No.16 Reflecting on the Beginning of the Year: Snowy Coming-of-Age Ceremony and More

(Inagi Newsletter February 15, 2013 issue)

This year, we are already approaching mid-February, but looking back at January, the biggest topic was undoubtedly the heavy snowfall on January 14, which was the first in seven years in Tokyo.
The fire department's New Year ceremony on January 13 was unusually warm. I was sweating due to wearing thermal underwear for cold protection, but the weather changed drastically the next day.
The forecast for snow from the early hours was wrong, and when I woke up around 6 AM, I was pleasantly surprised, but by around 9 AM, the temperature dropped sharply, changing from light rain to heavy wet snow. I later learned it was due to a bomb cyclone, and it was truly a weather phenomenon that made me feel the wonders of nature.
On that day, the fire ceremony in the Yanokuchi area was ignited as scheduled, but in the Sakahama area, it was postponed, and it seemed there was great confusion in other areas as well.
And the problems were just beginning. Snow piled up on the main roads, forcing slow driving, and due to cars left abandoned on the shoulders, there was a massive traffic jam. I was worried whether the Coming of Age Ceremony could be held as planned.
Buses slipped on the uphill road to the venue, Komazawa Gakuen, causing a huge congestion that forced us to delay the start. I apologize to the new adults who participated, and I am very sorry that the second part, the "gathering place" with mentors and old friends, was canceled due to this impact.
However, for the 802 new adults who experienced such heavy snowfall in Tokyo on their Coming of Age Day, it must have become a precious memory for a lifetime.
This year, I would like to thank many local businesses for providing prizes for the lottery. I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the Coming of Age Ceremony Executive Committee who have been diligently preparing, including soliciting these sponsorships. Furthermore, the Coming of Age Ceremony in Inagi City has been held peacefully every year, and I am grateful for the community strength of Inagi that nurtures such wonderful youth.

By the way, as of the end of January when I am writing this manuscript, we have completed the preparation work for the initial budget for the fiscal year 2013. We have taken into consideration disaster prevention measures, economic measures, environmental measures, energy-saving measures, and tourism projects.
In the December council meeting last year, we established the "Ordinance on the Recruitment of Fixed-Term Employees." We are currently in the process of hiring private individuals with knowledge and experience in tourism as city employees for a limited period. Starting from the new fiscal year, the head of the Tourism Division will take the lead in promoting Inagi's tourism projects.
This year as well, I would like to work together with all of you to create a vibrant and energetic Inagi. Thank you for your continued support.