( Dec .6 2003) 046
Exchange Games with Takatsuki Primary Schools End in Success

Igo groups in Takatsuki, Kadoma and Neyagawa enjoyed Igo exchange games with Hamuro, Abusan and Wakamatsu Primary Schools. Wakamatsu primary school in 4 years and other two schools in 2 years have learned that Igo is played by the visually impaired on an equal basis beyond handicap. Teachers were impressed seeing children pleased by their win or loss. We hope this will be a step for future area exchane and experence-base study.

( NOv .29 2003) 045
Assistance Dog Law for Phisically Impaired put into practice on First Oct.

The law to guarantee phisically impaired with guide dog, medical assistanc dog or hearing dog can enter faicilities and shops was put into practice on 1, Oct.
This law is applied to private facilities like restaurants and hotels as well as public facilities like traffic. They can not reject people with such assistance dog. (without penalty).
Japan Guide Dog Institue accepts your consultation. mail to:hojokenhou-sos@jgda.or.jp

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(Oct. 25n2003) 044
Trafic Barrier-Free Experience Course in Hirakata city, Oaska
Both experimental models and desirable models of inconvenient roads for passage are constructed in the field of Kinki Technical Office, Ministery of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in Hirakata city, Osaka, which ca be experienced by comparison. This purpose is deepen understanding on trafic barrier -free and meaning of "guideline of maintenance of smoothly movable roads"which was established last Novenber. In the course, users can experience passage in wheel-chair or walking with white stick and eyemask..The course is, in principle, limited to use only for administration-related people. Administration is sometimes open to citizens to be able to touch architechtural technology through particpation in community building conferences of the disabled. Therefore, you are recommended to contact 072-856-1941 (general affairs section) and visit the course.
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(Oct. 17 2003) 043
Exchange Meetings Planned at Talatsuki Primary Schools in Mid-November (Participants recruited)

Igo Echange meetings will be held in Hamuro, Abusan and Wakamatsu Primary Schools in Takatsuki City. As many pupils participate, Go players are short. Anyone who can share time is requested tocontact our office. Individual or group is welcome.
(1) Hamuro School, Nov. 6th. PM2:00 to 3:20. (2) Abusan School, No. 11th. PM2:35 to 3:30. (3) Wakamatsu School, Nov. 19th. PM1:50 to 2:35
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(Sept. 25 2003) 042

IC Tag to announce name of item by voice

Matsushita Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd. has put on the market a small IC tag set, "Monosiri Talk".
Tags announce by voice name and description of such items as books or canned juice, which are difficult to identfy with finger touch.
The name and description are recorded by a reading machine, shifted automatically into sginals and transmitted to an IC tag, which ia attached to the item. The tag announces the name and description by an approximated reader. This seems like helping the visually impaired.

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(Sept. 25 2003) 041

Igo club get started at Hachioji Blind School in Tokyo
The Igo club gets started by the instruction of Mr. Miyamura, teacher, who participated in the National Igo Contest held this year.
The club aims at holding an Igo contest in the Tokyo area. Teachers are joining the club with interest.
Name of Club : Hachiouji Blind School Igo Club
Instructor : Teacher Miyamura, Mr. Kazu Nagai

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(Sept. 25 2003) 040

Igo club get started in Toyonaka, Osaka
Aiwakai, a welfare corporate association in Toyonaka city, established an Igo club. The Instruction meeting will be held twice a month.
Activity has started respecting for earnest posuture of members including the severely impaired.
Name of Club : Toyonaka Aiwakai Igo Club
Instructor : Mr. Teruo Harada, Mrs. Akiko Hamada

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(Aug. 2 2003) 039

Volunteer Instructors recruited

Recently we have received many letters asking to learn Go from foreign countries and various areas of Japan.
For this purpose, we recruit volunteer instructors for the second half-year.
Our society's 9x9 board Go is same to 19x19 board Go except for telling the position of stone and touching to confirm the position.
Your application for instructors are appreciated. It will take time to adjust and coordinate suitable day of the week and time.

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(Aug.2 2003) 038

Simple Operation with Function Keys Only----Software Developed by NPO "Sumairu"
Low price (about 500Yen) software, "Easy Pat", which can easily change input kana and letter size with function keys, was developed. This will be a good news for visually impaired according to Asahi Shinbun, July 27th. Please contact Sumairu, Tel 06-6774-3347.

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(Aug.2 2003) 037

Mr. Taga, Our Society's Volunteer Instructor, Wined the Amateur Champion again.
When our society was established, Mr. Taga, OB of Kobe University, participated as a volunteer instructor to teach Go at Kobe Municipal Blind School. He was popular among children for his kind teaching manner. He continued to be the champion in Japan at the ten amateur Go player contest. We are proud of his activities, hoping his progress from now. Congratulations!

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(June 28 2003) 036

Sixth National Go Contest Held
The Sixth National Go Contest was held on 22nd June 2003 at the Konishi Hall in Osaka city under 18 agencies's sponsorship.
The participants were about 150.
For go exchange between Japan and Korea, a blind with dan, Mr. Son Chun Teq, was again invited to hold the commemorative games with Mr. Hitoshi Nakamaru, a Japanese champion.

Results of the contest
World champion : 9x9 board igo: Mr. Hitoshi Nakamaru (Japan)

Champions of each class　
Dan class: Mr.Takeru Hayashida (Neyagawa city group)
Upper class: Mr.Haruo Hayashi (Osaka municipal blind school)
Middle class A: Mr.Hisanobi Mizunumz (Hirakata city group)
Middle class B: Mrs Kumiko Mizushima (Hirakata city group)
Beginner class: Mr.Okamoto (Kyouto Rakugo kai)

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(June 28 2003) 035

Free software to be offered for diagnosing homepage friendly or not to the visually impaired

Homepages are routinely made by persons, groups or enterpreises. It is , however, a propblem to check they are easily understood by the visually impaired.
Fujitu has developed a program to diagnose homepages whether they are easy to read and understand, and to indicate points to be modified. The program is free and is dwonoaded from Fujitu's home page in July 2003. Contact 0120-933-909 by free (from Asahi Shinbun June 18 2003)

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(May 17 2003) 034

Sixth National Go Contest being Held from 12:00, July 22nd
at Konishi Hall, Chuou-ku Osaka

The sixth contest is coming soon. Your preparation is requested.

Date : June 22nd 2003 (Sun) 12:00 to 17:00
Place : Dosyou-machi 1-7-1, Chuou-ku Osaka. Konishi-hall, Kitahama TNK building 4th Floor
Traffic : Exit No.5 of Subway Kitahama-station, or 400m along Sakaisuji from Keihan Kitahama

General public with the sight are welcomed.

Our society is aiming at games with 9x9 board evenly each other,irrespective of impediment.
As ranks of dan and kyu are are certified and given based on our society's standard, please anyone confident of own skill request to our office, by the end of May.
We are very happy if you can feel something from heated games of the visually impaired.

Enquiry and subscription : Office Tel 06-6358-7069 (Mr.Miyano)

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(Apr 19 2003)033
Let's Practice for Sixth National Go Contest on June 22nd (Sun)
Informationon Sixth National Go Contest of June 22nd was given to volunteer members, which will be held at Konishi Hall ,
Osaka Chuou-ku. Everyone is requested to have practical lessons so as to win the game and get higher dan and kyu rankings.
Details will be informed later. Please contact to the office for any question.

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(Apr 19 2003) 032
Let's Make Use of Internet Telephone for Remote Go Games
Since the end of 2002, the telephone network by Internet has been popular.
This telephone system features that 3 minutes' fee is 7.5 to 8 Yen all over Japan, and that the telephone fee is free in case of communication by the same telephone company. This is a good news for remote distance go games.
Telephome centers are informed as follows;

Yahoo BB　　　　　　　　：　0120-820-453　URL、http://www.yahoo.co.jp
NTT Communication 　：　0120-047-815　URL、http://www.ocn.ne.jp
NTT Nishi Nihon　　　　：　0120-019000　URL、http://www.ntt-west.co.jp
NTT Higashi Nihon　　　：　0120-019000　URL、http://ｗｗｗ.ntt-east.co.jp

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(Apr 19 2003) 031
Mr.Takai from Takatuki Won Cup of Go, Shogi and Othello Games Contest

At the Go, Shogi and Othello Games Contest held in February 2003, Mr. Takai of our society won the first place. Congratulations!
Mr. M. Yukawa, professional ninth dan and Mrs. Shizue Nagatani, volunteer of our association, are appreciated for their contibutions.

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(Apr 19 2003) 030
Hachiouji Blind School Starts Go Actibities This Spring
Instruction volunteers being recruited

Hachiouji Blind School is planning to start go activities from the new semister. Mr. Miyamura of Scientific Treatment is eager in go with 1 kyu of go class.
Expecting their future progress, our society assist them by presenting go boards.
Your cooperation is requested.

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(Feb.1 2003) 029
Sixth National Go Contest be held on June 22nd (Sun)

At this year's National Contest, a blind go player with dan will be invited to challenge a match with Mr. Hitosi Nakamaru, the world champion.
We hear that the French is strong enough to have a tense game. We are looking forward to seeing the match.
We hope you have lessons to upgrade your dan or kyu levels with repeated study.
Details on place, time etc. on the contest will be informed later.

( Feb . 1 2003) 028
Go Exchange Games held with Abusan Primary Scholl in Takatsuki city

Go exchange games were held on Jan. 28th (Tues) between the Igo club (16 pupils) of Abusan Primary School in Takatsuki city and our association's group (10 persons) consisiting of five Takatsuki, three Kadoma and one Neyagawa).
This Igo club started last spring thanks to calling on by Mr. A. Aki, a volunteer instructor, and this was the first game with others.
Our association's group showed a little better results due to a longer history. The pupils are, however, sure to play a close game next time as they can quickly learn go.
We hope you watch this exchanes proceeding with warm care.
We thank the Kadoma group and Neyagawa group for coming from a long distance.
Mr. Tanigawa is appreciated for his volunteer instruction.

(Jan. 11 2003)027
Greeting at the New Year

A Happy New Year!
Our association entered the decade.
Last year, the game between a Korean champion (the blind) and a Japanese, Mr. Nakamaru, was held, and Mr. Nakamaru won the first champion of 9 line 9x9 board. Dan and Kyu authorization games were also held to award certificates to the participants.
In addition to supports for newly opening local groups, efforts for realizing internet go will be made this year.
As go is prevalent in more than 55 countries, various tries and efforts a made to spread mini-go and interact foreign countries.
Your supports are appreciated.
Liaison Office : Fumio Miyano

( Jan. 11 2003)026
Go, Shogi and Othello Games Contest being held (Osaka)

• Date　：　7 Feb. (Fri) 10Am to 16Pm
• Place　：　Osaka Pref. Blind Welfare Center
• Sponsor　：　Osaka Pref. Visually Impaired Welfare Association
• Traffic　：　10 minute walk from Subway Tanimachi 9 choume

As many participants are expected mainly from our Sakai group, anyone who wants to have games with other groups is recommended to join.
Mr. M. Yukawa, professional ninth dan and volunteer of our association, is planning to join as an instructor. You may have a chance to game with him.
Please contact General Affair Section of Osaka Visually Impaired Welfare Association. Tel : 06−6772−1766

(Nov. 29 2002) 023
First Go Exchange Games to be held in Tsuchimuro Primary School (Osaka Prefecture)
Go games will be held on dec. 5th at Tsuchimuro Primary School between 22 children belonging to the Igo club of the school where a volunteer, Mr. Aki is instruction and the mixed team of 10 visually impared iparsons inTakatsuki, Toyonaka and Neyagawa. This is a part of integrated study on farewell experience. This new attempt to exchange views between childen and our menbers through go games is valuable. We hope this will be a useful information to other areas.　　　　　　　

Date : Dec.5 2002 (Thu) 2:40〜3:30PM
Place : Tsuchimuro Primary School, Takatsuki City ( school principal : Mr. Takahama)
Addrss : Tsuchimuro 6-10-1, Takatsuki City, ＴＥＬ　0726‐94‐7273　　ＦＡＸ　0726‐94‐7275
Participants : School go club : 22, Visually impaired : 10 (Takatsuki group : 5, Toyonka 5, Neyagawa 2), Instructors of the association : 3
Contents of study : knowing go rules and understanding position of the visually impared
Games : Experience of wearing eye masks and judging black and white by touching stones. Understanding of the visually impared by reading out location of stones and playing go in the mind's eye.

（Nov. 29 2002) 022
Go Exchange Games in Wakamatsu Primary School in Takatsuki City (Osaka Prefecture)

Go games was held on Nov. 27 at Wakamatsu school. Excnhange games by children wearing eye mask were significant. They could know a part of difficult and wonderful aspects of the blind. From now on, go exchange is expected to continue as an integrated study.

Date : Nov.27 2002 1:50 to 2:50 pm
Place:　Wakamatsu primary school (principal:粂 ) Tel 0726-76-1408, Fax 0726-76-1409
Participants: Fifth grade pupils of go club : 16, Visually impared (Talatsuki : 5 and Toyonaka : 3), Association's volunteer : 3

（Nov. 29 2002) 021
Japan lighthouse Festival held on a large scale (Osaka city)
The festival was held on Nov.23 at Japan Lighthouse Main Office in Hanaten, Joutou-ku Osaka. Food stalls, games and kraft expositions were opened . Mr. Amano and Mr. Fujimoto, volunteer from the association joined to support the go introduction corner. Many people visited the corner.

(Date: Oct. 19, 2002) 020

Go Games between Wakamatsu Primary School and Adult Team in Takatsuki City

In the middle of November, the teams from the Kita primary school and the Go club of Takatsuki City will have go games at the Wakamatsu Primary School. Some pupils are strong thanks to go games with people with sight. The result will be informed later.

(Date: Oct. 19, 2002) 019

Go Learner in Mito Cho, Setuho Gun, Hyougo Prefecture

An blind man, amateur 6 dan, started go activity in Mito Cho, Setuho Gun, Hyogo Prefecture. Anyone who wants to learn go is requested to contact us.

(Date: Oct. 19, 2002) 018

Go Club Starts in Heguri Chou, Nara Prefecture

Heguri Kita Primary School will establish a go club next spring. Go is very active in Heguri Chou. Two of three primary schools there are playing go. As the Kita Primary School has a blind pupil, they are planning to start go activity.

(Date: Oct. 19, 2002) 017

Go Instructor Wanted by a Blind Man in Jotoku, Osaka City
A blind man is asking a go instructor in Jotoku, Osaka City. He had 2 dan before he almost lost sight. Instruction will be held at his home or a neighboring welfare center. Please contact us if you want to volunteer.

(Date: Sept. 14, 2002)016

The main office moved.

New address: Ekimae No.3 Bldg. 17FL (inside the Ranka).   Umeda 1-1, Kita-ku Osaka-city 〒530-0001  

Tel/Fax : 06-4796-4115 (Mr. Asae)

(Date: Sept. 14, 2002)015
Kamaishi city Group starts Igo activities
An Igo instructor joins the group to start Igo activities twice a week at Kamaishi city Welfare Service Center for Physically Handicapped People.

His participation is appreciated. Please refer to the group list about its address and phone number.

 (Date: Sept. 14, 2002)014
Mini-go Text in Braille
A floppy disk to output with a personal computer the text in braille is ready to use, which records mini-go 150 games. Those who want to get the disk are requested to contact the office.

 (Date: Sept. 14, 2002)013
Igo player being recruited in Kumamoto city and Tajimi city (Gigu prefevture)
Visually impaired persons in Kumamoto city or Tajimi city, Gifu prefecture who are interested in learning Igo are requested to contact the office. Igo activities are newly planned.  

(Date: Aug. 10 2002)012
Volunteer Igo Instructors being recruited at Kamaishi city Welfare Service Center for Physically Handicapped People.
The Center (Office Manager, Mr. Itoh) at Kaminakajima-chou in Kamaishi city plans to start playing Igo twice a month, with leadership of Mr. Kaiwa. They are recruiting some volunteer Igo instructors. Anyone who is interested in joining volunteer services is asked to contact us. 

(Date: Aug. 10 2002)011
Volunteer Igo Instructors being recruited in Nagasaki city
Igo activities are being planned in Nagasaki ciry in a near future. Offer of a playing place and participation of volunteer instructors are being requested. 

(Date: Aug. 10 2002)010
Congratulations! Mr. Bungo Taga. First place in the Amateur Igo Best Ten Contest, (OB of student volunteers of our association)
In the Amateur Best Ten Contest held in July 2002, Mr. Bungo Taga won the championship, who hailed from Osaka and instructed igo games at Kobe Municipal Blind Schooloined in his student days). By the way, Mr. Nagatoki Kinoshita had won the championship on the same contest before, having instructed igo at Kyoto Municipal Blind in his university days. We are proud of them, who will encourage our volunteers. 

(Date: Aug. 10 2002)009
Volunteer Instructor of our Association, Mr. Mituhisa Yukawa, ninth dan, passed the First Game of NHK Igo Contest

Mr. Mituhisa Yukawa, ninth dan, who is a volunteer igo instructor in Sakai city of our association, won the game with Kataoka ninth dan on June 23rd in the NHK Igo Contest. Congratulations! He is joining volunteer works in spite of his busy professional activities. Your backup for him to win the championship is called for.

July 6 2002 (008)
Fifth National Go Contest Held

The Fifth National Go Contest was held on 16th June 2002 at the Konishi Hall in Osaka city under 18 agencies's sponsorship.
The participants were about 150.
As the first attempt for go exchange between Japan and Korea, a blind with dan, Mr. Son Chun Teq, was invited to hold the commemorative games with Mr. Hitoshi Nakamaru, a Japanese champion.

Results of the contest

World champion

19x19 bpard Igo: Mr. Son Chun Teq (Korea)
9x9 board igo: Mr. Hitoshi Nakamaru (Japan)
Kansai-Kiin gave them the amateur five dan.

Champions of each class　(right photo:game between the upper class)　

Dan class:Mr.Hirokazu Suzaki (Shimizudani highschool)
Upper class:Mr.Masaru Mizushima (Hirakata city)
Middle class:Mr.Nobuhiro Nagawa (Shimizudani highschool)
Beginner class:Mrs.Kumiko Mizushima (Hirakata city)

View of the contest	Greeting by Mr.Son Chun Teq (in white shirt)

Feb 21 2002(005)
Welfare Experiencing Lesson through Igo　---at Wakamatsu Primary School (Takatsuki city)　　　

The Takatsyuki Welfare Society for the Visually Impaired, one of our society's groups, held a meeting to enjoy go together with children. as a means of exchange between the sighted and the visually impaired.
Since last spring, volunteers have been dispatched to train skill of children (5th grade of primary school). This time, the meeting was held to show their one year's study results by playing go games.

Feb. 8 2002(004)
Mr. Amano and Mr. Fujimoto Played a Go Exhibition Game at the Osaka School for the Blind

Our society's member, Mr. Amano and Mr. Fujimoto showed a go game exhibition at an osero contest sponsored by the Osaka Welfare Society for the Blind.
We intend to have more exchange chances with such groups.

Jan. 14 2002 (coming-of-age day)003
Mr. M. Ohmae Presents an Appeal in NHH's Program

Mr. M. Ohmae, a student of the Wakayama Municipal School for the blind, took part in a go contest after having been trained in a go club by Prof. Takagishi.
He appealed the importance of exchange between the blind and the sighted and gave emotion to nationwide audience.

Jan. 1 2002(002)
Miso (Beans Paste) Making to Completion

After tasks of seeding in July 2001, weeding and harvesting in October, miso making was carried out in December. The process consist of making rice yeast at first and fermentation adding salt and beans. Now the materials are being kept in a barrel and will be served as miso in August this year.
Significance of Miso Making

Through one year's experience from seeding to fermentation according to nature cycle, they can realize how foods are benefited by nature. Learning how far the blind can participate in agricultural works and in processing works will help give information on future welfare farm concept.
For more information on agriculture and miso making, contact to this mail..

July 19 2001 (from Mainichi shinbun braille.(001)
Challenge for Miso Making　
Japan Go Society for Visually Impaired planned miso starting from seeding by the visually impaired. In a beans field in Ibaraki city 10 people of the visually impaired and volunteer seeded the field with beans on July 1st 2001. This project was realized with cooperation of Miyama Area Farm Village Action Committee and Nothern Osaka Green Office, using two 50 meters long lanes, part of 1000 square meters beans field.