Activities
The Takasaki International Relations Society holds a wide range of events.
Aizome Class (June 2025)
【City Dye & Botanical Garden】
10 participants from the US and China learned about traditional Japanese indigo dyeing through this hands on class, which was put on as part of the Cool Takasaki series.
Okirikomi Making Class (June 2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
12 participants from Japan, America, and China joined a cooking class led by TIRS volunteers. They made okirikomi, including noodles made from scratch, with a seasonal wagashi provided for dessert. Everyone left with their hearts (and bellies!) full.
Chinese Classes (2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
Takasaki resident and native speaker Mrs. You Kon led a 10 week Chinese class for beginners. She put together many handouts and example sentences to help participants master the basics of the language, and included many practical, real-life situations in which to use it.
Intl. Understanding Workshop (March 2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
Guest speakers Marina Sasazuka (JICA) and Alex Takahashi (Takasaki CIR) were invited to speak to parents and children about working abroad, while showing differences between Japan, Panama, and the U.S. Practical advice, personal anecdotes, and plenty of games were included.
Cool Takasaki: Ikebana (March 2025)
【Takasaki City Gallery】
6 participants from Canada and the U.S. tried ikebana for the first time. Mr. Tsukagoshi, of the Shofu school of ikebana, taught them how to utilize space, angles, and balance to create gorgeous flower arrangments.
Cool Takasaki: Vegetable Bouquet Making Class (February 2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
9 participants from Japan, the US, Peru, and China learned how to make beautiful edible vegetable arrangements with the help of Mrs. Yoko Nakazawa, owner of Sabo Gleam. Everyone also cooked up toppings to enjoy over a hot bowl of vegan-friendly Takasaki udon.
Ukrainian Cooking Class (February 2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
Guests from Ukraine were invited to lead a cooking class; participants made two different kinds of nalysnky (similar to crepes) and learned about Ukrainian culture along the way.
Tea Time Sutra Copying (December 2024)
【Jigenji Temple & Ichirodo Cafe】
10 participants from Japan, China, and the U.S. came together for a day of fun. Activities included Buddhist sutra copying, card games, and eating wagashi sweets, all while forming new friendships along the way.
