Clown! Clown! Clown! 2010

Slap stick side-splitting comedy is coming to Nagoya courtesy of the Clown Family Pleasure B troupe! Over 30 clowns will be on showing off their juggling, pantomime, dancing, conjuring, acrobatic, and comedy skills.

When: Saturday, February 20 (14:00 & 19:00) & Sunday, February 21 (11:00 & 15:00)
Where: Nagoya City Performing Arts Center 名古屋市芸術創造センター
Access: Located on route 19 - a 3 minute walk north from Shin Sakae Machi Subway Station, exit 1
Admission: 2800 Yen (2500 in advance); under 3s free. Family ticket (4 seats) 8000 Yen (in advance only).
Advance tickets are available via the P-code system (P-code 399-746) at Ticket Pia, Family Mart, Circle K, and SunKus.

Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri 国府宮はだか祭

When: Friday, February 26 (12:00 - 17:00; climax from 15:00)
Where: Konomiya Shrine国府宮神社, Inazawa City　
Access: A 3 minute walk from the north exit of Konomiya Station (国府宮), off the Meitetsu Nagoya Main line between Nagoya and Gifu; takes 13 minutes and cost 340 Yen from Nagoya Station.
Known locally as the Hadaka Matsuri, this festival dates back to 767. Approximately 4000 men, wearing only white loin cloths, march in an unruly procession towards Konomiya Shrine whilst holding huge bamboo poles above their heads.
At the shrine, the crowd violently clamors to touch a consecrated naked man and cold water is constantly showered over the crowd to try and disperse them.

Mars Viewing 火星をみる会

Observe the red planet through the museum’s 65cm large telescope.
When: Saturday, February 27 (18:00 - 20:30)
Where: Nagoya City Science Museum 名古屋市科学館
Admission: Adults 500 Yen, Children (ages 6+) 200 Yen
Maximum: 250 people
To apply send a return postcard (ofuku-hagaki往復はが) by Feb 6. An illustrated guide of how to fill our the postcard is at http://bit.ly/kanboh

4-hour intensive workshop!

Understanding is power - for the teacher and the student.
A 4-hour workshop that aims to explain and demonstrate clear, logical methods and activities to teach the four skills of English, with special focus on reading and writing. Effective lessons produce students who can use the language with accuracy and confidence.
When: February 28 (10:00 - 15:00)
Where: Nichiei Bunka Hall 日映文化ホール, Tempaku Ku, Nagoya
Admission: 6000 Yen per person – bring a friend and get 1000 off!
Reservations: Joshua Myerson at newleaf@japan.email.ne.jp 
Access: A 2 minute walk from Ueda Subway Station, exit 2
Map: http://bit.ly/nichiei 

Nagoya Motor Home, Outdoor, & Cycle Fair 2009 Spring 名古屋キャンピングカーフェア2010 – Spring

In addition to an exhibition of over 100 motor homes (RVs), attractions include camp cooking demonstrations, a climbing wall, and a sports bicycle test-ride zone.
When: February 27 & 28 (10:00- 17:00)
Where: Port Messe Nagoya ポートメッセなごや - Exhibition Hall #2
Access: Aonami Line’s Kinjo-futo 金城ふ頭Station
Admission: Adults 1000 Yen, Under 13s 500 Yen; advanced tickets (800Yen & 300 Yen) available at Family Mart, Circle K, Sunkus, and Ticket Pia via the P-code system (P-code 986-348).

Japanese Cooking Class

Learn to make miso soup and other traditional Japanese cuisine in an international environment.
When: Saturday February 27 (09:30 - 11:30), Sunday March 7 (09:30 - 11:30), Sunday March 21 (09:30 - 11:30).
Where: Will Aichi (Aichi Women's Center) 2F 
Participation: 1500 Yen per session; reservations are required and can be made at international0317_npo@yahoo.co.jp or 080-1559-9744.
Access: A 10 minute walk from Shiyakusho Station exit 2  (map)
- full details are here (PDF)

Kinekosa Matsuri 岩塚きねこさ祭

Admire the resilience of 12 hardy participants as they wade into the bitterly cold waters of Nagoya’s Shonai River - wearing only their loin clothes - in this annual Shinto ritual. Further festivities will take place at the neighbouring Shichisho-sha Shrine (七所社) from 14:00 to 16:00.
When: March 2 (Tues) 12:30 - 16:30
Where: The banks of the Shonai River, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya.
Access: A 15 minute walk straight along the main road (with your back to JR Central Towers) from exit 2 of Iwatsuka Subway Station.

Nagoya Auto Trend 2010 ナゴヤ オートトレンド2010

Whether you are in the market for a custom-made racer or just fancy sitting behind the wheel of your dream car, this is the show for you. Japan’s major car manufacturers and independent auto workshops will be displaying their very own custom-built models in this annual car show.
When: March 5, 6, 7 (10:00 to 17:00)
Where: Port Messe Nagoya ポートメッセなごや
Admission: 2000 Yen for adults, 800 Yen for ages 6 to 12; discounted advanced tickets available via the P-code system (986-744) at Circle K & Sunkus stores.
Access: A 5 minute walk from the Aonami Line’s Kinjo-futo Station　金城ふ頭

Flower Dome 2010 フラワードーム

Flowers and rare plants from all over the world will be on display with gardeners and florists from all over Japan competing in numerous prize events in Japan’s largest annual flower show. There will also be an ikebana demonstration (3/16), a COP10 family quiz, a special exhibition of flowers from Australia, a gardening classroom, flower arranging demonstrations (3/13, 14) and a “hands on” corner (3/15 – 17).
Where: Nagoya Dome Where: Nagoya Dome-mae Yada Subway Station
When: March 12 - 17 (09:30 –17:00); 3/13 until 20:00
Admission: Adults 1800 Yen, ages 13 to 18 1200 Yen, under 13s free. Discounted advance tickets available at Family Mart・Circle K・Sunkus (P-code: 986-704). Night ticket after 17:00 on 3/13 900 Yen (advanced only).

Ticket Giveaway
The NIC has 10 sets of pair tickets for to give away for this event! If you would like a set, enter our prize draw on our website (www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/giveaway) by Sunday, February 28. Winners will be notified by e-mail.

Japan has produced some of the world’s best female long distance marathon runners of recent times; boasting 3 of the 10 fastest marathon times in history and the current Olympic record. Expect to see fast times and some of the current and future top athletes.
The event has a detailed English website.
When: Sunday, March 14 (from 12:15)
Where: Across Nagoya
Access: Mizuho Undojo Higashi or Mizuho Undojo Nishi Subway Stations.
Route: Mizuho Athletic Ground (12:15), Imaike (13:01 - 25), Sakae (13:11 - 14:33), Nagoya Castle (half-way point) , Sakae (13:59 - 14:46), Imaike (14:13 - 15:09), Mizuho Athletic Ground (14:35 - 15:33). English Course Map
*Heavy traffic delays are expected in and around Central Nagoya between 12:00 & 16:00.

Disney Live ディズニー・ライブ！

Disneyland comes to Nagoya! Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and all your Disney favourites will be live on stage in Nagoya for 3 days only!
When: March 19 (16:30), March 20 - 22 (10:30, 13:30, 16:30), March 23 (10:30, 13:30); each performance lasts 1hr 40 mins.
Where: Aichi Arts Center 愛知県芸術劇場; located above ground next to Oasis 21 in Sakae.
Admission: 5000 Yen or 4500 Yen; an adult should accompany each child under 3 years of age. Advance tickets are available via the P-code system (P-code 399-522) at Ticket Pia, Family Mart, Circle K, and SunKus.

The Tokugawa Lord, Mitsutomo Tokugawa, built the gardens and house as a retirement home and relocated here from Ozone in 1695. To commemorate this event, the gardens have an annual open day. A great chance to enjoy the gardens for free with added entertainment provided by several street entertainers.
When: Saturday, March 20
Where: Tokugawa En, Higashi Ward
Admission: Free!
Access: Take the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus direct from JR Nagoya Station Bus Terminal 2F, stop 0; - in service between 09:30 & 15:30; runs every 20 - 30 minutes on weekends, :30 only on weekdays

On Sunday, April 4 (14:00 - 15:00), there also will be a free niko concert (traditional stringed instrument) in the plaza in front of garden entrance; admission is extra.

400 Years of Nagoya - Kinoshita Circus Wild Animal Act

The big top circus is coming to town! The lions, tigers, and ligers are the stars of the show.
When: March 13 - May 31 (Mon to Wed 11:00, 13:40; Fri 13:00, 15:40; Sat, Sun , & Hols 10:20, 13:00, 15:40). No performances on 3/17, 4/21, 4/28, 5/19.
Where: Shirakawa Koen 白川公園, Naka-ku
Access: A 7 minute walk from Fushimi Subway Station, exit 7; located next to the Nagoya City Science Museum.
Tickets: Free seating: adults 2800 Yen, children (3 - 15) 1800 Yen; buy in advance get a 300 Yen discount. Reserved, ringside seating, & premium seating an additional 800 to 2000 Yen. Available at Family Mart, Circle K, Sunkus, and Ticket Pia via the P-code system.

Nagoya Shoku Festa 2010 なごや食フェスタ 2010

Celebrate and learn about, and sample the best of Nagoya’s culinary delights. The event's theme is 「Health・Environment・Culture」.
When: March 20 - 22 (10:00 - 17:00)
Admission: Free
Where: Fukiage Hall 吹上ホール
Access: A 5 minute walk from Fukiage Subway Station, exit 5.

ETJ-Aichi English Teaching Workshop: World Englishes Education in High School

Naoko Murata and Kayo Sugimoto report on a high school pilot program in which English was taught via the concept of world Englishes, and how awareness of varieties of English increased student motivation. A discussion will follow the presentation.
There is a 500 Yen attendance fee payable at the workshop and 70-seat limit, so pre-registration is advised.
When: Sunday, March 28 (10:00 - 12:30)
Where: Chukyo University　中京大学 (Nagoya Campus), Center Building, 6F, Room 0604.
Access: Yagoto Subway Station, exit # 5.
Further details, directions, and pre-registration: http://etjaichi.kweto.com

Tsuruma Koen Flower Festival 鶴舞公園花まつり

When: April 4 to June 30
Where: Tsuruma Koen, Naka Ku
Access: A 2 minute walk from Tsurumai Subway Station, exit 4
Admission: Free

Osu Spring Festival 大須春まつり

When: April 3 & 4 (12:00 - 17:00)
Where: In and around the grounds of Osu Kannon Temple
Access: A 5 minute walk from Osu Kannon Subway Station, exit 1
Admission: Free

OZ Mall Spring Festival OZ モール春まつり

When: April 3 (12:00 - 17:00)
Where: OZ Mall, Ozone, Higashi Ku
Access: A 5 minute walk from Ozone Station (JR, Subway, Meitetsu)
Admission: Free

Inuyama Castle Spring Festival 犬山祭

From 18:00 to 21:30 traditional festival floats are lit up and pulled through the city’s cherry blossomed streets. The festival starts in front of Haritsuna Jinja, located down the hill from Inuyama Castle - Japan’s oldest. The castle is open daily (09:00 to 17:00) , admission is 500 Yen for adults and 100 Yen for children under 15.
When: April 3 & 4
Where: Inuyama City, Aichi
Access: Located near Meitetsu Inuyama Station; however the castle in best-reached from Inuyama-yuen Station　犬山遊園.

The Ieyasu Parade家康行列

This is the main event of Okazaki’s annual cherry blossom festival. More than one thousand samurai warriors led by Japan’s most prominent historical figure, Okazaki-born Tokugawa Ieyasu will parade through the streets and perform a mock battle on the banks of the river.
When: Sunday, April 4 (13:00 - 16:30)
Where: Okazaki City, Aichi
Access: An 8 minute walk from Meitetsu Okazaki Koen Mae Station 岡崎公園前駅.
Route:
13:30 - 14:00 Iga Hachiman-gu Shrine伊賀八幡宮
14:45 - 15:15 Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station東岡崎
15:30 - 16:30 Otogawa riverbank

Kakuozan Spring Festival 覚王山春祭

When: April 10, 11 (10:00 - 18:00)
Where: On the main street from Kakuozan Subway Station leading up the hill to Nittaiji Temple. With an art market, flea market, performance stage, and various international themed stalls, this event is always well attended.
Access: A 5　minute walk up the hill from exit 1 of Kakuozan Subway Station.