2001/AUG
<The big play -- Koshien stadium-->
One of the most important events of summer, for Japanese people, is the annual high school baseball championship.
The tournament is extremely competitive. High schools play for the opportunity to represent their prefecture at Koshien stadium in a knockout style competition. Only one team can become the national champions. Each year the public and the talent scouts return to Koshien stadium to support the young and hopeful baseball players.
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When you come to Koshien stadium, make sure you stop by ÅgJoe-guyÅh (a sports bar right outside the stadium) Just sit down with a cold beer and watch the game on their big screen TV, and listen to the stadium crowd roar when they hit a home run.
Even if youÅfre not crazy about Japanese baseball, you can enjoy various sports on their satellite TV!
So hurry!! Before you miss the big play!!

2001/1AUG
<Get Gomi for Free!!>
The Nishinomiya Municipal Recycle Center not only disposes of household goods but also re-furbishes them to the public for free! Many household goods (furniture, stereos, bikes etc.) may be available. YouÅfre restricted to one item per month but are welcome to visit the center anytime. The center will reserve any item up to 10 days. So that you can drive there to pick it up later. ItÅfs a great opportunity to pick up something you need that may otherwise end up as refuse; a plus for our environment.
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ACCESS-From Hanshin Nishinomiya ST, Take the bus heading for Marina Park and get off at the Nishinomiya Municipal West Refuse Disposal Center!
The center will take your unwanted items; smaller household items less than 20kg for free, larger items up to 100kg for 400yen. No large home appliances like refrigerators or washing machines. Please call the center in advance to make arrangements.

2001/DEC
<Christmas shopping?>
Ready to make a wish list for the holiday season? Why not make a shopping list first?
If you and your friends are wondering where to get the Christmas Turkey, and all of the other seasonal goodies from back home. There are 2 stores where you can find many overseas products, which are often hard to find. The Foreign BuyersÅf Club and Price Club. Both stores carry a wide variety of products: food, household products, books and more at reasonable prices. We hope to help you feel a little more at home this holiday season here in Japan.
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Price Club offers a discount for members to help you put more money towards your gift list while stocking up on holiday supplies.
To go shopping online go to http://price-club.co.jp
The Foreign BuyersÅf Club carries not only food and household goods but also specializes in books and learning materials at the store and in their catalogues.
To go shopping online go to http://fbcusa.com

2002/1åé
<ItÅfs all about good luck!>
Need help with making your wish come true this year?
At Nishinomiya Ebisu shrine, there is an event that takes place that is just as important as New Years and is celebrated by people from all over Japan. On January 9th, 10th, and 11th, Nishinomya Ebisu shrine becomes overflowed with people who are seeking good luck for their families and their businesses, big or small.
During this 3day event, people pray to Ebisu, who is a god of good luck after throwing money at it. Also there is a huge tuna that people place their coins on. Many people leave with good luck charms that are sold in different sizes, most commonly decorated tree branches that they will keep in their homes until the next Ebisu visit.
The most exciting part of this festival takes place in the early morning of the 10th. Thousands of men wait outside the gate and as the gate opens at 6am, they all rush to the center of the shrineÅfs main grounds, competing to be the Ågfuku otokoÅh (good luck man.) if you are aggressive enough, you could beat everybody by running the 200meters and become the 1st foreigner fuku otoko.

2002/MAR
<Discount ticket store (but not for an international flight)>
Do you know anything about the discount ticket stores that carry many different kinds of cheap tickets? (Not travel agencies)These stores are usually small, and you’ll see the tickets and pre-paid cards lined up in a glass showcase.All the stores have domestic airline tickets, Shinkansen tickets, pre-paid train cards, highway tickets, concert tickets, gift certificates, beer certificates and international telephone cards, and they are all at a discounted price. If you are looking for something to do for less money, why not try these stores around you, or try this store near JR Koshien to see what they have, but make sure you check the ticket restrictions before you purchase them!
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Ticket plaza Koshien
Address: Nishinomiya-city Koshienguchi 3-15-8 It’s located at the “Takoyaki”shop on Koshienguchi shopping street.
Phone:0798-65-5667(11:30-21:00) open everyday except New Year’s holiday and Obon holiday.

2002/MAY
<International Preschool>
These days its difficult to find a reliable daycare center that caters for both Japanese and foreign children. If you are looking for an educational and bi-lingual environment for your children look no further than The Mikage International Preschool. Established in 1963, the Preschool directed by Mrs.Yoshiko Burke, a graduate of Wayland Baptist University, teaches children independence and other everyday skills. The staff consisting of qualified Japanese and native speaking teachers specialize in 2 to 5 year old children. Parents of younger or older children are welcome to contact the school as exceptions can be made. Currently The Mikage International Preschool qualifies as an NPO and will be starting a branch school in the city of Ashiya in November.
If you would like to visit the school please contact below.
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Mikage International Preschool
For school visit...Call 0120-85-8487
2-1-18 mikage Yamate Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0065 Japan
TEL:078-851-8487 FAX:078-856-3484
http://www.jin.ne.jp/mip/  E-mail: mipburke@kcc.zaq.ne.jp