No. 206 July 1, 2014

Population and No. of Households in Urayasu

Population: 162,807 Male: 80,667 Published by the City of Urayasu Female: 82,116 1-1-1 Nekozane, Urayasu-shi, Households: 74,126 Chiba 279-8501 Foreign Residents: 3,134 047-351-1111 (As of May 30, 2014) http://www.city.urayasu.chiba.jp 25th Anniversary of the Foreign Residents’ Assistance Desk Inquiries: Local Network Section

With the motto of “A Town That Is Comfortable for Foreign Residents Is a Town That Is Comfortable for Japanese Residents As Well,” Urayasu City strives to create a more open community, a community comfortable for foreign residents as well. One program of this policy is the services of the Foreign Residents’ Assistance Desk, which opened on June 1, 1989. These services include providing information for everyday living and consultation on problems encountered by foreign residents of Urayasu City. Since the opening of the desk in 1989, the number of foreign residents and foreign households in Urayasu City has increased by threefold from 1,152 persons and 558 households to 3,132 persons and 1,736 households as of the end of March 2014. We will introduce you to the Foreign Residents’ Assistance Desk, which has celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, including the interviews with a user of the service and an advisor. Foreign Residents’ Assistance Desk Advisors: (from left: Ms. Takako Ueda [from Taiwan], Ms. Krystyna Hirayama, Ms. Yoshina Ise [from Taiwan])

●Services of the Foreign Residents’ Assistance Desk We interviewed Ms. Mimi Dhar (from India) who uses the Foreign Residents’ ･ Assistance to foreign residents include providing information Interview Assistance Desk, and an advisor, Ms. Krystyna Hirayama (from Poland). and consultation on everyday living, offering assistance on the enrollment to Japanese-language classes, etc. ･ Offering translation and interpretation services on reference materials and documents of the City Hall service counters, etc. A Place Like the Internet Where You Helping People Gain Independence ･ Supervising English language city publications Can Get Information Immediately ･ Interpretation or translation services when a foreigner makes an official visit Thirteen years ago, I Urayasu City was the first in Note: Services are available in English, French, Russian, Polish, came to Japan because of my Japan to establish a consultation Chinese, Spanish and Japanese. husband’s work situation. service counter with foreign At that time, I didn’t know resident advisors. It was a time anyone around me, I couldn’t when “international exchange” ●Number of Consultation Cases and Support Services speak Japanese, and I had was spotlighted as a major The number of consultation cases exceeds 500 per year, no idea how to go about theme, and the desk drew a lot of and we believe that support for everyday living for foreign everyday life. I heard about attention across Japan. Ms. Mimi Dhar Ms. Krystyna residents will continue to be indispensable in the future as the Foreign Residents’ From the time the desk opened Hirayama well. In addition, to resolve psychological and social issues of Assistance Desk from my until today, it has always been foreign residents who are living in a different culture than their husband, and the first thing I asked them was about possible to receive consultation in seven languages. home country, the foreign advisors offers advice based on their Japanese language classes. They introduced me to To encourage as many people as possible to come for own similar experiences. The support does not end simply with a Japanese language class right away. Since there consultation, the desk strives to collect information on a interpretation into Japanese; the advisors actually accompany were other people in the class like myself who regular basis, and works to spread information as much the foreign residents to offer support services in completing wanted to learn Japanese, I was able to make friends as possible. Sometimes, we accompany foreign residents procedures at the various application service counters of the quickly. After I grew accustomed to the Japanese and help them complete administrative procedures by City Hall. In this manner, the advisors actively work to resolve language and made some Japanese friends, I went translating for them. We hope to be able to support problems foreign residents are facing and serve to support them to the desk again to see if there was any way to foreign residents who come for advice repeatedly, in everyday life. make use of my talent for painting. As a result, I until they gradually grow accustomed to Japan and are Consultation Topics was able to start working as an art class teacher for ultimately able to lead independent lives. ･ System and payment of taxes and National Health Insurance Japanese people. However, there are quite a few foreign residents who premiums Although I have grown accustomed to the are distraught when they come for consultation because ･ Administrative procedures when moving in or out of Urayasu Japanese language, there are still so many things I of problems caused by not understanding Japanese. We City do not understand. Whenever I have a question, I hope that foreign residents will feel free to come to the ･ Japanese-language classes always come here and ask for advice. The Foreign desk whenever they have a problem or a question. If you ･ Foreign resident groups which conduct activities in Urayasu Residents’ Assistance Desk is a great reassurance ever see a foreigner who looks like he or she could use City (f. ex. UFRA) for me living in Japan, because I can always feel some help, please tell them about the Foreign Resident’s ･ Schools for children free to come here for advice. Assistance Desk. We would like to serve as a bridge and ･ English speaking doctors, etc. help foreign residents to also enjoy life as Urayasu City residents.

Beware of Food Poisoning Keys to Preventing Food Poisoning The three important points for preventing food poisoning all Do not touch bacteria (keep things clean and disinfected) pertain to the bacteria that cause food poisoning: do not touch ● ･ Before cooking or eating, or after touching your pet, be sure to wash your hands. them, do not allow them to grow, and eliminate them. Let’s learn specific ways that we can protect ourselves from and prevent ･ To handle raw meat, use a separate pair of chopsticks from those that you use food poisoning. for eating. Inquiries: Health Promotion Section ● Do not allow bacteria to grow (handle food quickly and keep it cool) ･ Keep your refrigerator at 10°C or lower. ･ Avoid keeping foods at room temperature for a long period of time. If You Suspect That You May Have Food Poisoning ● Eliminate bacteria (heat and sterilize) If you have symptoms such as frequent diarrhea or repeated vomiting, ･ Make sure you cook meat and fish thoroughly all the way to the center. make a note of when the symptoms started, what kind of symptoms you ･ Sterilize utensils with boiling hot water after you handle meat, fish, or other raw have, and what you ate, and get examined by a doctor. food.

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■Municipal Swimming Pools Open Note: Children in the 3rd grade of elementary Inquiries: Higashino Jido Center, Tel: 355-2736, or Note: One booklet includes “Common ○Higashino Pool school and younger must be accompanied by Takasu Jido Center, Tel: 304-0315 Certificates,” which can be used at all union shops, Open from July 5 (Sat.). Visitors can use the an adult (18 years of age or older). Up to two and “Exclusive Certificates,” which can be used pool two hours at a time. children can be accompanied by one adult. ■Urayasu Station Dai-Ichi Bicycle at only designated shops. Shops where the gift The use of inner tubes is permitted, but all other Inquiries: Indoor Swimming Pool, Tel: 304-0030 Parking Lot Renovations certificates can be used are participating shops toys, glass goggles, suntan oil, alcoholic beverages, that are members of Urayasu City Merchants Urayasu Station Dai-Ichi Bicycle Parking Lot will Association Union or Urayasu Chamber of and food are not allowed. Children who are not ■Public Use of the Indoor be renovated to improve convenience, and repairs toilet-trained are not allowed to use the pool. Swimming Pool Not Available Commerce and Industry. will be made to prevent deterioration. Valid Period: October 1, 2014, through January 31, Because the parking lot is expected to be The pool will be hosting the City Residents Since the parking lot will not be available for crowded, please come to the pool using public 2015 Swimming Record Event on July 13 (Sun.). Public a while from July 2014, during the renovation Application: Please apply to the Urayasu Premium transportation, such as buses. use of the pool is scheduled to resume after 3 p.m. period, please use a different bicycle parking lot in Date and Time: July 5 (Sat.) to September 7 (Sun.), Gift Certificates Office (inside Urayasu Chamber We would appreciate everyone’s understanding the area, use public transportation, or commute of Commerce and Industry, 1-19-26 Nekozane 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (admission until 4 p.m.; up to and cooperation. on foot. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. two hours per person per session) 279-0004) using the flier (included in the June 27 Inquiries: Sports Park Indoor Swimming Pool, Tel: newspaper and also available at your local kominkan Fees: ¥160 for adults and ¥50 for junior high 304-0030 A Total of ¥220,000,000 Worth school students and younger ■ public hall) or with a return-postage paid two-way of Premium Gift Certificates Will postcard (on the “To” side, please write your name, Note: Children in the 3rd grade of elementary Jido Center Hours Will Change school and younger must be accompanied by an ■ Be On Sale address, telephone number [those who work in During the summer (July and August), the hours Urayasu City should include the name and address adult (16 years of age or older). Urayasu City Merchants Association Union for Higashino Jido Center and Takasu Jido Center of their employer], and number of booklets desired; Inquiries: Higashino Pool, Tel: 352-6891 (Only is selling booklets of “Urayasu Premium Gift will be as follows: on the “Return” side, please write your address) no while the pool is open) Certificates” at ¥10,000 per booklet (22 x July (except during summer vacation): Monday later than July 31 (Thu.) (must be postmarked by ○ ¥500 certificates) with a 10 percent premium. through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and this date). ○The Outdoor Pool of the Sports Park Applications are now being accepted for the Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Takasu Jido Center will be Inquiries: Urayasu City Merchants Association Swimming Pool lottery for the available certificates. The gift open until 5 p.m. on Sundays.) Union, Tel: 353-6088 During summer, the outdoor pool of the Indoor certificates can be used at about 500 shops in Summer Vacation (July 22 through August 31): (Monday through Friday, Swimming Pool can also be used. ○ Urayasu City. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Takasu Jido Center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Date and Time: July 1 (Tue.) to September 15 Eligibility: Those who live or work in Urayasu City until 5 p.m. on Sundays.) (Commerce Industry and (Mon.), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Program: Sale of one set (22 x ¥500 certificates) Closed: Tourism Section) Fees: ¥520 for adults, ¥270 for junior high school of “Urayasu Premium Gift Certificates” booklets Higashino Jido Center: National holidays and July students and younger (Fees are for a two-hour use. for ¥10,000. (Up to three booklets per person. A Mascot of the Urayasu City 28 After two hours, there is an additional fee of ¥120 lottery will be held if the number of applications Merchants Association Union Takasu Jido Center: National holidays, July 31, and for adults and ¥60 for junior high school students exceeds the number of available booklets.) “Ooppy” and younger for each additional 30 minutes.) August 29

The 36th Urayasu City Fireworks Display Hello to all! Hideki Matsuzaki, Mayor of Urayasu Toward a Brilliant Tomorrow—A Circle of City Free Shuttle Bus: There will be buses operating "The Goat Weeder" Residents Illuminating on the Future between the site and bus stops near Urayasu Date and Time: July 26 (Sat.), 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Shin- Starting from May 20, we began a weed- prepare an easy-to-assemble refuge hut p.m. Urayasu Station on the JR Keiyo Line. Buses to ing program using goats at Wakashio Park since goats don’t do well in the rain; and Note: In the case of inclement weather, the the event site will be available from 5 to 8 p.m. of Mihama 2-chome. use the goats already in the animal house of event will be postponed to July 27 (Sun.). An Buses from the event site will be available from This “goat weeder” program has its roots Wakashio Park on an experimental basis. evaluation to decide on whether or not to 8:30 to 10 p.m. in August of 2008 when I visited Sweden Next to the event plaza of the Potted postpone the display will be made at 9 a.m. on Inquiries: Urayasu Local Activities Promotion and the Netherlands together with Urayasu Plant Festival held on April 26 and 27, we City residents who responded to an open displayed two goats. We were blessed with the day of the event. Council (inside the Local Network Section) call for recruiting participants. nice weather and welcomed 42,000 visitors Location: Hinode and Akemi areas (near Sogo Notes: The water level benchmark located during the two days of the festival. Children Park) 1. Since the fireworks will be launched over the within the grounds of Seiryu Jinja Shrine and families with children really loved the Number of Fireworks: Approximately 6,500 ocean, they will be strongly influenced not only of Horie was established by I.A. Lindo, a goats. Bicycle Parking Lots: Akemi Junior High by rain, but also by the conditions of the waves Dutch civil engineer who came to Japan Encouraged by the positive reception at School grounds, Akemi-Minami Elementary and the wind. Even though the skies may be by request of the government in 1872. This the Potted Plant Festival, we were able to School grounds, Hinode-Minami Elementary clear, there is a chance that the fireworks will be benchmark was the first standard for Japan finally make our debut on May 20 with the School grounds. postponed or canceled. To confirm whether or for measuring the height above sea level cooperation of the Disabled Persons Em- Note: Bicycles will not be allowed into the not the fireworks will take place, please call the and the altitude, and was recognized as a ployment Assistance Center. venue. special line (Tel: 050-5548-8686) or access the Civil Engineering Inheritance. On October Four days later, on the 24th, an article Traffic Regulation: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (8 a.m. website (www.urayasuhanabi.com). 1, 2009, we invited the great-grandchild appeared in the Chiba edition of The Nik- to 9:30 p.m. near the launching site). Since 2. Restrooms of lodging facilities in the area of Mr. Lindo and the minister of the Neth- kei Newspaper with the title, “Are Weeding there will be no parking available near or at the cannot be used by those who are not staying erlands to a commemorative monument Goats Our Saviors?” and we were surprised site, please do not come by car. Please come on at those facilities. Please be sure to use the unveiling ceremony held by the west water to be in the spotlight. foot or use the public bus. designated facilities for spectators. gate of the Sakaigawa River. I visited Wakashio Park on Tuesday the When I went to observe the famous 27th, worried because it had rained the day Shin-Urayasu Sta. Dutch windmills after visiting children’s before. At the foot of a hill in the center Imagawa-bashi Bridge welfare facilities, an Amsterdam City em- of the park, seven disabled persons, two ployee who was giving us the tour pointed elderly persons, and five goats were quietly toward the distance and said, “there are city hard at work weeding the grass. employees who work even harder than us Since the adjacent Traffic Park and the Sakaigawa River working over there.” When I looked toward indoor facility of Wakashio Park are also where he was pointing, I saw several sheep facilities for infants, toddlers, and small Irifune-bashi Bridge silently eating the grass. children, I hope that the cute and environ- Everyone laughed out loud. I was think- mentally-friendly goats become the talk of ing it was a fun idea, and hoping that some- the town in Urayasu. Symbol Road day we could do the same thing in Urayasu, Mr. Tajima, the park director, told me Takasu-bashi Bridge but before we knew it, the Great East Japan that since one goat eats about 100 square Earthquake struck. meters of grass in one week, we plan to While thinking about making FY2014 see how things go with the weeding of Akemi-bashi Bridge the crucial moment of recovery and recon- Wakashio Park (about 5,000 square me- Akemi Minami Elementary struction and a year of turning the tables, I ters), and then think about how to officially and Junior High School Hinode Minami remembered this “sheep weeder” program. proceed with the weeding outside of Traffic Elementary School Fortunately, Wakashio Park of Urayasu Park. City has some experience in taking care of For the time being, the weeding is con- ponies and small animals. When I consulted ducted two hours at a time from 9:30 to President Kawahara of Kawahara Bird- 11:30 a.m. on three days out of the week: Sogo Park Viewing Site Memorial Park Animal Trading Co., Ltd., which manages Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Vehicles Prohibited (5 to 9:30 p.m.) Ura la mer the animal house, he suggested that it might disabled persons who watch over the goats be better to keep goats rather than sheep then end the program by collecting the goat Vehicles Prohibited Other than 350m Designated Vehicles (5 to 9:30 p.m.) in Japan. I got more advice and sugges- feces. Bicycle Parking Lot tions, such as the following: keep four or Launching Site Please go watch the program in action as Restricted Area five goats, since they tend to herd together; an interesting topic for conversation!

●Recyclable Waste Disposal Schedule for July Bottles/Cans/ Newspapers/ Collection Area PET plastic bottles Magazines Nekozane, Kitazakae, Todaijima Every Tue. Every Mon. Horie, Higashino, Fujimi, Maihama Every Wed. Every Sat. Kairaku, Mihama, Irifune, Hinode, Akemi Every Thu. Every Mon. Tomioka, Imagawa, Benten, Tekkodori, Takasu, Minato, Chidori Every Fri. Every Sat. * Please put out your garbage between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. It is against the rules to put it out earlier or later than this (ext. 1665) designated time as it could become a nuisance in your neighborhood. * Bulky items will be collected separately on request by phone. Call the Bulky Items Reception Center, 305-4000. For inquiries, contact the Garbage-Free Section.

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