International Exchange Section, Sumida City

The International Exchange Section was established to promote internationalization through cross-cultural communication with residents of other nationalities at the local level. As part of the Cultural Promotion Division, the International Exchange Section seeks to make Sumida City a place where foreigners can live comfortably and happily. Also, through the maintenance of friendly relations with other cities in the world, the International Exchange Section aims to create a city which is openly and positively facing the future of global interrelation. In order to fulfill these aims, the International Exchange Section does the following:

Maintains friendly relations with other world cities through local group exchanges;
Plans exchange events to strengthen relations between Japanese and non-Japanese residents;
Organizes symposia, lectures, and exchange events;
Offers information and counseling concerning everyday living, city administration and other matters (appointment is necessary if you wish to speak with a professional counselor - phone the number below);
Actively supports volunteer groups involved in international exchange activities;
Holds Japanese language classes with help from volunteers available within the city.

Exchange Projects with Foreign Residents (held regularly)

International Exchange Cooking Salon

3rd Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sumida Women's Center (Josei Senta) 2-12-7, Oshiage
Fee: 300yen

International Exchange Salon

2nd Friday of every month, 7 - 8:45 p.m.
Sumida Industrial Centre (Sumida Sangyo Kaikan) 3-9-10, Kotobashi, 9F of Marui Department Store.
Fee: Free

For questions of inquiries, please call or visit us at:
International Exchange Section (1st Floor), Cultural Promotion Division, Sumida City Hall, 23-20, Azumabashi 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-8640
Tel. 5608-6212, Fax: 5608-6440

Introduction of Sumida City International Exchange and Volunteer Group Activities

The following groups welcome the participation of foreign residents in Japan. Please feel free to join in these activities and invite your neighbors as well. For more details, contact the International Exchange Section.

Sumida International Exchange Network Symposium

This group plans opportunities for international exchange using familiar themes. A symposium is held once a year. They also organize folk music concerts and other international exchange gatherings.

Sumida Friendship Club

This group hosts international exchange program participants, and holds various classes and gatherings with foreign residents.

Sumida International

This group organizes cooling classes taught by non-Japanese instructors and hosts international exchange program participants.

Tamonkai

This group offers foreign residents opportunities to gather casually for friendly chat. They also organize international exchange gathering and various events.

Introduction of Japanese Language Volunteer Groups

Native volunteers teach foreign residents the Japanese language free of charge. However, students must bear the cost of the language textbook.
For more details, contact the International Exchange Section.

Japanese Language Volunteer 21

Classes held every Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon and 7 - 9 p.m.

Cosmos

Classes held every Sunday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Sumida Union

Classes held every Saturday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

MIC

Classes held every Tuesday, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Japanese Volunteer Himawari

Classes held every Monday, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.