No.74 Top 10 News of Inagi City in 2017

Looking back at last year, in the international political landscape, in January 2017, Mr. Trump, who advocated America First, took office as President of the United States; in March 2017, Prime Minister May of the UK notified the EU of its withdrawal; in May 2017, Mr. Macron, at 39 years old, became the youngest president in history after winning the French presidential election; in March 2017, the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye of South Korea was decided, and in May 2017, Mr. Moon Jae-in was elected in the presidential election; and in October 2017, Mr. Xi Jinping started his second term at the Chinese Communist Party Congress, making it a noteworthy year.

In the domestic arena, in July 2017, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election saw the regional party, Tomin First no Kai, led by Governor Yuriko Koike, winning 55 seats and becoming the largest party, while the Liberal Democratic Party suffered a historic defeat with only 23 seats, the lowest in its history. In October 2017, the House of Representatives election was aimed at a change of government with the formation of the Party of Hope by Governor Koike, but her "exclusion" remarks led to the establishment of the Constitutional Democratic Party and resulted in a major defeat, with the Liberal Democratic Party securing 284 seats and the Komeito Party 29 seats, maintaining a two-thirds majority.
Regarding North Korea, in February 2017, Kim Jong-un's half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, was murdered in Malaysia, and nuclear tests and missile launches in violation of UN Security Council sanctions were repeated, bringing anxiety and tension to East Asia.
In the sports field, in January 2017, Ozeki Kisenosato, who won his first championship at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, was promoted to Yokozuna, the first Japanese-born in 19 years, but he was absent for three consecutive tournaments due to injury. In April 2017, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu won with a world record score, while Mao Asada announced her retirement from active competition. In May 2017, golfer Ai Miyazato also announced her retirement. In June 2017, the mixed doubles pair of Maharu Yoshimura and Kasumi Ishikawa won Japan's first title in 48 years at the Table Tennis World Championships. In August 2017, badminton player Nozomi Okuhara won Japan's first title in 40 years at the Badminton World Championships. In September 2017, sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu became the first Japanese to break the 10-second barrier in the men's 100 meters final at the All Japan University Championships. While there is a generational change among athletes, the rise of young players is also notable, raising expectations for the Tokyo Olympics.
In the disaster field, in July 2017, there were record heavy rain damages in northern Kyushu, resulting in many casualties last year as well. Regarding the evacuation order areas due to the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the orders were lifted in the four towns of Kawamata, Namie, Iitate, and Tomioka in Fukushima Prefecture, reducing the area to about 30% of its maximum size. We look forward to further recovery in the future.
Various events occurred both domestically and internationally, but let us also reflect on the year in Inagi City.

1. Due to the revision of the electoral district boundaries for the House of Representatives, Inagi City was divided.
   Despite joint efforts with Tama City to request the avoidance of this division, it was unsuccessful. In the general election held in October 2017, including proportional representation, four members of the House of Representatives were elected from the electoral district that includes Inagi City.
2. Inagi Fire Station Hirao Branch Office began operations in April 2017.
   This has significantly reduced the emergency vehicle arrival time in the southwestern part of the city, which has been a long-standing issue, and the enhancement of firefighting capabilities has been achieved along with the drone introduced by the city in August 2017.
3. The large-scale renovation of the Central Community Center Hall has been completed and will open at the end of March 2017.
   There are various challenges associated with facility updates due to aging, but this serves as a practical example of solutions achieved through citizen collaboration.
4. The operation of the i-bus Phase 2 revised route has started.
   After two years of discussions at the regional public transport conference, the operation with a new route and new schedule, including increased service, began at the end of March 2017 and has generally received positive feedback.
5. Inagi City Nursing Care Support Volunteer System 10th Anniversary
   The city started this initiative ahead of the nation and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. A commemorative ceremony was held, and letters of appreciation were presented to volunteers and receiving organizations.
6. Agricultural Volunteer Training Course "Inagi Agricultural Interaction School" has started
   All 10 students of the memorable first term have successfully graduated, and we look forward to their future activities.
7. Partial Return of Tama Service Subsidy Facility
   In August 2017, a long-standing request for return was realized with the partial return.
8. The 47th Tokyo Fire Department Pump Vehicle Operation Competition won
   The Inagi City Fire Brigade First Division participated as the representative of Inagi City, overcoming rigorous training over a total of 90 sessions and achieving remarkable results in the competition held in October 2017.
9. Formulation of the Third Inagi City Hospital Reform Plan and Certification of "Hospital Function Evaluation"
   In addition to formulating a reform plan aimed at further enhancing medical functions and continuing sound hospital management, the certification conducted by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care was updated, promoting the provision of safe and secure medical care.
10. Completion of renovation work on the first city hall parking lot, and commencement of use
    Separated pedestrian and vehicle areas, one-way traffic within the lot, and elimination of level differences have been implemented, making it a parking lot that everyone can use safely and securely, and can also be utilized for events.

These are the top 10 news stories of Inagi City for 2017. As a bonus, the course for the cycling road race for the Tokyo Olympics has been almost finalized, and it will loop around the city. Moving forward, we will work together with the organizing committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government to prepare as a city. We appreciate your continued support this year.