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Nagaoka International Portal

Nagaoka International Affairs Center Chikyû Hiroba

Your participation and support will help Chikyû Hiroba grow into a place where many people can come together to learn about various things and take part in numerous cross-cultural activities

About

What Is Chikyû Hiroba? Chikyû Hiroba is a place where people can get together, interact, and work in collaboration. Providing a place where people from various cultural backgrounds can come together, we aim to develop a community where everyone can live together harmoniously through mutual understanding.

Our mission as a hub of a wide range of cross-cultural activities ・To provide a place for Nagaokans and international residents to come together ・To provide opportunities for the youth to get involved in cross-cultural communication ・To provide a variety of information

Our mission as a center where international residents can find support for daily living ・To provide a place where everyone can get together and share information ・To provide multi-lingual (in Chinese, English, Vietnamuse, or easy Japanese) consultations for daily living. ・To provide opportunities for international residents to learn Japanese

Main activities

  • 1Multi-Lingual Consultations We provide consultation services concerning your daily living along with administrative information for international residents. ●Consultation Hours: Consultations in Chinese, English, or easy Japanese: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.(Closed on national holidays) Consultations in Vietnamese: 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ●Connection with a Multi-Lingual Call Center (a private organization with nationwide service) If international residents have difficulties in communicating with the staff at various information desks in the Nagaoka City Office, including Chikyû Hiroba and district branch offices, they can get language assistance provided by translators in 17 languages over the telephone. Please feel free to contact us if you have any difficulties, worries, or questions.
  • 2Events Everyone is welcome to join many seosonal events throughout the year. You are also welcome to organize sessions to talk about your home countries.
  • 3The World is Our Teacher —Global Citizen Development Program— This program aims to foster international understanding among citizens by connecting local organizations with international students and JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who serve as guest speakers to share their cultures and personal experiences. International student instructors can lead activities such as cultural presentations, cooking sessions, and traditional games, while JICA volunteers can speak about topics like international cooperation, life in developing countries, and career education. Sessions can be held in various settings—including classrooms, conference rooms, gymnasiums, cooking labs, or even outdoors—depending on the content. For more information, please contact the Nagaoka City International Exchange Center (0258-39-2714).
  • 4Mini-Library Visitors can read and borrow Japanese textbooks, or books on international cooperation, cross-cultural activities, and overseas countries. Some used books are free to those who want them. We also offer free loans of English books categorized into nine different levels. "Extensive reading" in English is a study method designed to improve your English proficiency by reading a large number of books—starting with those written in simple English and gradually progressing to higher levels.
  • 5Information Useful information on daily living and seasonal events in Nagaoka is given through multilingual monthly newsletters. →https://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate13/chikyuhiroba/newsletter.html Multilingual pamphlets regarding waste disposal, tourism, and disaster prevention are also available. →https://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate13/chikyuhiroba/info.html
  • 6Japanese Learning Programs In Nihongo Kôza, experienced Japanese instructors teach classes. A small fee is necessary. At Nihongo Hiroba, you can learn Japanese through casual communication with volunteers. There is no participation fee. Detailed information →https://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate13/chikyuhiroba_en/japanese.html
  • 7Integrated Studies We introduce foreign residents living in Nagaoka and the work of Chikyu Hiroba. We aim to help deepen your interest in international cooperation and exchange. *Advance application is required for integrated studies programs. →https://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate13/chikyuhiroba/sekaiga-sensei.html
  • 8Consultation in Foreign Languages We provide assistance in English, Chinese, and "Easy Japanese" regarding questions about international exchange and cooperation, event information, and issues arising from differences in countries, cultures, or lifestyles. Please feel free to visit us if you have any questions or are facing any difficulties.

Events by this group

Reports by this group