The following is from Takeda-sensei, this year's president of the GATJ:
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Dear Students of Japanese in Georgia,
Konnichiwa! On behalf of the Georgia Association of Teachers of Japanese (GATJ), I would like to announce GATJ’s Nengajyo contest for students learning Japanese in Georgia. In Japan, people enjoy exchanging Nengajo which are postcard delivered on New Year’s Day. This has been one of the traditions as early as around 1900 to celebrate the New Year. Please try writing your own Nengajyo this year with your artistic talents and creativity!
Please observe the following rules to join this contest.
- The Nengajo must be on a 4 x 6 white, unlined index card.
- Your Nengajo must include your full name written in katakana.
- The design of your card must be your original one, including the year 2010 or its kanji and phrases to express best wishes in Japanese. Do not use photographs, digital pictures, or cartoon characters.
- Popular graphic designs includes kites, the sun rising on Mt. Fuji, or the animal for the coming year under the Chinese zodiac. 2010 will be the year of Tora (Tiger).
- Writing should be done in black ink (no pencil) or a brush including fude-pen. Use colored pencils, water colors, or highliters if you wish.
- On the back of the card, write your name, grade, the name of your school, and teacher’s name. Please submit your card to your Japanese teacher before the winter break begins.
We will display all the entries at the annual Japan Challenge and Speech Contest in March, 2010. Emory University and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta may offer a place to display some entries in January, 2010.
The New Year’s holiday in Japan is the biggest event of the year. Please take your time to learn about the Japanese New Year’s holiday with your teacher and be part of this tradition! If you have questions, your teacher will be happy to answer them. Please don’t be shy to talk to him/her. We look forward to having your entry to GATJ’s Nengajo Contest.
Best Wishes,
Noriko Takeda
President of Georgia Association of Teachers of Japanese
Senior Lecture of Japanese
Dept. of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30321