平成29年6月のメッセージ（英語表記あり）

In May, the land planted with rice in each area expanded, with the green of the mountain trees, and the appearance of the carp streamers swimming in the air. We were able to visit thirteen villages for the community roundtable meeting, which started May 8th. Continuing this year, here are the four most important goals for Kamikawa: first, the Kamikawa region development project implementation; second, the reconstruction project of the Kanzaki General Hospital North Building; third, the Mineyama Heights ski resort development; and fourth, the high-speed broadband infrastructure development project. We are discussing the execution of these projects.
In particular, we have made this fiscal year the second year of regional revitalization. We are planning efforts to set the tree cutting area as 300 ha/year for mountain renewal, the shipment of the “mitsumata” trees from the town and planting the “sendan” trees. We are promoting business for the establishment of the Kamikawa brand, and the creation of an agricultural cycle.
Moreover, with measures against declining birth-rate, which is the biggest challenge of Kamikawa, we have had more than 70 births for two consecutive years, and the young peoples’ settlement and migration policy during this period is growing as a result. In addition, a skin cream made from Kamikawa yuzu was made as a result of the junior high school second grade students’ “Childhood Dreams Come True” project proposal. Along with the development of special products, we are also promoting efforts to nurture hometown initiatives.
We will continue to utilize the richness of Kamikawa’s mountains, rivers, and fields, aiming for a city that can continue living into the future, so we hope many of you will participate in the community roundtable meetings. We appreciate your advice.

By the way, on May 20th, we held a commemorative lecture on the “Old Silver Mine Carriage Road/Ore Road” which received the Japan Heritage Certificate on April 28th. I learned the importance of promoting these efforts. I want to add value by further refining the historical and cultural heritage of the town.

The 12th Kamikawa firefighting team training campaign held on May 21st showed that each group had been encouraged by daily training and was strong. Congratulations to everyone in the Yoshitomi group of the Oyama area, who won the first prize of the fire truck pumps. The second prize went to the Awaga southern area’s Fukumoto group. The winners of the small fire truck pumps were the Ochidani group, and the Sugi group of the Oyama area. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the members of the groups for their daily work and to their families and communities for their support. To all of the first-place and second-place winners of the Kanzaki-gun firefighting championship, I consider the event as a good symbol of Kamikawa and hard work.

The Kamikawa junior softball and volleyball tournament was held on May 28th. The participants were very enthusiastic. On June 17th, the large sports tournament will be held. In addition, the voluntary disaster prevention general meeting was also held on the 28th. After the General Assembly last year, I received a report from Mr. Iwata, the office staff member who went to Yamamoto in Miyagi Prefecture for Disaster Dispatch, about the present condition of the disaster area and efforts for reconstruction. In addition, that afternoon a ceremonial couple blessing ceremony was held at the Himeji City Cultural Centre for 420 couples at Central Harima, including 23 golden anniversary couples from Kamikawa. I thank everyone who has built the cornerstone of today’s Kamikawa from 50 years of happiness, and sincerely wish them a healthy and happy love.

On the 30th, a memorial service for the Kamikawa townspeople who died in war was held at Himeji Gokoku Shrine. In the presence of the spirits of the people who died in the last big war, there is now a feeling of instability in the waters close to Japan, but we work hard on efforts towards achieving a world without nuclear weapons and war. I feel we can work towards creating a town of Kamikawa that can live peacefully, richly, and safely.

Today marks the beginning of June. From the 5th to the 9th, 111 junior high school second graders participate in the “trial week”. I am indebted to 36 business establishments across town. It is a great way to appreciate the significance of the students’ work, so please welcome them warmly.

In addition, there are plenty of events where you can connect with the nature of Kamikawa, such as the Inumi River, the Nakamura Firefly Festival, and fishing for “ayu” fish in June. Also, since the Town Children’s Association sports tournament will be held, we ask that you continue to enjoy the charm of Kamikawa.
Also, the Hyogo Prefectural Governor’s Election will be announced on the 15th. It is an important election to decide the governor of Hyogo prefecture. From the 16th, the voting will be held in the Kamikawa town hall main building. From the 24th, it will be held at the Kanzaki branch, and from the 28th it will be held at the Hase Centre. We encourage everyone to come and vote.
From the 16th to the 28th, the regular meeting of the 80th Kamikawa Town Assembly will begin. I hope we will have discussions focusing on the future of the town, including the efforts of regional revitalization.

Finally, it will be flood season in June. I will pray for your health and safety during the torrential rain and river flooding. I wish you a happy June.

Thank you very much.