British Style Evergreen Xmas Wreath Class

• Date and time：Saturday 26th November 2022 ※14:00～16：00
• Place：Hankyu Grand Bldg, 26th Floor
• Lecturer：Ms. Fumie TANIGAWA

Ms Tanigawa, an enthusiastic promoter of the wonders of English-style flower arrangement, trainer of flower-arrangement instructors and president of a company “Atelier F’s”, teached us how to make a Christmas wreath with evergreen branches; a wreath which will decorate your room splendiferously for Christmas.

Visit to Wakayama, and lunch

• Date etc.：25th November (Friday)
• Destination：Kimii-dera, Yuasa etc. in Wakayama Prefecture

The Ladies Group have organized a one-day trip to Wakayama Prefecture; to Kimii-dera temple (second of the temples on the Western Japan pilgrimage route) ; a soy-sauce brewery at Yuasa; lunch at a good restaurant and to Kuroshio market to shop. We enjoyed the spectacular colours of autumn.

Visit to Kobe Shu-Shin Kan, sake lecture ,and lunch

• Date：Saturday 12th November, 2022 11:00～15:00
• Place：“Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan, in
  Higashi Nada Ku in Kobe.

An outing to combine lunch, sake-sampling and instruction! The “Shu-shin Kan” is a famous brewery as producer of the world’s first carbon-neutral sake, Fukuju. We had an opportunity to sample this year’s “nouveau”

「The Beowulf Manuscript～A Treasure of The British Library」

• Date：Saturday 5th November, 2022
• Lecture：10:30～12:00
• Place：Hankyu Grand Bldg, 26th Floor
• Lecturer：Richard J. Kelly（Professor at Kindai University）

This was another of Prof. Richard Kelley’s extremely popular lectures. Following last year’s -- on the precious Anglo-Saxon manuscripts in the British Museum -- he discussed (in English)-- the Beowulf Manuscript

“A Pinch of Salt” – English for fun

• Date and Time :Monday 24th October, 2022 13:30～15：30
• Place :Special Room of Hankyu Umeda Main Store
• Lecturer :Mr. Stephen Boyd

This was the fourth of Stephen Boyd’s “Pinch of Salt” talks. 23 people attended, the same number as last year. We plunged straight into the world of English with a tongue twister. Everybody joined in group discussion (occasionally including Japanese!) . After this, there was a tea party and mini-bazaar organized by – and with scones, jam and sandwiches etc. contributed by – members of the Ladies Group. Further money was raised for charity, and this year’s ‘study meeting’ finished smoothly.

JBSK Day 2022

• Date and Time : Sunday 16th October 2022 10:00～17:00
• Place：Hankyu Umeda Hall, on 9th floor at Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Once a year it is customary for the Society to hold a “JBSK Day”. This year, thanks to the Hankyu Department Store, we held a bazaar and a lecture for charity.

◎Charity Bazaar 10:00～13:00.

The JBSK supports welfare activities with the sale of goods generously presented by Corporate Members and other supporting companies. This year an unprecedented number of people attended, and the bazaar did a flourishing business.

◎Charity Lecture 15:30～17:00

This took the form of a showing of the film “Long Journey” and a talk-show by the founder of ARK, Liz Oliver, in celebration of ARK’s 30th anniversary. Ms. Oliver described 30 years of animal welfare from a British perspective, in conversation with Mr. Itoh, one-time announcer at Mainichi Broadcasting.The 500 yen paid by each attendant is being used for the support of animals evacuated from Ukraine.

Social Action Group Tea Salon
“What you don’t know about Sumo (maybe),
exemplified by the sumo wrestler Ura”

• Date and Time : Saturday 3rd September 2022 14:00
• Venue：Kwansei Gakuin University, Umeda Campus
• Lecturer：Mr. Akihiro ISHITSUBO
  （Japanese only）Chief Director of the Sports Committee, Kwansei Gakuin University

On this occasion, the Social Action Group welcomed the general supervisor of the Sumo Club at Kwansei Gakuin University, Mr Akihiro Ishitsubo, who gave us a talk on Japan’s traditional cultural activity, Sumo. Explanations were easy for even the complete beginner to understand, and it was accompanied by actual demonstrations by current student wrestlers which made it a most enlivening event.This was a wonderful opportunity for the audience to gain insight into the world of sumo, the “National Sport” and to appreciate Mr. Ishitsubo’s “Warm Memories of Sumo and Ura-zeki”through his charming personality. Many of us commented on how stimulating and invigorating it had been to have this first meeting with the world of sumo.

The Queen’s Birthday Party 2022

• Date and Time : Thursday 23rd June 2022 18:00-20:00 (welcome drinks from 17:30 in the garden)
• Venue：Kobe Club, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

To celebrate her Majesty’s 96th birthday, the Japan-British Society of the Kansai held a party at the Kobe Club.
As the first such celebration for 3 years, this was a particularly special occasion. Although it was the “rainy season”, the weather held up and allowed us to enjoy pre-prandial drinks on the swimming pool lawn, after which we made our way to our seats. Our Chairman, Mr. Araki, opened the proceedings and proposed a toast, and the respective national anthems were performed. The new British Consul General, Carolyn Davidson, who took up her posting last year, gave a speech and was followed by an equally witty and enjoyable address by our guest, His Excellency Tsutomu Himeno, Japanese Ambassador to the Kansai. Music was supplied by the string quartet “FALL QUARTET” from the Hyogo Performing Arts Center, who gave splendid performances of a variety of music, ending with a rousing arrangement of Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance. This, and the magnificent flower arrangements, lent splendour to the occasion. Since the Covid Pandemic is not yet over, our traditional buffet style was replaced by fixed seating, but at each table there was a chance to enjoy long-postponed reunions. All in all, it was a memorable celebration for this special anniversary of Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne.

An Evocative Tour of the Roots of Japanese Culture in Yamato

• Date：Saturday 28th May 2022
• Destination：Nara Prefecture

After a covid-induced interval of three years, we made an excursion to ancient Nara Prefecture. Oomiwa-Jinja, or MiwaMyoujin (Miwa Shrine) is considered Japan’s oldest shrine, and we had the precious experience of being permitted a full and formal visit and blessing within it. We then proceeded to a restaurant which has revived Nara’s most ancient type of soy sauce, “NIPPONIA Tawaramoto Malt Shoyu”, where we had a lunch employing a variety of local ingredients: a most delicious experience. Finally we proceeded to Haasedera Temple, a National Treasure. It is famous for its tree peonies, but at the time of our visit it was hydrangeas of all sorts and colours that greeted us. Altogether, it was a day of the greatest interest and of revitalizing natural bounty.

British Colours for Ikebana Class

• Date and Time：Tuesday 24th May 2022 from 13:00～15:00
• Location：Hankyu Grand Biru 21st Floor Meeting Room.
• Instructor：Ms. Kayo Fukayama

An Ikebana class was held under the instruction of JBSK member Fukuyama Kayo sensei. The flowers were chosen to represent the colours of the British flag: - red roses, white lisianthus and blue arium giganteum, in a graceful combination designed by our teacher. After her whiteboard demonstration and then a demonstration, participants launched on their own attempts. We were unable to match our teacher’s art, but she would give an effective tweak to some people’s attempts and others took photographs of themselves in front of their arrangements. This was followed by chat over delicious afternoon tea, with scones and cucumber sandwiches made by members.

Report on the AGM for 2022

• Date：Thursday 8th March 2022 from 16：00～17：00
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

As with last year, in order to prevent the spread of the corona virus and to protect our members by avoiding a large-scale gathering, there was no AGM open to ordinary members. Instead, a combined AGM and Board of Directors meeting was held, and the usual “friendship party” was also cancelled. At the combined AGM/Board of Directors meeting, a report on activities during 2021 and plans for activities in 2022 were approved, together with the accounts and budget.

The 9th Tea Salon by Social Action Group Proper English-style Xmas wreath course

• Date：Wed. 15th December 2021 14:00 to 16:00
• Venue：Special room on the 10th floor of Hankyu Umeda main store
• Instructor：Ms Fumie TANIGAWA

As the last event of this year, SAG held a course making real Xmas wreath with evergreen leaves (cedar, cypress etc.) just before the Xmas holiday season. We welcomed Ms Fumie TANIGAWA as the instructor; and she is one of our representatives of our corporate member: Atelier F’s, Inc., and also a representative director of Flower Works Japan. After explaining about the origin and the history of the Xmas wreath, she instructed so carefully how to cut the fresh twigs and to fix those by entwining with wire, that even some inexperienced participants could complete beautiful wreaths respectively in the end by her support. Those who attended this kind of course after a long interval expressed unanimously; ”I looked forward to attending this so much”, “ I have never done the arrangement so it’s enjoyable” and “I could spend a happy time”; and we all finished to good purpose the course all together in a most friendly atmosphere with scent of needle leaves and eucalyptus.

English-style Xmas Dinner Cooking Course by Ladies’ Group

• Date：Tue. 7th December 2021 10:30 to 14:30
• Venue：Ms Ikuko BARRACLOUGH’s residence at Chuo-ku, Kobe
• Instructor：Ms Ikuko BARRACLOUGH

Having the member of the Ladies’ Group, Ms Ikuko BARRACLOUGH as an instructor, we held an English Xmas Dinner cooking course at Ms BARRACLOUGH’s residence. The attendants were 17. In the room beautifully decorated for Xmas, following explaining her mother-in-law’s recipe, she demonstrated how to stretch the dough for the steak and kidney pie in it. After it, we toasted with some hot wine, we could enjoy thoroughly the English cuisine starting from the starter, then mushroom soup, pie as a main dish to finish with Xmas pudding. In addition to the talk of the instructor, we at the same time listened to the talk of the member with a qualification of English Wine Sommelier, we spent the nice day of English Xmas in a bit advance tasting delicious dishes and various wines.

Charity Bazaar of “JBSK Day 2021”

• Date and Time：Sunday 31st October 2021 from 10:00 to 13:00
• Venue：Hankyu Umeda Hall, 9th fl. of Hankyu Umeda Main Store.

We could hold “JBSK Day” after two years gap which had been suspended unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that the situation gets better and we are pleased to announce that with precious support of Hankyu Dept. Store, we could hold only “Charity Bazaar” without a lecture and a casual party at the main store of Hankyu Department Store. In the circumstances that the Covid-19’s influence still remained, many visitors came to the bazaatr. So we can donated the profit this time as well to the local social welfare facilities and to fund our social activities with the benefit.

English Lecture by Social Action Group
“Digesting the Important Manuscripts of
Anglo-Saxon Age”

• Date and Time：Saturday 30th October 2021 11:10 to 12:30
• Venue：Meeting Room at 21st fl. of Hankyu Grand Bldg., Umeda, Osaka

The last year we could not hold the English Lecture and we are happy to inform that we could hold the lecture which is the one after two year interval. Also this was the first time for Dr Kelly; the Professor of the Faculty of Literature and Arts of Kindai University, and the Youth Team of S.A.G. to collaborate in the lecture. At this time, Prof. Kelly took up the Anglo-Saxon Illuminated Manuscript as a theme with special reference to the Lindisfarne Gospel, by which he interpreted to the participants about the difference in the crosses of Celt and Latin etc., through which the participants wondered back to the age of Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Charity Study Session by Ladies Group
“Another Pinch of Salt” ～ English for Fun ～

• Date and Time：Thursday 29th July 2021 from 13：30 to 15:30
• Place：Meeting room on 21st fl. of Hankyu Grand Bldg. ，Osaka
• Lecturer：Prof. Stephen BOYD

This is the 3rd Charity Study Session, “Another Pinch of Salt ~English for Fun~” , given by Prof. Boyd after a gap of two years. 23 people attended this time. Prof. Boyd conducted the session with words on cards (timely selected medical ones) which he had prepared, and the participants spent a useful time in talking and doing active Q&A to learn real English.
Afterward we all talked merrily over nicely brewed cups of tea. Scones and jam made by the Ladies’Group staff were provided as souvenirs for the participants to take home. The event was brought to a conclusion with a mini-bazaar, at which sweets and gift goods handmade by the Ladies’ Group staff all sold out successfully.

The 8th TEA SALON by Social Action Group
Online Lecture “The World of Stained Glass”

• Date and Time：Saturday 24th July 2021 from 13：30 to 15:00
• Lecturer：Ms. Masae SHIGENO

We held an on-line lecture in addition to the room lecture after the long interval due to the Covid-19. The theme was “the World of Stained Glass”, and the speaker was stained glass artist , Ms Masae SHIGENO, a member of our society who exerts popularization of the stained glass art. The 38 attendants, more on line than off line, enjoyed the good opportunity to find the World of glass art of West Europe origin and its fascination, through not only the glass art history from the pre-historical age and many stained glass examples at world-famous architectures but also the actual technique to make the glass art. We will try to offer more online opportunity like this, to which please look forward.

2021 Annual General Meeting（AGM）

• Date and Time：Thursday 4th March 2021 from 16:00 to 17:00
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

This year, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, in light of the safety of the people firstly, the AGM of around 100 attendants was canceled and instead the Council Meeting was held covering the substitute roll. Sorry to say, the Buffet Dinner Party to follow was cancelled too. At the meeting, the activities of 2020 and the financial plan of the next year have been reported, also the donation of \500,000-even a little to the medical teams of Osaka and Hyogo for the unprecedented disaster they are coping with has been approved.

“FOUND KOBE JAPAN
Homecoming Photo Exhibition”

• Date : Wednesday 18th – Tuesday 24th March 2020
• Venue : British Fair 2020 of Kobe Hankyu

A letter dated 18th July 2018 was delivered to the Secretariat of Japan-British Society to the Kansai. The contents were to ask our cooperation to hold a photo exhibition and to find the real owner of the album. The photographs of the album were found in a builder’s skip with plaster and rubbish the owner of which was totally unknown. The British expats’ lives were preserved vividly by the mono chrome photos. Ms Kelly and Mr Jennings to whom the album was brought, found those very precious and decided to restore by a digital technique. The place they had lived was unknown at the beginning turned to be Kobe by the logo of sports club in the photo. Eventually the both could hold the Exhibition named “FOUND KOBE-JAPAN”.
But unfortunately the owners have not been identified in the U.K. and that’s why they approached to Japan-British Society of the Kansai to hold the Exhibition in Kobe as the second step. Japan-British Society cooperated as a proof of goodwill exchange between Japan and UK. Finally the exhibition was realized as “FOUND KOBE Homecoming Photo Exhibition” at the first UK Fair 2020 of Kobe Hankyu. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the both could not leave UK this time, instead some JBSK staff gathered the information at the venue to have resulted in various discoveries. After the termination of the epidemic, hopefully this autumn, they plan to come over again to reach in Kobe and to hold the events like the photo exhibition including the photos restored lately and the discoveries.

2020 Annual General Meeting（AGM）

• Date and Time：Thursday 12th March 2020 from 17:30 to 18:00
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

This year due to spreading of the present Coronavirus contagion, in consideration of the safety of the people firstly, the Members Meeting of around 100 attendants was canceled and instead the Council Meeting was held covering the substitute roll. Regrettably the annual Buffet Dinner Party to follow was cancelled too. At the Council and General meeting, the activities of 2019 and the plan of the next year have been reported, also the revision of individual membership fee has been approved.

JBSK Christmas Party 2019

• Date and Time：Friday 13th December 2019 18：00～20：00
• Venue：“Peridot" at 2nd Floor of Rihga Royal Hotel ;

We held a Christmas Party this year too. With various Christmas music by the regular British-style brass band, all the attendants spent a relaxed evening together.
The party processed very fast feelingly till the last game with many wonderful gifts donated by our supporting corporates.

Rugby World Cup 2019
Tour to Watch the Match; Japan vs Scotland

• Date : 13th October 2019
• Kick Off : 19:45
• Venue : International Stadium Yokohama、Yokohama, Kanagawa

This time, the Rugby World Cup 2019 was held in Japan for the first time in the history. The origin of Rugby being in Britain, we, JBSK, organized a tour to watch the match between Japan and Scotland one year ago. The 21 attendants consisting of the members, guests and secretariat staff enjoyed thoroughly the match reportedly once in our lives.
Just then a Typhoon endangered seriously the performance of the match, but luckily the situation turned preferable, the match was eventually commenced on schedule. The result was against our anticipation, Japan could win by 28-21, and together the early triumph against Ireland, Japan can go on to the semi-final of the 8 strong countries for the first time as a splendid achievement. When the match was no side, all the attendants of the tour happily joined the big wheel of joy of around about 67,000 people in the stadium.
In this connection, We would like to record herewith that all in the stadium stood and offered silent prayers to the victims of the typhoon and the remarkable triumph of Japan surely gave a hope and courage to the people in the devastated area.

“JBSK Day 2019” CHARITY BAZAAR

• Date and Time : Saturday 12th October 2019
  10：00～13：00
• Place：Hankyu Umeda Hall, Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Japan-British Society of the Kansai held the charity bazaar at the occasion of the U.K. Fair at “Umeda Hankyu” in Osaka. The items, generously donated by the corporate members of the Society and by the firms who kindly understand our activities, are on sale at charity prices and with the proceedings we can contribute by local activities and the part of which go to NGOs and some welfare activities.

This year a strong typhoon being approaching, its course was not quite sure, we were afraid if the store could open or not. Eventually it opened and we were relieved to see many people coming to the bazaar. All the donated items were sold out at the closing time of 13:00 pm. We would like to thank heartily all the people who came and helped us by their purchase and many thoughtful corporates by their merchandises.

Ladies Group　Charity Study Session
“A Pinch of Salt” ～ English for Fun ～

• Date and Time : 7th October 2019. 13：00～15：00
• Place：Meeting room on 21st floor, Hankyu Grand Building
• Lecturer：Prof. Stephen Boyd

The Charity Study Event “A Pinch of Salt”, held with Stephen Boyd last year, proved popular and this was a second session. All 30 available places were taken and a good time was had by all. After the session the Ladies Group provided scones, clotted cream, jam and tea. There was laughter around the room and a mood of happy harmony, and time was up before we knew it. We hope to have a further session next year！

“Reading J.R.R. Tolkien in English” by Social Action Group

• Date : Saturday 28th September 2019
• Lecture : 11：00～12：30
• Location：Meeting room on 21st floor, Hankyu Grand Bldg.
• Speaker：Prof. Richard Kelly

The English Poetry Reading group was set up in 1993 on the initiative of Mrs. Williams, the wife of then Consul General. This was a lecture organized by the Social Action Group of the Japan-British Society of the Kansai for the members of the Society and guests. Following the 2nd last year’s one, Professor Kelly at the Faculty of Literature and Arts of Kindai University took up “Lord of the Rings” and other worldwide ‘hits’ by J.R.R. Tolkien, under the title “the Tolkien Collection at the Bodleian Library at Oxford University”. All the attendants looked strongly kept interested deeply by the academic talk of the Professor on the precious materials generously shown from the Library collection on J.R.R. Tolkien who taught at Oxford University.

Gathering to introduce “SAG Herb Garden at Tamba-Sasayama ARK”

• Date and Time : Saturday 27th 2019
  12：00～14：00
• Venue：Certified NPO “Animal Refuge Kansai”
  in Tamba-Sasayama City

The S.A.G. (JBSK’s Social Action Group）have completed the Herb Garden in cooperation with the ARK (Animal Refuge Kansai) operated by Miss Elizabeth Oliver, a member of the Society and at the same time the President of Social Action Group. So we are happy to inform you that we could hold the opening Gathering there. Despite the rainy weather by the typhoon, we could have an honour of a company of Mr. Sakai, the Mayor of Tamba-Sasayama City. After the tape-cut to open the garden, some representatives of local people and JBSK members and their persons concerned spent pleasant time over tea and sandwiches with the Mayor. We even tried to keep away the rain by tents and umbrellas, it was impressive that the herbs in the garden looked fresh and twinkling in green.

The Queen’s Birthday Party 2019 by JBSK

• Date and Time : Wednesday 12th June 2019　17:30-20:00
• Venue：Kobe Club, in Kobe city

To celebrate her Majesty’s 93rd birthday, the Japan-British Society of the Kansai held the Party for Her Majesty at Kobe Club. Firstly attendants enjoyed welcome drinks at the Club’s verdure pool-garden after entry. From 18:00, the party began with addresses and toasts by the President of the Society, Mr. Araki, and HM Consul-General, Ms. Wooten who kindly came during her busy days just before the G 20 Osaka held at the end of June. After the toasts to the both sovereigns and the countries’ national anthems, the buffet party began.
All the attendants seemed to be impressed by the speech of a member’s guest, the Honorary Chief Priest of the Ikuta Shrine in Sannomiya, Kobe. The party became more heated when one of the member, a winner of several international piano contests in Europe, played beautifully the piano. Then to the four foreign students from the U.K. attended especially, this experience of the Queen’s Birthday Party in Kobe far away from their homes will be vivid in their memories for many years to come after leaving the Kansai.

Exchange BBQ Gathering with students from UK and the Commonwealth by SAG of JBSK

• Date and Time : 19th May 2019 from 11:30 to 15:00
• Site: Yodogawa Riveside Park(the Nishinakajima area)

This is the 2nd BBQ gathering by Social Action Group (SAG) of Japan-British Society of the Kansai(JBSK). We have changed the site to located Yodo Riverside Park, and we could hopefully promote friendship among our members, their guests and interested students. We all as many as 160 attendants were favoured by the weather and the invited students form UK and the Commonwealth enjoyed the Japanese traditions shown by an open-air tea ceremony and Japanese shamisen sound. We would hope that this event could remain in the memories of foreign students who came all the way to Kansai as a special day of “Omotenashi Hospitality” only by SAG of JBSK.

TOUR OF NAGAHAMA IN KOHOKU AND VISIT TO THE “SHAUN THE SHEEP FARM GARDEN”

• Date and Time: Saturday 13th April 2019
• Destination : Nagahama and Maibara of Shiga Prefecture

Our very final outing of the Heisei Era took us to Nagahama, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi had his first castle, and the English-style garden at Tawada, Maibara. We started off with a lunch of Omi beef at a French restaurant in Nagahama town. Then we proceeded to the historical streets of the town including “Kurokabe Square” and to Historical Museum in the newly built keep of Nagahama Castle to learn interestingly the Kohoku District history. Thence, on to the recently opened “Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden” within “Rose and Berry Tawada”. We were pleased very much by the last Heisei outing with the cherry blossoms which were luckily still in full bloom this year and fresh spring breeze.

2019 Annual General Meeting(AGM）andBuffet Dinner Party

• Date and Time : Tuesday 12th March 2019 AGM：from 6:00 pm Party：from:6:30 pm
• Venue : Hotel Hankyu International, Osaka
  

With thepresidency of Mr. N. Araki, we have been able to finish the planned activities of the planned year2018. At the AGM, accordingly we　reported and were able to obtain the approvals onthose activities and settlement of accounts and other agendas. After that, secretariat reported those past activities and the future plan for the coming year by projected images on the screen.Then we held the party at which the members, including the officers and council members, and their guests spent a very good time with informal talks over the proud French buffet of the hotel with red and white wine.

Report on the 2019 Ladies Group AGM

• Date and Time : 1st March (Friday)
  11:30 ～ 14:00
• Location : Kobe Club
  

Reports were given of activities during 2018, of plans for the coming year, and – from the treasurers – of the state of our accounts (income and expenditure). We then partook of a delicious lunch in a cozy atmosphere and all got to know each other better, after which there was a “mini-bazaar” with a sale of a rich variety of home-made marmalade, lemon curd, chocolates and the like. We all had a lovely time and greatly enjoyed the occasion.

Whisky Seminar at“Yamazaki”of pure water

• Date and Time : Saturday 9th February 2019 14：00～16：00
• Destination : Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
  

The Social Action Group of JBSK have made the 3rd visitation to our corporate member's factory. This time destination was the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Mr. Shinjiro TORII, the founder of Suntory, made up his mind to distill a whisky at Yamazaki for its pure water with eagerness to produce a whiskey matching the Japanese delicate palate.This is the dawn of the Japanese whisky. Suntory Holdings Ltd. kindly arranged the special course for JBSK only. An expert full-time instructor commented visually on the history, distilling process of the whiskies, difference of the casks. At the end we spent a wonderful time tasting fine whiskies.

2019 New Year Charity Concert in the Heart of Osaka

• Date and Time : Saturday 12th January 2019　18:00 ～ 20:00
• Place : 『Café CLAIR』 in
  Hotel New Hankyu Osaka Annex
  

We are happy to advise you that we have held a New Year Charity Concert. This was featuring Ms. Miyo HONYA who made a public debut as a pianist at her age of 12 in Switzerland and a violinist Mr. Shunpei KITAO who learnt from Maestro Joseph Gingold in America.All the attendants enjoyed the beautiful ensemble of the duo with a glass of wine after buffet supper.

JBSK Christmas Party 2018

• Date and Time：Friday 14th December 2018
  18:00 ～20:00
• Venue：“Katsura no ma” at 2nd Floor of
  Rihga Royal Hotel

We held a joyous Christmas Party to anchor this year. With delicious buffet of Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, we enjoyed the various Christmas music by the regular British-style brass band. The invited children watched the uncommon hula－hoop performance excitedly. Before closing, all attendants could get gifts presented by our corporate members and other sponsors by lottery. In the cheerful atmosphere, the bit early JBSK Christmas Party came to an end.

Charity English Session “A Pinch of Salt”
～English for Fun～

• Date and Time：13:00 to 15:00
  on 12th November 2018.
• Place：Hankyu Grand Building 21F
• Tutor：Mr. Stephen Boyd

As a new experiment, The Ladies’ Group held their first "Study Group" meeting. It was even better attended than we had expected, The attendants were able to experience English in a relaxed context, question time with Mr. Boyd was lively, and a generally worthwhile time was had by all. In addition, over tea with scones and cupcakes homemade by members, we enjoyed ourselves in a very friendly atmosphere and got to know one another.

British Pudding Party

• Date and Time：Tuesday 30th October 2018 12:00 ～14:30
• Venue：“ Crown Room”, 28th Floor,
  Tower Wing, Rihga Royal Hotel
• Lecturer：Mrs. Tamao SAKO

This event was a precious opportunity to experience a popular “British Pudding Party” of its 2nd time. Under the guidance of Mrs. Tamao SAKO again, who promotes the charms of British traditional home cooking and sweets and the lineup of the 13 puddings and this time they were 13 puddings suitable autumn season, which were Irish Guinness Cake, Edinburgh Fog of Scotland and Xmas Cake with six pence coin in etc. Also all attendants were able to experience the famous Pudding Parade and popular vote to choose No.1 pudding. We really together had an enjoyable time through a hotel lunch and the Pudding Party at the Crown Room on the top floor of the Hotel cheerfully.

JBSK Day 2018

• Date and Time：Sunday 14th October 2018　 10:00 ～19:30
• Place：Umeda Hall on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Japan British Society of the Kansai held the JBSK Day during the U.K. Fair at Umeda Hankyu Dept. Store in Osaka this year too. We firstly held the charity bazaar (10:00-13:00), then the special talk show of ex-editor of British oriented magazine, “R.S.V.P.” and Hankyu Promotion’s staff in charge of the U.K. Fairs(15:00- 16:30) and thirdly a casual party (18:00- 19:30), where everyone enjoyed the superb performance of the London Fanfare Trumpet and accompaniment of the UK guests demonstrators. Finally the 20th Century Fox Film, “BOHEMIAN Rhapsody” coming next month was introduced. That was the most enjoyable one of the Days.

Scotch Whisky Class

• Date and Time：Saturday 6th October 2018. From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Location：“BAR Agreable", Yoshida Bldg, 1-12-6, Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
• Instructor：Mr. Tatsuya SANADA

JBSK Social Action Group held a class on that great traditional British drink 'scotch', designed to give pleasure both to afficionados and to beginners. Tastings of scotches were accompanied by elucidation of matters ranging from the definition、trends in taste and consumption. The class was conducted by the veteran bartender, Mr. Sanada, in the VIP room of his "BAR Agreable".

Let’s read J.K. Rowling in English

• Date and Time：29th September，2018 10:30 – 12:30
• Venue：“Academic Theatre”, Bldg 5 lecture hall, Campus of Kinki University
• The Lecturer：Professor Richard Kelly, Faculty of Literature, Arts and Culture, Kinki University

This lecture was held in English, "the Magical Appeal of the Writings of J.K. Rowling, with a focus on themes, symbols and motifs" which was associated with the series of poetry readings set up in 1993 as an event for JBSK Ladies’Group by the wife of then British Consul General, organized on this occasion at the initiative of the JBSK Social Action Group. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter books, with fans worldwide. Taking the Potter series as text, Prof.Kelly discussed the traditions of English poetry which continue unbroken to the present day.Thanks to the kindness of Kinki University, the lecture took place in the brand new, innovative “Academic Theatre” university library in the British literary atmosphere.

Baseball Match at Koshien Stadium

• Date and Time：Wednesday 29th August
  2018 game starting at 18:00
• Match：Hanshin Tigers vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows
• Place：Hanshin Koshien Baseball Stadium-Green Seats

We were pleased to organize a gathering to cheer Hanshin Tigers up this year too. Unfortunately we could not sing the supporting song “ Rokko-oroshi” together, we could have a day to remember among the scorcher summer by cheering as a whole stadium.

Visit to Asahi Suita Brewery

• Date and Time：Saturday 21st July 2018
  10:30～12:30
• Place：Asahi Brewery, Suita, Osaka

This time we as Social Action Group visited our corporate member, Asahi Suita Brewery. On one of the days of record breaking heat, we gathered in the Guesthouse of the brewery. Mr.Onishi, one of the corporate reps’ thoughtful greeting, we were guided intently through the brewery from the history, the explanations on materials such as hops and yeasts, and process of canning, etc. by the guide staff. Eventual tasting time, we enjoyed so much the taste of the fresh beer to our contents. On the way back, taking the opportunity, some interested attendants stopped over at “Hamayashiki”, one of the reconstructed local Japanese manor hoses, to study the local Suita history including a unique Edo era festival“ Danjiri” float by the kind local volunteers’ guidance.

Oｈ(great)Kabuki presenting the succession of the Hakuo MATSUMOT 2nd and Koshiro MATSUMOT0 10th

• Date and Time：Saturday 7th July 2018 16：15～20：45
• Place：Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

We did the theathre-going to "Oh(great) Kabuki" in Osaka, held in July. This year a performance of the play "Kojo” is to be combined with a formal ceremonial stages, the succession from their fathers of two actors Koshiro MATSUMOTO 9th and Somegoro ICHIKAWA, respectively to the titles of Hakuo MATSUMOTO 2nd and to Koshiro MATSUMOTO 10th. The traditional performances were all over worth seeing so much.

The Queen’s Birthday Party by JBSK

• Date and Time：Thursday 7th June 2018
  18:00-20:00 (welcome drink from 17:30
  in the garden )
• Venue：Kobe Club, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

To pray for her Majesty’s good health who is 92 years old this year, the Japan British Society of the Kansai held the Queen’s Birthday Party at Kobe Club. The attendants enjoyed welcome drinks at the Club’s fresh verdure pool-garden after entry. From 18:00, President, Mr. Araki, and HM Consul-General, Ms. Wooten, made addresses and all toasted to the both sovereigns before the buffet dinner. It was impressed that Ms. Wooten mentioned that this toast would be the last one to the present emperor in her address. The following Buffet was as cheerful as usual and all attendants spent pleasant evening together.

BBQ Party with foreign students

• Date and Time：20th May 2018
  13:30 to 16:30
• Location：BBQ Space at Hattori Ryokuchi of
  Osaka Prefecture

The Social Action Group of Japan British Society of the Kansai held for the first time the BBQ Party for exchange between Japanese and British, especially with foreign students of Kansai University, Kobe City University of Foreign Study and gap-year volunteers from the Commonwealth. “Nodate (open-air traditional Japanese Tea service)” and Japanese music with “shamisen ( a traditional 3-stringed instrument )” were also presented and lastly we all sang together “Rokko-oroshi (cheer-up song of the Hanshin Tigres, Pro. Baseball Team in Kansai)”. S.A.G. would hope that the first BBQ event could make a big international relationship eventually.

Lecture of table manners for proper Afternoon Tea

• Date and Time：18th May 2018 13:00 to 15:00
• Location：AGM: Rihga Royal Hotel “Crown Room”
• Lecturer：Mr. Phillip Sykes

We are happy to present the very popular class on the etiquette and manners appropriate to afternoon tea which was organized last year by “RSVP”, a magazine specializing in matters British. The lecturer was Mr. Phillip Sykes of the British School of Etiquette, who has brought expertise on traditional British good manners to people around the world. Mr. Sykes explained the real manners over the sets of afternoon tea on each table by Rihga Royal Hotel. Lastly at the time of “questions and answer”, many attendants asked Mr. Sykes of the long pending doubts in manners to take afternoon tea to make them eventually clear. Last of all, Mr. Sykes handed the certificates to all the attendants and smiled in the group photograph.

Class on English antique silverware

• Date and Time：
  11th May 2018 13:30 to 15:30
• Location：HOTEL new HANKYU osaka,
  2nd Floor “Sora no ma”
• Instructor：Ms. Fukutome Rieko

Ms. Fukutome Rieko, one of our members, is going to give a talk on 11th May as an event of Social Action Group of JBSK. During her 20 years in the UK, Ms. Fukutome, our member, studied at the Royal School of Needlework and is the recipient of a Special Prize from the Nihon Handiwork Federation Exhibition. On this occasion she is going to give us instruction on antique silverewares and the care thereof. She explained the way to distinguish silver wares authenticity and its age. The attendant very seriously the hallmarks through the magnifiers on the silverware which the lecturer had brought specially.

Outing to a Japanese Sake Brewery and Funaya-gun, Boathouses, in Ine.

• Date and Time：21st April 2018
• Destination：Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture

Having left Umeda on time by our exclusive bus on a fine and warm day like an early summer, we proceeded to the first destination, a seafood restaurant in Kinosaki Spa run by a marine products dealer supplying the spa resort, where we enjoyed the local delicacy to the full. After the lunch, we moved to the Kinoshita Brewery in Kumihama. In spite of the busiest days of the year in brewing Sake, we could listen to the lecture by Mr. Phillip Harper; the only one British tohji; chief brewer, in Japan or even in the world. Mr. Harper who became a Tohji of the brewery in 2007 and now is very famous for receiving many awards through various unique ways of brewing with new inspirations only as a British. The fresh taste and aroma of the newly brewed Sake after the explanations and tasting were the most memorable things of the outing this time. Then the bus took us further to Ine Bay , with a view of Amanohashidate en route , where we ｗill board a boat and appreciated in sea breeze the famous local ‘funaya-gun’, boat houses, in Ine Bay. We all contented the day of the outing with lot of seafood souvenir in our hands.

2018 Annual General Meeting(AGM) and
Buffet Dinner Party

• Date：Tuesday 6th March 2018.
• Date：AGM: from 6:00 pm
  Party from: 6:30 pm
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

With the new presidency of Mr. N. Araki, we have been able to finish the planned activities of the first year. At the AGM, accordingly we reported and could obtain the approvals onthose activities and settlement of accounts and other agendas on the plan for the coming year’s activities and so on. Then we held the party at which the members, including the officers and council members, and their guests spent a very good time with informal talks over the Hotel’s proud French buffet with red and white wine.

JBSK Christmas Party 2017

• Date and time：Friday 15th December 2017 18:00 ～20:00
• Venue : “Sanraku no ma”at 2nd Floor of Rihga Royal Hotel

The Christmas Party was held gaily this year too. After the addresses of our president, Mr. Araki and HM Consul General, Ms. Wooten, we all enjoyed excellent foods of the hotel, even the invited children gazed interestedly the fantastic highlight of the Juggling performance of Japanese best prize winner. After the customary British style brass band’s play, the party was enlivened so much when the drawing of the wonderful free gifts donated by our corporate members and other sponsors begun, and the merry time passedso quickly.

What makes volunteering worthwhile

• Date and time：Tuesday 14th November 2017. From 11:00 to 14:00
• Location : The restaurant “Toh-ka-Lin” at Hotel Okura, Kobe
• Speaker : Ms. Junko NAKAMURA, Director of the Kobe Community Support Centre.

In considering how to distribute the proceeds of this year's Ladies Group Bazaar, we were lucky enough to have the advice of Nakamura sensei.Giving us the benefit of her extensive experience in the field, she gave us a wonderful and highly enjoyable talk. One hour passed in a flash, followed by a lively question-and-answer session and then lunch.

JBSK Day 2017

• Date and time：Sunday 15th October 2017
• Place : Umeda Hall on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Japan British Society of the Kansai held the JBSK Day during the U.K. Fair at Umeda Hankyu Dept Store.in Osaka this year. Soon after the opening of the store, many people gathered at the charity bazaar for there were various donated goods from our corporate members andcorporate sponsors. Then we held the lecture by Ms. Venetia Stanley-Smith, which wasrealized by many pending requests. She explained about her up-to-date gardening style and sang together her original song so that we could appreciate her life style. At the casual party afterwards, all had a nicetime with the sounds of a pipeband lead by a world champion drum major and the British songs by a guitar duo, exchanging cheerfully with the British artisans there who were invited to the Fair.

※ The special thanks to the corporate members and the sponsor companies who kindly donated to the bazaar and the profit from which we would donate and use for social activities.

Trial Class of English Needlepoint Embroidery

• Date and time：Wednesday 6th September 2017,13:30 to 15:30
• Place : 13th Floor, Applause Tower Conference Centre, Room 10
• Instructress : Ms. Yoko MINAMI

We held the course of English Needlepoint Embroidery for the first time. Even for the applicants who have not had tried before could handle the needle at the end by the proper instruction of Ms. Minami We all had nice time, talking each other and enjoyed happily the English Culture.

Baseball Match at Koshien Stadium

• Date and time：Saturday 26th July 2017
  night game starting at 18:00
• Match : Hanshin Tigers vs. Yokohama DeNA Baystars
• Place : Hanshin Koshien Baseball Stadium-Green Seats

We booked good 40 green seats behind the back screen net and we enjoyed the match. Even though we all cheered the Tigers, and they fought very well but they eventually lost at the end. Anyway we could spend the happy hours together at the end of the mid-summer season in Koshien Stadium.

BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

• Date and time：Thursday 15th June 2017
  5：30pm - 8：00pm
• Place : KOBE CLUB

We held the party to celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen held at Kobe Club, under the blue sky this year too. Firstly we served the welcome drinks at the poolside in the fresh green garden. Following the address by Mr. Bannister, HM Deputy Consul General, the toasts were done to the Emperor and to the Queen followed by the national anthems respectively before the party started. During the party, Mr. Bannister’s move to Tokyo by the end of this month was announced and a token and a bunch of flowers were presented by Mr. Araki and Mr. Bannister replied it by farewell speech. After that it reached to the most cheerful moment with the surprise best dresser award and the attendants spent a pleasant time toward the end of the party.

British Pudding Party

• Date and time：Wednesday 31st May 2017 0pm - 2:30pm
• Place : “Crown Room”28th Floor., Tower Wing, Rihga Royal Hotel
• Lecturer : Mrs.Tamao SAKO

Ms Sako has spent ten years in the UK, developing a profound knowledge of traditional British sweetmeats of all kinds. She instructed us in the characteristics of the “Pudding Party”, a tradition originating in the Cotswolds. After a “one-plate” hotel lunch and a talk by Ms Sako, participants were offered a choice selection of five handmade puddings to compare; and as a grand finale, a vote was taken for first place among the puddings, a pleasant ending to a most enjoyable event.

Open Lecture; English Cultural Studies - British Poetry Reading Group

• Date and time：Saturday 20th May 2017 10:30am - 0pm
• Place : “Nishinomiya InterUniversity Cooperation”
• Lecturer : Prf. Dr. Richard Kelly

Interested members of the Ladies Group have been running cultural activities since 1993. Mrs. Williams, the wife of the then Consul General, suggested a poetry reading in that year, and the group now meet once a month under Dr. Richard Kelly. On this occasion, Dr. Kelly gave a lecture on “The Faerie Queene” by Edmund Spencer, one of the great figures of the English Renaissance, a rare and much appreciated opportunity for the participants to experience this great poet.

410year-old National Treasure Hikone Castle and Vories architecture

• Date：Saturday 22nd April 2017
• Destination : Hikone, Shiga Prefecture

Our spring outing by coach this year was to Hikone, an area of great beauty and historical and cultural interest. After visiting the 410 year old Donjon of Hikone Castle (a National Treasure), and a ramble along “Castle Road”, we visited two buildings, open to the public this year, by the architect William Vories, creator of some 1,600 western-style buildings around Japan and founder of the OMI Brotherhood which brought mentholatum to Japan. Lunch was at the restaurant Setsugekka,, with seasonal vegetables and charcoal-cooked “O_mi beef”, kaiseki-style. On the way back we paused at the confectionary factory “La Colina Omi-hachiman” , developed by “Taneya” as part of the “Club Harie” and particularly famous for its baumkuchen. Altogether it was a satisfying and fulfilling springtime expedition.

Charity Bazaar by Ladies' Group

• Date and time：Saturday 15th April 2017 11:00am - 4:00pm
• Place : The Kobe Club

This Charity Bazaar organized by the Ladies Group of Japan British Society of the Kansai is always very popular activities. With various goods from the supporting companies and individuals, there were　many sale booths such as one called in U.K. as “White Elephant”, handmade confectionery and accessories, where the more valueｄ the goods were, the more they rapidly sold. At lunch time, all tried Lady Group’s special curry popular with homemade pickles, so that the bazaar was enjoyable by whole family. In the afternoon, the raffle started for a big range of fantastic prizes and you could even get a luxury travel coupon as the grand prize. The net profit from the bazaar will be utilized as donations to welfare organizations and also to the devastate area by disaster.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2017 and Buffet Dinner Party

• Date：Tuesday 9th March 2017
• Time：AGM: from 6:00 pm
  Time：Party from: 6:30 pm
• Venue : Hotel Hankyu International

This is the beginning of the new stage of the Society. It was reported at the AGM that the President had been changed and Mr. Naoya Araki became the new President and HM Consul General, Ms Sarah Wooten, assumed the Senior Vice President. Also it was announced that HE Mr. Paul Madden , HM Ambassador arrived this January, had accepted to be our Honorary President. Nine new council members were added and the new structure of the Japan British Society of the Kansai has been approved at AGM.
Mr. Shunichi Sugioka, former President, was appointed to Honorary Member on recognition of the Council on his conspicuous contribution to the Society during the seven year presidency.
The Buffet Dinner after the AGM was more sociable with the new leader and faces and more cheerful than usual.

Welcome Party for HMCG Ms. Wooten and Christmas Party 2016

• Date：Friday 16th December 2016
• Time：18:00-20:00
• Venue : Rihga Royal Hotel

This time we held the Christmas Party 2016 combined with the Welcome Party for the new Consul-General, Ms. Wooten, who took up her position just last October. She gave her words with good old memory when she worked in Osaka as a consul many years ago. Once the juggling started as entertainment, invited children kept their eyes open wide at it within short distance. Lastly, the party arose to the most cheerful hour during the bingo with the many wonderful prizes presented by the corporate sponsors.

JBSK Day 2016

• Date：Sunday 16th October 2016
• Place : Umeda Hall on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Japan British Society of the Kansai held the 4th JBSK day during the U.K. Fair at Umeda Hankyu.in Osaka this year. Soon after the opening of the store, many people gathered at the charity bazaar and we sold out at 13:30. Then we showed the film “Royal night out” based on the episode when the Queen was a princes who became90 years old this year. Then at the casual party, all had a nice exchanging time with the sounds of bagpipe and the Beatle Real Live Band., exchanging cheerfully with the British artisans there who were invited to the Fair.

※The special thanks to the corporate members and the companies who kindly donated to the bazaar the profit from which we would donate and use for social activities.

Charity Exhibition ～ Japan through British Ambassadors eyes ～ Ambassador’s Anthology of Haiku (“Twaiku”)

• Date：Wednesday 12th – Monday 17th October 2016.
• Place：Hankyu Umeda Gallery on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda main store

The Anthology of Haiku of the British Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Tim Hichens, was published with the illustration by Mr. Takashi Kasashima, and we happily exhibited 26 frames of haiku and illustrations from the Anthology. It was a great honour for the society that HM Ambassador came to the opening personally. We also sold the Anthology books together with the frames of haiku and its illustrations and the all the sale without tax were donated to devastated area by the great earthquake of Kumamoto, Kyushu, through H2O SANTA Foundation.

Herbal Lecture “Beautiful Aging”

• Date：Thursday 15th September 2016
  14:00-15:30
• Venue : Hotel Hankyu International

Inviting Mrs. Itsuko Hisatake as a lecturer, comparing some herbs by drinking, we could enjoyed a wide talk from the lifestyle with herbs to diet and cold constitution to sound sleep. Also we could make face cream with actually heated container, learning with members with high sense of beauty. We all could spend full and happy hours through the study altogether.

Baseball Match at Koshien Stadium

• Date：Saturday 27th August 2016 night game starting at 18:00
• Match：Hanshin Tigers vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows
• Place：Hanshin Koshien Baseball Stadium-Green Seats

We booked good 40 green seats behind the back screen net and we enjoyed the match. Even though we all cheered the tigers, they eventually lost but we could spend the happy hours together at the end of the summer season in Koshien Stadium.

Film show of “Imphal 1944” and Lecture

• Date：Friday 28th July 2016 14:00-16:00
• Place：ＡＰ Osaka Umeda Chayamachi；8th floor, ABC-MART Umeda Bldg.
• Lecturer：Mr. Junichi KAJIOKA

Mr. Junichi KAJIOKA, a London based actor/director/producer/writer, gave an interesting and merry lecture after showing of his short film named “Imphal 1944”. Because of his character, his many friends including World-famous fashion designer, MICHIKO KOSHINO, gathered to the venue and we could enjoy the useful and nice stories which we can seldom or never hear normally.

BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

• Date and time：Thursday 2nd June 2016 18：00-20：00
• Venue : KOBE CLUB

We held the party to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen held at Kobe Club. The weather was luckily fine and this time too we could serve the welcome drinks in the garden after entries. Following the address by Mr. Bannister, HM Acting Consul General, the toasts were done to the Emperor and to the Queen followed by the national anthems respectively before the party started. All the members and the guests spent a pleasant time with buffet of the Kobe Club and drinks. At the middle of the party, when piano was played, the party reached to the most cheerful moment.

Hotel Lunch and Cartonnage Course

• Date and time：Wednesday 17th May 2016 12:00-14:30
• Venue：Rihga Royal Hotel,
• Lecturer：Ms. Shinobu ISHIMARU

After the delicious lunch with beautiful window view of the Rihga Royal Hotel, ｗe enjoyed the cartonnage course by a vivid lecturer, Ms. Shinobu ISHIMARU. Since she kindly prepared the paper patterns and the cut fabrics beforehand, even the beginner could finish beautifully. Then we spent a very cheerful time comparing among us and taking pictures each other. With nice finished treys and her careful and humorous guidance, the course was useful and happy-memorable one in the end.

Steamed Lobster at Ise and Ago-wan Bay Cruise in Shima

• Date：Saturday 23rd April 2016
• Destination：Toba and Shima, Mie

This time we went to Ise-Shima area, Mie Prefecture, a notable spot of this year for Summit Meeting. Firstly we went to Toba where we smacked our lips over the fresh steamed lobsters and oysters from the in-store aquarium at famous seafood restaurant for lunch. Then we moved on to Kashiko-jima island and we embarked on “the Esperanza” sightseeing ship to cruise the National Park Ago-wan Bay popular for the saw-toothed coastline. At the pearl framing island, we disembarked to see how the pearls are farmed. Then we could enjoy the panoramic view of the bay from the Yokoyama Observatory to take photos under fine spring sky and the tour was very memorable in all.

Charity Bazaar by Ladies' Group

• Date and time：Saturday 16th April 2016 11:00-16:00
• Place：The Kobe Club

Thank you very much for supporting the annual Ladies’ Group’s Charity Bazaar which was held on luckily very fine day. We could enjoy superb supports such as donations, hand made goods from many corporate members and individual members and we received a lot of visitors as a result. Accordingly we can make a large contribution to our usual local welfare facilities and organizations to help the suffered. We really appreciate your cooperation.

Annual General Meeting（AGM）and Buffet Dinner Party

• Date：Tuesday 8th March 2016.
  from 5:30 pm Party from: 6:00 pm
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

From 2016, we have changed the definition of the accounting year and are in future going to hold the AGM and the annual year-end party, in March. Since this is the Society’s 80th Anniversary, we held the commendation for some members who contributed so much not only to the local society. Also we invited Director General of Japan Society (Tokyo), former Ambassador to U.K. and we could have the wonderful congratulatory speech. Then the visitor, members and their guests spent happy hours with the hotel delicious cuisine and informal conversations.

JBSK Christmas Party 2015

• Date and time : Monday 14th December 2015 from 18:00 to 20:00
• Place : RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL in Nakanoshima, Osaka

This year when The Japan British Society of the Kansai changed the fiscal term, the Annual General Meeting and the year-end Party in December moved to March. Accordingly, as JBSK, we were able to hold the Christmas Party for the first time. Aiming at making family way party, we tried to let children and couples attend. A rakugo performer being as a master of ceremonies, we prepared the entertainments such as a close magician and a juggler, and further more with British style brass band playing Christmas music, the party became very cheerful one. Lastly, we did the lottery with many free gifts presented by our corporate members and the venue rang with the sound of laughter and cheers by which the party was strongly impressed in our memories.

Autumn Outing Volunteering at ARK Sanctuary with BBQ and the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo

• Date: Tuesday 17th November 2015
• Destination : Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture

We carried out the 2nd volunteer outing. We visited the animal protection facilities, ARK Sasayama Sanctuary, run by one of our members, Ms. Elizabeth Oliver and we volunteered to plant the spring blooming 100 daffodil bulbs there. It was not easy to make the pits at the hard ground with pebbles to do such the works hoping that they may bloom beautifully in coming spring. After the activities, we enjoyed thoroughly the special barbeque by ARK. We also visited the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, appreciating Tamba Pottery on the way back. It was really a satisfactory day indeed.

JBSK Day 2015 in Umeda Hankyu Main Store

• Date and time : Sunday 11th October 2015　10:00-19:30
• Place : Umeda Hall on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store

This was the 3rd JBSK Day Which we held at Umeda Hankyu's UK Fair. Firstly so many visitors came in the early morning, we could sale all the charity bazaar goods out just before planned time of 14:00. Following the lecture by Mr.Shirasu SHINYA, which was enjoyed very much and we had a good time by hearing his thoughts on Japanese Traditional Art and the story of his grandfather and grandmother, Mr.Jiro and Mrs.Masako SHIRASU. Lastly at the casual party, all had a nice exchanging time with invited visitors from UK enjoying the tunes by a Beatles follower band, drinking beer and whisky, and eating sandwiches. They all danced together forming a ring with hand in hand at the climax in the end.

Gathering to cheer Hanshin Tigers in Koshien

• Date and time : Friday 24th July 2015　night game from 18:00-
• Match : Hanshin Tigers vs Yokohama DeNA Baystars
• Place : Green seats at Hanshin Koshien Stadium

We enjoyed the match from the good green seats just behind the rear net fence. The Tigers scored around the end of the game and finally won the game with big cheers from the fans.

BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

• Date and time : Wednesday 10th June 2015 18：00-20：00
• Venue : Kobe Club in Kitano-cho, Kobe

We held the party to celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen held at Kobe Club. This time of the 80th Anniversary of JBSK, we served the welcome drinks in the garden with solo violin performance after entries for a change. Following the address by Mr. Shearer, HM Consul General, he and Mr. Sugioka; President of the Society, toasted to the Emperor and to the Queen followed by the national anthems respectively before the party started. All the members and the guests spent a pleasant time with specially arranged classical music by the duet of violin and piano during the party.

80th Anniversary Luncheon Lecture

• Date and time : Wednesday 27th May 2015 12:00-14:30
• Venue : ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Osaka
• Lecturer : Mrs. Kaori NAKANO
• Theme : “The Royal Way of Life; Learning from the British Royal Family”

The theme of this time was the revered “Royal Style” of the British Royal Family, to be given by Mrs. Kaori NAKANO, a leading figure in the literary world and media; a rare and enjoyable opportunity to learn about the characteristics and fashions of the Royal Family in UK history and culture. We got a glimpse of the Queen’s family tree and their daily life with lot of visual materials. We could enjoy meaningful time as if we had experienced the royal way of life.

World Heritage in Uji and maiko dance in the spring green of Kyoto

• Date : Saturday 25th April 2015
• Destination : Uji and Kyoto

It was a very suitable fine day for the outing this time of the year. First of all, we went to Byodoin-temple and pay a visit to the Ujigami Shrine. Secondly we moved on to "Saami", an old ryotei restaurant and we enjoyed an elegant lunch with a "maiko dance" which was a very exceptional experience. Then we proceeded to a teahouse at Shoren-in Temple and we were treated by traditional tea and cake,　feeling Japanese traditional culture we all spent a pleasant day together.

Potluck Party 2015

• Date : Tuesday 24th March 2015
• Place: HM Consul-General, Mr. Michael Shearer’s Residence

This party was held thanks to the kind generositieｓ of HM Consul－General, Mr.Shearer and Mrs. Nicola Shearer, at their residence．With an affluent variety of foods and drinks brought in by attending members and guests, we enjoyed happily the pleasant time together in cozy atmosphere, talking each other featuring Mr. and Mrs. Shearer.

Annual General Meeting(AGM) and Buffet Dinner Party

• Date : Thursday 11th December 2014
• AGM：6:00 pm　Party：6:30 pm
• Venue: Hotel Hankyu International

At the AGM this time, we introduced our activities to the members with slide show for the first time. The buffet dinner party followed and more than 160 members, guests and specially invited attendants from many firms that offered their goods to the JBSK day bazaar spent friendly pleasant time with French buffet with some addition of Scottish cuisines and drinks.

Autumn Outing with volunteering at ARK Sanctuary with BBQ and Sasayama Old Town Visit

• Date : Tuesday 18th November 2014
• Destination : Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture

As a new event, we panned an outing including volunteer activities. At the peak of autumn color leaves, we volunteered to plant spring flower bulbs in the ARK Sasayama Sanctuary; animal refugee activities’ new base. The activity with cooperation under the winter sunshine was very meaningful. After the activities, we enjoyed barbeque specially made by ARK for us, and then we proceeded to the Tamba Sasayama old town, which turned out to be extremely grateful in all.

JBSK Day 2014 at Umeda Hankyu Main Store

• Date and Time : Sunday 12th October 2014 11:00-19:30
• Place : Umeda Hall on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store

This was the 2nd JBSK Day which we held at Umeda Hankyu's UK Fair. With many visitors, we sold all the bazaar goods out. Also attendants of the lecture by Mr. Yoshinobu Takebe and the Talk Show by Ms. Daian Kichijitsu and Antony Flenley were enjoyed very much and had a good time by listening to the rare experiences. Then at the casual party, all had a nice exchanging time with the music by British-style Brass Band and bagpipes' performance, drinking beer and eating sandwiches.

Luncheon Course on "English hand-tied bouquets"

• Date and time : Tuesday 30th September 2014 from 12:00 to 14:30
• Venue : ANACrowne Plaza Hotel Osaka
• Instructor : Mrs. Fumie TANIGAWA

This was the first luncheon course on bouquet making with flesh flowers in JBSK events so far. After hearing the lecturer, Mrs. Tanigawa,'s explanations on today's British flower arrangement, we all made up the beautiful bouquet successfully by her kind instructions and we really had a very good time.

Gathering to cheer Hanshin Tigers in Koshien

• Date and timeｃWednesday 30th July 2014 night game from 18:00-
• Match : Hanshin Tigers vs Yakult Swallows
• Place : Green seats at Hanshin Koshien Stadium

We could provide 40 green seats and gathered as we planned.We successfully cheered up and so that the Hanshin Tigers won this time with scores 5-4.

BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

• Date and time : Saturday 14th June 2014 18:00-20:00
• Place : Kobe Club in Kitano-cho, Kobe

The party was held this year also at Kobe Club for cerebrating the Queen’s Birthday.
After the main guest address by Mr. Shearer,
the British Consul-General, and toasts we all enjoyed friendly the Buffet Style Dinner.
There were also new members who attended for the first time and communicated well to make good human relations each other.

Spring Outing 2014
“Awaji Yumebutai Green House and Awaji-ningyoza”

• Date : Saturday 26th April 2014
• Destinations : Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture

First we visited the “the Miracle Planet Museum of Plants” Awaji Island, crossing the Pearl Bridge, with beautifully bloomed rare flowers at Awaji Yumebutai, multi culture resort facilities. Proceeding southbound, after lunch at French Restaurant at Hotel Anaga, we proceed to see Ningyo-joruri (puppet and narrative theatre) , one of the National Intangible Folk Assets. Through the outing, we enjoyed very much the spring natural beauty and historic interests in Awaji Island.

Charity Bazaar by Ladies' Group

• Date and time：Saturday, 19th April, 2014 11:00-16:00
• Place : The Kobe Club

Thank you for supporting the Charity Bazaar this year. We had a very good turnout and plan to make a large contribution to our usual welfare organisations. We hope to see you again next year.

Luncheon Lecture

• Date：Friday 28th March 2014 12:00-14:00
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International 5F “Nanten no ma”
• Speaker : Mrs. Mieko TEKI
• Theme : “Diplomat & Doctor: William Willis, Witness of Bakumatsu Japan”

Many members and guests attended this time. This year, 2014, is the 120th anniversary of the death of Dr. William Willis, who came to Japan as a diplomat and medical officer and who contributed to the foundations of modern Japanese medical science. We were happy to provide a chance to hear a talk by his great-granddaughter, JBSK member Mrs. Mieko TEKI, about his contributions to Japan during the eventful times of the Meiji Restoration not in the fields of medical science but also the introduction of humanity.

Annual General Meeting(AGM) and Party

• Date：Thursday 12th December 2013.
  AGM: 6:00pm Party: 6:30pm
• Venue：Hotel Hankyu International

The General Meeting was held on 12th December 2013. Within our new structure, Mr. Tim Hitchens, HM Ambassador to Japan, has kindly agreed to be our Honorary President and Mr. Michael Shearer, HM Consul-General, has been elected as Council Member and Senior Vice President. At the followed Buffet Dinner Party, Mrs. Shearer was also one of the 125 attendants and we all spent a very happy time through talking and drinking with delicious French Buffet by the hotel.

Luncheon Lecture

• Date and time：Friday 29th November 2013 12:00-14:00
• Venue：Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka 2F “Diamond Room”
• Speaker : Ms. Tomoko Nishio

The lecturer, Ms. Tomoko Nishio, now an advisor to the New Festival Hall, is not only in ballet but also is active in various fields such as traditional Noh and so on . She talked visually about the memory of meeting young Tetsuya Kumakawa when he was a member of the Royal Opera and also an inside story of the musical “Made in London” produced by her in Japan. Besides, we heard about varied artist acquaintances with and future theatrical projects. Her vigorous speech made us cheered up.

FAREWELL PARTY＆ RECEPTION in honours of HMBCG, Mr.Fisher and the next HMBCG Mr.Shearer

• Date：Tuesday 15th October 2013 18:00-20:00
• Venue：ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Osaka “Heianno-ma room” on 4th floor

Since the party was for both Mr. Simon Fisher, present British Consulate-General and Mr. Micheal Shearer, the next British Consulate-General, many attendants were there. We had a very pleasant time with talks bout the past events, taking a pictures together and the party was eventually very happy one.

THE OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

• Date：Thursday 6th June 2013 from 18:00 to 20:00
• Place：Kobe Club in Kobe City 4-15-1,Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

The party was held this year also in conjunction with the British Consulate-General.After toasts by Mr. Fisher, the Consul-General, and Mr. Sugioka, President,we all enjoyed friendly the pleasant talk to the end of the party.The new members who attended for the first time communicated well either with English attendants.

Charity Bazaar by Ladies' Group

• Date and time:Saturday, 20th April, 2013 11:00-16:00
• Place:The Kobe Club at Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

Thank you for supporting the Charity Bazaar this year.
We had a very good turnout and plan to make a significant contribution to our usual welfare organizations.
We hope to see you again next year.

Spring Outing 2013
English Garden and Sakamoto Town at West Bank of Lake Biwa

• Date:Saturday 13th April 2013

On a worm spring day, firstly we visited at a beautiful English Garden near the lake.
After enjoying French luncheon at “L‘Hotel de Hiei”, we proceeded to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in the old town Sakamto.
After the shrine we learnt various things about the one of the residences of retired priests of Enryaku-ji Temple.

AGM and Party

• Date and time: Thursday 13th December 2012
  AGM: 6:00pm
  Party: 6:30pm
  Reception open from 5:30pm
• Location: Hotel Hankyu International

At the buffet dinner party following the Annual General Meeting around 120 attendants met and it was appropriate event to anchor the events of the society in the year of 2012. The members and their gusts spent the pleasant and informal time with delicious foods added this time with special traditional scotch cuisine.

Charity Bazaar at the new Umeda main store of Hankyu Department Store

• Date and time: Sunday 11th November 2012
  11:00 - 17:00
• Place: UK Fair 2012 Venue at 9th Fl, Hankyu Dept. Store Umeda

The charity bazaar we held for the first time at the U.K. Fair of Hankyu Department Store’s Umeda main store was so successful with many visitors that the gathered goods were sold out before evening. The profit from the bazaar was made use of for various social welfare facilities in due course.

Joint Event with Japan America Society in Osaka “American Jazz Night by Pacific Showcase”

• Date and time: Thursday 25th October 2012
  Concert 19:00 - 20:00
  Buffet 20:00 - 21:15
• Place: Teikoku Hotel Osaka 3F“Kujyakuno-ma”

This year in place of regular joint event, goodwill golf match, with Japan America Society in Osaka、we participated the Jazz Event by Pacific Showcase of the United States Air Forces. All the members of the band, an all-pro Jazz band inherited from Glenn Miller's “Army Air Force Band. The room resounded with the loud clapping and cheers of the attendants. After the concert, members and guests of JBSK and JASO and also students exchanged merrily at the Buffet Party.

Lunch Time Rakugo (Comic Storytelling) by Diane

• Date and time: Thursday 20th September 2012
  12:00 - 14:00
• Venue: Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka 2F“Diamond Room”
• Speaker: Diane Kichijitsu, Ms. Diane Orrett
• Theme: “Wonderful Japan”
  (in Japanese and English)

This was the first luncheon Rakugo of our society. The speaker was a female Rakugo performer from Liverpool, Diane Kichijitsu, and her easy English Rakugo ion Kansai dialect made the attendants burst into laughter time after time. After the Rakugo, she talked about the prompt which made her mind to be Rakugo performer, the 22 years of her stay in Japan and also her love for Japanese culture and its people. She also introduced her wish to promote Japanese culture among the foreigners. This event made us see that there are many good examples for us to follow.

Tea-Time Lecture by Ms.Oliver of ARK
“Ms. Oliver's Post East Japan Disaster

• Date and time: Friday 20th July 2012
  15:00 - 16:30
• Place: Hotel Hankyu International, Umeda, Osaka
• Speaker: Ms. Elizabeth Oliver
• Theme: “Ms. Oliver's Post East Japan Disaster”

After the disaster of 11th March 2011, ARK(Animals Refugee Kansai) have successfully provided the shelters for around 200 suffered animals mainly dogs. Based on the experiences, Ms. Oliver talked about the issues of the pets in Tohoku area. ARK is still trying to find suitable fosters for them whom original masters could not been eventually found. Also she explained visually with images on screen the difference among animal shelters around the World and on the present problems in Japanese animal welfare.

Official Queen's Birthday Party

• Date and time: Wednesday 13th June 2012
  18:00 - 20:00
• Place: Kobe Club in Kitano－cho, Kobe

In the year of Diamond Jubilee, 110 people gathered for the special event with the honour of the Ambassador, Mr. David Warren's presence. We enjoyed so much the community of the members and their guest and the auspicious “Noh” performance by the artists form Yamamoto Nohgakudo.

Charity Bazaar by Ladies' Group

• Date and time: Saturday, 21st April, 2012
  11:00 - 16:00
• Place: The Kobe Club 4-15-1 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 078-241-2588
  There is no parking space, so please use public transportation.

Thank you for supporting the Charity Bazaar this year. We had a very good turnout and plan to make?a large contribution to our usual welfare organizations. We hope to see you again next year.

Luncheon Lecture Spring 2012

• Date and time: Saturday 7th April 2012
  12:00 - 14:00
• Place: ANA Crown Plaza Hotel

This is a good opportunity of hearing a lecture at lunch time by Ms. Keiko Sato, who is known to be active in various fields from English Gardening to Town planning. The background of her activities such as Gardening, Open Gardens,　Preservation and application of Old Buildings, Art Festival and Urban Scenery Producing, Volunteering etc. seems to be frequent visits to Britain. This is a chance to know what kind of clues she had obtained from U.K. for our future life.