I can see that Japan is different school of arts, different life and different nature. My idea about the Japanese life is still very poor and it is difficult for me to say that I have gathered a confident idea due to two main reasons. One is the very busy life of Japanese people and of my tight schedule taking care. of my big family, which left me no time for making friends. The other is the lack of proper communication (language barrier). In general, my little experience says that the Japanese people are very active, sensitive and polite.

　

　

　My name is Maria Sri Martati. I am from Indonesia. I came to Japan on April 27, 2001 to accompany my husband. He is studying at the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University. I will be in Kobe until September 2003. I have two children (son and daughter). My son (five and half years old) is now attending the Minatojima Kindergarten. After almost one year staying in Japan, he gets use to live in Japan. I remember when he first attended Kindergarten, he was very shy and afraid for he could not communicate with anybody there. Now he has changed. He is very happy to have many Japanese friends and have chance to learn many things. From Kindergarten, he knows about Tanabata, Ongakukai, undokai, mochitsuki, etc. All these things are invaluable experiences.

　I myself enjoy life in Japan, a developed country with all her attributes (modern facilities, modern transportation, excellent services especially in public offices, etc). I am impressed with Japanese people's hospitality, kindness, and helpfulness. My major problem to communicate with Japanese people is language. I want to interact with them, so I attend a Japanese language course at Minatojima Elementary School three times a week. My sensei are Arasto-san, Kawasaki-san, and Watanabe-san. They are all very helpful and patient to teach me Nihon-go.

　Since September last year, I participated in Kokoro-Net in Kobe. In this forum, I learn more things on Japanese culture, such as ikebana, tea ceremony, tempura, kimono, and some Japanese style food. Furthermore, from this activity, I have a chance to visit Awaji Island, watch Puppet Show, etc. I also have many friends from other countries through this activity. I found Kokoro-Net in Kobe very interesting, joyful, and useful for me. I hope this program continue with many other wonderful events in the coming months. Thank you.

　

　

　My name is Diana Novianti from Indonesia. I arrived in Japan at October 26, 2001, for acccompanying my husband who is studying here. To pass my spare time I attended the Kokoro Caf

　This is my first time abroad; it is very excited to be among the people from different countries. Kokoro-Net makes me have more new friends, and I can learn Japanese traditions. I attended the Kokoro Caf about 5 - 6 times. I learned Origami and Ikebana, and then I can practice it in my home for my 2 years old daughter. Then I knew about what and how is the tea ceremony, as I know that is one of the old traditions of Japan, and I can feel how difficult to wear the Kimono, one of the Japanese tradition dress. That is so wonderful. We have the traditions dress too, named it Kebaya, but that is easier to wear than Kimono.

　For me, Kokoro Caf helps me to know and learn everything about Japan. As a housewife, my daily activities such as take care of my child, to cook to clean, and shopping. Kokoro Caf gave me knowledge about Japanese culture.

　Unfortunately, I could not speak Japanese and my English is not so good either, so sometimes I could not make a good communication with anybody, except my Indonesian friends. However, we can enjoy all of those activities well. The Kokoro Caf boards are so kindly and friendly, it is what I feel about Japanese people along I am here. They try to explain every thing that we do not know carefully.

　Even though I followed this Kokoro Caf just for a while, but I enjoyed everything we have been done. I thank very much to all the members have invited me to joint with Kokoro Caf. And I will tell my family and my friends about my experience if I return to Indonesia. I hope we will see again in another season. Arigatoo Gozaimashita.

　

　

　Joint the Japanese language class organised by the Kokoro-net was very interesting, encouraging and fascinating. The teacher were very helpful, kindly dedicated to teach and encouraging the student to learn. We all enjoy having the class and knowing more friends from many countries.

　One more important for me is the class was organised close by to my house and the provided baby sitter that made my study run very well. For this, I would like to convey my best gratitude and thank to the teachers, Tomita Sensei and Ichioka Sensei as well to the baby sitters, Kaori San, Emmy San, and Mayuko San.

　

　

　"Kokoro-net" by the name it express its activities. It links the hearts all together. All members and organisers of Kokoro-net are like a family. It plays a key role to introduce Japanese culture to foreign students and their spouse. I am astonished to observe their voluntary activities. Every month Kokoro-net arrange two parties and introduce Japanese food to us. Now I am habituated with Japanese food.

　Kokoro-net arranges Japanese language class at Kobe University. I learn a little bit Japanese through this class. This is a great achievement for me. Kokoro-net also arranges tour program. This is very helpful to increase knowledge about Japan.

　I would like to thanks to the organiser of Kokoro-net for their fully voluntary activities. I hope Kokoro-net will continue and extend its activities among foreign students and their spouse.