No.86 Top 10 News of Inagi City in Heisei 30

Looking back at last year, in the international political situation, in March 2018, a constitutional amendment to abolish the term limit for the presidency was passed in China, and the incumbent was re-elected in the Russian presidential election, strengthening the power bases of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, in the November 2018 U.S. midterm elections, the Senate was won by the ruling Republican Party, while the House of Representatives was taken by the opposition Democratic Party, creating a "divided" government and leading to instability in the Trump administration.
In June 2018, the first summit between President Trump and Chairperson Kim Jong-un was held, raising hopes for a reduction in U.S.-North Korea tensions; however, there has been no concrete progress towards denuclearization since then, and the threat from North Korea continues to persist.
Domestically, in September 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won a decisive victory against former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, achieving his third term, and shortly thereafter agreed to begin negotiations for a new trade agreement with President Trump. In November 2018, during talks with President Putin, an agreement was reached to accelerate negotiations for a peace treaty based on the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration, but currently, there are no signs of resolution regarding the Japan-U.S. trade issues or the Japan-Russia territorial disputes, and future developments are anticipated.
There were also notable scandals, such as the alteration of documents by the Ministry of Finance, inflated employment rates for disabled individuals in central government ministries, and manipulation of entrance exam scores at private medical universities.
On a positive note, in May 2018, shogi player Sota Fujii achieved the rank of 7-dan at the youngest age of 15 years and 9 months, and in October 2018, Professor Yoshinori Ohsumi from Kyoto University was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Sports also provided many emotional moments last year.
In February 2018, at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the Japanese delegation won a record 13 medals. Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu overcame injury to win gold medals in two consecutive tournaments, and in July 2018, he was awarded the People's Honor Award. In July 2018, during the FIFA World Cup in Russia, despite a recent coaching change and poor performance in warm-up matches, Japan advanced past the group stage to the knockout round. In August 2018, at the Asian Games, swimmer Rikako Ikee won six gold medals and was named MVP. In September 2018, tennis player Naomi Osaka won the women's singles title at the U.S. Open, and in November 2018, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels was awarded Rookie of the Year, highlighting the achievements of Japanese athletes abroad.
Having reflected on both domestic and international events from last year, I would like to also reflect on the year in Inagi City and share the top ten news stories.

1. Course for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Cycling Road Race Announced, Officially Decided to Pass Through Inagi City
   In July 2019, it was also decided to hold a test event for the road race.
2. Regulations on Smoking Restrictions in Public Areas Have Started
   To prevent passive smoking and enhance the beauty of the environment, smoking is prohibited in designated areas such as streets and parks around six stations in the city.
3. Establishment of the Inagi City Tourism Association
   Various organizations and universities related to tourism have been organized, and there are expectations for the promotion of tourism projects led by the private sector in the future.
4. Change of Superintendent
   Transition from the old system, which is a transitional measure, to the new system of Superintendent has been completed along with the transition to the new Board of Education system.
5. Achieved 7 million visitors to the Central Library
   Speed achievement in 11 years and 8 months since the opening in July 2006.
6. 70th Anniversary of the Fire Brigade Establishment, 50th Anniversary of the Inagi City Fire Department Opening
   To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Inagi Village Fire Brigade in 1948 and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Inagi Town Fire Department in 1967, ceremonies and the publication of commemorative materials will be held. In the anniversary year, the Inagi City Fire Brigade received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Fire Agency Commissioner Award flag.
7. Nagamine Community Center (Nagamine Oasis) Opens
   This facility marks the start of the community center project, the eighth in the city.
8. Start of Postpartum Care Program at City Hospital
   Accepting mothers and infants up to 3 months postpartum in the obstetrics ward, with midwives providing physical and mental care as well as consultation and guidance.
9. Promoting Inagi as a Bicycle Town
   Joining the "National Association of Mayors Promoting Community Development through Bicycles," announcing the road race course, introducing shared bicycles, and holding the Inagi Cross event are among the expanded bicycle-related initiatives.
10. Support for Disaster-Affected Areas
    In the June 2018 Northern Osaka Earthquake, disaster relief supplies were provided to Hirakata City, and in the July 2018 Western Japan Heavy Rain Disaster, supplies were sent to Soja City. Since December 2018, staff have been dispatched to Seiyo City in Ehime Prefecture to support recovery and reconstruction.

The top 10 news stories of 2018 are as follows. Just as last year's kanji was "disaster," it was a year marked by natural disasters. I hope this year will be a happy one for everyone, and that next year's top 10 news will include joyful events. Thank you for your continued support this year.