The Christmas illuminations display at Kenchopia in front of the Tokushima Prefectural Government Office.

With Christmas only four days away, it’s time to bring in the annual Christmas illuminations displays. And Tokushima has no lack of these, so let’s take a look at a few of the more popular destinations in town.

Ikeda Fuyu no Obuje
The illuminations in Ikeda, Miyoshi City can be found near the JR Awa Ikeda Station and nearby parks. A few other buildings in town are also lit up during the end of year season, so if you have a car or other way of getting around town then it makes for a nice trip.

When: Now until Sunday, January 10, 2010, from 17:00-22:00.
Cost: Free!

Kenchopia
The yacht harbour in front of the Prefectural Government Office is one of Tokushima’s classic Christmas lights displays. Organised by the Tokushima Yacht club, the boats along the Shinmachi River area west of Kachidoki Bridge are decorated with an array of lights that make for a beautiful display on the water. The area is perfect for an evening walk or a date, but you might want to pick your moment as the wind can be a little strong near the water.

When: Now until Friday, December 25, from 17:00-23:00.
Cost: Free!

A heart-shaped display by the waterside at Kenchopia.

Anan LEDs
In a word, the display at Ushiki Joushi Park each year in Anan City is blinding. The hill here is literally covered in blue LEDs (including the stairs used to climb to its peak!) and it is a fascinating sight to behold.

Also keep an eye out for the Kirakira Dome, whose name was decided upon this very day! Literally translated as Sparkle Dome in English, this dome is made of over 38,000 LEDs and is programmed to display a variety of patterns to music.

In addition to the lights display, there will be a variety of events held from Wednesday, December 23 to Friday, December 25. On Wednesday, December 23 there will be a concert from 18:00-22:00 as well as other events, and on Thursday, December 24 there will be a Christmas Bridal Fashion Show from 19:00 and 20:00. Come have a look!

Where: Ushiki Joushi Park, Anan City
Cost: Free!

Astutamu Land Christmas Lights and Concert
This Wednesday, December 23, Asutamu Land in Itano is going to be the host for a Christmas Concert arranged by FM Tokushima. Featuring artists Kai Natsu, SHAKE and sasanqua, it is the perfect event for couples or even those looking for something special. The concert will be followed by fireworks, and there will be a large-scale illuminations display throughout the park.

When: Wednesday, December 23, from 17:30
Cost: Free!!!

Bunri University
While lesser known, the lights display at Bunri University in Tokushima City is simply stunning. Entire rows of trees are covered with blue LEDs that give the area an ethereal glow. Definitely worth a look!

When: Now until Friday, December 25, from 17:00-23:00.
Cost: Free!

Got any hidden spots for illuminations in the prefecture? Any power-surging houses in your street? Post them here!

Long time, no see, everyone!
It’s Lady Sudachi here.

The weather has gotten progressively colder and winter is now right at our doorsteps.

At this time of year the air can get very cold and dry, and it can be very harsh on women’s skin.

Why not make use of your time in Japan to try some of the local brands.

There are many well-known brands, but this time I’d like to introduce you to a brand called ‘Chifure’.

Chifure is one of the more inexpensive brands of cosmetics on the market right now, but it has a surprisingly high quality behind its low cost.

Chifure products cost around 1,000 yen at their most expensive and you can get many basic types of cosmetics for just 600 yen. They are scent-free and use no artificial coloring, and are known for being gentle to your skin. What’s more, the labels are clearly marked with the date of production and the ingredients so you know exactly what you are using.

Chifure products are also environmentally friendly. Once you buy a certain product, you can use the same bottle it comes in by simply buying refill packs. Refills are even cheaper than the original, bottled products, so you can make a saving here as well.

Chifure is a very easy brand of cosmetics to use and can be helpful for those who aren’t sure which brand to go with or who are looking for something light and easy to carry while on a trip.

In Tokushima, you can buy Chifure products from the seventh floor of the Sogo Department Store in Tokushima City. Most other general drug stores

Please give it a go!

They even have an English website:

www.chifure.co.jp/en/index.html

Also, a more full description of products is available for those who can read Japanese.

www.chifure.co.jp/brand/chifure/index.html

Examples）
Cleansing Oil 220ml 735 yen (Refills – 630 yen)
Face Wash 150g 420 yen
Skin Lotion (Moist Type) 150ml 578 yen (Refills – 473 yen)
Moisturizer 50g　735 yen (Refills – 630 yen)
Foundation 840 yen (w/case) (Refill – 525 yen), Sponge 168 yen
Lipstick case 105 yen、Lipstick (Refills) 315 yen

The entry to Matara, as seen from the roadside.

徳島市城東町2-31-1

Tel.
088-678-6937

Hours
11:00-15:00
17:00-22:00
* Closed on Thursdays
* Five parking spaces available

Five star food in a friendly atmosphere!

If you’re looking for somewhere new to have curry or indian food, then you’re in luck. Matara in Joto-cho, Tokushima City, has a little something for everyone.

Chicken curry, Sri Lankan naan and more at Matara

Found close to Tokushima Municipal High School and not far from the Suehiro Bridge, Matara is a small Sri Lankana restaurant with a big presence. The range of food available on its menu is extensive and there is sure to be something there to suit all tastes. Most notably, there are a variety of options for vegetarians of all sorts as well as seafood dishes and much, much more! Be careful, however, as prices tend to be a little more expensive at dinner time than during lunch, so you may want to plot ahead.

* Lunch sets 800 – 1,000 yen
* Matara Lunch – 1,300 yen
* Seafood risotto – 850 yen
* Yellow rice – 250 yen
* Sri Lankan Nan – 400 yen
* Coconut Roti – 600 yen

The interior of Matara.

Store Interior
The inside of the store is very welcoming and is easy on the eyes. All the tables are separated by dividers and there is a generally nice and clean aura throughout. But don’t be fooled – there is a air of quality hidden just underneath its approachable exterior, and one can’t help but get the feeling they are getting more than they paid for.

Map

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The Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese is having a New Members’ Special Offer!

Join now to be a member from September 2009 to the end of the calendar year 2010 for ￥8000.

You will receive the AFWJ Journal every two months, be eligible to join our members-only e-groups, and have to opportunity to attend annual convention weekends!  Recent events in Shikoku have included “The Tacky Tourist Round-Up” in Matsuyama; A Potluck Lunch and Egg Roll at Kagawa’s Sanuki Mannou Park; cherry blossom viewing at Matsuyama Castle; The Driving and Safety Remedial Course for Foreign Residents; as well as regular coffees and lunches in which we often exchange information, sometimes commiserate, and always laugh.

For more information, go to http://www.afwj.org/ or contact AFWJ’s Shikoku Rep. at afwjshikoku-rep@afwj.org

For Those with Swine Flu Symptoms

First, call your local medical institution and consult a doctor.

• Confirm the correct procedures for visiting the institution on the phone.
• When visiting, ensure you wear a face mask if you have symptoms such as a fever or coughing.

Viruses can travel up to a meter with a cough or sneeze, but wearing a mask can help prevent these molecules from spreading. Please ensure that you wear a mask to help prevent the virus from infecting other people. In particular, patients of hospitals may have low resistance levels due to being in poor health. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your personal hygiene in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.