Chiba Kun Ambassadors For The Forth Time

"Lets spread Chibaism to the world!"

Errr, well, that word is not exactly what you think lol!

Chiba Prefecture began the "Ambassadors to Spread Chiba Prefecture's Charm to the World Together with CHI-BA+KUN" (abbreviated as "CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors") project in 2011. The CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors are exchange students and other foreign residents living in Chiba Prefecture, who use their blogs, Facebook, and other social media to promote Chiba Prefecture’s many attractions in their native languages.

Our group photo with the Governor of Chiba Prefecture, Mr Morita Kensaku.

This year, 20 ambassadors was selected from a total of 34 applicants to be the Chiba Kun Ambassadors. These 20 ambassadors were picked from 11 countries of various parts of the world, including Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Taiwan, US, Vietnam. And to make things even more exciting, out of the 20 ambassadors, 18 of them are from the opposite sex. Now, tell me how I ain't excited this year lol!

I am glad to be selected as one of the 20 ambassadors this year, which, also marks my forth straight year being involved in this wonderful project. Although I have been involved in this project for the past three years, it does not mean I would be selected by default for the following year. I still had to apply from the basic and undergo the selection process, just like any other fresh applicants. To the selection committee, thank you very much for putting your trust in me once more.

Presented with my appointment certificate at the appointment ceremony, held at Chiba Prefectural Office.

So, what is Chiba Kun, you may ask.

Chiba Kun is a red creature designed by Chiharu Sakazaki (坂崎千春), the same artist who designed the penguin character on JR East Suica card. Born on January 11, 2007, Chiba Kun is often mistaken as a dog. But no, it is not a dog but a mysterious creature that lives in Chiba prefecture. Chiba Kun is said to be very curious and loves to take on a challenge.  When facing something unknown, he becomes even more courageous and passionate, and his body shines red.

The appointment certificate as the Chiba Kun Ambassadors 2014, together with a goodie bag which contains pamphlets, Chiba Kun Ambassadors limited-edition badge, keychain, etc.

Being the Chiba Kun Ambassadors, literally, we will be the ambassadors for this mysterious creature hahaha! The ambassadors will proactively explore Chiba prefecture both voluntarily and through prefecture-sponsored tours, which include cultural workshops and visits to famous spots in Chiba. The ambassadors will use these experiences to promote Chiba prefecture's attractions, which includes beautiful tourist spots, delicious local cuisine, interesting daily life, etc. in their mother-tongue language via various tools, like personal blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Besides that, from my three years as Chiba Kun Ambassadors, I was lucky to be selected to appear in local TV variety show - Nekketsu BO-SO TV, and also interviewed by Chiba TV. In addition to that, I was one of the guest runners representing Chiba Kun Ambassadors at the Chiba Aqua Line Marathon late October 2012.

The appointment certificates I got as Chiba Kun Ambassadors for four consecutive years.

Chiba Prefecture boasts the fact as the first place where the majority of tourist to Japan will first step their feet down into Japan - Narita International Airport which serves as the gateway to Japan. Besides that, Makuhari Messe, one of the most prominent convention centers in Asia and Kazusa DNA Research Institute, a world leader in cutting edge research also further strengthens Chiba Prefecture's position as an internationalised prefecture.

On the other hand, blessed with many beautiful natural areas surrounded with oceans and rivers that provide an abundance of fresh, delicious food, Chiba Prefecture is one of the leading producers of agricultural, forest and fish products in Japan. Among the well-known examples of local specialties from Chiba Prefecture are peanuts and sweet potatoes. About 78 per cent of the Japan's peanut are produced in this prefecture.

The limited-edition badges of Chiba Kun Ambassadors, and another two which I got as a token of appreciation from my involvement during the first two years.

At the end of the appointment ceremony, Mr. Ishikawa, the Director General of International Affairs Division, Policy and Planning Department of Chiba Prefectural Government came to me and gave me this encouraging words, "We will be replying heavily on you again this year." I do not treat those words as a burden, but instead a recognition as the most senior member among the 20 ambassadors. With the experiences I have gained from the past three years, I will give my best to support the newbies in introducing the shining, brilliant and energetic treasures and the endless potential of Chiba prefecture not only to people in Malaysia, but also in the whole world.

One of the major change since this project was started in 2011 was the replacement of the main coordinator. The bubbly and lovable Ishizaki-san has left and we welcome Usuii-san, who will lead us from this year onwards. Just like last year, there will be four tours and two cultural exchange event planned for us until March 2015. The two-day-one-night tour, which was first introduced last year, will be continued again this year.

The appointment ceremony was in the newspaper (Chiba Nippo), and also the evening news on Chiba TV.

The first tour is gonna be held in a fortnight's time. This time it will be visit to Katori and Sawara regions and I am really excited to meet up with the rest of the Chiba Kun Ambassadors at the first tour. Till then, stay tuned!

Related posts:

• Chiba Kun Ambassadors 2011
• Chiba Kun Ambassadors 2012
• Chiba Kun Ambassadors 2013

Twenty Seven Little Happiness For My 27th Birthday

“It takes a long time to grow young.”

Pablo Picasso

And so, I turned twenty-seven a couple of weeks ago. To all of you who wished me all over the places - Facebook, Line, Whatapps, Instagram, text messages, etc, here is a BIG THANK YOU from me. I sincerely appreciate each and every wishes from all. This year, it was a little extra special because I celebrated my big day in Kyoto. Why Kyoto, you may ask. That's because it was a birthday-cum-honeymoon trip. Haha, just kidding! I know it has been a while since April 1st, but no, this is not another April's prank from me lol!

This time, I will make it simple. As I had just turned 27, here are the 27 wonderful things during the 2-day-1-night trip in magical city of Kyoto.

#1: Hello from Kyoto!

#2: The long pathway of endless vibrant torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

#3: Kyoto city, as seen from one of the slopes which is surrounded with little shrines, tombs and neighbourhood.

#4: An antique green coach of Japan Railway, more commonly known as JR, on its way to Kyoto Station.

#5: Kamo River (鴨川), which literally means "duck river". There are no many ducks in this river, but the riverbanks are popular walking spots for residents and tourists.

#6: A group of random Japanese girls in colourful kimon, spotted along the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

#7: This temple, built without a single nail in the entire structure, needs no further introduction. 

Kiyomizu-dera temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) in UNESCO World Heritage site

#8: Higashiyama shopping street, which is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto.

Narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops here invoke a feeling of the old capital city.

#9:Kyoto is well known for its matcha desserts and one of them is matcha soft cream.

#10: The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道) is a pleasant stone path which follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.

#11: A close-up shot of the cherry blossom, or sakura.

#12: A trip to Kyoto will not be completed without experiencing the stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

#13: Served with hot green tea, sweets and warm hand-cloth upon checking into the ryokan.

#14: One of the popular area in the Gion district is the Hanami-koji Street, which are lined with preserved machiya houses many of which now function as restaurants, serving Kyoto style kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine).

#15: Chicken broth based ramen at Monsen (門扇) in the Gion district. This bowl of ramen was fantastic!

#16: The beautiful light-ups at Shirakawa area in Gion. As it is a little off the beaten path, the Shirakawa Area is typically somewhat quieter than Hanami-koji Street.

#17:Enjoying the night sakura, or yozakura (夜 桜) at Shirakawa Canal. The canal is lined by willow trees, high class restaurants and ochaya, many of which have rooms overlooking the canal.

#18:The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple, which is one of the most recognised structure in Japan.

#19: The Zen garden at Ryōan-ji temple (龍安寺). Placed within it are fifteen stones of different sizes. The stones are placed so that the entire composition cannot be seen at once from the veranda. They are also arranged so that when looking at the garden from any angle (other than from above) only fourteen of the boulders are visible at one time. It is traditionally said that only through attaining enlightenment would one be able to view the fifteenth boulder.

#20: Cherry blossom tunnel in between Narutaki Station and Utano Station on the Randen Kitano Line.

#21: My first visit to Arashiyama! The station was simply beautiful.

#22:The magnificent bamboo groves in Arashiyama.

#23: Two Japanese girls clad in their beautiful kimono, walking along the bamboo forest, striking a great contrast with the refreshing green bamboo.

#24: The wooden Togetsu-kyo bridge that spans the Katsura River in front of Arashiyama Mountain, offering incredible views of the spring cherry blossoms.

#25:Visitors can hop onto a wooden boat and enjoy a short ride around the river.

#26: A set of tenpura-don at Kyoto station for dinner, before heading back to Tokyo.

#27: And to cap of a wonderful day, some home-made desserts and supper from 7-Eleven over several candles in glasses.

Sometimes, I guess you do not need fancy presents, candle-lights dinner, or big parties to celebrate your birthday. Simple little things, and when they come around with the right company, in fact make things more meaningful and memorable. And for that, I am very thankful for. 

Arigato!