Response to Proposals for City Administration in December 2024

5th

About the Cost of Vaccination for Shingles in Inagi City

I received the first vaccination in February, but at that time I was told that I should receive the second one after April, although I was unsure if there would be a subsidy from the city. I checked the public announcements every month regarding the city's subsidy, but there was no information. By October, there was still no announcement, and when I inquired, I was told, "The subsidy started in April, and it was published in the April 15th announcement. Also, only those who received the first vaccination within six months are eligible, so you do not qualify." The public announcements have been insufficient, and there has been no proper communication regarding the eligibility criteria of needing to be within six months, so I would like to request proper announcements and appropriate responses.

First, regarding the subsidy for the cost of vaccination against shingles, we have started this project as a one-year initiative from October 2, 2023. Therefore, the implementation for the fiscal year 2024 will only be possible if the budget is approved by the city council, and we were unable to clearly indicate the situation regarding the implementation of the project after April, when the second vaccination can be administered at the time of the first vaccination (February). For those who can receive the second vaccination after April, medical institutions have been instructed to check the city website and other sources after April. Due to this background, we have widely informed the public through the city website, city announcements (April 15 issue), and posters at medical institutions after April 1. In the future, we will continue to strive to inform citizens who wish to receive the vaccination. Next, regarding the interval between the first and second vaccinations for the inactivated vaccine (Shingrix), the second vaccination is required to be administered two months after the first vaccination (no later than six months later). (For those who are considered to be at high risk of contracting shingles, the interval between the first and second vaccinations can be shortened to one month.) According to the vaccine manufacturer's package insert, it states, "As a standard, the second vaccination should be administered two months after the first vaccination. Even if more than two months have passed since the first vaccination, it should be administered by six months later." To ensure that citizens can safely receive the vaccine, we have established the vaccination interval in accordance with the vaccine package insert.
Therefore, in the "Notice of Subsidy for Vaccination Against Shingles in Inagi City," it is stated as a precaution, "The second vaccination is required to be administered two months after the first vaccination (no later than six months later)." This information is distributed to everyone receiving the vaccination. Additionally, as indicated in the pre-vaccination questionnaire, we provide the subsidy only when the individual understands this content and complies with the precautions during vaccination.
Regarding the feedback that there is insufficient awareness on this point, we will make efforts to express it more clearly and understandably in the future.
Furthermore, we have established this precaution to ensure that citizens can safely receive vaccinations.

5th

About the paving of municipal roads and others

(1) About the paving of city roads
The road paving of Shiroyama Street connecting from the New Omaru intersection to Koyodai has not been repaired despite being significantly damaged. Is there any reason for this? There are large holes, which are dangerous. I would like a complete repaving to be done as soon as possible.
(2) About the traffic signal at the intersection in front of the City Hospital
When exiting from the hospital side onto Kawasaki Street, there is no traffic light directly in front of the T-junction, which is very confusing. Is it not possible to install a traffic light?

Regarding the proposal for Shiroyama Street, from the Shiroyama Park intersection to the Shin-Omaru intersection, starting from the fiscal year 2023, we are conducting road pavement replacement work in order from the Shiroyama intersection side towards the Shin-Omaru intersection, one lane at a time. This year, we will continue the work towards the Shin-Omaru intersection from the sections completed last year, and once the relevant lane (downward) is completed, we plan to shift to the opposite lane (upward).
During the period until the work is completed, we will conduct regular inspections and carry out partial repairs as necessary.
Next, regarding traffic regulations such as traffic lights, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, as the traffic manager, makes the decision on their installation. When we confirmed with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department about the installation of a vehicle traffic light from the City Hospital side to Kawasaki Street in front of Inagi City Hospital, we were informed that "the requested location is an entrance and exit of an off-street facility and not an intersection. We will not install a traffic light for off-street facility access." There is a pedestrian traffic light installed for crossing Kawasaki Street at the requested location, so we hope that when the pedestrian traffic light is green, and the vehicles on Kawasaki Street have stopped, pedestrians will check for safety on both sides before crossing.
The city will continue to work on traffic safety measures at the relevant location, including requesting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the road manager of Kawasaki Street, to properly manage the street trees to ensure vehicle visibility.

Management Division Maintenance and Repair Section, Traffic Measures Section, Civil Engineering Division Road and Waterway Construction Section

6th

About Route Buses

The number of route buses has decreased, and commuting and school travel times have increased by more than 30 minutes. If there is a labor shortage, I hope you will consider transportation options like the Utsunomiya Light Rail.

The current situation surrounding bus operators is such that, amid a nationwide decrease in the number of drivers, the "Standards for Improving Working Hours of Motor Vehicle Operators," commonly known as the Improvement Standards Notification, will be enforced on April 1, 2024, as part of work style reforms. We have been informed by bus operators that, in order to comply with the reduction of drivers' working hours and the securing of break times, there is a risk that maintaining the current operation of city bus routes may become impossible, even when considering the current and future estimates of the number of drivers.
The city will hold discussions regarding the operation of city buses, taking into account the current situation surrounding bus operators, through the "Inagi City Regional Public Transport Council," which consists of representatives from each Neighborhood Association, various civic groups, bus operators, and the police, to realize transportation services that are suited to local conditions.
Additionally, while we have also inspected the Utsunomiya LRT, it was established to alleviate chronic traffic congestion caused by private cars commuting to large industrial parks by laying a railway connecting Utsunomiya Station to the industrial parks. Considering the scale of the project and its profitability, we believe that implementation within Inagi City is not feasible.

Traffic Measures Section, Management Division

10th

About Bus Stops

I would like to see an increase in bus stops from Wakabadai Station near the Sakahama area.
Also, the corner leading from Odaryo Central Park to Odaryo North Park is very hard to see, and since there is a Nursery School nearby, I would like to request the installation of a convex mirror.

The operation of route buses on the currently open municipal road Hirao No. 2039, which passes through the Odaryo Tunnel and leads to the vicinity of Odaryo River Park, is difficult according to the route bus operators, as it is impossible for buses to turn around within the municipal road. Therefore, until this municipal road connects to Tsurukawa Highway, it will be challenging to operate route buses. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please consider using the route buses operating on Tenjin Street or the i-bus bus stops.
Next, regarding your request for the installation of a curve mirror, please note that curve mirrors have blind spots that are not reflected in the mirror, and particularly small children are prone to entering these blind spots, which may increase the risk of traffic accidents. The city is carefully considering the installation of curve mirrors, especially around school routes and children's facilities.
Regarding the requested location, upon checking the site, it was found that a corner cut has been installed at the T-intersection, ensuring a certain level of visibility. Therefore, there are no plans to install a curve mirror, but we have already set up warning signs to ensure traffic safety.

Traffic Measures Section, Management Division

4

16th

About the One-Man Operation of the Nambu Line Starting Next Spring

It has been announced that one-man operation of the Nambu Line will be implemented from next spring, but it is considered that there are many dangers during rush hours, such as the crowded trains stopping at Inagi-Naganuma Station bound for Tachikawa in the morning. There are many dangers in emergencies, personal accidents, and cases of sudden illness; how does the city plan to address these issues?

The city has been informed that East Japan Railway Company (hereinafter referred to as "JR East") will install monitors in the driver's seat to confirm the boarding and alighting of all doors to improve safety associated with one-man operation. Additionally, for the first time at JR East, a function will be introduced that allows communication between users and the transportation command center during emergencies, as well as direct announcements from the transportation command center to the train. Furthermore, JR East will provide necessary education and training to staff to ensure that users can ride with peace of mind during one-man operations.
The city has been requesting improvements in safety regarding train operations, and we would like to continue to urge JR East to implement further safety measures to alleviate the concerns of station users, taking into account the issues raised.
Regarding the feedback that wheelchair users experience inconveniences when using the facilities at the Nambu Line stations, the city will make a request to JR East. We have also been informed that JR East has a consultation desk for opinions and requests (please refer to the URL below). We would appreciate it if you could directly provide your feedback to JR East.
【JR East - Reception of Opinions and Requests】
URL: https://voice2.jreast.co.jp/

Community Development Section, City Planning Division

19th

About Yama Sakura Park

The bricks under the wisteria trellis in Yamazakura Park have come off, and now an orange net is spread over them. It feels like they have been left unattended for quite a long time. I would like to know the plans for the future.

Thank you for your feedback. Regarding the brick wall in Yamazakura Park, as you pointed out, the bricks are indeed peeling, and we have restricted access with an orange net. This brick wall may continue to experience peeling due to aging and other factors, so we will conduct an on-site inspection, remove any bricks that may peel, and carry out renovation work within this fiscal year.
We apologize for the inconvenience to users, but we will continue to strive for the maintenance and management of a safe and secure park.

Greenery and Environment Division Green and Park Section

25th

About the streetlights before dawn

The streetlights on the "Giant's Path" heading to Yomiuri Land are turned off before dawn. It is dangerous to ascend and descend the stairs in complete darkness. Could you please turn off the streetlights only during the winter season around 6:10 AM?

Regarding the lighting for the "Path to Giants" that you requested, it is managed by Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd. We conveyed your request to the city, and we have received a response that the lighting off time has been changed from 6 AM to 7 AM. This is to inform you of that update.

Maintenance and Repair Section, Management Division

26th

About the establishment of the second middle school soccer

Currently, there is no soccer club at the second junior high school, but how can we make it happen? There are junior high schools in the city that have soccer clubs and those that do not, and I would like to see equal opportunities provided from compulsory education. Also, if it is difficult to have a standalone team, I think a joint team with multiple junior high schools would be acceptable. I would like to know the reasons why the soccer club at the second junior high school was disbanded a few years ago and the conditions for its revival.

I confirmed with the Board of Education, and it is indicated in the "Inagi City Public Schools Junior High School Club Activity Policy" (hereinafter referred to as the Inagi City Club Activity Policy) formulated by the Board of Education regarding the establishment of club activities. Based on that content, I will respond.
・From the perspective of promoting the physical and mental growth of children, the city's basic recognition regarding the establishment of necessary club activities in each school
→Regarding the city's basic recognition of establishing necessary club activities in each junior high school, it is recognized that club activities will be established based on the statement in the "Inagi City Club Activity Policy" formulated by the Board of Education, which states, "Schools will systematically and strategically establish club activities based on each school's educational goals, school management plans, school size, facilities and equipment, the actual situation and diverse needs of students, the expertise of instructors, school traditions, and regional characteristics."
・There are junior high schools in the city with and without soccer clubs. From the perspective of compulsory education (public education), I believe opportunities should be provided equally, what do you think? (If it is difficult to have a standalone team, I think a joint team with multiple junior high schools would be acceptable.)
→Considering the number of students wishing to have a soccer club in each junior high school, it is currently difficult to establish soccer clubs in all junior high schools. Regarding joint teams, it is said that the Board of Education and each junior high school will consider implementation based on the actual circumstances of each junior high school.
・Specific reasons for the disbandment of the soccer club at the second junior high school a few years ago
→Currently, the soccer club at Inagi City Dai 2 Junior High School is in a state of "suspension of activities" rather than "disbandment." The specific reason for the suspension of activities is that in the fiscal year 2024, there were 3 students who wished to join the soccer club, but when confirming with those students about the possibility of activities with just 3 members, they expressed that they did not wish to join, leading to the suspension of activities.

・Conditions for the revival of the Second Junior High School soccer club (number of applicants, budget, advisor, etc.)
→There are no specific conditions regarding the number of participants, but if a certain number of applicants and instructors can be secured, the soccer club activities will resume.
・I think it might be good to have a joint team with nearby schools like the Sixth Junior High School. What are the possibilities for that, and what challenges need to be addressed to make it happen?
→Regarding a joint team between Inagi City Dai 2 Junior High School and other municipal junior high schools, there are operational challenges such as transportation and time management to the participating junior high schools, but it is possible to implement this with the agreement of both principals.
・Whether to establish club activities in the next school year will depend on what procedures and considerations are taken within the annual schedule, and when a decision will be made.
→Regarding the procedures for establishing club activities, according to the Inagi City Club Activity Policy, schools will comprehensively judge the establishment based on the trends of their own school over the next few years (such as the number of enrolled students and the possibility of assigning faculty advisors). In particular, it will not be based solely on the wishes of individual teachers, but will be carefully established while paying attention to the direction of future organizational management. Each junior high school will discuss and decide on the establishment of club activities at an appropriate time in consultation with the school management council and staff meetings.

Guidance Division

20th

Access to the Comprehensive Gymnasium

During the holiday sports events held at the Comprehensive Gymnasium, the parking lot often becomes full, leading to vehicles waiting to enter blocking the roads and causing traffic jams extending to the Oine Main Line. Local residents are inconvenienced, and as the administrator, please take the following actions:
(1) Ensure security personnel are deployed on holidays and increase usage fees.
(2) Encourage the use of public transportation.
(3) Expand the parking lot.

When sports tournaments and other events overlap, the city is aware that there may be delays in vehicle departures due to the concentration of departing vehicles in the west parking lot of the Comprehensive Gymnasium. In anticipation of a large number of park parking lot users, the city has already deployed security personnel at the parking lot entrance and near the traffic lights at Inagi Central Park close to Zebra Coffee, and has implemented measures such as placing traffic cones on the roadside to prevent vehicles from waiting on the street. Additionally, as needed, not only are security personnel deployed, but city staff and organizing groups also guide and manage vehicles.
Regarding the encouragement to use public transportation, for events organized by the city, we inform participants during the recruitment process and through individual notifications to participants. Furthermore, for the organizing groups of sports events, we allocate the number of parking spaces based on the scale of the event and explain to them to encourage attendees exceeding the allocation to use public transportation.

The city plans to update aging parking equipment and introduce cashless payment systems in the fiscal year 2025. We are also considering increasing the number of parking spaces by utilizing and reviewing the layout of available spaces in the parking lot.
We will continue to strive for proper management of park parking lots, and we appreciate your understanding.

Greenery and Environment Division Green and Park Section · Sports Promotion Section Sports Promotion Section

26th

Basic Plan on Support for Women Facing Difficulties

It seems that Tokyo is creating the basic policy for the "Law on Support for Women Facing Difficult Issues" that will be enacted in April 2024. It is considered the duty of each municipality to create a basic plan. Does Inagi City have plans to create a basic plan?

Regarding the "Law on Support for Women Facing Difficult Issues" that came into effect on April 1, 2024, municipalities are required to strive to formulate a basic plan for municipalities.
Currently, Inagi City is engaged in discussions within the Inagi City Gender Equality Promotion Council, composed of experts and publicly recruited citizens, to formulate the fifth plan of the Inagi City Gender Equality Plan (Inagi Plan for Promoting Gender Equality), which will begin in fiscal year 2026. The ongoing fifth plan is expected to include content that encompasses the "Basic Plan for Supporting Women Facing Difficult Issues," mentioning the creation of an environment where those in difficult situations can live with peace of mind.

Citizen Collaboration Division Gender Equality Participation Section