Visit Fast-Facts Guidebook

Suginami City

Migratory birds at Zenpukuji Park Upper Reservoir

○Rivers at the ward Suginami City is located on the flat Musashino plateau. In the north, there is the Myoushouji River, in the central part is the Zenpukuji River, and the flows from the west to the east in the south. Their main source of water is spring water in the ward and neighboring Mitaka City. The gentle rivers flow throughthrough and eventually join the Sumida River and continue to Tokyo Bay.

Children playing in the river near Shinomiya (1950) Suginami City Overview Pocket Edition“Visit Foreword Suginami”introduces Suginami’s history and the eff orts of the people who gathered and built villages on a luscious, green plateau in Musashino. People came together and by living closely with water and in a beautiful natural environment, communities and culture were born which has led to the creation of a Treasuring wonderful residential city. our rich green environment ○Disappearing farmland There are 3 rivers flowing in the ward The role as a farming village that began in the Edo Era has that have nurtured many lives since ancient gradually changed as the number of migrants from the city has increased due to changes in society and events such as times. The fl ow of the water, which could the Great Kanto Earthquake and war. The rapid increase of be called the source of life, created the the population has led to a reduction of farmland in the ward. wind as well as a luscious, green plateau. After the war, changes in industry as well as the burden of the inheritance tax also contributed to this reduction. Farmland continues to decrease. Farmers and agricultural land that comprised 430 houses, 100 ha. in 1985 has ○Life beside the river decreased to less than half, 146 houses, 44.7 ha. in 2016.

Many village remains ○Passing precious farmland have been found near 古墳時代の遺跡分布Distribution of ruins during the Kofun Era to future generations 集落が発見されている遺跡 the rivers currently 1 本村原遺跡 2 本陣山遺跡 Among Tokyo’s 23 wards, farmland only remains in the flowing through the 3 方南町峰遺跡群 （ 方南峰・方南・ 4 向山遺跡 10 wards of , Edogawa, Adachi, , Ota, ward. Stone tools have 5 済美台遺跡 6 上原遺跡 , Nakano, , and Suginami. Agricultural also been excavated 7 高千穂大学大宮遺跡 8 松ノ木遺跡 9 成宗白幡遺跡 land supplies vegetables and flowers and serves as an from these ruins, 11 10 尾崎熊野神社遺跡 12 10 1 11 矢倉台遺跡 evacuation area. It also off ers 12 矢倉台南遺跡 indicating that people 2 9 13 日性寺遺跡B地点 8 4 beautiful seasonal scenery. 14 13 14 高井戸東遺跡 have been living here 5 6 3 7 Once these lands are lost, from ancient times in 0 1 km they are difficult to regain. the pre-earthenware era. S:1/15,000 Therefore, Suginami City together with neighboring Setagaya City hold an “Agrifesta”to highlight the 1 importance of urban farmland. 2

Agrifesta being held

○The fl ow of the river that fosters life The ３rivers and their basins in the ward foster both people and many wild creatures. In particular, the Zenpukuji River and its water source Restored ruins of a pine tree house Zenpukuji Park. Along the river, the Zenpukuji River ○Utilizing the Greenland and Wada Hori water supply Park form a green belt that is the habitat for many During the Edo Era, the birds, insects, and aquatic Kanda River was called animals. “Kanda aqueduct”and Zenpukuji Park Aqueduct in autumn was used as a water supply system for the ○Fostering an aquatic environment city until 1901. The for kingfi shers aqueduct that drew water from the Suginami City and the Zenpukuji Tama River into Edo also River project have partnered to nourished the lives of create“a waterside where aquatic people in the south part birds live,”aspiring to regenerate of the ward. and create an aquatic environment that enables diverse animals and plants to inhabit, grow and breed Kingfi sher at Wada Hori Park alongside the citizens. Every year, we organize a survey and Tama River Water Supply symposium featuring aquatic near the Mihodo Bridge (1959) birds, in which elementary school students participate. ○Supporting the lives of the people in Edo “ Firefly Festival” led by the shops in the Kugayama It is said that the population of Tokyo in the mid- district has been held since 1996 reached 1 million. In order to support the lives of these to restore the environment where people, the Tokugawa shogunate developed new rice fi elds fi refl ies can live, which has been in the ward and established rural villages responsible for lost with residential development. supplying vegetables, etc. Kugayama Firefl y Festival (Kanda River Venue) With the improved railway system in the Meiji Gathering Era, as well as survivors of the Great Kanto at a new residential environment Earthquake and the war moving into the Ward, housing developed rapidly. Also, the number of shops increased, greatly supporting people’s livelihood.

, ○ s fi rst animation museum ○Improving Railway The Suginami The Kobu Railway (current Animation Museum Chuo Line) connecting opened in March, 2005 and Tachikawa promoting the Ward’s opened in 1889, and unique position as a opened leadingt area in the in 1891. The opening animation industry. The of three more stations, museum welcomes Koenji, and Nishi many visitors and Ogikubo, in July, 1922, Nishi Ogikubo Station when it opened introduces the history promoted the development (1922) of animation in Japan of the area. Private railway lines also advanced during the and the procedure of Suginami Animation Museum Taisho Era. animation production, and other exhibitions.

○The Great Kanto Earthquake ○Promoting multilingualization

A huge earthquake of magnitude 7.9 occurred on There were 906 5000 September 1, 1923. As fires broke out one building after foreign visitors to the 4500 3845 another was destroyed. It was a catastrophe, with more than Suginami Animation 4000 140,000 people dead or missing. Museum during 3000 Yokufukai in Takaido 2011. The number 2211 2253 opened to support the increased by 5 times 2000 Annual visitors elderly people who to 4,500 people in 906 1000 had become homeless. 2015. With the Tokyo With donations from Olympic Games and 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 the Imperial Family, the the Paralympic Games Ministry of Interior and approaching in 2020, Changes in the number of foreign visitors at the Suginami Animation Museum 3 the Ministry of Social the number of foreign 4 Affairs a foundation tourists is expected to increase. was established. After Therefore, we are promoting multilingualization of exhibitions Yokufukai headquarters World War II, it became and guidance in (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.) so that a new home for elderly foreign visitors can both enjoy and deepen their understanding people. Today, it serves as a social welfare corporation of Japanese animation. off ering nursing care and dementia support, and has become , an important facility for the elderly. ○The town s symbol ○Pursuing a safe life “Gundam monument” In March 2008, a statue of As the war intensifi ed and aerial attacks destroyed many “Mobile Suit Gundam”was homes the ward population increased as people sought placed in front of the Seibu a safe place to live. There were many intellectuals and Shinjuku Line Kami-Igusa writers among the new Station. The area has many residents, including anime production companies Masuji Ibuse, Mizuho including the company of Aoyagi, Akatsuki Gundam. Created at the Kanbayashi. Life in request of the local shops, Asagaya and in the it has become a beloved Ogikubo area, as well as ⓒSOTSU symbol. the interactions among the writers including ○The fi rst broadcast of the Ultraman Series Osamu Dazai, is also mentioned in literary The“birthplace of Ultraman” Map of Literature Village works. Prior to the fi rst episode of“Ultraman”, a PR event,“ Ultraman Eve Battle Festival Ultraman’s Birth”, was recorded on July ○Shifting to a town of anime 9th 1966 at the Suginami Public Hall and broadcast on from a town of writers July 10. There is a plaque commemorating the“birthplace of Ultraman”. In the late Meiji Era, inspired by foreign animation, Japan started producing animation. The first film was about 2 minutes long and was screened at a theater. With the spread of TV, many new works were created. Currently there are 622 animation production companies in Japan, of which 138 firms, more than 20%, are in Suginami City. (Source: The Association of Japanese Animations“Animation Industry Report 2016”). Suginami has the most animation companies Suginami Public Hall in Japan which have released countless beloved anime. commemoration plate © We wish to create an environment in which people can live happily even in old age and when Supporting medical care and nursing care are required, we the lives of the elderly support each other in the community. We are partnering with local governments, in addition to improving public facilities within the ward. ○Partnering with local governments According to a national census in 2015, the population of ○Focusing on the year 2025 Japan was 127 million, a decrease of 947,000 from 5 years About 8 million people were born in 1947 ‒ 1949, which is ago which is the first decrease since the census began. 20 to 30% more than other generations. These people, called On the other hand, the population of the metropolitan area the baby-boomer generation, will be over 75 years old in 2025. continues to increase, and over 10% of the total population Also, one in four people in Japan will be over 75 or older. We are is concentrated in Tokyo. This is due to the infl ux of young building a comprehensive regional care system so that the elderly people from rural areas. If the population of rural areas can continue living independently as they are accustomed to. continues to decline, we will inevitably be aff ected. Therefore, Measures include dementia management, partnering with medical we are promoting eff orts toward regional revitalization so that care and nursing care facilities, and the improvement of a living both city and rural areas can thrive. support system. ○Regional revitalization/partnering ○Houses for the disabled local government collaboration forum “After parents’death” We have been holding a forum since According to“A survey on community life”conducted by 2015, with the theme of “creating a Suginami City in FY 2013, 49.6% of caregivers of disabled fl ow of young people to rural areas” people were over 60 years old. To cope with the so-called and“cultivating people who support “after parents’death”situation in which disabled people lose the area.”We conduct discussions so support due to the aging of parents or caregivers, we have that urban and rural areas can coexist 1st Forum ( City) established a system to secure a group home and support and prosper together. Domestic exchange new homes for disabled people. １ Nayoro City, Hokkaido ○Prospering together ２ Higashiagatsuma Town, Gunma Prefecture ３ Ojiya City, Prefecture Our partnership currently includes Kitashiobara Village, Prefecture ○Maintenance of special nursing ４ 10 cities in Japan and 3 cities (areas) ５ Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture homes for the elderly overseas. The origins vary but we ６ Ome City, Tokyo ７ Musashino City, Tokyo Applications to enter special nursing homes for the elderly have been strengthening our ties since ８ Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture are expected to rapidly increase. Establishing special nursing the Great East Japan Earthquake. ９ Minamiizu Town, Prefecture homes is being promoted mainly on public land, but it is ■ Trial migration (Minamiizu-cho) 10 Ogasawara Village, Tokyo not easy to secure land in the ward. For these reasons, we Overseas exchange We co-opened a special nursing １ Willoughby City (Australia) are working towards establishing a special nursing home home for the elderly in Minamiizu- ２ Seocho Ward (Special City, , South Korea) for the elderly by collaborating with the local government in ３ Taiwan 5 cho. We also provide a“trial 6 Minamiizu-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is the fi rst eff ort in migration”from a few days to about a month in order to Japan to solve administrative issues collaboratively. promote the migration of active seniors (healthy elderlies). ■ Country experience (Ojiya City) ○Using various methods Ojiya City, which is known for its rice fi elds, is promoting a During a national discussion residence type farm“Ojiya Kurain Garuten Fureai Village.” about aging in urban areas this Experience the countryside with a base in two residential was praised for being a great areas, urban and rural. example of a strong partnership ■ Supporting activates in other areas (Suginami City) between local governments. By The new“Suginami regional revitalization collaboration meeting the needs for special troop”is a system in which young people in the ward conduct nursing homes for the elderly, various activities in partnership with local governments for a there are accompanying economic Conceptual drawing of period, which expands one’s way of living. It is expected to help benefi ts such as rural employment special nursing home for the eliminate the local talent shortage and revitalize the region. and tourism by family members. elderly in Minamiizu-cho 2CTVPGTNQECNIQXGTPOGPV 2CTVPGTNQECNIQXGTPOGPV ★“Kitashinobara ★“Oshino Village” Village”appeals appeals Enjoy one of the top Oshino Hakkai takes 100 famous Japanese its water from river-bed mountains“ Bandai,” water of Mt. Fuji, and is as you trek around lakes, famous as a tourist spot. enjoy canoeing, cycling As transportation from and fi shing. In recent years, Overlooking Bandai Mountain from Soft rime and world heritage“Mt. Fuji” the metropolitan area is Lake Hibara has been a Goshiki Numa (pond) convenient, the population of the village has reached a base for long distance track & field practice, where many record high. Major companies and related businesses have business associations and university teams visit for training. also relocated here. ★“Ojiya City”appeals ★“Minamiizu Town” Many people come from appeals across Japan and overseas to visit the birthplace of It is blessed with tourism Nishikigoi carp and to enjoy resources such as hot the sweet Koshihikari rice springs and Yumigahama, from Uonuma which is the spawning ground of Japan’s best 100 beaches: Yumigahama nurtured by the rich natural sea turtles. The main industry is the production of processed The Shinano River, the longest river in Japan environment of this snowy fi sheries and marine products such as spiny lobsters, turban land. Manufacturing centers on ironworks The electronics shells, and tengusa seaweed. Migrants from urban areas industry is thriving, as Ojiya is easily accessed from the seeking its warm climate are increasing. metropolitan area via the Kanetsu Expressway. If we rely only on the infl ux from the rural areas Supporting families raising children to maintain the population, it will eventually decline even in Suginami City and that speed will A town you can raise children with ease accelerate. To prevent this, we must create an environment where young couples can give birth and raise children with ease. ○Legendary hall of brass band The holy land where high school students long to play ○Unceasing support from pregnancy baseball is“Koshien,”for soccer, “The National Stadium” and In recent years, the number of people who feel about “Hanazono”for rugby. Suginami anxious raising children is increasing, especially when City also has a place where giving birth for the fi rst time. Therefore, we continue to off er high school students across the prenatal and postpartum support by public health nurses and country long to go. It is“Fumon The holy land of brass band,“Fumon Hall” midwives such as holding childbirth preparation classes. This Hall”in Wada 2-chome. includes a“cradle”service in which all pregnant women are The famous All Japan Band Competition, known as counselled by specialists such as public health nurses at the “Koshien”of brass band competitions, has been held at time of notifi cation of pregnancy as well as after giving birth. Fumon hall. This is where many Jr. High and High School amateur brass bands have aspired to perform. The building ○Suginami daycare child emergency declaration was completed in 1970 and can accommodate 5000 people. Due to the increase in pre-school age children and rising Its iconic exterior is painted in two colors. World-renowned women’s social advancement, the number of people applying orchestras have also performed here. Although it is currently for daycare is also increasing every held in a different hall as it was found that the building year. In April, the number on the 『すぎなみ 保 育 cannot withstand an earthquake with a seismic intensity waiting list tripled from the previous 緊急事態宣言』 scale of 6, the hall remains one of the most famous buildings 杉並区待機児童数の推移 平成２9年４月待機児童 ５００人 500人超（予測値）

year, causing some parents to quit ４００人 in the ward, a place where countless touching performances えっ？急ピッチで 平成２８年４月待 機 児 童 保育所をつくっているのに ３００人 285人 待機児童はこんなに their jobs. For couples to be able to １36人（速報値） 増えるんだ… have been held. ２００人 116人 raise children with ease, day care １００人 42人 H25 H26 H27 H28 H29 杉並区作成 2CTVPGTNQECNIQXGTPOGPV 認可保育所数の推移（人口同規模程度の他区との比較） H27年４月１日現在の is crucial. For these reasons, we 認可保育所整備率※ 100箇所 A区 ２３区 中

80箇所 announced the“Suginami daycare B区 ２０位 ※就学前児童人口に対する ★“Nayoro City” 60箇所 杉並区 認可保育所定員数の割合

東京都保健福祉局保健事業 emergency declaration”on April 18, H22 H23 H24 H25 H26 H27 関係資料をもとに杉並区作成 いま、手を打たないと待機児童は増え続けます appeals この4月の待機児童数は、昨年の42人を大きく上回る136人（平成28年4月15日現在速報値）となりました 。 2016. We are working hard to solve 私は就任以来、急ピッチで認可保育所を整備していますが、これまでの整備の遅れを取り戻すまでには至っていません。 この危機的状況を打開するために、これまで手をつけてこなかった学校や公園を含めた区有施設も 保育施設に転用し、平成29年4月の待機児童解消に向け保育所整備を精力的に進めます。 子育て環境の整備は、区の将来の発展に向けた必要不可欠な投資です。 Nayoro has one of the waiting list problem by April, 2017 なにとぞ区民の皆様のご理解とご 協 力をよろしくお 願 い い たします 。

杉並区長

杉並区役所 待機児童解消緊急対策本部（保健福祉部保育課） Japan’s largest telescopes, and provide more than 2200 childcare 〒166-8570 東京都杉並区阿佐谷南1丁目15番1号 電話：03-3312-2111（代表） ※電話番号をお確かめのうえ、お間違えのないようお願いします。 spaces in a single year. “Kitasubaru.”The air is clear and it is ideal for ■ Development status of nurseries 7 making astronomical 8 April, April, April, April, April, 2017 Items observations. Many railroad 2013 2014 2015 2016 （estimate） Telescope in Nayoro City, fans also visit, attracted to “Kitasubaru” Daycare capacity 7118 8037 8997 9709 11929 the history of the discontinued line Waiting list number 285 116 42 136 0 and revived station. It is also a mecca for outdoor sports, including skiing and fi shing. ○Opening after-school care at Elementary Schools The need to enroll children in after-school clubs is also ★“Higashiagatsuma increasing. We are making efforts to secure a nurturing, safe Town”appeals environment for children and meet future demands by basing Mt. Iwabitsu, where the famous after-school clubs in schools and promoting school maintenance warrior, Yukimura Sanada spent his at the time of school renovations. childhood is the symbol of the town. You can enjoy nature and historical ○Nurturing youth for the next generation culture together, such as the fi refl ies Children have unlimited potential and we are committed dancing in June - July. to nurturing the next generation so that they can fulfill “Hakojima spring water,” their dreams for the future. The options they can choose ★“Ogasawara Village” the habitat of fi refl ies from expand by experiencing culture and arts from various appeals countries and interacting with people through sports, etc. The Ogasawara Islands, To support young people who are responsible for the next 1000km south of Tokyo, are generation, we established the Next Generation Development called a subtropical paradise Fund in 2012. and are also a World Heritage ■ Donations to the Next Generation Development Fund Site. In addition to the many Items FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 unique plants and animals, Numbers 35 221 419 730 the islands include both the “Nature guide” Amount ￥4,307,876 ￥30,353,809 ￥10,654,563 ￥19,009,210 easternmost and southernmost tip of Japan. who protects the forest 〈Activities using the fund〉 ★“Ome City” appeals ・Nayoro nature experience ・Higashiagatsuma children A town where nature exchange program and history live together. ・Ogasawara nature Long worshipped as a high experience mountain, Mt. Mitake is close ・Local Government exchange to Mitake Valley, which is baseball tournament famous for its autumn leaves. The Ome Race which has “Ome Race,” continued since 1967 is a with more than 10,000 participants pioneer of“citizen marathon” and is beloved by many people. Suginami City is a lively ward where approximately A town where many people 560,000 people live. The runs along the Myoshoji River fl owing north. In the middle is gather and thrives the Zenpuku-ji River and the JR Chuo Line. At the south is the Kanda River and the . The Tamagawa Aqueduct is parallel to the Keio Line. Each station is built upon the history and culture of the land. ○Creating a town through music ○Many Merchant Association There are multiple music events in the ward, which is the Sponsored Events symbol of our town. It helps us create a town through music. “Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori”and “Asagaya Festival” ★Partnership with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra are Tokyo’s new summer In 1994, Suginami traditions, which were initiated City signed a friendship by the merchant associations. partnership agreement with The association has held many “The Japan Philharmonic fun events to express gratitude Orchestra,”an orchestra to shoppers and to offer that represents Japan. The enjoyment to local children. ward provides practice These events also serve as an venues and the orchestra opportunity for many people to Koenji Bikkuri Daidogei performs at events for visit the shops. the people in the ward to enjoy music. Ward Offi ce lobby concert ★Nishi Ogikubo Station Area Suginami Public Hall at Ogikubo Station Northgate is one Nishi Ogikubo is sandwiched between the popular town, public performance venues. Kichijoji and the terminal station, Ogikubo. With a mix of traditional shops and cool, new stores in the shopping ★Koenji is not only Awa Odori！ street, there is something In 2016,“Tokyo Koenji Awa for everyone to enjoy. Every Odori”won the top ranking year more stores participate of a major travel agency’s in the merchant association- survey,“Japanese Festivals sponsored“Chasampo”In I would like to go!”It is this event, stores provide pots famous as an event that of tea in front of their stores represents Tokyo’s summer. so people can casually sip tea 10,000 people dance for 2 and get to know each other. days, and 1 million people At another event, pictures are visit. Koenji is also known drawn on a 300m street from 9 “Koenji Awa Odori,” as a town of rock. Tokyo Women’s University 10 with a history of 60 years There are many live to the station with chalk. This Shops off ering tea during “Chasampo” houses playing rock and blues around the station, as well as event is very popular among many street musicians playing on street corners. The entire children! town is rocking! ★Horinouchi Area Horinouchi is the home of ★Asagaya has jazz Myohoji temple which was the The departing bell of JR setting for a Ukiyoe painting in is the the Edo Era. Many people visit Jazz-themed“Tanabata”. the temple which was founded Asagaya is famous for as a religious sect warding off “The Asagaya Tanabata evil. In front of the temple, you Festival”which has been will find an old style shopping held since 1954. The town street. Events are held using which is known for jazz Globe amaranth as a symbol. Globe amaranth grown by the locals has also held “Asagaya Jazz Street”for 2 days in Jazz parade at a shopping street late October since 1995, ○Creating a fl ow of people from abroad in which the area becomes lively with many people. In anticipation of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2020, we are also making ★Class suits Ogikubo perfectly efforts to have tourists from overseas visit the ward and Otaguro Park is in a quiet residential area of Ogikubo. A partnering with local governments. One example is the Koenji circuit style Japanese garden that opened in 1981, it was Awa Odori performance in Taiwan in April, 2015. Although created on the grounds of the house of the music critic, Motoo our relationship started by an exchange through Jr. High Otaguro (1893 - 1979). On School baseball, we have continued to promote traditional the 9000 m2 site there are performing arts in the ward. In addition, we are attracting rows of gingko trees, zelkova, visitors by broadcasting promotional videos on the Internet. Japanese red pine, as well as a lovely pond with Nishikigoi carp and a room for Japanese tea ceremony. There is also the piano which Mr. Otaguro used over 100 years ago, and mini-concerts are often held Casually classical music using it. Ogikubo holds“The “Ogikubo Music Festival” Ogikubo Music Festival,” aspiring to develop the town through classical music. You can enjoy classical music at various places, including Otaguro Park, the plaza in front of the station, cafes, banks, and hospitals.

A magnifi cent Awa Odori performance in Taiwan Off ering wisdom to create ○Rugger man scrummed with the local town council a safe and secure town In 2015, the Rugby Football Club and 6 neighborhood Life along the river creates wind and nature and associations in Kami-Igusa signed a“Mutual Disaster provides a pleasant living environment. However, Assistance Agreement.” nature can suddenly pose a threat to our lives Students who are mentally such as heavy rain and storms. Earthquakes and physically trained through rugby and the Signed a disaster prevention treaty can also strike the Tokyo area at any moment. local residents will be in a Therefore, we are continuing our eff orts of disaster scrum to prepare for disasters. Even in Japan it is unusual preparedness such as widening narrow roads and for a national university club to sign a disaster reduction eliminating areas with concentrated wood housing. agreement with the local area. ○Local government scrum support meeting ○Widening narrow roads The local governments Approximately 30% of the roads    Prohibition of setting obstacles will also be in a scrum. in the ward are narrow roads with a Warning/order  of removal width of less than 4m. About 198km During the Great East of roads have been redeveloped Japan Earthquake, with the owners retreating 2m the road centerline Higashiazuma Town in from the road centerline since Gunma Prefecture, Ojiya 1989. However, there are still City in Niigata Prefecture, obstacles such as planters, vending and Nayoro City in machines, vehicles, etc., causing The 10th Scrum Support Meeting (Ome city) Hokkaido who had no significant interference with Securing  road space direct relationships with evacuation, traffi c and everyday life. Minamisoma City joined Suginami City and Minamisoma City For example, nursing care vehicles in Fukushima Prefecture’s disaster mutual support agreement. and cleaning vehicles cannot Although these local governments had already signed a pass. To solve these problems and disaster agreement with Suginami City, they had no direct increase the disaster preparedness  relationship with Minamisoma City. However, they launched level of the town, based on the “Local Government Scrum Support Meeting”in April, 2011 revised“Ordinance on Expansion to be in a scrum together and help people in need. Ome City of Narrow Roads”, we prohibit in Tokyo and Kitashiobara Village in Fukushima Prefecture placing obstacles such as planters, have joined this meeting, and the partnership is enlarging. This scrum support activity is not limited to the support of 11 vending machines, vehicles, etc. 12 in areas slated for redevelopment, Minamisoma City. Each local government will cooperate and will warn or publish a list of to deepen disaster management efforts and relationships violators, as well as enforcing proxy between local governments, promote civic-level exchanges and A narrow road in the ward executions. discuss issues among local governments, which will lead to a relationship aiming for mutual prosperity. ○Utilizing Fireproof Special Zone 2CTVPGTNQECNIQXGTPOGPV We are utilizing Tokyo’s“Fireproof Promotion Special ★Local partner government Development Zone (Fireproof Zone) System”and promoting The current situation of “Minamisoma City” fireproofing in the areas surrounding Suginami Sixth Minamisoma City experienced tremendous damage in the Elementary School (about 46.7 ha) and Honan 1-chome Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at Fukushima area (about 33.6 ha). This system urges the removal and Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. A large tsunami struck the town rebuilding of old buildings. As there is a partial subsidy immediately after the earthquake and fl ooded about 10% of the for dismantling, removal cost, design cost/construction city area, resulting in 636 deaths. 5,200 houses were fully/ supervision fee, reduction and exemption of property tax, partially destroyed. Many residents were forced to evacuate fireproofing is expected to advance during the specified due to the nuclear plant accident. In July, 2016, 5 years period (end of FY 2020). after the earthquake, the evacuation order was lifted in most areas. However, the population ○A giant water reservoir decreased from 70,000 to The underground No. 7 retention pond is a giant tunnel 50,000 people and as most made about 40 m underground with a diameter of 12.5 m of the people who left were and a length of 4.5 km. It draws water from the 3 rivers, working age, the city is lacking Myoshoji River, Zenpukuji River, and Kanda River, which workers. Moreover, to ensure the fl ow through the area and protects the area from fl ooding. It safety and peace of mind of the began withdrawing water after its partial completion in 1997. residents regarding air and tap Today, it has become a facility that can store a maximum of water, well water and agricultural Sales of special products at 540,000 tons, which is equal to 1,800 swimming pools. products, radiation monitoring the government offi ce has continued. The shipment of safe agricultural products and marine products that have undergone rigorous inspections has begun bring smiles to residents. Also, the“Soma Nomaoi” with a 1000-year history was held even in the year of the earthquake, hoping for local reconstruction and deepening local ties. It is a precious tradition that strengthens local pride and unity and even after the disaster it attracts many A heroic picture scroll“Soma Nomaoi” visitors from across the country. A“giant tunnel”protecting ward residents from fl oods Bustle of the end & beginning of the year you gather with friends and family

When Christmas illuminations start to adorn the city, you know the end of the year is approaching. Released from work, the time you can spend with family and friends increases. The local areas, shrines, and temples also become lively with more visitors at the end and beginning of the year giving thanks for the year and praying for good luck in the new year.

○Nostalgic mochi pounding and Sometimes let’s treat end-of-year cleaning The Nagaya-mon gate ourselves to a reward and and old houses built in the Edo Era have stop by (and get drunk) been relocated to the Suginami Historical There are more occasions to have Museum. You can see a drink with family and friends during the year-end cleaning the New Year’s holidays. You will fi nd and repasting the paper of the paper sliding doors the so-called“bar town”around many at the end of the year. stations in Suginami, with many cozy You can also experience restaurants and bars. You become a little traditional farm closer to people as you get drunk, and life, including the annual mochi pounding, which you will see many people smiling. many local residents join. Suginami Historical Museum

○The new year that begins with the Bell on New Year’s Eve The bell ringing starts 13 from 12 A.M. on New 14 Year at Myohoji. Unlike other temples, the bell ringing does not stop at 108 times, and many worshippers visit to ring the bell and form a long queue. Myohoji on New Year’s Eve ○Praying for a peaceful year Neighborhood shrines are located throughout the ward. Families dressed in special clothes visit to conduct the first worship of the year and pray for good health. These shrines provide luscious greenery and are a rejuvenating place for local people. Igusa Hachimangu Shrine ○Local traditional performing art: “shishimai” Traditional performing arts such as shishimai and hayashi are still cherished. Sadly, there are many festivals in each area that have been lost. However, these events are being passed down to children with the help of conservation groups.

The wind of New Year“Shishimai” Suginami City viewed with video clip

In addition to the Suginami public announcements and the City's official website, we are also introducing the issues and efforts of the City through video. The video features comedians and we have tried to make it easy to understand, so we hope you take the time to watch.

■ Suginami news ■ We explain the challenges facing the ward and feature the efforts the ward is making. We also introduce events taking place in the ward as well as useful information for everyday life.

■ Suginami news street corner NOW ■ As the name suggests, it is a 5-minute program introducing thee “now”information of Suginamii from various places. Comedianss and actors join to make residentss smile.

■ Suginami Want to Know Everything Troop ■ As part of the Suginami News, residents’ questions are answered. In addition, mysteries of Suginami City are introduced. We also welcome information from the residents.

Example

“ Huge underground space” A dark space deep underground. Who, when, made it for what purpose? “ Tokyo’s bellybutton” The Bellybutton connects the mother with the baby and is an important part of the body. What is Tokyo’s bellybutton and why is something so important hidden in our Ward? “ Letter to Anne Frank” A Jr. High School student read Anne’s letter and wrote a reply. Let’s see what kind feelings were embedded in the letter.

You can watch the answer to these mysteries at You Tube Suginami Official Channel.

Suginami City Overview Pocket Edition Registered Printing No. March, 2017 Issue 28-0114 Editing/Publishing : Suginami City General Affairs Department Public Relations Division 1- 15 -1, Asagayaminami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-8570 Japan Tel 0 3 - 3 3 1 2 - 2 1 1 1 (Main)