This time seven JICA Participants from six different countries, Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine arrived in Kosaka on the 24th of November and will stay here for 3 weeks so KIS has organized many exchange events.

　The first event was the Kiritampo (like a hotdog on a stick but made out of rice)and International Cooking Night. Apart from the east European JICA Participants,  a couple of new members turned up. Have you not seen them before somewhere? They are members of the Kenseikai who perform at the Korakukan Theatre. We got them to write their impressions of the event.

　This year is my first time in Kosaka and the first time to participate in this exchange party. It was very enjoyable as everyone made us feel so comfortable.　It was a lot of fun to be able to have dinner and play games with the JICA Participants. It was very memorable for me. It was great to be able to participate in this event where I could interact with various people. I think it would be great if more events like this could be held.　
HARA Shinji

　I had a great time at the party the other day. It started at five o'clock but I could not make it on time. I love cooking so really wanted to cook with everyone. I was quite nervous when I arrived as I was surrounded by everyone from Kosaka and also the JICA Participants but we played bingo and had a rock, paper scissors competition which helped me to  relax a bit. Playing with the kids was really tiring. All children are full of energy, but there are not many children these days that are that  lively. The kiritampo was delicious. I will make the most of the tissues that I won. Thank you very much.　　　SUZUKI Yutaka