平成29年11月のメッセージ（英語表記あり）

The fall colors are becoming more vibrant, but how is everybody?

Typhoon Lan landed on October 22. It approached the Kinki District at full strength as it travelled along the south of Japan. At 2:30pm, the town issued a flood warning and established a flood control headquarters. At 3pm, we set up designated emergency evacuation spots at five locations in town. We also prepared a flood control system. In the evening, the rain and wind became very intense. This caused damage that hasn’t been seen in recent years; such as power outages, cable TV disconnections, fallen trees and other road closures. We maintained contact with related organizations and emergency centers. We also patrolled the town and fixed issues where possible. In addition, each district also voluntarily opened other evacuation spots.

The next morning, the damage caused by Typhoon Lan became clear. There was not much rain damage but most was caused by the strong winds. Kasuga Shrine, in Yoshitomi, collapsed with major damage. The Tourism Center in Teramae had its windows broken. Other buildings in town sustained damage such as broken roofs and billboards collapsing. The damage to Kasuga Shrine was covered in the Kobe newspaper. I felt this typhoon was more damaging than previous typhoons.
We wish to express our sympathy to those who suffered from the typhoon and we pray for the restoration of the town as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the town’s official announcement machine, which began in April this year, was functioning normally even during a cable TV disconnection and power outage due to the strong winds. In the future, we will continue to work on creating a safe and secure town.

On October 22, the general election of the National Diet was held and the incumbent Liberal Democratic Party and Komei Group won over 300 seats. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will continue to be in charge of the administration. As a result, the consumption tax will be increased by 10 per cent in two years. The taxes will be utilized for free education, childcare and the promotion of regional creation. The town is looking forward to the resources being spent on parenting support and community creation.

In other news, a staff member from Kamikawa finished volunteering in Mashiki Town in Kumamoto Prefecture. The town was the epicenter of the Kumamoto earthquake and sustained tremendous damage. The staff member had volunteered since April. Kamikawa held a meeting about his experience in Kumamoto Prefecture. I also visited the town in August. Despite all the affected areas beginning the rebuilding process, these areas still need further support and resources to assist in redevelopment projects. I hope that the area receives further support and reconstruction can begin as soon as possible.
Again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of my family members who helped staff and worked towards assisting reconstruction. Above all, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
I am convinced that the disaster support at this time for Mashiki Town is very important to the staff and town for the future development in Kamikawa.

On October 2, we signed an agreement with Pホームページ Hyogo Co., Ltd. This will support child rearing in the town. Through this agreement, we wish for healthy children and to celebrate many births in the area. We would like to thank Pホームページ again for their support and we will continue to promote various policies around childbirth and child rearing. These policies are key to regional creation as a well-renowned city.

On October 5, I watched the Noble Prize announcement at the Tourism Center in Teramae. Mr Haruki Murakami did not win the prize this year. His famous book, Norwegian Wood, which was made into a movie in 2010, promoted Tonomine Heights and Kamikawa to the international stage. We will continue to support Mr Murakami as much as possible.

On October 18, I attended the Kansai World Masters 2021 Municipal Council Meeting. It is an international event aimed at regular athletes who are 30 years or more of age. The event is held every four years and will be held for the first time in Asia in the Kansai area of Japan.
A competition event, orienteering, will be held at three places in Kamikawa: Mineyama Heights, Yabu City and Kami Town. This is a great opportunity to share Kamikawa’s charms with the world. We will begin preparations alongside other areas.

On October 28, the town's history walk was held. Various events were held for participants. The Fukumoto Ruins Festival was held at the finish line. During this festival, participants deepened their knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of Kamikawa. As the lucky-dip event was held, there was a lot of cheering and participants really enjoyed themselves. Through this event, I felt that “Old Silver Mine Carriage Road / Ore Road” was accredited to Japan Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. I think we need to further promote the town's heritage.

Various Fall festivals were also held throughout October. The Fall festival at Hiyoshi Shrine was slightly damp, but the rain didn’t dampen participants’ spirits. Through Fall festivals, the generations are able to come together and share in the wonder of the event. The wisdom passes to the town’s children who are responsible for its future. In recent years, it’s been difficult to find mikoshi bearers due to the declining population. But all participants want to share the wisdom and be a part of Fall festivals' future.

In November, we will hold voluntary disaster prevention drills, fire prevention drills, a commerce and industry festival, an agricultural festival and some other events. We would like everyone to participate. On November 25, roadside station "Gin no Basyamichi, Kamikawa" opens. Also Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak will open. Its preparations are going well and we are on schedule to open on December 16. While focusing on the rise of the new areas, we will continue to focus on the regions’ revitalization.

In conclusion, the Mayoral Vote will be held from November 14-19.

The weather in November is becoming drier, with fires becoming more of a risk, so please take care. I wish you all good health for November. Thank you very much.