Takasaki International Relations Society

The Takasaki International Relations Society works with people from around the world to create a peaceful and fair society by providing opportunities for people of different languages, cultures and customs to come together, exchange information and knowledge, and better understand one another.

Recent activities

International Pottery Class (winter 2025)

【Takasaki Manabi no Mori Studio】

15 participants from Japan, the US, the Philippines, China, and Pakistan attended our two part pottery class led by Kentaro Tajima Sensei. From cups to bowls to cat figurines, everyone successfully made a creative, unique piece to treasure forever.

Japanese Language Learning Support Training (2025)

Japanese class volunteers have the opportunity to participate in yearly skills development conferences in order to improve their teaching methods. This year it was held twice, with themes related to how to teach complete beginners.

The first day’s lecture was presented by Professor Fumi Noguchi of Gunma Prefectural Women’s University. The second day was split between Kaoru Yamamoto & Noriko Arai (current volunteers) and CIR Alex Takahashi, the latter who presented on learning Japanese from scratch as an adult.

Halloween Party (November 2025)

【Chuo Kominkan】

8 families from Japan, US, Bangladesh, and the Philippines dressed up in costumes. There were thematic games and crafts that ended in group trick-or-treating. The kids seemed to especially enjoy the monster hunting game!

Cool Takasaki: Tea Ceremony (November 2025)

【Takasaki City Gallery】

Participants from America, South Africa, and China enjoyed the art of the tea ceremony as presented by 3 different schools. Lastly they were able to try it for themselves. There was plenty of fun (and wagashi sweets!) to be had.