No.3 Top 10 News of Inagi City in 2011

(Inagi Newsletter January 15, 2012 issue)

Last year, while we faced crises both domestically and internationally, such as the major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Great East Japan Earthquake, typhoon damage, concerns over U.S. debt default, fears of a euro collapse due to European government bond instability, extreme yen appreciation, and the great flood in Thailand, there were also bright topics like the achievements of "Nadeshiko Japan." Let's reflect on the significant events for Inagi City over the past year.

1. Immediately after the outbreak of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the city independently began rescue and water supply activities in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture. These initial activities were recognized, and the Inagi City Fire Department received a commendation from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
2. Attention to radiation levels in the city due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. We have started to independently measure and publicly announce the ambient radiation levels at 38 locations in the city and the radiation levels of school lunch ingredients. In response to parents' concerns, we will also allow those who wish to bring their own lunch.
3. The 40th anniversary of city system implementation commemorative project will be held. Screening of the movie 'The Legacy of the Sun Wheel', a lecture by the original author Jiro Asada, sale of commemorative framed stamps, and issuance of commemorative Certificate of Residence.
4. "Inagi Nashinosuke" is born. The image character of Inagi City is created by Mr. Kunio Okawara, a mechanic designer of Mobile Suit Gundam, and Mr. Jet Inoue, a multi-creator, both of whom reside in the city. A clock tower shaped like "Inagi Nashinosuke" is donated by the International Soroptimist Inagi.
5. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Sister City partnership with Ozora Town (formerly Memanbetsu). Exchange at both the Memanbetsu Tourism Summer Festival and the Inagi City Citizens' Festival.
6. Opening of Nakajima Yushi Nursery School. This is the first project for the privatization of public nursery schools. Along with the expansion and renovation of Koyodai Nursery School and the rebuilding of Hirao Nursery School, the capacity will be increased to resolve the waiting list for children.
7. The JR Nambu Line elevated crossing project has been partially completed. The elevation of the down line towards Tachikawa was completed on December 24, 2011.
8. Opening of Tama 3-3-7 Line. A new road connecting Kasehashi and Kawasaki Kaido has been completed along with the progress of the Land Readjustment Project around Minami-Tama Station. Two of the four lanes were temporarily opened on April 26, 2011.
9. A gathering to celebrate the World Cup victory with the citizens was held. On August 11, 2011, members of "Nadeshiko Japan," who won the Women's Soccer World Cup, including players Iwashimizu and Iwabuchi from Nippon TV Beleza, visited the Central Community Center Hall, where approximately 390 citizens, mainly young soccer players, celebrated the victory.
10. On April 24, 2011, elections for city council members and the mayor were held. In the city council election, 22 candidates were elected, including 8 newcomers, and a new mayor was elected for the first time in 20 years.

The top 10 news for Inagi City last year are as above, but this year, as we pray for recovery from the misfortune of the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is also the Year of the Dragon, hoping for an economic upturn due to special demand.