Organizations and Associations Niigata International Association
This is a great organization whose main purpose is to promote internationalization in Niigata Prefecture. They host several events throughout the year, have volunteers that offer consultations in various languages, and have an extensive library with books and magazines written in English (as well as other languages).
Niigata Friendship Center
The main purpose of this organization is to make the lives of foreigners living in Niigata Prefecture easier. They have a foreign book and video library that can save you a fortune on purchases at Kinokuniya Books. Classes offered include Japanese, flower arrangement, calligraphy, koto (Japanese Harp), Japanese dancing, and Japanese cooking. Many events are also coordinated through this office. And, they can help you to locate a club or class in your area in a topic in which you are interested. The lobby is also a fun place to hang out, watch foreign TV and read English newspapers and magazines. Give them a call or drop by the next time you are in Niigata City.
Contact Info: Ishizuecho-dori 3-2086, Niigata City, 951-8055 Japan TEL. 025-225-2777 FAX: 025-225-2733 Email: nigtief@pavc.ne.jp Website: http://www.pavc.ne.jp/~nigtief/ Niigata International Affairs Division
The Niigata International Affairs Division is a part of Niigata Prefecture government and is housed in the Kencho (education headquarters in Niigata City). It is responsible for the promotion, creation, and actual planning of events between Niigata and foreign countries. The promotion of exchange occurs mainly between Niigata and four countries: the United States (specifically the state of Illinois), China (Harbin, within Hei Long Jian Province in the north), Russia (Kharbarovsk, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok), and Korea. The nature of the international exchange varies with each country, but includes study abroad programs for foreign students; arranging technical, employee, doctor and cultural exchanges; having meetings between government officials; and dealing with Sister City details.
There are also educational, research and business exchanges with 17 different countries. Much of the funding for these activities is provided by Niigata Prefecture. Thirty employees, including several CIRs make all of these things happen. The CIRs are from Korea, Russia, and the United States. They do interpreting when guests come, translating, English editing, and trips abroad occasionally. To contact this office, please call the Kencho at 025-285-5511, extension 2217.   
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