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The top secret letter read,「信長去十九岐阜帰城」

“Nobunaga returned to Gifu Castle on the 19th.” A kaô

(花押・かおう), a stylized signature, was on the letter. A kaô was the alternative for a seal since the Heian period (694 – 1185). This refined taste of art is a unique cultural tradition of Japan.

Both Kanetsugu’s kao (left) and Nagachika’s kao (right) have a design with circles, which makes their signatures look alike. Kanetsugu may have been paying special attention to Nagachika.

When studying the history of Nagaoka, it would be interesting to imagine the lively way of thinking and lifestyle of the people of old Nagaoka.

Kanetsugu’s kaô is on display in the Museum of Lord Kanetsugu and Lady Osen in Yoita. Nagachika’s letter is on display in the Nagaoka City Science Museum.

Major Features: It Has Been 15 Years Since the Great Chuetsu Earthquake! --------------- 2 Keep up the Great Work, ALBIREX BB! ------------------------------------ 3 Premium Shopping Coupons --------------------------------------------------- 3 Seasonal Events ----------------------------------------------------------- 6 - 7 A Guide about Enrollment in Nursery Schools ---------------------------- 8 The Current Consumption Tax Hike ---------------------------------------- 8

269,460 (-164)

131,756 (-69)

137,704 (-95)

108,184 (+17)

Vol. 341

October 2019

Population and Households As of September 1st, 2019

(compared to the previous month)

Let’s Explore Something Mysterious in Nagaoka Vol. 7

Nagachika Kawada, the Lord of Nagaoka Suyoshi Castle (Kenshin Uesugi’s Most Trusted and Competent Follower)

International Affairs Division, Nagaoka City Office 2-2-6 Ote Street, Nagaoka City Phone: 0258-39-2207 Fax: 0258-39-2280 E-mail: intlexchange@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

URL: http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/（長岡市ウェブサイト）→

Foreign Language → Nagaoka International Affairs Center Chikyû Hiroba →

Newsletter in English (Konnichiwa! Nagaoka)

The Yoita Full-Moon Festival Filled with Great Enthusiasm

The highlight of the 260-year-old Yoita Full-Moon Festi-val is the exciting event of dedicating a noboriyatai float to Tsuno Shintô Shrine. Spectators cheer and praise the bearers of the float as they struggle to push and pull the huge float full of locals up the slope to the shrine.

Nagachika’s kao Kanetsugu’s kao

Lord Kanetsugu Naoe, a prominent samurai warrior who was stationed in old Yoita, was greatly devoted to Lord Kagekatsu Uesugi. Do you know that Nagachika Kawada, the lord of Nagaoka Suyoshi Castle, was one of Kenshin Uesugi’s most trusted and competent followers? While he was living in Kyoto at the age of 17, Nagachika from Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture) was spotted and recruited by Kenshin, who had traveled to the capital. Before long, Kenshin appointed Nagachika as lord of Nagaoka Suyoshi Castle to rule over old Nagaoka. When he was around 26 years old, Nagachika led Nagaoka’s warriors to Ecchu (present-day Toyama Prefecture). He passed highly confidential information about Nobunaga Oda to Kenshin Uesugi, who was in action in the Kanto area.

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We Will Never Forget October 23rd

! Passing on to the Future

Commemorative Events on Wednesday, October 23rd

・Floral Tribute and Silent Prayers City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

・Lights of Recovery and Memorial Service Yamakoshi Gym 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

・Memorial Gathering, Candles, Releasing Balloons

Kawaguchi Sport Park

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

It Has Been 15 Years Since the Great Chuetsu Earthquake! Cutting-Edge Technology Helping Nagaoka Become Stronger against Disaster

Lessons We Have Learned With great support provided by many people across Japan, the citizens of Nagaoka have come together to reconstruct the disaster-affected city. In order to develop Nagaoka into a city that can protect its residents from any disaster, community-oriented organizations arrange various activities. Among them are the Chuetsu Disaster Prevention Frontier, and the Association of Chuetsu Cit-izens’ Disaster Prevention and Safety Officers.

A large landslide at Myoken-machi trapped a moth-er and her two children in a car. Miraculously, the 2-year-old son was found alive after a strenuous and risky rescue effort. Incredibly, the boy had survived all alone from October 23rd to October 27th. He was found outside the car in a pocket of unstable shaky rocks.

A total of 5,704 residents from 1,841 households moved to tem-porary housing set up at 31 loca-tions in the city. Some residents had to stay in temporary housing for over three years.

The city set up 73 designated evacuation facilities. The number of evacuees who were forced to stay in these facilities reached a peak of 64,000.

A derailed shinkansen bullet train

Countermeasures to Be Implemented

・Two drones (small unmanned aircraft) will be stationed at the Fire Department Headquarters to detect landslide damage and to rescue disaster-affected people.

・Innovation for disaster-risk mitigation efforts By utilizing cutting-edge technology such as tablet-type devices and drones, the city will make positive commitments to further promote disaster prevention.

・Ties between Academia, Industry, and the City These three sectors are collaborating to develop disaster rescue robots and 3D disaster countermeasure maps.

The earthquakes claimed the lives of 28 citizens, while mountains crumbled and the city’s infrastructure was heavily damaged. Nearly 2,200 residents were forced to evacuate from the earthquake-stricken Yamakoshi Vil-

lage in the mountainous area.

Beginning at 5:56 p.m. on October 23rd, 2004, a series of powerful earthquakes (magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale and maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale) hit the Chuetsu region including Nagaoka.

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In this section, you can get some useful information for daily living and learn related Japanese expressions.

Emperor’s Enthronement

Tenno Heika no Sokui /てんのう へいか の そくい・天皇陛下てんのうへいか

の即位そ く い

Ceremony of the Enthronement

Sokuirei Seiden no Gi /そくいれい せいでん の ぎ・即位礼正殿そくいれいせいでん

の儀ぎ

As of October 1st, 2019, the consumption tax rate increased from the previous rate of 8% to 10%. In order to ease the burden of consumers’ daily living, premium shopping coupons are being issued from October 1st.

Keep up the Great Work, ALBIREX BB!

Premium Shopping Coupons (プレミアム付商品券)

In the 2019-2020 season of the B.League, the Japanese profes-sional basketball league, teams will compete in three confer-ences: Eastern, Central, and Western. The Niigata ALBIREX BB, whose home court is the arena at City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka, belongs to the Naka Chiku (the Central Conference) and won the conference championship last season.

Their 4th year in the B.League kicked off at the arena at City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka on October 13th, 2019. The team of 11 players will strive to win the championship in the 2019 -2020 season, as well. A total of 10 games are scheduled to be held here in Nagaoka from October 13th to December 25th. Tickets are available at: https://www.albirex.com, Ticket Pia, Lawson, Seven Eleven, etc.

Dates Opponents

October 13 (Sun.) 6:05 p.m. Kawasaki Brave Thunders 14 (Mon.) 2:05 p.m.

19 (Sat.) 6:05 p.m. Levanga Hokkaido

20 (Sun.) 2:05 p.m.

November 16 (Sat.) 3:05 p.m. Utsunomiya Brex

17 (Sun.) 2:05 p.m.

December 7 (Sat.) 3:05 p.m. Yokohama B-Corsairs

8 (Sun.) 2:05 p.m.

11 (Wed.) 7:05 p.m. Toyama Grouses

25 (Wed.) 7:05 p.m. SeaHorses Mikawa

Eligibility: Shopping coupon exchange tickets (kônyû hikikae ken/

購入引換券) will be sent to: (1) The head of a family with children who were born

between April 2nd, 2016 and September 30th, 2019. (Shopping coupon exchange tickets will be sent in mid-October to the head of a family with children who were born after August 1st, 2019.)

(2) Application forms will be sent to citizens who are

exempted from residential tax in 2019 (not includ-ing dependents of tax payers.) The forms should be sent back by Friday, November 29th, 2019. After that, shopping coupon exchange tickets will be sent to eligible people.

How to Get Premium Shopping Coupons: Premium shopping coupons will be available at Post Offices, Aeon Nagaoka, APITA Nagaoka, and E-Plaza (2 Dai-machi). By submitting a shopping coupon exchange ticket, you can pur-chase a book of ¥5,000 worth of premium shopping coupons for ¥4,000. You can purchase up to five of these books. Effective period of the coupons: October 1, 2019 – February 20, 2020 Applicable locations: About 1,000 stores in Nagaoka City

This Month’s Useful Japanese Expressions

Nick Perkins Height: 203 centimeters Weight: 103 kilograms

A Newly Recruited Hopeful

Tenno, the Emperor of Japan, is the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.

The former Emperor abdicated the throne on April 30th, 2019 and his successor, the new Emperor, took the throne on May 1st, 2019. The day of the enthronement ceremony was designated as

a national holiday named the Day of the Emperor’s Enthrone-ment. However, this holiday is only in 2019. On October 22nd, Sokuirei Seiden no Gi (the ceremony of the enthronement) will be held to officially proclaim the new Emperor’s enthronement. The day will be celebrated as a national holiday only in 2019.

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The 2nd term of classes for the 2019 fiscal year will be offered from October 2019 to March 2020. A free trial lesson will be offered. Please call ahead.

Volunteers help international residents learn Japanese at this free program during the following sessions: Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mondays 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (intermediate level) Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sunday ClassesSunday Classes

Basic Level I - Class 2 Minna no Nihongo Basic Level Vol. I (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25) 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (120 minutes) Basic Level I - Class 1 Minna no Nihongo Basic Level Vol. I (Lesson 1 – Lesson 12) 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (120 minutes) Basic Level Ⅱ - Class 2 Minna no Nihongo Basic Level Vol. Ⅱ (Lesson 37 – Lesson 50) 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. (120 minutes)

Japanese Learning Program

Nihongo Kôza

Level Vol. I Level Vol. Ⅱ

Weekday Classes Weekday Classes (Tuesdays & Fridays)

Basic Level I - Class 2 Minna no Nihongo Basic Level Vol. I (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25) 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (60 minutes) Basic Level I - Class 1 Minna no Nihongo Basic Level Vol. I (Lesson 1 – Lesson 12) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (60 minutes)

Oct. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 25, 29 ¥1,600

Nov. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 ¥1,800

Dec. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 ¥1,600

Jan. 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 ¥1,600

Feb. 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 ¥1,400

March 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 24, 27 ¥1,400

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 ¥1,600 Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 ¥1,600 Dec. 1, 15, 22 ¥1,200 Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 ¥1,600 Feb. 2, 9, 16 ¥1,200 March 1, 8, 15, 22 ¥1,600

The Nagaoka Civic Center 2-2-6 Ote Street, Nagaoka City (Phone: 0258-39-2763)

Hours: Every Day Except for the Year-End and the New Year’s Holidays Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba (1st Floor) Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Phone: 0258-39-2714 Fax: 0258-39-2715

E-mail: kouryu-c@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

Consultations for International Residents Various services are provided for international residents. The center is a place where international residents can find help and support. No appointment is necessary for consultations. Feel free to stop by if you have any difficulties, wor-ries, or questions. Consultations in Chinese, English, or easy Japanese: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Every Day Consultations in Vietnamese: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of Every Month

Nihongo Hiroba

A Relaxing World Tour of Malaysia ~ A Multicultural Symbiotic Society ~

Ms. Ahmad Sofia Imana Binti, an international student from Malaysia, will introduce Malaysian culture and traditions.

November 16th (Sat.) 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba 1st floor in the Nagaoka Civic Center on Ote Street Participants: 30 on a first-come, first-served basis Please sign up by Wednesday, November 13th.

For further information: Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba Phone: 0258-39-2714

Multilingual Broadcast on FM Nagaoka (80.7 MHz) 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays

Chinese and Easy Japanese: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays English and Easy Japanese: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays

The Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba, provides a multilingual broadcast on FM Nagaoka at 80.7 MHz. Some useful information on daily living and seasonal events in Nagaoka is provided for international residents in Chinese, English, and easy Japanese. Enjoy listening to interesting talks presented by international residents living in Nagaoka.

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Kosodate no Eki, Gun Gun Nagaoka Civic Disaster Prevention Center, 1st Floor 1-3-85 Senzai

Phone: 0258-30-1025 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Every Day Except for Tuesdays

(Open on Tuesday if it is a national holiday)

* Fureai Time 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Every Day * Picture Storybook Reading Time 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Every Day * Health Talk Tea Time 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Oct. 3 (Thurs.) * Mini-Library 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Oct. 9 (Wed.) * My Relaxing Time: KEG Cafe 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Oct. 10 (Thurs.) * Child-Rearing Salon for Fathers: Day Camp in Oguni Forest Park 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 (Sun.) * Handicraft Cafe 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 17 (Thurs.) * Happy Birthday Party 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Oct. 21 (Mon.) * Painting with Your Hands and Feet 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Oct. 24 (Thurs.) * Child-Rearing Salon: Your Child’s Feelings of Self-Esteem 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 30 (Wed.) * Mothers’ Chat Cafe Maternity Nurse 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Oct. 4 (Fri.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Kids’ Plaza (Chibikko Hiroba) Phoenix Ote West 2nd Floor and 3rd Floor 2-5 Ote Street

Phone: 0258-39-2775 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Every Day

* Story Telling Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Day * Playing with Picture Storybooks (Ehon no Tobira) 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 (Wed.) * Autumn Festival 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Oct. 5 (Sat.) * Time for Chibikko Kids & Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Oct. 7 (Mon.) and 28 (Mon.) Birthday Party Oct. 28 (Mon.) * Let’s Play with Grandmothers 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 9 (Wed.) * Let’s Start Reading Books 10:00 a.m. – Oct. 12 (Sat.) and 20 (Sun.) * How to Prepare Baby Food 11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Oct. 15 (Tues.) * Wai Wai Chatting Time 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 16 (Wed.) * Smiley Kids’ Day 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 18 (Fri.) and 25 (Fri.) * Let’s Play with Blocks 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 19 (Sat.) * Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother -Child Health Promotion Advisor 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 21 (Mon.) * Enjoy Playing to the Rhythms 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Oct. 23 (Wed.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3 (Thurs.) Child-Rearing Advisor Temporary Day-Care for Preschool-Aged Children: ¥300/hour

Kosodate no Eki, Senshu (Teku Teku) 1-99-6 Senshu Phone: 0258-21-3860

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Every Day Except for Wednesdays (Open on Wednesday if it is a national holiday)

* Lecture for Parents: Mini Picture Storybook Therapy: “What’s Your Name?” 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1 (Tues.) * Digging for Big Sweet Potatoes 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3 (Thurs.) * Nakayoshi Time 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Oct. 4 (Fri.) * Playing Games from the Old Days 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 (Sat.) * Let’s Enjoy Singing Together 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Mondays * Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother -Child Health Promotion Advisor 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 (Tues.) * Lecture for Parents: Nursing and Baby Food 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 (Thurs.) * Toy Hospital for Fixing Broken Toys 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Oct. 11 (Fri.) * Teku Teku Athletic Meet 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Oct. 11 (Fri.) * Let’s Enjoy Drawing Pictures 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Oct. 14 (Mon./Holiday) * Wai Wai Chatting 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 17 (Thurs.) and 24 (Thurs.) * Smiley Birthday Party 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Oct. 18 (Fri.) * Sunday Toy Box 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Oct. 20 (Sun.) * Postpartum Lecture: Refreshing Exercises after Childbirth 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22 (Tues.) * Halloween Party 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Oct. 25 (Fri.) * Let’s Play at the Kids’ Land 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 29 (Tues.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 (Tues.) Child-Rearing Advisor Temporary Day-Care for Preschool-Aged Children: ¥300/hour

Kosodate no Eki, Tochio (Suku Suku)

Tochio Sangyô Kôryû Center, 2nd Floor 1765 Miyazawa, Tochio Phone: 0258-51-1022 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

* Suku Suku Tea Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 (Fri.) 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 16 (Wed.) * Kome Hyappyô Bookmobile 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Oct. 8 (Tues.) * Let’s Play in the Temari Hall 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 (Tues.) * Learning about Local Cuisine (sekihan rice with red beans) 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16 (Wed.) * Mini-Library 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 18 (Fri.) * Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 23 (Wed.) * Making Toys 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 (Fri.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 (Wed.) Maternity Nurse

Also open on Oct. 27 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. during the Agricultural Festival

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Momijien in the Koshiji District is a garden known for its beautiful maple leaves. The season to enjoy beautiful red maple leaves has arrived. The garden will be illuminat-ed to enhance the view of maple leaves. It will be nice to visit the garden when it becomes a mystical world of lights. The illumination starts from sunset and ends around 9:00 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy purchasing special local products at the newly-opened “Momiji no Chaya,” Maple Leaf Tea House.

For further information: Industrial Construction Division Koshiji Branch Office Phone: 0258-92-5903 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/miru/kouen/momiji.html

Seasonal Events

We are moving into the heart of autumn. It’s the harvest season and the season for enjoying local festivals and regional specialties.

Koshiji Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival) Oct. 13 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Koshiji Branch Office Area The highlight is the serving of soup cooked in a huge pot that is large enough to serve 10,000 bowls of soup.

For further information: Industrial Construction Division Koshiji Branch Office Phone: 0258-92-5903 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/kosiji-aki.html

Kawaguchi Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival) Oct. 20 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Kawaguchi Branch Office Area Vegetable Picking-up Game, Exhibit of Local Products, Raffles, Costume Contest, etc.

For further information: Industrial Construction Division Kawaguchi Branch Office Phone: 0258-89-3113 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/kwg-bussan.html

Nakanoshima Sangyô Matsuri (Industrial Festival) Oct. 20 (Sun.) 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Nakanoshima Community Center Area The highlight is a 600 kg jumbo onigiri rice ball. For further information: Industrial Construction Division Nakanoshima Branch Office Phone: 0258-61-2013 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/sangyomaturi.html

Nô to Sakana (Agriculture and Fishery) Festival in Teradomari Oct. 13 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Teradomari Minato (Port) Park Auction of Seafood and Agricultural Products, Sales of Agricultural Products, Treasure Hunting for Seafood and Agricultural Products, Hands-on-Experiences of Getting Aboard a Boat, etc.

For further information: Teradomari Tourism Association Phone: 0258-75-3363 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/sakana-fes.html

Lifelong Learning Festival in Washima Oct. 19 (Sat.) 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 (Sun.) 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Washima Gym Performing Arts and Artworks Exhibit

For further information: Washima Community Center Phone: 0258-74-3112

Echigo Mishima Take Akari Kaidô (Illuminated Bamboo Lantern Road) Oct. 26 (Sat.) 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Honcho Street, Wakino-machi The 1-kilometer road will be illuminated by 50 LED lighting units and 25,000 bamboo lanterns.

For further information: Mishima Branch Office Phone: 0258-42-2249 http://take200905.web.fc2.com/

Koshiji Momiji Matsuri (Maple Garden) Oct. 26 (Sat.) – Nov. 17 (Sun.) A 15-minute walk from the JR Raikoji Station

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Yamakoshi Sangyô Matsuri (Industrial Festival) Nov. 3 (Sun. / Holiday) 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Yamakoshi Branch Office Parking Lot Final Bullfighting 1:00 p.m. Yamakoshi Bullfighting Ground For further information: Industrial Construction Division Yamakoshi Branch Office Phone: 0258-59-2343 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/

Oguni Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival) Nov. 3 (Sun. / Holiday) 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Oguni Kaikan, Oguni Community Center For further information: Industrial Construction Division Oguni Branch Office Phone: 0258-95-5906 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/o-akimaturi.html

Sekihara Rakuichi and Jômon Matsuri Nov. 4 (Mon./Holiday) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Umataka Jômon Kan For further information: Sekihara-chiku Shôkôkai (Sekihara Area Commerce and Industry Association) Phone: 0258-46-2170

Tochio Chiiki Nôgyô Matsuri (Agricultural Festival) Oct. 27 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Orinasu, Tochio Sangyô Kôryû Center For further information: Tochio Branch Office Phone: 0258-52-5847 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/tc-nougyo.html

Yoita Iki Iki Culture Festival Oct. 27 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Yoita Taiikukan (Gym), Yoita Community Center The highlight is the serving of mushroom soup. For further information: Industrial Construction Division Yoita Branch Office Phone: 0258-72-3201 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/y-ikiiki.html

Mishima Sangyô Matsuri (Industrial Festival) Nov. 3 (Sun. / Holiday) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mishima Kaikan (Hall) Area For further information: Industrial Construction Division Mishima Branch Office Phone: 0258-42-2249 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/m-sangyou.html

Nagaoka Nôgyô Matsuri (Agricultural Festival) Oct. 26 (Sat.) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hive Nagaoka (Senshu) Sales of Agricultural and Livestock Products, Bamboo Crafts and Making Buckwheat Noodles, Mushroom Festival, Sales and Exhibit of Ornamental Carp and Ranchû Goldfish, Character Mascot Show, etc. For further information: JA Echigo Nagaoka Phone: 0258-35-1304

Bara Matsuri (Rose Festival) Oct. 5 (Sat.) – 27 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m.－ 5:00 p.m. (October)

9:30 a.m.－4:30 p.m. (November)

Echigo Kyûryô Kôen (Hillside Park) 2,315 plants of 667 different species are being on display. For further information: Echigo Hillside Park Phone: 0258-47-8001 http://echigo-park.jp/event/news/1307.html

“Hakkô (Fermentation) Trip” Exploring Special Features of Nagaoka’s Fermented Food

Nov. 9 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka and Settaya Area Programs: ● Food and Beverage Stalls ● Talk Sessions by:

Mr. Hiraku Ogura (fermentation designer) Mr. Dominique Chen (IT entrepreneur and information specialist)

● Fermentation Science Idea Contest by High School Students 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For further information: Policy Planning Division Phone: 0258-39-2361

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Application for new enrollment in or transfer to nurse-ry schools and other child-care facilities will be accept-ed from Friday, November 1st to Friday, November 8th. These applications are for preschool-aged children who wish to enroll in nursery schools or other child-care fa-cilities starting on April 1st, 2020. The age at which children can be accepted differs from facility to facility. Please contact each facility for detailed information about the age at which children can be accepted. Applicants should be preschool-aged children who received a No. 2 approval (for children aged 3 or older) or a No. 3 approval (for children under 3 years of age.) Application forms are available at each nursery school, Hoiku Ka (the Child-Care Division) of Nagaoka City Office, and the Citizens’ Affairs and Service Divi-sion of each branch office. You can submit your appli-cation form to your first-choice facility. For further information about enrollment in nursery schools and other child-care facilities, please contact Hoiku Ka (the Child-Care Division) of Nagaoka City Office.

●Nagaoka Chûô Sôgô Byôin Major General Hospitals

Nagaoka Chûô Sôgô Byôin (Central General Hospital) 0258-35-3700 Nagaoka Sekijûji Byôin (Red Cross Hospital) 0258-28-3600 Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin (General Hospital) 0258-33-3111 Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza) 0258-39-7508 Information about clinics in charge of specific Sundays or holidays: ・Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights (in Saiwai Plaza) 0258-37-1199

・Nagaoka Medical Society 0258-22-5600

・Nagaoka Fire Department Headquarters 0258-36-0119

Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza – 1F)

Facilities Departments Hours

Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights

(0258-37-1199)

Internal Medicine (Naika)

(Monday – Friday) 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

(Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Pediatrics (Shônika)

(Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Surgery (Geka)

(Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dental Clinic for Sundays and Holidays (0258-33-9644)

Dentistry (Shika)

(Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Chuetsu Center for Children’s Emergency Treatment

(0258-86-5099)

Pediatrics (Shônika)

(Monday – Saturday) 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

For obstetrics and gynecology (san fujin ka), the staff at this facility will give information about clinics in charge of specific Sundays or holidays.

Major Emergency Medical Facilities

A Guide about Enrollment in Nursery Schools and Other Child-Care Facilities The Current Consumption Tax Hike

Consumption tax is a tax that is imposed on purchases of goods, for instance when shopping at a supermarket, as well as various types of services. The consumption tax rate in Japan was 8% up until September, 2019. As of October 1st, 2019, the consumption tax rate increased from the previous rate of 8% to 10%. The increased revenue by raising consumption tax will be used to enhance and maintain the social security system for all generations. However, in order to ease the burden of con-sumers’ daily living, the consumption tax rate is staying at 8% for certain purchases. They include newspapers, as well as food and bev-erages, except for alcoholic beverages and eating at stores or restaurants. For detailed information, please refer to the Ministry of Finance Website. https://www.mof.go.jp/english/index.htm

Consumption tax