K.I.A and the International Village Center

• Kitakyushu International Association Introduction
• Kitakyushu International Association: Mission Statement
• Kitakyushu International Association – Kokura Information Desk
• Kitakyushu International Association Facilities
• Kitakyushu International Association – Services
• Kitakyushu International Village Center
• K.I.A. Facilities & Availability

Kitakyushu International Association Introduction

Kitakyushu International Association was established in August 1990 to deepen mutual understanding and friendship in and around Kitakyushu, between foreign and Japanese residents, through the promotion of citizen-based activities. The K.I.A. signifies Kitakyushu’s positive grass-roots approach to internationalization and contribution to world peace.

The K.I.A. provides a number of information services. These range from lifestyle information for foreign local residents, international students and trainees, to information on events occurring in Kitakyushu. The K.I.A. also sponsors home-stay and home-visit programs for foreign exchange students, holds seminars, lectures and study groups on international understanding, supports foreign student exchange. In an effort to make Kitakyushu a more accessible city to foreign residents, the K.I.A. also facilitates discussion groups aimed at integrating the non-Japanese populace, these discussions being focused upon culture, history and the future direction of Kitakyushu.

The International Association runs a number of events, Japanese culture related events, cross-cultural understanding events, and foreign culture introduction events. Each year the K.I.A. also runs International Camps (introducing Japanese youth to other cultures) and support the planning and running of other internationally minded events around Kitakyushu.

Some other services provided by the International Association are cross cultural schools for the youth of Kitakyushu, the K.I.A.’s own library and audio visual center, publishing of information bulletins, legal and psychological counseling, providing of foreign resident support services, and support of a number of local non-governmental, non-profit and volunteer groups (including those from the KIINET group). The International Association also organizes it’s own volunteer bank and provides real opportunities for volunteers active in Kitakyushu.

The Kitakyushu International Association is a conscientious supporter of the Kitakyushu Sister Cities’ projects and regularly provides support for interaction between the citizens of Kitakyushu City and it’s various sister cities.

Kitakyushu International Association: Mission Statement

The K.I.A.’s mission as we forge into the 21st century is to strive towards “Understanding and respecting differences, whilst working towards a society where people can live in harmony”. In order to successfully reach this goal, the K.I.A has developed 5 focus areas which are to be the basis for the work, support and services provided by the K.I.A.

Promotion of Cultural Understanding
The K.I.A. aims to increase the base number of citizens in Kitakyushu that have an interest in International Exchange. This will be accomplished by the organization of events that are easily accessible and promote cross-cultural understanding. K.I.A. also strives to deliver support by the provision of staff to local area events.

The Development of “International Members of Society”
K.I.A. seeks to develop those members of society who will support a multi-cultural society and are able to be an active member of our global community. This development will occur on many levels in response to the varied needs of the community.

Promotion of Exchange Between Residents of Kitakyushu
The local populace is the nucleus of any International Exchange Activitiy. As such, whilst creating and supporting varied activities, K.I.A. will urge new residents to participate, thus helping to build a climate of internationalization and multiculturalism.

Support of Foreign Local Residents in Kitakyushu
In co-operation with other related associations, K.I.A seeks to facilitate an environment where foreign local residents are able to live their lives with ease and in safety. Various forms of help to ensure that foreign local residents can live happily within the local society will also be provided.

Expansion of Information Services
K.I.A. seeks to correlate and provide international information, punctually, as per the needs of the community. The K.I.A. will also compile lifestyle information for current foreign residents and those who visit Kitakyushu. In addition, by practical use of these information services, K.I.A. also hopes to link the related local associations and individuals who are either recipients or providers of this information.

Kitakyushu International Association – Kokura Information Desk

In accompaniment to the main office and facilities in Yahata Higashi ward, the K.I.A. manages an information desk located in the AIM building on the north side of Kokura station. This is a smaller office that provides information pamphlets, holds a number of language tables throughout the week,　occasionally runs foreign culture activities and also has a limited library available to our patrons.

Kitakyushu International Association Facilities

Lounge - The lounge is a multipurpose place where patrons can go for anything from consultation to viewing materials borrowed from the library. Visitors can also meet and talk with other patrons in the friendly atmosphere. Smaller international exchange events and foreign language tables are also often held here.

Library - A wide variety of books and reference materials are available including a selection of dictionaries, travel guides (near complete set of the entire Lonely Planet Series), college guides, language texts and tapes, paperback novels, and international newspapers and magazines. A small selection of books in languages other than Japanese and English is also available. The borrowing of most types of books is possible.

Message Board - Personal messages may be posted on the “Dengon (message) Board” to exchange information, search for language partners, or even volunteer your services for language instruction. (Messages will need to be approved by the K.I.A. before they are posted and will be checked for their relevance on the board.)

Audio Visual Booths – The K.I.A. provides a small audio-visual center adjacent to the library and lounge. Patrons can watch videos and DVDs, or listen to CDs from the K.I.A.’s selection.

Multilingual Television – The lounge is equipped with a wide screen television that has satellite access to a number of programs from around the world. Common broadcasts include English news programs, Chinese news and soap operas, Korean television and some programs in Tagalog. This television service is also used to promote new events occurring in Kitakyushu and replay highlights from past events.

Kitakyushu International Association – Services

Free Consultation – Psychological counseling, legal counseling, and visa/immigration counseling are all available free every month through the K.I.A. Registration is required. Please see the Foreigner Support Services at the K.I.A. link.

Foreign Language Tables – These take place in the lounge and are open to anyone. This is a table for anyone to get together and learn about the culture, cuisine, travels, national pastimes, and people of various countries whilst practicing some simple conversation. Everyone is welcome and there is NO charge. However, language tables may be canceled without notice, according to the speakers' convenience. Please see the Foreign Language Learning at the K.I.A. link.

Information Desk – The K.I.A. incorporates an information desk where our staff can answer your questions, register you for events and volunteer activities, lend out library books and provide other information about the K.I.A. events as well.

Bulletin/Pamphlet corner – Being in close contact with a number of other organizations in Kitakyushu City, the K.I.A. receives information about various events, seminars, exchange programs etc. that are not being run directly by the K.I.A. You can pick up pamphlets and information sheets for all these programs here.

Volunteer Services – The K.I.A. runs a “volunteer bank” that attempts to match the various talents and interests of registered volunteers to the needs of organizations and individuals across Kitakyushu. Those with an interest in volunteer work, imparting knowledge to those around them and want to sample the fruits of volunteering, please see the Volunteers link.

Kitakyushu International Village Center

Located in Hirano, Yahata Higashi ward, the Kitakyushu International Village Center houses the K.I.A., Yahata Lifelong Learning Center, Hibiki Concert Hall, K.I.T.A. and is adjacent to Kitakyushu International University and the Kyushu headquarters of JICA.

K.I.A. Facilities & Availability

Below is a list of the various facilities that can be hired through the K.I.A. by local residents and a calendar to check availability in coming months. These availabilities are only updated once per month so please be aware that a formal request for reservation of these facilities is still necessary. * Note: Other facilities are available (such as cooking rooms etc.), however, the K.I.A. is not responsible for these facilities. For more information ask at the K.I.A. for the relevant managing body.
International Conference hall – please enquire regarding prices when making a booking.
Conference Hall - please enquire regarding prices when making a booking.