MinamibosoMonthly Kouhou NewsletterEnglish Version“People. Dreams. Future. A hometown whose charm is made by the locals: Minamiboso”

“Chikura Elementary School Entrance Ceremony”The four Chikura Area schools were combined into one and had their first school entrance ceremony. Sixty-seven

new first graders newly entered the school. (related story on pg.18)

The Mayor’s goals and plans for his third term ... p.2Introductions of the City Supervisors ... p.3We will support farmers using compost fertilizer ... p.5

Eco ★ News ... p.6

Health Newsletter: Let’s thing about our children’s lifestyle rhythms ... p.9May 2014

No. 98

1 May 2014

The Mayor’s goals and plans for his third termMinamiboso City MayorMr. Yutaka Ishii

Creating a city that highlights local features!

A city merger is a chance to create new values for a new city.

We must be prepared to demolish the old in order to create the future-oriented and new, all while respecting the practices of the former pre-merger towns and villages, as well as the views of citizens. Although we have many issues which require this preparation, the reality is we only have a limited amount of time left during which we will receive financial support to do it.

During that limited amount of time, I understand the hesitation and feelings of desertion citizens may feel as we reorganize and change the mechanisms of facilities everyone has long been familiar with.

At the same time, despite these issues, we have also gained new social welfare facilities, educational facilities and economic measures as a result of the merge, making way for new conveniences in our livelihoods and new economic prospects.

My fundamental philosophy is to create a city that allows citizens to show off their enthusiasm and drive, creating a city that develops creativity within citizens. I hope to make the ambition behind the words that citizens drafted at the time of the merger, “People. Dreams. Future. A hometown whose charm is made by the locals: Minamiboso” a reality.

Although we are only half-way through, I am certain that we have made steady progress in creating the foundation for our new city.

We have seven years until the end of financial support for the city merger. In order to ensure stable city government management into the future and improve the lives and social welfare of city residents, I am prepared to move our on-going projects further and carry out “what we must do now.”

Mayor Ishii’s first day in government office

Mayor Ishii assumed office for his third term as a results of the election with no other candidates.

Mayor Ishii has been the “steersman of the city government” since the birth of the new city in 2006.

Mayor Ishii was greeted by applause from government employees on April 23rd (Wed), received flowers at the city hall entrance and proceeded to the mayor’s office.

Afterwards, an inaugural ceremony was held and the mayor instructed the management position employees.

Instruction from Mayor Ishiii to management position employeesThe next four years that have been assigned to me are an important period for this city.

There are many large scale projects that the city must plan and execute during these four years.

Among these issues, I would like to examine the prospects of building a new, unified and consolidated city hall building.

There is no time allowed for us to rest.

I think these four years will also prove important to employees, as you perform your duties understanding the importance of each day and hour.

I would like to borrow your strength to work hard together for the sake of the city.

2 May 2014

Mayor Ishii receiving flowers from a city employee on his first day in office

Mayor Ishii stating his goals and plans for his 3rd term

Introductions of the City Supervisors(Listed by years in office and age. Titles omitted)

On April 20th, 20 new city supervisors were selected as a results of the general election due to the end of office term.

The new office term is four years, from April 23rd 2014 to April 22nd, 2018.(ages listed are as of May 8th)

! n. no party affiliation! ky. Japanese Communist Party! ko. New Komeito

! inc. incumbent! nw. new appointment

Toshiyuki Maki(77) non. inc.Kiso Takao(61) non. inc.

Kazuo Hayama(65) non. inc.Masataka Aoki(71) non. inc.

Seisaku Kawana(67) non. inc.Yasuhiro Kurihara(70) non. inc.

Sadao Tsuji(70) non. inc.Shoichi Iida(63) non. inc.

Kiyoshi Kawakami(57) non. inc.Naoichi Suzuki(66) non. inc.

Toshiro Terazawa(65) non. inc.Kenji Aoki(41) non. inc.

Hiroshi Hasegawa(66) non. inc.Mikio Takagi(63) non. inc.

Hisao Seki(58) non. inc.Shinichi Kawasaki(64) non. inc.

Takashi Mine(65) non. inc.Miyuki Yasuda(34) ky. inc.

Yukio Hirakawa(61) non. nw.Mitsue Abe(51) ko. nw.

The new structure for the city board of supervisors will be explained in the “Minamiboso Board of Supervisors Newsletter” Issue 32, published on May 22nd.

3 May 2014

We are taking applications for measures to stabilize business income (former farmer’s door-to-door compensation system)

People who applied last year must also re-apply this year. Please submit subsidy application forms by June 30th (Fri). Target Farming businesses growing crops to sell

Direct Payment Subsidy for Rice A subsidy will be paid to farming businesses that grow rice for consumption based on the field area.Target area The area used for growing rice for consumption, minus 10a.Subsidy amount 7500 yen per 10a. (national standard rate)Main requirements• Abide by the production amount goals for rice• Enter wet-field rice mutual aid

Subsidy to compensate for decrease in incomeIf the total income from rice, wheat, and soy produced in a single year is less than the standard income, 90% of that difference will be paid for, 3 parts by the national government and 1 part by the farmer.Main requirements• Must be a certified farmer or part of a village-based

farming organization (above a certain level of certification)• Must contribute monetarily to farming

Compensating income (for 2014 only)If the amount earned in rice must be compensated for

through the ‘compensation policy’ in 2014, you can receive a subsidy for 50% of the amount the national government gives you through the ‘compensation policy’.Main requirements• Must have proof of an agricultural products inspection

score of more than 3 and the selling of products• Must not contribute monetarily to farming

Direct payments for growing field crops“Pay by amount”A subsidy will be paid to farmers producing wheat, soy and other target crops based on the amount sent out for sale.Average subsidy amount! wheat 6320 yen / 60kg! soy 11660 yen / 60kg! buckwheat 13030 yen / 45 kgYou will need an San Francisco agricultural“Pay by area (used to farm for profit)”Can be used when data from the previous year’s production and sales amounts can be providedSubsidy amount 20000 yen/ 10a.Main requirements• Must have a shipment and sale contract• Enter agricultural products mutual aid or undergo

agricultural products inspection

Direct Payment Subsidy for the usage of wet-fieldsA subsidy will be paid to farmers producing wheat, soy and other animal feed crop, based on the field area.※ for target crops and their subsidy amount, please view the chart below.

Contact: Agriculture, Forestries, and Fisheries Division, ☎︎ 33-1071

4 May 2014

direct payment subsidy for the usage of wet-fields(former subsidy for wet-fields use income compensation)

subsidy amount(per 10a.)

1. Wheat, soy, animal feed crops2. Rice for rice flour, rice for animal feed, rice for whole crop silage3. Buckwheat, rapeseed (canola), rice for processing

35000 yen80000 yen20000 yen

4. Important promoted cropsvegetables green bean, strawberry, soybean, (black) soybean, kabocha pumpkin, cabbage, cucumber, komatsuna colza, taro, sweet potato (for eating), nabana rapeseed (for eating), tomato, eggplant, green onion, Japanese butterbur, broccoli, wild rice, young broadbean, young corn, lettuce, lotus root, potato (for eating)flowers nabana rapeseed, stock flowers, narcissus, pot marigold, calla lily, carnationmisc. grains/ beans peanuts

within 10000 yen

there are some adjustive deductions

5. Regular promoted cropsvegetables okra, small green pepper, perilla leaf, ginger, celery, daikon radish, onion, red pepper, carrot, parsleyflowers iris, chrysanthemum, snapdragon, statice, Russell prairie gentian, freesia, nipple fruit, cosmos, lily, sunflower, capsicum flower, globe amaranth, cockscomb, strelitzia, potato vine, Queen Anne’s lacefruits etc. (only those newly planted in 2013) fig, plum, Boshu mandarin orange, persimmon, kiwi fruit, gingko nut, chestnut, summer mandarin oranges, loquat, grapes, blueberryself-developing crop Italian ryegrass, sorghum, corn, cloverornamental crop cosmos, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, lotus flowermisc. grains/ beans red bean, konnyaku root, cowpea, shitake mushroom, broadbean

within 5000 yen

there are some adjustive deductions

You must have a shipment and sale contract

By using compost fertilizer produced by livestock owners and made out of livestock waste, we can reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer, pesticide and herbicides used. The city will support compost fertilizer using farmers in order to promote safe and secure farm products.

We will subsidize 1/3 of the costs to purchase compost fertilizer (if purchased loose, 2700yen per ton; if by bag, 200yen per bag). If, before purchasing the compost fertilizer, you have all of the land you will fertilize undergo a soil examination and provide a copy of the soil examination results (must be from within 3 months prior to purchasing fertilizer) with your application, we will subsidize 1/2 of the costs.!

We will only subsidize fertilizer that is produced by and sold by businesses that have registered as fertilizer producers according to the fertilizer handling law (see table 1). Fertilizer can be bought directly from the producer, or from the JA. Please contact your local JA branch for details.

For the application procedure and other details, please see the city website or contact the Local resources Recycling Division.

In order to have a steady amount of produced agricultural crops, you must accurately calculate what kind of fertilizer, with what ingredients, and how much you will use for your soil. However, those calculations are very difficult. If you use the Effective Fertilizer Use System and enter your soil examination results, anyone can easily calculate how to use their fertilizer.

Effective Fertilizer Use System online athttp://www.mboso-agri.jp

In order to grow safe and secure agricultural products using fertilizer, we have created guidelines for growing 50 different agricultural products. The information can be viewed at or printed from the city website as well as Effective Fertilizer Use System site.

Contact: Local Resources Recycling Division ☎︎ 33-1073

5 May 2014

We will support farmers using compost fertilizer

Subsidy for fertilizer purchasing costs

# producer representative address contact info

fertilizer prod. livestock

1 Yamada fertilizer compost union Kawana Masami Yamada 1232 58-0757 milking cow2 Wakabayashi Kazuo Wakabayashi Kazuo Heguri shimo 303 58-0630 milking cow3 Hegurishimo fertilizer compost union Ishii Kazunari Heguri shimo 1680 58-0604 milking cow4 Ishii Shinjiro Ishii Shinjiro Heguri shimo 1678-1 58-0451 milking cow5 Tomiyama Livestock Petting Ranch Awa Agricultural Co-op Arakawa 871 58-0821 milking cow6 Kamitakida Livestock Env. Cons. Asso. Yamaguchi Hitoshi Kamitakida 771 36-3984 milking cow7 Shoji Jyutaro Shoji Jyutaro Shimotakida 743-2 36-3858 milking cow8 Inamiya Livestock Env. Cons. Asso. Okazaki Moriyoshi Misho 526 36-3601 milking cow9 Kamihori fertilizer compost center Nakamura Fumio Kamihori 632-1 36-3286 milking cow

10 Chikura cho dairy farming union Yamane Isamu Chikura-cho, Kawai 749 44-1344 meat/milk cow11 Chikura cho dairy frm unin Seto group Koizumi Kaname Chikura-cho, Seto 244-4 44-0914 milking cow12 Ichiba/Maeda Livstk Env. Cons. Asso. Makino Sumio Maruhongo 1333 46-3625 milking cow13 Shishigayatsu milking union Ogata Shigeru Shushigayatsu 1048-2 46-2298 milking cow14 Miyashita Livestock Env. Cons. Asso. Kitami Shinichi Miyashita 474 46-2059 milking cow15 Kawayatsu Livestock Env. Cons. Asso. Tsushima Mutsuo Kawayatsu 271 46-2404 milking cow16 Yoshino Kenji Yoshino Kenji Maruhongo 1110 46-3594 milking cow

17 Frmrs Uni. Grp Maruyama-cho Diry Farm Union Sasago Mikio Kamo 2733-1 46-2014 milking cow

18 Wada-cho Green Center Yamada-sha Ikeda Tadao Wada-cho, Shimomihara 1043 47-3789 milking cow19 Sahide Farm Company Sakuma Hideo Wada-cho, Nakamihara 249-1 47-3775 meat/milk cow20 Ogawa fertilizer compost union Suzuki Takao Wada-cho, Nakamihara 297 47-3352 milking cow21 Ogawa fertilizer compost union Oshimoto Kazue Wada-cho, Ogawa 982-1 47-3050 milking cow22 Takeyama poultry farm Takeyama Nobuhiro Wada-cho, Kuroiwa 51 47-2654 laying hen23 Hasegawa Ranch Hasegawa Yasuhiro Wada-cho, Kuroiwa 664 47-3738 milking cow

Effective Fertilizer Use System

Guide for growing agri products using fertilizer

Fertilizer compost producers (Table 1)

Eco☆NewsNo.77

Environment Conservation Division ☎︎33-1053

Exhaust fumes from cars contain Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is known as a main contributor to global warming. In order to reduce that CO2, it is recommended that you are conscious of ecological driving. Ecological driving not only reduces CO2 emissions, but keeps pollution of the atmosphere in check, and also leads to savings in fuel costs and leads to safe driving. Start trying the eco-driving tips that you can.

Start lightly on the accelerator.Starting to move uses a large amount of fuel. Try to press down lightly on the accelerator. A good standard is to accelerate to 20km/hr in the first five seconds.

Keep an ample amount of space between cars to reduce the amount of accelerating and deceleratingWhen there is little distance between you and the car in front of you, you increase the amount of accelerating and decelerating, making fuel efficiency low. Try to drive with as little changes in speed as possible.

Let go of the accelerator early when slowing downWhen stopping at a traffic signal or going down a hill, let go of the accelerator earlier and take advantage of the engine braking mechanism.

Avoid leaving the engine idle more than necessaryDon’t leave your engine idle when waiting for someone or unloading from your car. In addition, newer cars do not need to have their engines warmed up. Once you start your engine, start driving immediately.

Unload unnecessary luggageA car’s fuel efficiency is affected by the weight of luggage and air resistance. Any unnecessary luggage, ski racks and other outer equipment should be taken out and off the car.

6 May 2014

“Compost trash: goes back to the field, vegetable meal”[This month’s environmental slogan] 2013 Environmental Slogan Contest Excellence AwardTomiura Middle 3rd year, Eri Kamata<Meaning> Don’t throw away leftover food, egg shells, or inedible parts of vegetables. Just like us, soil (and plants) need nutrients. Most of the things we eat come from the fields (soil). If we are able to send it back to the soil, we’ll close the loop and lead to more food for us to eat.

Be conscious of ecological-driving

We will distribute bitter melon seedlings! As a measure to prevent global warming, we will distribute bitter melon seedlings to city residents who will make “green curtains” for their windows.! Bitter melon and other vine plants can become natural shade, helping to prevent a rise in temperature indoors. Why not create your own “green curtain” in preparation for the hot summer?

Distribution day: May 28th (Wed) from 8:30amDistribution location: Environment Conservation Division, Asai Administrative Center, your local Regional BranchTarget: city residents who can report back on the growth of their bitter melon plantNumber distributed: Up to 10 individuals per window (first come first serve)Number per person: Up to three plants per person/household

for details, please contact the Environment Conservation Division

プロム　アメリカの高校生にとって、春の一大イベントといえばプロムです。特に卒業する高校4年生はこの時期気合いが入ります。　多くのプロムは学校主催の夜に行うダンスパーティーです。開場はそれぞれで、近所の高校は船、ホテル、市役所のホールなどを借りていました。男子が女子を誘うことが一般的で、男子は誰をどうやって誘うかよく悩みます。ドレスコー ドはタキシードやドレスで、よくベストとドレスの色やブートニアとコサージュの花をお揃いにします。友達と会場までリムジンを頼んで華々しい登場をする人もたくさんいます。　しかし、同性の友達と行ったり、同性愛カップルとして行ったりする人も少なくありません。私自身も気が合わない男子より親しい女子と行った方がいいと感じ、女子3人で楽しく行きました。

Prom! To American high school students, prom is one of the biggest events held in the spring. Graduating seniors get especially worked up during this timeof year.! Most proms are a school-sponsored dance

party put on at night. Venues vary, but some high schools in my area rented boats, hotels and even the city hall rotunda. Boys generally ask girls out, resulting in many worrying over who to ask and how. The dress code calls for tuxedos and dresses, and many couples match the color of their vest and dress, as well as the flowers in their boutonnière and corsage. Friends will often rent a limousine to the prom together, making a spectacular entrance.! However, there are also a good number of people that will go with friends of thesame sex or their same-sex partner. I also preferred to go with good girl friends rather than a boy I didn’t get along with, so I had fun attending prom with two other ladies.

From the Consumer Support Desk #21Every May is Consumer Month! Since 1988, the national government has designated every May as “Consumer Month.” Through various activities, consumers, businesses, and the government work together to think about what it takes to create a consumer-friendly society.! Due to the increase in consumer damage to the elderly and the need to prevent damage by enacting protective measures and support, this year the theme is “Consumers United ~in order to live safe and secure lives~.” By widely spreading information on consumer lifestyles, we aim to promote awareness amongst consumers.! In order to prevent consumer troubles before they occur, it is important that every individual takes care to think about consumer lifestyles and learn about them.! In addition, talking to your neighbors, recognizing consumer trouble when you hear about it, and working together with related agencies to address the situation will lead to safe and secure lives.! If you have any questions on fraudulent door-to-door sales, persistent sales calls, a product or service contract, please feel free to consult the City Consumer Support Desk or the Prefectural Consumers’ Center.

7 May 2014

Minamiboso Coordinator for International RelationsWritten and translated by Arisa HiroiAnything Goes, Arisa! #8

自分のプロムmy high school prom

Please visit my webpage where I upload the English version of the Kouhou Magazine, introduce international exchange events and more!Minamiboso Min Min Network “CIR: Arisa” Pagehttp://civil.mboso-etoko.jp/group/detail.asp?id=127

Consumer Support Desk! !City Consumption Livelihood Support☎ 33-4300open 10am to 3pm※ We offer in-person consultation twice a week. For more information, please refer to the Kouhou magazine information edition.

Contact: Commerce and Tourism Division☎ 33-1092Prefectural Consumers’ Center☎ 047-434-0999open 9AM to 4:30PM※ excludes Sundays and holidays

Let’s think about our children’s lifestyle rhythmsTeach good lifestyle habitsin order to establish good lifestyle rhythm such as meals, sleep, and bowel movements; have your child be able to eat and change clothes on their own; and become properly independent, it is important to practice every single day.

It is very important that children learn good lifestyle habits, become able to predict what they should do next, and try to act on their own.

“In order to have good lifestyle rhythm”1. Make an effort to wake up early. (If possible, wake your

child up around 6AM, 7AM by the latest so they may take in the sunlight)

2. During the day, make sure to let them play and move their bodies.

3. If they nap, make sure it is less than two hours and not at night.

4. Have meals and snacks at a set time.

When we think about our children’s lifestyles, we must think about our own as well. Let’s create lifestyles where the whole family will be healthier.

8 May 2014

1. Establish good lifestyle rhythm(0 to 1 yrs old)

Children will learn the difference between day and night, and eat three meals a day as they get closer to being 1 yr. old. Meal times and bed time will start to become established, and slowly lifestyle rhythm will form.

Health NewsletterHealth Support Division ☎ 36-1152

Until they develop good lifestyle habits

2. Establish basic lifestyle habits(1 to 2 yrs old)

Before meals, make sure they put on a bib and say itadakimasu or ‘thank you for the meal’ first. By repeating actions over and over every day, such as changing into pajamas before going to bed, basic lifestyle habits will be established. In addition, children will also learn to predict what they should do next, such as changing into pajamas after they have taken a bath.

3. Try to do things on their own(2 to 3 yrs old)

Children will attempt to do everything on their own, such as putting on their apron when told “it’s dinner!”, changing their own clothes, and putting on their own shoes when going out. However, there will also be many things that children refuse to do, and they will still require assistance. Try to respect the child’s efforts to do things on their own, and they will become more independent and capable.

4. Begin to perform some basic lifestyle habits on their own(3 to 5 yrs old)

Children will be able to perform some basic lifestyle habits on their own, such as eating and changing clothes. It may take them longer to perform, but watch over them patiently and respect their desire and motivation to do things on their own. The child will feel accomplished and fulfilled, knowing “I did it all by myself.” By the time the child enters elementary school, they will be able to do almost everything by themselves.

5. Perform basic lifestyle habits on their own(5 to 7 yrs old)

Children will be able to perform basic lifestyle habits on their own. They will be able to: keep regular hours (sleep and wake up early), eat (say itadakimasu or thank you, have manners), change clothes (put clothes on by themselves, fold their clothes), control bowel movements (go to the bathroom by themselves, don’t wait until the last minute to go to the bathroom, clean themselves after using the bathroom), cleanliness (washing their hands after coming home and using the bathroom, blowing their nose), and be sociable (greet others nicely, listen to others, wait for their turn, relay what they have experienced or think to others).

Presenting a report on activities from the past year-Citizen Activities Presentations-

On April 12th, Citizen Activities Presentations were held at the Tomiura Genki Club. There, eight groups selected to adopt the 2013 City Resident Proposed Community Building Challenge Projects gave presentations on their activities and various efforts to create new attractions in the city and increase community exchange.

Minamiboso City started this program in 2007 to support the activities of citizen-led organizations that work for public good. So far, we have supported 99 different projects. (This includes projects under the community revitalization platform in 2007 and 2008.)

Presenting their activities in the Tomiyama and Heguri Areas to the prefectural government-Heguri Tourism Association -

On March 20th, the prefectural government sponsored a Local Community Revitalization Support Project Activities Report Event at the Chiba City Business Support Center. There, the Heguri Tourism Association, which was chosen to adopt a project in 2013, reported on “revitalizing the Heguri Area Community by connecting cities and rural areas.”

The NPO “Chiba Nature School” served as the office for this project. There, the Heguri Area’s Naka, Shimo, and Yamada wards; the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Group; Iwai Guides Group; city hall; and colleges all got together for a meeting, planning various activities based out of the old residential home “Rokusuke.” Activities included a local resources survey, a test tour involving Heguri’s festivals, a

survey of hiking courses, a class and exchange on making the local dish futomaki sushi rolls, annd more.

This year, they would like to continue putting on community exchange events highlighting the area’s nature and events.

9 May 2014

Organizations that have adopted city resident proposed community building challenge projects

participants listening intently to the other

presentations

2013 “City Resident Proposed Community Building Challenge Project” adopting organizations at a glance

# organization name project name course (year)

1 Minamiboso Sazanami Canoe Club Exploring coves and islands in handmade canoes “First-Steps”2 Minamiboso Eco-Clean Everyone’s favorite: the environment Challenge (3rd)3 Ichibu Volunteer Team “MT.” ~ maintaining the environment and Challenge (2nd)

4 Minamiboso Eco-Net Easy river water quality checks and child-led watershed life surveys Challenge (3rd)

5 Herb Chikura Making Chikura a “town of flowers and herbs”! Challenge (2nd)6 Chikura Mt.Konpira Community Building Group Chikura Mt.Konpira community building Challenge (2nd)7 Oomaki Making some income on the country hills Challenge (1st)8 NPO S-fire Minamiboso City kids playing outside together Challenge (1st)

a lively community exchange (Boso futomaki sushi roll making class)

Learning about Ama Town, Shimane prefecture’s town building activities

The Eastern Awa Fisheries Association’s activities were awarded the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries AwardThe Eastern Awa Fisheries Association’s efforts to establish an abalone fishing area over the last 30 years using the rotational fishing zones method was awarded the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the “19th National Youth and Female Fishers Exchange Event” held in March in Tokyo.

Abalone free-dive fishing will start again this year from May in the Eastern Awa Fisheries Association’s jurisdiction, including Chikura-cho.

Children from Fukushima experiencing nature ~citizen activities group hosts a canoe day~On March 26th, the Thinking About Fukushima Boso Group (President Hiroyo Haga) put on the “Fukushima Warmth Project in Boso.” The Minamiboso Sazanami Canoe Club, (President Goji Ryoke) based in the Tomiura Area had its members ride aboard with and guide the 19 children who were able to enjoy the canoe riding experience.

The Mayor’s Cup Youth Baseball Tournament~Wada Red Rose wins the cup~On April 5th and 12th, the 4th Mayor’s Cup Youth Baseball Tournament was held at the Chikura General Sports Park and Wada Community Field.

The finals were a match between the Wada Red Roses and the Iwai Eagles, which the Wada Red Roses won, 5 to 4.

The MVP award was given to player Haruki Kurokawa of the Wada Red Roses, while the Fighting Spirit award was given to player Asahi Koike of the Iwai Eagles.

Minamiboso is recognized as the first “Forest Therapy Area” in Chiba prefecture!In an effort to increase tourism projects by taking advantage of the abundance of natural resources, Minamiboso City has been working toward becoming approved as a “Forest Therapy Area.” We are now the 57th area in the country and first in Chiba prefecture to be officially designated as a “Forest Therapy Area.”

Through experiments performed last September, it was scientifically proven that spending time in our city’s forests has a relaxing effect and decreases stress. With these experiment results and a screening of the natural environment of the surrounding communities, official designation was granted.

From hereon, we would like to emphasize the abundance of our natural evergreen forests, fruitful oceans and mountains to tourists, creating vacation packages and tours that mix those resources with flowers and food.

We will also be holding hands-on workshops on forest therapy, as well as lectures on becoming a forest therapy guide for citizens. We hope you will participate .

Contact: Tourism Promotion Division, ☎︎ 33-1091

10 May 2014

Town Talk: What’s Happening

members of the Eastern Awa Fisheries Association that were awarded

children enjoying the canoes

Champions, the Wada Red Rose

May Bulletin Board

NoticePlease pay your automobile taxes by the deadlineThe deadline for paying car taxes is June 2nd (Mon).

Starting from the beginning of May, tax payment notifications will be sent from the Automobile Tax Office. Be sure to pay your taxes as early as possible at your nearest financial institution or convenience store.

In addition, starting April you will be able to pay your automobile tax using a credit card on the internet. (You must complete the procedure by the tax deadline.)

For details, please see the pamphlet sent out with the tax payment notifications.

Contact: Automobile Tax Office☎︎ 043-243-2721Tateyama Prefectural Tax Office☎︎ 22-7117

Now accepting applications for the kei-car tax exemption for persons with disabilitiesTarget Individuals or households with an individual who has a disability of at least a certain level according to their physical disability certificate, mental disability health welfare certificate, special education certificate, or war-wounded person certificateHow to apply for the tax exemptionBefore paying your kei-car tax, you must register at the Tax Division, Asai Administrative Center, or your Regional Branch by bringing your1. Disability certificate or the equivalent2. Tax payment notification3. Driver’s license4. Proof of shaken inspection5. Official sealwith you.※ The tax exemption is limited to one par per one disabled person. You may not apply for the prefectural automobile tax exemption at the same time.Registration deadlineMay 26th (Mon)※ Kei-car tax payments are due by June 2nd (Mon)

Contact: Tax Division ☎︎ 33-1023

Basic-class lifesaving training programsWe will hold training classes on how to perform heart and lung resuscitation procedures using AED (Automated External Defibrillator) devices. The “Basic-class lifesaving program I” teaches basic knowledge. The “Basic-class lifesaving program II” teaches more specialized knowledge, and includes a written test and explanation.When June 28th (Sat)from 1:00pm to 5:00pm※ The “Basic-class lifesaving program I” will be held till 4:00pmWhere 1. Tateyama City Nanohana Hall2. Kamogawa City Cultural GymnasiumTarget those over middle school ageCapacity 30 people per site (first come first serve)Cost 137 yen (for class materials)Registration period From June 9th (Mon) to June 22nd (Sun)

Contact: Tateyama Fire Department ☎ 22-2903Kamogawa Fire Department ☎ 04-7093-2131Chikura Sub-Department ☎ 44-2100Kyonan Sub-Department ☎ 55-3250

2nd “Training and Lecture on Social Accommodations for Ostomates”When May 17th (Sat) 12 noon to 4pmWhere Chiba City Cultural Center, 9th floorMeeting rooms 2 through 4(Chiba City, Chuo Ward Chuo 2-5-1 Chiba Chuo Twin Buildings #2)Content Equipment display and support event, lecture on “The Newest Urology Surgery” by Chiba Prefectural Cancer Center, Urology Doctor Mr. Ken FukazawaLecturer People with ostomates (artificial anus, artificial bladder) and their families, people in the medical field, workers in charge of individuals with ostomates, care managers, care workers, case workers, home helpers.Participation fee free

Contact: Chiba Ostomy Association, Chiba Prefecture Office☎ 043-309-7571(Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 5pm)

11 May 2014

NoticePneumococcus vaccine subsidy for seniorsTargetIndividuals over 75 years of ageSubsidy amountOnce per person (for life), 1500 yen*You must submit an application before getting the vaccination*You will not receive the subsidy if you get the vaccination from a non-designated medical facility*There may be a change in the policy mid-year. In that case, we will notify the public through the Kouhou magazine and city website.

Contact: Health Support Division ☎ 36-1152

ConsultationsFree law consultations over the phone for seniors and the disabledThe Chiba Prefecture Lawyers Group’s Seniors and Disabled Support Center is offering free law consultations for the elderly, disabled, and their caretakers starting in June.

If you have issues regarding a law problem, please feel free to consult them.

When• every Monday from 10am to 12 noon• every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm (does not

include the end and beginning of the year, obon and other holidays)

Target1. Seniors over 65 years of age2. People with disabilities3. People caring for a senior or disabled person

How to use the service Please call the following designated phone number, A lawyer in charge will speak with you directly over the phone about your consultation. We can only provide a consultation for a single topic once a year. (Phone call fees will be borne by the individual calling.)

Consultation time About 20 minutes per personConsultation phone number ☎︎ 043-227-1800

Contact: Prefectural Lawyers GroupChiba City, Chuo Ward Chuo 4-13-12 ☎︎ 043-227-8431

WantedMiyoshi Adventure #12: participants wanted“Let’s find fireflies in Miyoshi!” Enjoy the magical light of the fireflies. A fun commentary by the firefly professor will also be given.

Registration will be closed once the limited has been reached, so be sure to register early.

When May 31st (Sat)meet at 6:30pm (canceled if it rains, even a little)

Meeting Place Miyoshi Agriculture and Environment Improvement Center, front gates (after meeting, participants will head to the viewing area by their own cars)Things to bring Please come wearing sports shoes/sneakersParticipation fee 200 yen per (includes insurance)Participant cap 40 people (must register in advance)

Contact: Community Building Association “Miyoshi” Office (Miyoshi Regional Branch)☎ 36-1185

Wanted: Funding for Japan Red Cross Society activitiesEvery May and June are designated as “Red Cross Activity Month,” during which fundraisers to fund Red Cross activities are held.

Those funds are used to fund things disaster relief activities in the event of an earthquake or typhoon. They also go toward volunteer activities; medical projects; blood bank projects; aid to people in war, disaster and disease stricken areas; support for development projects and other humanitarian activities.

In addition, in the city we had a soup kitchen and rescue training set up by volunteer organizations to make sure rescue and relief activities can be done quickly in the event of a real disaster.

These activities are all supported by your cooperation. Please consider the cause of our activities, and make a donation to our activities fund.

Contact: Social Welfare Division ☎︎ 36-1153

12 May 2014

Kouhou Minamiboso Magazine, April edition:Apologies and Corrections

We had errors in the April edition of the Kouhou Minamiboso magazine, published on April 10th. We apologize for the following error:

On page 18, on Maruyama Middle School, the article said,

“Maruyama Middle School was established through the joining together of Maruyama Middle and Toyota Middle in 1960.”

However, the correct statement should read,

“The former Maruyama Middle School was established through the joining of Toyota Middle and part of Chitose Middle in 1958. This later joined with the Maru Middle in 1960 to become the current Maruyama Middle School.”

Homepage: http://www.city.minamiboso.chiba.jpTwitter: http://twitter.com/minamiboso_kohoFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/minamibosocityChiba TV Municipalities Information: http://www.chiba-tv.com/shicho

Folk Tales of Minamiboso City #97“The large camphor tree of the mountain shrine”Kinji Ikuina

! Up by a mountain shrine in the Wada-cho Kamimihara area is a large camphor tree. Not only is its shape beautiful, but there are lotus flowers decorating the roots, creating a holy feeling.! This famous camphor tree is the largest in the Awa region, and was also one of the first things designated by the Chiba prefecture as a natural asset. Its presence is the pride of the Kamimihara Area, and something I believe can be boasted of.! The informational plaque set next to the large camphor tree in on the grounds of the mountain shrine say the following:! “This camphor tree has a circumference of 12m at eye level, is about 32m tall, and is about 750 years old.! It has long been loved by the locals as the holy tree of the mountain shrine. Birds sing, animals play in, and people gather to speak in its shade.! In the summer, the tree looks especially grand as its leaves grow thick, and the tree towers over the entire shrine grounds as if to cradle it.”! The mountain shrine is located on the west side of the former Kamimihara Elementary school grounds. Why not take a trip out there to feel the spiritual power of this holy camphor tree that’s lived through 750 years?

13 May 2014

~Tomiyama Area Sports Promotion Group~Director Yoshihiro Takahashi

! The Tomiyama Area Sports Promotion Group was established by members of the former Tomiyama Town Sports Association which existed before the city merger. Its goal is to help Tomiyama Area residents build healthy bodies and provide recreational activities.! It currently puts on the “Princess Fuse Sports Festival” (a sports festival that splits the 16 wards in Tomiyama into 8 teams), the “New Spring Road Race” (a marathon for middle school students in the Awa region), as well as volleyball tournaments and golf tournaments hosted by each region. ! The Princess Fuse Sports Festival is especially big, as all the residents of the Tomiyama Area come together. A block leader is chosen from each ward. The leader works to gather participants, but some years it is difficult to gather very many.! Regardless, on the day of the event, all the gathered participants are all smiles and sometimes serious as they work hard toward victory.! Some wards hold a wrap-up meeting after the Sports Festival, resulting in communication beyond regional wards.! Although the number of people involved in our Sports Promotion Group is decreasing, and it is difficult to manage the Sports Festival, we would like to continue holding it to provide a place for locals to communicate with each other.! This year’s Princess Fuse Sports Festival will be held on October 13th.

Contact: Minamiboso City Social Welfare CouncilTomiura Regional Welfare Center☎ 33-4565

This column aims to support local community organizations. If you know a group that is working hard in the community, please send us their information.

Contact: Citizen Cooperation Division☎ 33-1005Minamiboso Min-Min Nethttp://civil.mboso-etoko.jp

Kouhou MInamiboso May EditionPublished May 8th, 2014

Published byMinamiboso City 〒299-2492Chiba Prefecture Minamiboso CityTomiura-Chou Aoki 28

Edited bySecretariat and Publicity Division☎ 0470-33-1002FAX 0470-20-4591

English translation byArisa Hiroi

14 May 2014

The centipede race (photo from last year)