Kokusai Hiroba Café -Around the World- Vol. 69 

Date

May 8^th (SUN) 14：00－15：30

Venue

Online through Zoom

Organizers

Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation

Participation Fee

Free

Audience

To people interested in international exchange

instructors

Azusa Suga (Palestine)
Michael Okada(America)

◇ Contents

　 Opening and introduction of Hiroba Café

　 Introduction of Palestine and America by lecturers from each country

     Q&A time and closing of the meeting

(Opening)

The host explained event the purpose of the Hiroba Cafe, and introduced Azusa Suga, who has visited Palestine more than 10 times in the past, and Michael Okada, from the United States.

(Introduction of each country)

Palestine: 

Ms. Suga introduced life in Palestinian refugee camps and the differences and similarities with Japanese culture. She explained that Palestine is often not marked on maps and that it is difficult to draw border lines. She showed the yellow sticker that is placed on the back of passports when entering the country. The Separation Wall built by Israel has become a huge canvas for artists from all over the world, and there is even a hotel built by Banksy, a famous Japanese artist. She also showed pictures of a hotel built by Banksy, who is also famous in Japan.

The diners in Jerusalem that are not in the guidebooks, inside the fast food restaurants in the refugee camps, or the most famous person in the world (Jesus Christ) or The Christmas season in Bethlehem, where he was born, was introduced in a video. She also introduced a soccer field in the Gaza Strip, explaining that it was built by the Japanese government with the mental care of the youth in mind.

A video was presented showing the current lack of freedom of movement under Israeli occupation, with checkpoints suddenly being set up anywhere and anytime, and during bus rides, only Palestinians are forced to disembark.

With a video, she explained how she spent her time in her car patiently despite the inconvenience of traffic jams that occur on a daily basis. Despite their sad history, Palestinians have a rich culture and are cheerful and upbeat. She said that she has continued to visit Palestine because she is fascinated by the warm-heartedness of the Palestinian people, which she feels is somewhat like the scenery of old Japan. Many said it was a good opportunity to learn about the lives of the Palestinian people, which they cannot see or hear about on the news.

America: 

Michael introduced American comedy, including comparisons with Japanese comedy. American comedy includes talk shows, sitcoms, sketches, and stand-up. He explained that it is a way to make the audience laugh, but not necessarily while standing up. He also showed pictures of comedians who can use the microphones and chairs on the stage as props and can use them at will. Performance durations ranged from 3-90 minutes. He explained that jokes can be about anything from politics, current affairs, and family situations to racist and vulgar jokes. He said he feels American culture in the way they satirize subjects that are often taboo in Japan and make poignant jokes about criticism of cultural things.

Next, he introduced the various international exchange projects he has been involved in over the past six years as a CIR at the Fukuoka Prefectural Government. He introduced his interpretation and translation work, PR activities for Fukuoka overseas, and behind-the-scenes work at international conferences held in Fukuoka. Finally, he stated that Fukuoka is an easy place to live and that he felt the people here really love Fukuoka. During the question-and-answer session that followed, participants showed great interest and asked many questions.