No. 185 October 1, 2012

http://www.city.urayasu.chiba.jp

Published by the City of Urayasu1-1-1 Nekozane, Urayasu-shi,

Chiba 279-8501 047-351-1111

Population: 162,192

Male: 80,788

Female: 81,404

Households: 72,068

Foreign Residents: 3,063

(As of August 31, 2012)

Population and No. of Households in Urayasu

The Activities of City Residents Color the Town

●What Are City Resident Activity Subsidies?City resident activity subsidies include Development Promotion Subsidies (First

Step) that are issued to programs that are effective for promoting the development of a group, and Invigoration Program Subsidies (Step Up) that are issued to groups that have been active for one year or longer and are conducting programs that are highly beneficial for the public good and effectively encourage the growth of the group. First Step subsidies are available for up to ¥100,000 per program, while Step Up subsidies are available for up to ¥500,000 per program.

The subsidies will be issued to the following programs during the current fiscal year. Details of the programs, as well as reports for the previous fiscal year, can be read at the Collaboration Promotion Section (Urayasu City Hall Main Bldg., 5F), NPO Center, or on the Urayasu City website.

List of Programs That Were Issued FY2012 SubsidiesDevelopment Promotion Subsidies (First Step)

Program GroupEnjoying Senior Life with the Internet—Senior PC Club Raku-Net

Let’s Sing with Facility Users—Volunteer Singing Activity Promotion

NPO Song Volunteer Ichikawa Chanter Urayasu Branch

Child-Raising Assistance Workshop Family and Child-Raising Consultation Office Yuzuriha

Promotion of Community Communication and Town Planning Support by Women Residents of Maihama Rose Town

Mai Friend

Experience with Spinning Tops Urayasu Spinning Top ClubVarious Support Programs Involving the Elderly Who Live at Home Kira-Kira Supporters Club

Cooking Practice and Making Friends for Elderly Men Ji-Ji CookingCreating a Radio Program to Introduce Community Activities Internet Radio Choaheyo.com

Basic Training for City Resident Guardians (Urayasu) City Resident Guardians Center Chiba (Specified Nonprofit Corporation)

There are a growing number of activities that are led by city residents and are designed to solve problems in local communities. The number of groups that are conducting these “city resident activities” and are registered with the NPO Center in Urayasu continues to increase, with 238 groups registered in FY2009, 292 in FY2010, and 331 in FY2011.

Urayasu City provides subsidies to city resident activity groups to promote the development and invigoration of these groups. The number

of programs eligible for subsidies in FY2012 reached a peak of 21 programs—the highest since the subsidy program began in FY2002. In addition, FY2011 donations to the city resident activity fund, which supports the subsidy program, reached a peak of 13 donations.

We should all strive to learn and think more about our communities and become involved in activities to make things better.Inquiries: Collaboration Promotion Section

Feel Free to Ask for Advice If You Come up with an IdeaMs. Hatayama, vice chairperson, NPO Machizukuri Net (Town Planning Network)

The NPO Center can help you if you want to conduct city resident activities or start a city resident activity group (hereafter referred to as “group”) but don’t know how.

The NPO Center is operated by NPO Machizukuri Net. Ms. Hatayama, vice chairperson of NPO Machizukuri Net, who works very hard for the development of city resident activities and town planning, has a message for those who are hesitating about starting an activity program: “If you come up with an idea, act upon it. That’s the basic rule. If you find a problem with the town, even if it’s very small, nothing is going to change unless you make the first move. Although you may not have any support at first, you will find supportive coworkers as you move forward. Surely there are others who are thinking about the same problem. If you are not sure how to go about things, please feel free to come and ask for advice.”

NPO Machizukuri Net supports the activities of citizen groups and works to build lateral connections between groups and city residents, as well as between fellow groups. “There is a multiplier effect when city resident activities thrive and fellow groups work together, and this will make Urayasu a better town,” Ms. Hatayama said with an earnest expression on her face.

When a group comes to the NPO Center, the people at the center try to draw out the problems and concerns of the group through casual conversation and help them solve their problems. “Since we belong to groups as well, we can listen to people’s problems from their perspective,” says Ms. Hatayama.

Today, programs are being organized that encourage students to participate in volunteer activities and become more familiar with city resident activities. “While it would be ideal to have the students who participated take action immediately, we feel that it will be good if their volunteer experiences inspire them to someday devote efforts to improve the town of Urayasu. In a way, we are planting the seeds of future city resident activities,” Ms. Hatayama said with a smile.

We Will Support Your Activities!Invigoration Program Subsidies (Step Up)

Program GroupSakaigawa Iki-Iki Project Part 4 Umi-Machi DesignTo Connect Children with Books! Urayasu Storytelling ClubLet’s Learn about the Life That Fosters Our Land! Science Club

Urayasu Flower Tour Program Garden City Urayasu Club—Promoting Tourism in Urayasu

Urayasu Science Cafe Urayasu Science and Crafts ClubCommunication Skills Improvement Seminar to Alleviate the Difficulties of Asperger Syndrome and Training for Leaders

Asperger Self-Help Manual

Mini Café Terrace in Sakaigawa—Continuous Use of the Waters with Community Cooperation Urayasu Waterside Club

Urayasu Documentary Movie Festival 2012 Urayasu Documentary OfficeHappy Child-Raising Start Program i-Net (Specified Nonprofit Corporation)

Safe Community Town Planning 2012 NPO Urayasu Bohan (Crime Prevention) Network (UBN)

Seaside Library Part 2 Urayasu Future 2050Reading Books to Children—Let’s Raise Children and Adults Together Part 2

Takasu Elementary School Storybook Club Refrain

●Participating through DonationsGiving donations is one way of participating in city resident activities.In Urayasu City, city residents, businesses, and the city administration work

together as one to adopt a “matching gift system” for building the city resident activity fund. A “matching gift system” is a method of accumulating funds in which Urayasu City Hall donates the same amount of money as was donated by city residents and businesses during the previous year. The more donations are collected from city residents, the more city resident activities can be conducted.

Donations are accepted throughout the year, and income deductions and carryover losses are recognized. In addition, in cases of annual donations over ¥300,000, awards are given according to city standards. We are looking forward to matching everyone’s donations.

●NPO CenterThe NPO Center

s u p p o r t s c i t y resident activities b y p r o v i d i n g information and a meeting place to c ity resident activity groups and city residents who a re th ink ing of starting activities.

The center can be used by anyone. Why not make use of some spare time (such as when you are waiting for a bus, etc.) to stop by, take a rest, and read the fliers of various groups?

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 9 p.m. on Fridays) Closed: National holidays and during the year-end/New Year holidays Location: 1-1-16 Kita-Zakae

Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Urayasu Sta.

NPO Center

Yanagi-dori Ave.

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Hello to all! Hideki Matsuzaki, Mayor of Urayasu

No. 185 October 1, 2012

●Recyclable Waste Disposal Schedule for October

Collection Area Bottles/Cans/PET plastic bottles

Newspapers/Magazines

Nekozane, Kitazakae, Todaijima Every Tue. Every Mon.

Horie, Higashino, Fujimi, Maihama Every Wed. Every Sat.

Kairaku, Mihama, Irifune, Hinode, Akemi Every Thu. Every Mon.

Tomioka, Imagawa, Benten, Tekkodori, Takasu, Minato, Chidori Every Fri. Every Sat.

* Please put out your garbage between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. It is against the rules to put it out earlier or later than this designated time as it could become a nuisance in your neighborhood.

* Bulky items will be collected separately on request by phone. Call the Bulky Items Reception Center, 305-4000. For inquiries, contact the Garbage-Free Section.

(ext. 1665)

Replacing Fire Extinguishers　Replacement of f ire ex tinguishers that have been lent out to households started on September 25 (Tue.).　Households with fire extinguishers labeled no. 1 through 99000 should br ing the notif ication that was mailed concerning the fire extinguisher replacement as well as their fire extinguisher to a designated location, the local fire station, or a branch office. You will be immediately issued a new fire extinguisher in exchange for your old one.　For more informat ion on des ignated locat ions , p lease read the not i f icat ion concerning the exchange of fire extinguishers or the Urayasu City website. Inquiries : General Af fa ir s Sec t ion, F ire Department Headquarters, Tel: 304-0142

Kana Calligraphy Free ClassDate and Time: October 15 (Mon.), 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon Location: Shimin Plaza Capacity: 20 people, on a f irst-come, f irst-served basisProgram: Learning the basics of how to write kana characters correctly (Instructor: Suisei Onuki [Nitten Kaiyu])Application: Apply by postcard or fax (giving your name, address, postal code, and telephone number) with Mr. Saito (Kana Calligraphy Institute), 2-21-10 Todaijima 279-0001.Inquiries: Mr. Saito, Tel/Fax: 351-4855(Lifelong Learning Section)

Dressing in Kimono Class: Would You Like to Go Out in a Kimono?Date and Time: October 22 (Mon.) and 29 (Mon.), 10 a.m. to 12 noon (total of two classes)Location: Ura La Mer Eligibility: Women who are 18 years of age or older and who have a kimono and obi ; 10 people on a first-come, f irst-served basis (Babysitting services are available.)Fee: ¥1,000 (including insurance fee)Note: A separate fee of ¥400 if you would like to use the babysitting servicesApplication: Call Ura La Mer starting at 1 p.m., October 3 (Wed.).Inquiries: Ura La Mer, Tel: 316-5777(Youth Section)

Have Fun in Costume: Halloween PartyDate and Time: October 28 (Sun.), 1 to 3 p.m.Location: Ura La Mer Eligibility: Children from 4 years of age through 3rd grade of elementary school; 20 people on a first-come, first-served basisFee: ¥300Application: Call Ura La Mer starting at 1 p.m., October 4 (Thu.). (You can apply for up to two people with one call.)Inquiries: Ura La Mer, Tel: 316-5777 (Youth Section)

International Center Exhibition: Musical Instruments of the World and Handmade InstrumentsDates: Until October 31 (Wed.)

Hometown Urayasu Risshi-juku in Ishinomaki

From August 20 through 22, we held the second Hometown Urayasu Risshi-juku training program in Ishinomaki City of Miyagi Prefecture. From each of eight Urayasu City municipal junior high schools, we invited three students who are active as student council presidents, class officers, and in other leadership positions at their school, for a total of 24 students.

Risshi-juku is the modern version of the ancient Japanese rite Risshi-shiki, in which children of age gained greater awareness of their adulthood by defining their goals and making decisions for the future. While most new programs were cancelled last fis-cal year due to the Great East Japan Earth-quake, Risshi-juku was the only program that was started. This program is intended to foster leaders who will shoulder the re-sponsibilities of a chaotic era, focusing on leaders at junior high schools.

I accompanied the children with high hopes for the growth of these teenagers, who are at the most sensitive age of their lives—second year students of junior high school—wondering how they would feel and what they would think when standing on the ground of Ishinomaki City, which suffered from unprecedented disaster.

Ishinomaki City was chosen for the re-cent program because it was the disaster-struck area that suffered the most in the Great East Japan Earthquake and also because it is very similar to Urayasu City in that it faces the ocean and had about the same population, about 163,000 people, before the earthquake. Ishinomaki City suffered the loss of 3,103 lives and 488 missing people. The area of land that was flooded due to the tsunami was a startling 4.3 times the area of our entire city. The number of buildings that were completely

destroyed was 22,357, and the estimated cost for recovery in the future is beyond imagination, at about ¥2 trillion.

On the first day, we arrived at Ishinoma-ki City and saw the center of town, which was completely destroyed by the tsunami. While listening to vivid accounts of the disaster, we climbed up the road through which the children of Kadonowaki Ele-mentary School evacuated, up to the top of Mt. Hiyori-yama, a small mountain where over 4,000 people took refuge for two days until the waters receded. We tried to imag-ine how the refugees must have felt.

On the next day, we visited Ishinomaki City Hall and spoke with the deputy mayor and the director of education. We were shocked to hear that it is estimated that it will take at least 10 years for the children of Ishinomaki to recover from the mental scars of their traumatic experience. After that, we were able to conduct a friendly exchange program with residents and chil-dren of the Watanoha temporary housing complex, where most of the refugees of the city live. There, I was able to speak with the upcoming director of the local govern-ment. I felt helpless beyond words when he said weakly, “It’s been almost a year and a half, but we don’t talk about the future or about recovery because we have no hope.”

At our farewell gathering, however, the leader of Team Kobe, a group that is work-ing hard applying their experiences of recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, thanked us, saying that it was the first time he had seen direct communi-cation between refugees and children and the first time he had seen the elderly look so lively.

It was only a short stay of two nights and three days, but I am sure that the experi-ence will greatly influence the lives of our 24 future leaders.

Location: International Center (inside Shin-Urayasu Il Mare)Note: Please call if you would like to exhibit a musical instrument.Inquiries: International Center Tel: 306-5181(Local Network Section)

Sports Fair 2012▷ Challenge Rally—Try a sport and win a prize!Events : “Large-ball” table tennis, “bound tennis,” boccia, Japanese archery, and moreNote : R a l l y ca rds w i l l be ava i l ab le a t headquarters from 9:30 a.m.▷ Challenge GamesEvents: Strikeout, Fastball King, “kick target,” and “disc-getter”▷ Children’s PlazaProgram: Bouncy castle, ring toss, and more▷ Indoor Swimming Pool Open to the Public for Free▷Stage PerformancesProgram: Hula dancing and karate demonstration▲For all of the above:Date and Time: October 7 (Sun.), 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (will be held even if it rains)Location : Spor ts Park and Spor ts Park Gymnasium

Note: No reservations are necessary; simply come to the site on the day of the event.Inquiries: Sports Section

Mizu Walk (Waterfront Walking Event)Date and Time: October 14 (Sun.), 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Reception: 9 to 9:30 a.m.)Course: About 11 km or 7 km in Urayasu City (Meet at Shin-Urayasu Station Plaza.)Fee: ¥200 (¥400 for application on the day of the event) for general admission and ¥100 for elementary school childrenApplication: Apply by postal account payment (account no.: 00120-3-723899; account name: Urayasu City Light Sports Association; Write your name, address , age, and telephone number in the tsushin section), or bring your application form (available at the Sports Section [Urayasu City Hall No. 2 Bldg., 2F], Sports Park Gymnasium, and your local kominkan [public hall]) and your fee and apply in person with the Sports Section no later than September 28 (Fri.).Note: If you apply by postal account payment, please bring your receipt on the day of the event.Inquiries: Sports Section

The Urayasu Foreign Residents Association (UFRA) is a non-profit organization for foreign residents. UFRA was established in 1986 with the full support of Urayasu City. UFRA is active in many ways. For example, UFRA hosts social, cultural, and charity events and creates a forum for interaction among foreigners and between foreign and Japanese residents of the City.

Join UFRA and participate in a wide variety of community events and contribute to helping the association accomplish its community goals! You will receive UFRA newsletters and City News and stay informed about the many activities of UFRA and the city! Visit our website and find out more!Memberships: Regular Membership: Foreigners living in UrayasuAssociate Membership: Foreigners living outside of Urayasu or Japanese spouses of UFRA membersUFRA Friends: Japanese nationals living in UrayasuHow to Join: Submit an application with a ¥1,000 one-year membership fee.UFRA Website: http://www.urayasufra.orgUFRA Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/175156219277961/UFRA E-Mail: urayasufra@gmail.comUFRA Office: Local Network Section, Urayasu City Hall (Nekozane, Urayasu-shi, Chiba 279-8501)Tel: 047-351-1111 (extension, 1665)

UFRA Events in October●UFRA French Cooking ClassDate and Time: October 10 (Wed.), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Hinode Kominkan’s kitchen roomInstructor: Ms. Marianne Matsumoto (French UFRA member)Fee: ¥500 plus cost of ingredientsReservation: Call the UFRA Office. (Limited to 10 participants)Learn French home-made cooking and enjoy tasting it!●UFRA Art ExhibitionDate and Time: October 20 (Sat.) and 21 (Sun.), 1 to 7 p.m. on the 20th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 21st (Opening party on the 20th at 6 p.m.)Location: Wave 101 GalleryNote: Free of charge, no reservation needed. Just come to the venue and enjoy the talented artwork of UFRA members, their associates, and students!●UFRA Yoga WorkshopDate and Time: October 27 (Sat.), 10 :15 to

11:15 a.m.Location: Hinode KominkanInstructor: Ms. Khushboo Aggarwal (Indian UFRA member)Fee: ¥500Reservation: Call the UFRA Office. (Limited to 10 participants)Learn pranayama (breathing exercise), which is a simple exercise for healthy living!●UFRA Creative Photography WorkshopDate and Time: October 28 (Sun.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Location: Chuo Kominkan and Shitamachi neighborhood of Flower-doriInstructor: Mr. Jacob Schere (American UFRA member)Fee: ¥500Reservation: Call the UFRA Office. (Limited to 12 participants)Bring your camera and learn picture-taking techniques!

What Is UFRA?

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