Hello, this is NIFS!
2008-09-05

[Cultural Seed of Knowledge - Kami-za & Shimo-za (In Japanese style rooms)]

The most honorable seats in a Japanese style room are those which have their back to the“tokonoma”(alcove).
The next most important seats are to either side nearest the “tokonoma”.
This is because long ago the“tokonoma”was considered a sacred place where household gods were enshrined.
The seats where the host(s) sits, which is usually furthest from the“kamiza”are called“shimoza”.

[Nara Lifestyle Guide / Compulsory Education - School Events Expenses]
http://www.nifs.or.jp/mobile/eng/guide/childcare/childcare05.html

[Seasonal Life Tips / Disaster prevention in the home]

Natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons often occur in Japan.
Check where the nearest disaster shelter is in your neighborhood.
Prepare and put emergency food and water supplies, a flashlight, etc. and other items you may need to evacuate in an“emergency bag”.
The multilanguage disaster prevention Website http://josef.jp provides information in 10 languages.
Put the information page in your language in your bookmarker.