19th ITC Region Conference June 15, 16, 2001

Tsukuba Club Region Delegate: Junko Namba

The 19th Annual Conference of ITC Japan Region was held on June 15 and 16, 2001, at Hiroshima Prince Hotel. From 83 clubs of Japan Region, about 600 members attended each day. ITC Parliamentarian, Ms. Wyn Bowler, attended on behalf of ITC Head Quarter. From Tsukuba Club, Ms. Tsuge, Ms. Ito and I participated.

 

At the opening ceremony, 83 club presidents of Japan Region marched in the hall in order from Council No.1 to No. 8, and Ms. Tsuge entered bringing up the placard of Tsukuba Club in Council No. 8's stage. Following addresses of Official visitor, Ms. Wyn Bowler, and Japan Region President, Ms. Mikiko Kuwahara, business meeting was held. As the same procedure with the club meeting, committee reports were given and amendments of region bylaws and standing rules were discussed. Details of the amendments will be published in the next Region booklet.

The highlight of the Region Conference is the speech contest. In English Speech Contest, 6 members participated and Ms. Keiko Kodera of Kashiwa Club won the 1st prize. Her speech that she will cultivate her own life even if DNA has the key to the whole life was clear and very persuasive. As you may know, she won the 1st prize at the International Speech Contest, too.

In Japanese speech contest, 8 members participated and Ms. Sumiko Ogawa of Morioka Club was the winner. She was asked suddenly to enter as an alternate of Ayako Shirasuna who was the winner of Council No. 8 Speech Contest. Ms. Ogawa talked about how she is enjoying her life although she has met many difficulties. Her speech attracted the audience with humor and songs.

 It's my pleasure to inform that at the poster contest which was voted by all participants, Council No.8's poster got the 1st award, and two other awards relating to membership were also given to Council No 8.

The important topic presented by the outgoing and incoming president was the division of Japan Region into two regions. At present, Japan Region is the largest region in the world holding 83 clubs with about 1,900 members. Such a large organization is difficult to manage. So, this issue will be discussed at every level in Japan from now on.

AT the end I would like to add about the banquet. Eating the delicious French course dishes cooked many kinds of sea foods of Seto Inland Sea, we enjoyed chatting with many members of other clubs and also enjoyed the music of Kokyuu which was played by a Chinese man. Installation Ceremony conducted by Ms. Wyn Bowler after the banquet was impressive. She gave lovely mask of cat's face and Japanese Haiku to each officer.

Next Region Conference will be held on June 11 and 12, 2002, at Kobe Portopia Hotel.

The pictues were taken by Ms. Ito. I would like to appreciate her kind contribution.