No.39 Top 10 News of Inagi City in 2014

(Inagi Newsletter January 15, 2015 issue)

Last year, in February, at the Sochi Olympics, 41-year-old Kasai won a silver medal in ski jumping, while figure skater Hanyu, snowboarders Hirano and Hiraoka became teenage medalists. In June, Matsuyama won the U.S. golf tour, and in September, Nishikori was the runner-up at the U.S. Open, highlighting the achievements of the next generation of young athletes.
The paper on STAP cells announced by Haruko Obokata and others from the RIKEN Institute in January was revealed to have been falsified in March, leading to a situation that could undermine trust in Japan's science and technology. However, in September, the same institute and the Advanced Medical Center Hospital conducted the world's first regenerative medicine using iPS cells, and in December, JAXA successfully launched the asteroid probe Hayabusa2, while Professors Akasaki, Amano, and Nakamura, who developed blue LEDs, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, helping to restore trust once again.
In terms of natural disasters, it was a year that made us feel the importance of preparedness in our daily lives, with record snowfall in the Kanto-Koshin region in February, the eruption of Mount Ontake in September, Typhoons No. 18 and 19 in October, and the eruption of Mount Aso in November.
Let's look back at the events of the year in Inagi City.

1. Hail Damage Occurrence
   Around noon on June 13, hail fell over a wide area of the city, causing approximately 100 million yen in damage to the local specialties of pears and grapes.
2. iBus New Route Operation
   Since the full-scale operation began in 2002, we have reviewed the first routes and timetables. Additionally, we have established the Inagi City Regional Public Transport Council in preparation for the second phase of the review.
3. Community Development in Sakahama and Hirao Areas is Progressing
   The Kodara Land Readjustment Project has commenced, and land for a fire Branch Office has been secured within the Kamihirao Land Readjustment Project area.
4. After-School Children's Program Start
   Trial implementation at 8 elementary schools to create a safe and secure after-school environment. Preparations are underway for full implementation across all schools and all grades in the new academic year.
5. The soccer field at Inagi Nagamine Sports Plaza is complete
   The construction of the soccer field and futsal court was completed in December and opened on January 10 of this year.
6. Decision on the Name of the New Elementary School
   The name of the elementary school that will open in April this year within the Minamiyama East Land Readjustment Project area has been decided through a public recruitment process as "Minamiyama Elementary School."
7. Promotion of City Hospital Health Checkup Center
   The health examination facility evaluation conducted by the Japan Human Dock Association was certified in April. Based on the tripartite agreement between Inagi City, Tokyo Verdy, and Oensu Co., Ltd., medical checks for players belonging to Verdy and Nippon TV Beleza have also begun at the health examination center.
8. New Influenza Measures
   In accordance with the national special measures law, we have formulated the Inagi City ordinances, regulations, and action plans, and in November, we concluded a basic cooperation agreement among the three cities (Hino City, Tama City, and Inagi City) under the jurisdiction of the Minami-Tama Health Center.
9. Inagi Nashinosuke achieves consecutive victories in the Tokyo Yuru-Chara Grand Prix
   Ranked 104th overall out of 1,699 nationwide, and 1st in the Tokyo local category.
10. Reorganization of City Hall
    We have made the organization easy to understand and use, such as by streamlining services related to children into a one-stop system.

These are the top 10 news stories from Inagi City. While taking a broad view of the domestic and international situation from last year, we are determined to face the threats of natural disasters to come and to advance the Community Development of Inagi City together with all of you.