooler taking a selfie, because what’s more Nagasaki than giggling school girls taking selfies?

When Kyle became an English teacher, he didn’t think that there would be many creative outlets for expression. However, he has seen art can open up communication with his students and coworkers.

" I Could"

Stephanie Andrews, Sasebo (Digital art)

Earlier this year the anxiety I developed in university reached an all-time high. I didn't know how to properly deal with it and distanced myself from friends, while relying heavily on my boyfriend, effectively making him the only person I talked to outside of school. When I was started to come back from this, I bought a drawing tablet and started practicing. This comic is a revision of my first piece.

Stephanie studied drama in university, where she developed an interest in design. Feeling the need to use her creativity in Japan, Stephanie started SNAC Comics in August 2018 and hopes her comics can bring a smile to readers.

Instagram: snac_comics

11

NAGAZASSHI PROFILES: SAYURI KINOSHITA

TEXT: Flipi Poggenpoel PHOTOS: Daan Verhoeven, Emi Uchi

12

World record holders range from astounding to bizarre, but rarely do you find them sitting across from you in a cafe in Omura City. 31-year old Sayuri Kinoshita has set world records across free diving disciplines, but still maintains an unassuming and cheerful personality.

Born in Yokohama and returning to Omura City with her family at a young age, Sayuri and her family opened Watermates, a popular swimming school still thriving today. While swimming was a family tradition, Sayuri only discovered free diving after working as a swimming instructor in Saitama. Her discovery of an advertisement in a scuba diving magazine led to her first amusing attempts at static free diving. She describes drifting weightless in a pool in Chiba - “It doesn’t seem fun. But that was the first time [I] felt the water, and I thought this was what I really wanted to do.” Her instructor encouraged her to participate in competitions, and Sayuri eventually emerged as the best woman in static free diving in Japan that year. With support, she moved on to the world championships in Serbia. She smiles, recounting her first experience competing in a world championship for “lying in water.” The competitions, world record setters, and sheer excitement inspired her to explore multiple disciplines in free diving. In the following years, Sayuri invested in a ticket to the Bahamas, setting two records for Japan and finishing 2nd overall.

She returned, victorious and broke.

In 2016, her first world record attempt at a 72m dive was to happen in the Bahamas. During training in the Philippines though, Sayuri experienced her first blackout. She surfaced safely thanks to her momentum, but was shook by the realization that she couldn’t recall the final stretch of her dive. In a competitive sport relying both on mind and body, Sayuri went to the Bahamas with doubts. There, support from family and friends gave her courage to try a shorter 68m dive. “I was nervous, but [after 68m], I felt [72m] was possible.” A YouTube search for “Sayuri freediving record” demonstrates that the rest is history.

Sayuri moved to Okinawa to focus on training, and accepted her first sponsorship from Karino, diving in locations around the world. Now in 2019, Sayuri holds World Records in disciplines across no-fin depth diving and free immersion diving. For those more familiar with local Japanese television, she was also featured on Jōnetsu Tairiku (情熱大陸), a program that highlights people thriving in sports, theatre, academics, and the like.

If you’re intrested in following Sayuri’s adventures, you can find her on social media. sayuri_kinoshita Sayuri Kinoshita

13

TEXT: Will Morgan, Dan Cohen

What brought you to Japan? Was it your work (仕事 - shigoto)? Your studies (勉強 - benkyō)?

Travel (旅行 - ryokō)? Whatever your 目的 (mokuteki - purpose / aim), people here will most certainly be interested in learning about you. In this issue, we’ll give you some tips to help you talk to the people you meet about your plans for the future.

1 2

The word “to become” in Japanese is 成る (naru). This homo-phonically versatile verb can also mean “to ring (like a phone)” (鳴る) and “to bear fruit” (生る). The kanji for the transformative naru we use in this article is common and well-worth remembering. You can find it in success (成功 - seikō), the fruit of labors (成果 - seika), the coming of age ceremony (成人式 - seijinshiki), and everyone’s favorite hub: Narita Airport (成田空港 - narita kūkō). Interestingly, when used as a grammar point, naru is commonly written without the kanji, as we have below.

Use the following grammar pattern to tell people about your 目標 (mokuhyō - goals)! Just swap out the underlined portion with the 職業 (shokugyō occupation) that fits you. 教師になりたいです。 Kyōshi ni naritai desu.

I want to become a teacher. 英語の先生 eigo no sensei - English teacher. Note the difference from “teacher” above! 医者 isha - doctor. They are also sometimes called 医師 (ishi). 外交官 gaikōkan - diplomat. Then, later you could aim to become a 大使 (taishi - ambassador). サラリーマン (sararīman) - The heart and soul of Japan itself: the salaryman. 建築家 kenchikuka - architect

漁師 gyoshi - fisherman

翻訳者 honyakusha - architect

モデル moderu - fashion model

通訳者 tsuyakusha - interpreter

歌手 kashu - singer

音楽家 ongakka - musician

弁護士 bengoshi - lawyer

作家 sakka - writer

公務員 koumuin - public servant

税理士 zeirishi - tax accountant

エンジニア enjinia - engineer

If you’re ahead of the curve and already have secured your dream job, drop the grammar pattern above and just slap a です (desu) after your job. But, no matter your current job or aspirations, we hope you spend a little time every day to study some Japanese. It’s useful to memorize these occupations even if yours isn’t there, since you never know when you might strike up a conversation with a fisherman or tax accountant at the local izakaya.