Activities
The Takasaki International Relations Society holds a wide range of events.
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.
Mini World Expo (August 2025)
【Chuo Kominkan】
21 families attended the “Mini World Expo in Takasaki”, where they learned about the cultures of America (Native Americans), Mexico, Canada, and Nigeria. Participating children enjoyed crafts, games, and more at each country’s pavilion.
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.
