Shinagawa-ku International Friendship Association (SIFA) Announcements
1. Japanese-Language Classes for Foreign Residents (Total of 20 Classes)
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from April 17 through June 28
Morning Class: 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Afternoon Class: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Evening Class: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Courses:
Part 1 (for those learning Japanese for the first time)—Morning, afternoon, and evening classes
Part 2 (for those who can read and write hiragana and katakana)—Afternoon and evening classes
Part 3 (for those with everyday conversational skills)— Afternoon and evening classes
Eligibility: 18 foreign residents (for each class) who live or work in Shinagawa (on a first paid, first served basis)
Tuition: ¥7,000 per course (textbook fee included)
2. Ikebana (Flower Arranging) Classes (Total of 12 Classes)
Dates: Fridays, from April 13 through July 6, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 12 foreign and 8 Japanese residents who live or work in Shinagawa (selected by lottery)
Tuition: ¥14,000
Application Deadline: March 15 (Thu.) (must be received by this date)
3. Support for Independent Activities in Shinagawa
SIFA offers support/subsidies (financial assistance, authorization to use the SIFA name as a sponsor, and other forms of support) for exchange programs with foreign residents who live in Shinagawa. Such programs need to be planned and implemented independently by Shinagawa residents and approved by the association. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, so please call the association for more information.
Note: Programs for commercial profit and religious or political objectives are not eligible.
For the Above-Mentioned Programs (1 and 2)
Location: SIFA (Dai-san Chosha 4F)
To Apply: Fill out an application form on SIFA's website by the deadline, if there is one. Alternatively, you can apply by sending a postcard or fax for Japanese-language class, and a reply-paid postcard for the Ikebana class (must be received by the deadline). Please include the name of the class you wish to join (for the Japanese-language classes, please write down the desired class and course), your address, postal code, name (with furigana), age, sex, and telephone number. Those who work in Shinagawa City should include the name, address, and telephone number of their place of employment. If you are a foreign resident, please include your nationality. (Address: Shinagawa City Office Dai-san Chosha 4F, 2-1-36 Hiromachi, 140-0005; Tel: 5742-6517; Fax: 5742-6518; website: www.sifa.or.jp/)
Note: Only one application per person is accepted.
