The qualifying exam for Towel Sommelier appraises the applicants' familiarity and knowledge of everything related to towels such as the history, culture, production process, products, brands, advising customers.

By studying for the exam, specialists can be groomed to popularize a greater appreciation of towel products and educate the public to demand higher standards of quality.

Date:

September 17th (Thurs.), 2009

Time:

14-00 ~ 15:30 (admission: 13:30~)

The announcement of the results:

September 3th (Thurs.)

The notification of results:

September 28st (Mon.)

• TEXPORT IMABARI (5-14-3 Higashimon-cho Imabari-city Ehime-prefecture) TEL: 0898-23-8700
• Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (3-2-2 Maru-no-uchi Chiyoda-ward Tokyo) TEL: 03-3283-7500
• Osaka Chamber of Commerce (2-8 Hon-machi-bashi Chuou ward Osaka) TEL: 06-6944-6211

*The locations of the exams can be changed according to the applicants.

July 1st (Wednes.) 2009 ~ July 31st (Fri.) * Cards postmarked no later than the last day will be accepted.

< Application at window >
Please visit the desk of the Imabari Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the application period, where you can fill out the application form and submit it with the examination fee.

1. Please send the filled out application form and the examination fee to the following address by registered mail.
2. In case of bank transfers, please pay the fee into the following account after faxing the application form.
3. Please request or send the application form to the following address:
   The Imabari Chamber of Commerce and Industry Promotion division(Imabari Shoukou-kaigi-sho Shinkou-ka)
   2-3-20 Asahi-machi Imabari-shi 〒790-0042
   TEL: 0898-23-3939 FAX: 0898-31-6667
4. Please pay the examination fee to the following account:
   ITO-GINKO Imabari-branch [Futu-yokin, 1016233]
   The name of the account: The president of the Imabari Chamber of Commerce and Industry
   （Imabari Shoukou-kaigi-sho Kaitou） Murakami Keiichi
   （イマバリ ショウコウカイギショカイトウ ムラカミケイイチ）

Academic background, age, gender, and nationality are not required.

The fee of the examination: 10,500 yen (including tax)
The fee of the examination and textbook: 12,600 yen (textbook is 3,150 yen but discounted)

1. The history of towels
2. The process of producing towels: from cotton selection to finish
3. The technical terms of towel manufacturing
4. The kinds of towels: types, purposes, and characteristics
5. The distribution of towels: from manufacturer to consumer
6. Advising customers
7. Others: Besides questions from the textbook, other questions related to towels may be asked.

*The textbook, Towel Dokuhon, is available at Shikoku Towel Industrial Association (Shikoku Towel Kogyo Kumiai ) (TEL: 0898-32-7000)

1. Fifty multiple-choice questions.
2. Time limit: one hour and a half

More than 80 points out of 100 are necessary to pass.
*Successful examinees will be given the title of Towel Sommelier with a certificate.

September 28st, each examinee will be notified by post mail.
* The final scores will not be open to the public.