HIEA is a city-supported amity promotion society that supports a wide range of multicultural activities for local and international citizens living in Hiratsuka.

This association was founded in 1994. It consists of 191 individuals, 22 organizations, and 4 international members.

HIEA is now online, with web pages in Japanese and English. Mail HIEA.

Current Activities

• February 2000

  Planning for the 10 year anniversary is underway, with citizen exchanges from Lawrence to come during the Tanabata festival in July, 2000, and citizens from Hiratsuka visiting Lawrence in October. Watkins Museum will be providing space for a Japanese garden.

The five steering committees:

Editorial

publishes quarterly news letters

• Contents
  • Reports of events
  • Messages
  • Introduction of foriegn residents in Hiratsuka
  • Notices

Interpretation / Translation

Volunteer services are avaliable for English and Chinese.

Homestay

Makes arrangements to provide homestay families for visiting groups

Event / Program Planning

Coordinate events:

• International Festival - Sogo Park (3rd Sat. in June, (6/21/97)
• International Friendship Festival Year End Party (December)
• Seminars for understanding other cultures
• Cooking classes (Chinese, American, etc)

Japanese Language Teaching

Locations and Times

• Tuesday 19:30 - 20:45 Kyoiku Kaikan (Community center near central library)
• Friday 14:00 - 16:00 MN building 11th floor (near train station), and 19:00 - 20:30 Kinrokaikan (Community center behind main Post Office)
• Saturday 19:00 - 20:30

Contact information / Joining HIEA

If you are interested in our activities, please join HIEA and form a crosscultural bridge among people in Hiratsuka.

Annual Membership

• Individuals 2,000 yen (approximately USD$20)
• Organizations 10,000yen (approximately USD$100)