平成29年10月のメッセージ（英語表記あり）

Fall began around one week earlier than usual. The rice farming in Kamikawa has almost finished.
Meanwhile, the 12th Kamikawa Art Exhibition was held from September 1 - 3. Many works were exhibited from locals and other town. There were over 650 visitors in three days. I think it was a great event to hold in Fall. When I saw the visitors appreciating the exhibits, I could see their interest in the exhibition.

On September 17, Typhoon made landfall in Japan and came through Kamikawa. Eight emergency evacuation centers started preparations from 3pm. We had multiple centers open for residents to use if needed. As the rain strengthened and there was a chance the rain and wind could become stronger, I issued a recommendation for evacuation at 9:45pm.
After that, we monitored the amount of rain and the waterways' water levels carefully. A landslide warning, alongside another rain/flood warning, was issued. We express gratitude to the Kamikawa firefighting team and the people involved in the voluntary disaster prevention efforts. We appreciate your continued support towards making Kamikawa safe and secure.

On September 18, the 7th Kamikawa Junior High School Sports Day was held. The day's slogans were: "Our power is infinite. It is a challenge. Only smiling faces. You are the best!". From this year, the day was organized by the students. They led the day with authority and worked hard on the field. I felt that the students matured from this experience.

From September 15 - 18, the Hyogo Prefectural Construction Association Kanzaki affiliated society, along with the local community, held the 13th Kamikawa’s wooden building internship. 21 students from Kanzaki High School and Japan’s Advanced Industrial College participated this year. They worked on renovating the Namba Warehouse and set up billboards next to the Awaga no Umaya. I feel there is a new "breath of life" in town.

On September 23, the Kindergarten and Elementary School combined Sports Days were held in beautiful weather. Parents and the locals warmly cheered in support of the students' efforts. Also, at each school, unique events were held.

On September 28, the September Parliamentary meeting finished. The plans for the roadside station "Gin no Basyamichi, Kamikawa", scheduled for opening on November 25, were accepted. Further, the town's budgetary matters were deliberated and accepted.
Projections for the town's next fiscal year are looking slightly lower than anticipated. However, Kamikawa will receive 190 million yen from the Federal Government’s Fiscal Coordination Fund. Therefore the next fiscal year will end on a higher note and we can use the funds to further implement various projects.

Also on September 28, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved the National Diet. I hope that the future National Diet will focus on regional area revitalization and strategies to support parenthood and child-rearing.

October has begun. On October 1, the Kamikawa Cultural Association will screen the movie "Orchestral Old Man". It is a movie full of laughs and tears so please go and watch!
Also, on October 2, the various Nobel Prizes will be awarded. I hope that Haruki Murakami will be awarded the prize in Literature. If Mr Murakami wins, I hope that the movie "Norwegian Wood", the film’s major filming locations of Tonomine and Mineyama Heights,
alongside Kamikawa receive a lot of attention.

The Fall festivals of the area will held in October. And on October 28, both the town's history walk and Fukumoto Ruins Festival will be held.
Also, Nakaharima Prefectural Center is holding a picture contest for pictures of Old Silver Mine Carriage Road until December 22. Be sure to send through an image from Kamikawa as the town is looking its most picturesque during fall.
However due to Fall, the nights are getting longer. Please pay attention and drive safely.
I hope you enjoy all of the Fall events in good spirits and good health. Have a wonderful October.

Thank you very much.