Where can I find information in English in Mito?

Carly Bode, International Affairs Division

With almost 3000 foreign residents, Mito has a great infrastructure to help them out. The Ibaraki International Association and the Mito International Center are just 2 of the organizations designed to help make life in Ibaraki and Mito easier for foreigners.

The Ibaraki International Association

The Ibaraki International Association (IIA) is a public corporation established in Ibaraki to advance internationalization in practical ways by both local government and the citizenry. "Internationalization" involves creating new expressions of Ibaraki culture. We strive to realize the spirit of the phrase "The earth is our home, the world is our friend."

The IIA offers the following services to the foreigners of Ibaraki.

* Gather information, Provide services:
Periodicals, internet access, a library and resource center provide international information.

* Link up with and support international group:
Network with and support various groups throughout Ibaraki prefecture.

* Promote Volunteer programs:
Put foreigners in touch with interpreters, homestay volunteers, and others.

* Organize International Exchange Programs:
Coordinate international events throughout the year to foster cultural exchange between foreigners and Ibaraki residents.

* Facilitate International Understanding:
To deepen international understanding, coordinate school visits by foreigners and expatriate Japanese. IIA also offers cultural workshops, Japanese speech contests for foreigners, and other opportunities to learn about foreign customs and cultures.

* Foster International Cooperation:
Workshops on international cooperation and support the research trainees from abroad who are invited to Ibaraki every year. Facilitate fund drives for various charities.

* Assist Foreigners in Ibaraki:
Foreign Consultation Center. Distribute guidebooks for foreign residents in several languages. Help hone the skills of Japanese language instructors and assist foreigners in learning Japanese.

Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays,Sundays and Holidays.
Address: Ibaraki International Association, Kenmin Bunka Center Annex 2F,
745 Ushirokawa, Senba-chō Mito-shi,Ibaraki 310-0851 (access(external link))
Telephone: 029-241-1611 (Main Office), 029-244-3811 (Foreigner Consultation Center)
Fax: 029-241-7611
E-mail: iia@themis.ocn.ne.jp
Website: www.ia-ibaraki.or.jp(external link)

Mito International Center

The Mito International Center was opened in April, 1998, with the aims of achieving mutual understanding between a wide variety of cultures of the world, promoting international activities for the citizens of Mito, and expanding the internationalization of the city.

Outline of Services
* Exchange Events among Cities
* International exchange events
* Lectures, Lecture Meetings about internationalization
* International Parties
* Services for Foreign Residents
* Offering Information on international exchange
* Japanese Cooking Class
* Tours

Open: 9:00-21:00
Close: Mondays, National Holidays, Year's End & New Year's
Address: 6-59 Bizen-machi, Mito City, Ibaraki, JAPAN Tel: 029-221-1800
Fax: 029-221-5793
Email: mcia@mito.ne.jp
Website: www.mitoic.or.jp(external link)