Deutsche Schule Kobe, a German school in the city's Nada Ward, is hosting a Christmas market between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Christmas cakes, decorations, "gluehwein" a German winter drink and other items will be on sale.

Entrance is free. The venue is a five-minute walk from Rokko Station on the Hankyu Line. No parking facilities are available.

For more information, call the school at (078) 851-6414.

Drummers to perform live at Kyoto shrineTwo popular Japanese percussionists are to give a joint performance at one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto from 6:40 p.m. on Nov. 29.

The "aLIVE!! in Matsuo Taisha" concert will feature Leonard Eto, a former member of Japanese taiko drum troupe Kodo, and drummer Tatsuya Nakamura, formerly of rock band Blankey Jet City, at the Matsunoo Grand Shrine (Matsuo Taisha) in the city's Nishikyo Ward. Guitarist Kazuhisa Uchihashi will also take part.

Tickets cost 3,500 in advance or 4,000 at the door. Advance tickets are available through the Ticket Pia ticket agency or the organizer, Miho Project.

For tickets and more information, call Miho Project at (075) 212-4456.

Dogs, owners invitedto day out in Kobe park Knots, a Nishinomiya-based nonprofit organization that promotes animal rights, will hold an outdoor event for dogs and their owners from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Kobe Port Island Shibafu Hiroba square in the city's Chuo Ward.

"Live Love Animals 2003: Enjoy Sports with Dogs" will offer a range of entertainment for both dogs and people, including competitions and demonstrations of frisbee catching, obstacle races and gig races (pulling a bicycle), as well as dance performances by dogs and their owners.

Participation is free, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs that have not been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, as well as dogs in heat, will not be permitted to take part.

To get to the venue, take the moving pathway from Shimin Hiroba Station on the Port Liner.

For details, call or fax the organizer at (0798) 67-0151 or e-mail: [email protected]

Flutes to play at ikebana group's Christmas lunchThe Kyoto chapter of Ikebana International will host a Christmas luncheon concert by a flute ensemble starting at noon on Dec. 9 at the Brighton Hotel Kyoto, in the city's Kamigyo Ward.

The concert will be by the Aulos Flute Ensemble, a Kyoto-based group of 30 players active for more than two decades. Participants will also have an opportunity to arrange flowers to decorate their own tables.

The fee is 5,500 for members and 6,500 for nonmembers. Reservations must be made by Nov. 30.

For reservations and more information, call the organizer at (075) 231-4735.

Foreign students asked to join Japanese classesThe Osaka International House Foundation is seeking foreign students to sign up for its weekly Japanese classes, which begin in January at its facility in the city's Tennoji Ward.

Two courses are available: one is for beginners, while the other is for learners with a basic knowledge of the language. The classes are aimed at providing students with the general skills necessary for daily life. Classes will be conducted in Japanese.

Both courses will run for 12 weeks, with the course for beginners starting on Jan. 13 and the other on Jan. 14. Each class will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

There are places for 10 people on each of the courses, which cost 5,000.

Applicants will be asked to have an interview in Japanese in advance. The interview will be held between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17. Anyone wishing to apply must make an appointment for the interview.

For applications and more information, call the organizer at (06) 6773-8989.