Vol. 304September2016

275,584（－30）

134,467 （－9）

141,117（－21）

105,627（+56）

Population and HouseholdsAs of August 1, 2016(compared to the previous month)

Facilities Departments Hours

Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights(0258-37-1199)

Internal Medicine(Naika) (Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

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

Pediatrics(Shônika)Surgery(Geka)

Dentistry(Shika)

Pediatrics(Shônika)

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

Chuetsu Center for Children’s Emergency Treatment(0258-86-5099)

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

Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza - 1F)

Major Emergency Medical Facilities

Information about clinics in charge of specific Sundays or holidays:・Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights (Phone: 0258-37-1199)・Nagaoka Medical Society (Phone: 0258-22-5600)・Nagaoka Fire Department Headquarters (Phone: 0258-36-0119)

Major General HospitalsNagaoka Chûô Sôgô Byôin (Central General Hospital)Nagaoka Sekijûji Byôin (Red Cross Hospital)Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin (General Hospital)Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza)

0258-35-37000258-28-3600 0258-33-3311 0258-39-7508

Medical Subsidies for Children(Revised as of October 2016)

Major Features:Renewing Our Oath of Peace -------------------------- p. 2Nagaoka’s Cross-Cultural Programs ------------------ p. 2It’s the Season for Gakuensai (Campus Festivals)!-- p. 3How to Apply for Enrollment in Nursery Schools or Kindergartens -- p. 3Seasonal Events -------------------------------------pp. 6 - 7Major Emergency Medical Facilities ----------------- p. 8Temporary Welfare Benefits --------------------------- p. 8Medical Subsidies for Children ------------------------ p. 8

International Affairs Division, Nagaoka City Office2-2-6 Ote Street, Nagaoka City Phone: 0258-39-2207 Fax: 0258-39-2280E-mail: intlexchange@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

URL: http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/（長岡市ウェブサイト）→ English (Nagaoka International Affairs Center) → 地球広場 (International Affairs Center) → Konnichiwa Nagaoka

Out-Patient Treatment・Households with one or two children

Subsidies are available for children until they graduate from elementary school.・Households with three or more children

Subsidies are available for children until they graduate from junior high school.

In-Patient TreatmentRegardless of the number of children in a household,

subsidies are available for children until they graduate from junior high school.

Eligible recipients must complete certain procedures to receive these subsidies. Application forms were sent out to households with eligible children. Eligible children who apply by September 16 will receive a new subsidy certificate via postal mail at the end of September.For further information: Fukushi Ka (Welfare Division) Phone: 0258-39-2319 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kosodate/cate01/nyuyouji.html

Temporary Welfare BenefitsRinji Fukushi Kyûfukin

りんじ　ふくし　きゅうふきん・臨時福祉給付金

In order to alleviate the impact of the increase in the consumption tax rate to 8% enforced in April 2014, the national government will provide low-income earners with Temporary Welfare Benefits. The amount of this benefit for each eligible person is ¥3,000 (¥30,000 exclusively for recipients of Basic Disability Pension or Basic Pension for Surviving Family Members). The city will send application forms to households with members who may be eligible. Please submit your application form to the city office by using the enclosed return envelope. The application period is from Tuesday, September 6th to Monday, December 5th.

You can check the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare website for further information about eligibility requirements and necessary documents for the Temporary Welfare Benefits.

For further information: Fukushi Sômu Ka (Social Welfare General Affairs Division) Phone: 0258-39-2992

http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/fukushi/cate04/rinji-kyufu.html

Echigo Nagaoka Sake no Jin(Sake Tasting Event)

Enjoy tasting a variety of sake produced exclusively by 16 local sake breweries.Tickets: in advance, ¥1,000 for 11 sheets at the door, ¥1,000 for 10 sheetsTickets for sake and snacks can be purchased from September 10 (Sat.) at: Machinaka Kankô Plaza (next to Aôre Nagaoka) Phone: 0258-31-5202

“What a great opportunity to taste many different kinds of Nagaoka’s locally-brewed sake by getting interesting information from sake-brewing experts!”

The Beer Garden at Tachibana Park in Yoita

From July 30th to October 31st, a beer garden is open under a large tent in Tachibana Park in Yoita, where visitors can enjoy beer, soft drinks, and barbecued food including locally-grown vegetables. Yoita is the birthplace of Mr. Seibei Nakagawa, who is known as the father of beer and who promoted the basic technology of brewing beer in Japan. (For reservations: 050-5835-0493)

Let’s Enjoy

a BBQ Party!

No need toworryabout rain !

Just bring

yourself !Enjoy drinkingand chattingwith your friends !

Oct. 8 (Sat.)11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.11:15 a.m. Traditional Kagamibiraki (Sake Cask Opening)

Nagaoka StationFire DepartmentHeadquarters●

Nagaoka ChûôSôgô Byôin

Tachikawa Sôgô Byôinfrom November 2, 2016

Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin

NagaokaSekijûji Byôin

Ote Ohashi Bridge

Nagaoka Ohashi Bridge

ChoseibashiBridge

Shinano River Saiwai Plaza

8

17●

●

●

●

●

18

Renewing Our Oath of Peace~Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the United States Ambassador to Japan, Enjoyed Nagaoka Fireworks~

How to Apply for Enrollment in Nursery Schools or Kindergartens

Nagaoka’s Cross-Cultural Programs

On August 2nd and 3rd, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy visited Nagaoka during the Nagaoka Festival. She enjoyed watching the fireworks on August 2nd and expressed her appreciation to Mayor Tamio Mori and the citizens of Nagaoka

for extending such warm hospitality to her and for sharing “the almost magical celebration of peace, hope, and friendship.”

On August 3rd, the ambassador laid a wreath in memory of the Nagaoka-Air Raid victims during the floral tribute held at City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka. The ambassador expressed her condolences to the people who lost their lives during the air raid.

She also stressed that this occasion provided her with an opportunity to think about promoting peace in particular and wished to come together with the citizens of Nagaoka in our effort for the pursuit of peace.

Ambassador Kennedy was well aware of the presentation

of Nagaoka Fireworks at Pearl Harbor on August 15th, 2015, in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu, which may have made her decide to visit Nagaoka.

On the morning of August 3rd, the ambassador joined a discussion session with high school students from Nagaoka and Fort Worth, our sister city.

The Nagaoka “Glocal (Global + Local)” Educational Project

In order to foster the growth of younger generations who will play leading roles in international society, ten students from the Nagaoka University of Technology and the Nagaoka National College of Technology were chosen for the 2016 Glocal Educational Project in which they will learn and work at various research institutions and firms located overseas. They will also promote Nagaoka’s culture, traditions, and industries as Japanese cultural ambassadors from Nagaoka. Prior to their overseas assignments, the students will learn about various aspects of local businesses and industries during their internship programs at local firms. On July 27th, an appointment ceremony was held for the students by representatives of the supporting organizations.

“One, Two, and Three,” for Building a Bridge of Friendship

On August 6th, one of the 12 high school students of the South Baden German Youth Sports Association visited the Mishima Sports Center and enjoyed playing volleyball with local children. While tossing, passing, and spiking balls together, they gradually relaxed, got used to each other, and became good friends. Each member of the German delegation had sports exchanges in several different locations in other neighboring prefectures.

Mastering English in Honolulu, HawaiiDuring an 8-day-learning program from August 5th, five

high school students from Nagaoka enjoyed studying English and staying with their host families in Honolulu, our sister city.

Mr. Edwin Hawkins (the president emeritus of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii) gave the students English lessons focusing on pronunciation. They had many other interesting opportunities to improve their communication skills by meeting with the local people and visiting various facilities including the Arizona

Memorial and Ford Island where the Nagaoka-Honolulu Peace Exchange Commemoration Project was held last year to mark the 70th year after the end of the Pacific War.

The 10th Anniversary of the Establishmentof Our Sister City Partnership

with the City of Trier, GermanyAs Fort Worth, our sister city in the U.S.A. is also a sister

city of Trier, Nagaoka established a friendship city affiliation with Trier in 1995. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the modern municipality of Nagaoka, the Cities of Nagaoka and Trier became sister cities in April, 2006 in order to further promote the bonds of friendship between our cities. Since then approximately 770 people have visited with each other and enjoyed sports and cultural exchanges along with home stay programs.

The 10th anniversary will be held in Nagaoka in October during the One Hundred Sacks of Rice Festival where the Trier Delegation will join the Samurai Warrior Costume Parade. A commemoration concert will also be held, in which Mr. Thomas Kiessling (a star tenor), Ms. Manami Suzuki (an opera singer), and the Nagaoka Boys’ and Girls’ Choir will perform at Hotel New Otani on Friday, October 7th.

The Special Ancient Pottery ExhibitSeptember 24 (Sat.) – November 6 (Sun.)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)Closed: Mondays (or Tuesdays in weeks with a holiday on Monday)Umataka Jômon Kan Hall 1-3060-1 Sekihara-machiPhone: 0258-46-0601General Admission: ¥200 (free for high school students and younger)http://www.museum.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/umataka

The exhibit will be held in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the discovery of the Flame-Shaped Pot (火焔土器, Kaen Doki) (exclusively named), which was unearthed at the Umataka Historic Site in 1936. Along with a variety of pottery from the Jômon Period (10,000 B.C. – 300 B.C.) some important cultural monuments not usually on display will also be part of the special exhibit.

It’s the Season for Gakuensai! (Campus Festivals)

How to Ride the Choinori Bus:

Enjoy visiting campuses at various locations in the city for their campus festivals where many fun and interesting programs will be held. (see pp. 6-7) It might be a good idea to use the “Gakusei Kôryû Choinori Bus” Service with special discount bus tickets.

A new comprehensive support system for child-rearing was implemented throughout Japan in April 2015. Under this system the child-rearing support facilities for preschool-aged children are categorized into four types. If you wish to enroll your child in either one of these facilities, you must apply for both approval (nintei shinsei/にんてい　しんせい・認定申請) and enrollment (nyûen môshikomi/にゅうえん　もうしこみ・入園申し込み) .

Special Discount Bus Tickets for Local StudentsEchigo Kôtsû Co. offers special discount bus tickets to

students studying at academic institutions in Nagaoka City. This service is named “Gakusei Kôryû Choinori Bus (a casual bus ride for students’ exchange programs),” in which the bus fare between Nagaoka Station and each institution is just ¥100 per trip.

・Fill out an application form, available at your campus store, with your name and the purpose of your ride and submit your application form there. Then, purchase a booklet of tickets with 11 ¥100 tickets for ¥1,000 there. ・Use any regular bus service provided by Echigo Kôtsû

Co. between your school and Nagaoka Station. ・When getting out of the bus, put one of the ¥100 bus

tickets into the fare box beside the driver.

An ancient pot unearthed at the Umataka Historic Site(a national important cultural monument)

Ambassador Kennedy and Mayor Mori watching the White Chrysanthemum Fireworks being launched in honor of war victims

Ambassador Kennedy with a gift of Tochio’s temari, an ornamental handball elaborately handmade with brightly colored silk threads symbolizing Nagaoka Fireworks

* Nintei Kodomo-En・認定こども園 (Center for Early Childhood Education and Care) are mostly located in the same building of a nursery school or a kindergarten. For further information and assistance, please contact the staff at the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba. (see p. 4)

にんてい えん

Types of Facilities

● Nursery School

● Nursery School Section of Nintei Kodomo-En

　認定こども園 (*Center for Early Childhood Education and Care)

● Kindergarten

● Kindergarten Section of Nintei Kodomo-En

認定こども園 (*Center for Early Childhood Education and Care)

0 - 5

0 - 5

3 - 5

3 - 5

7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Extension possiblewith extra fees

・Employment・Pregnancy or childbirth・Illness or disability・Caring for a relative・Recovery after a disaster・Job hunting・Attending school・Possible risk of domestic violence or abuse

FromOct. 3 (Mon.), 2016

(1) First submit an application for approval.

(2) After being approved, submit an application for enrollment.

FromNov. 1 (Tues.), 2016

Application forms forapproval and enrollmentcan be submitted at thesame time.

Based on guardian’shousehold’s income

Based oneach kindergarten’stuition system

Ages ofChildrenAccepted

Hours Requirements for Application

Application Periodfor 2017 enrollment Fees

にんてい　　　　　　えん

にんてい　　　　　　えん

32

Renewing Our Oath of Peace~Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the United States Ambassador to Japan, Enjoyed Nagaoka Fireworks~

How to Apply for Enrollment in Nursery Schools or Kindergartens

Nagaoka’s Cross-Cultural Programs

On August 2nd and 3rd, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy visited Nagaoka during the Nagaoka Festival. She enjoyed watching the fireworks on August 2nd and expressed her appreciation to Mayor Tamio Mori and the citizens of Nagaoka

for extending such warm hospitality to her and for sharing “the almost magical celebration of peace, hope, and friendship.”

On August 3rd, the ambassador laid a wreath in memory of the Nagaoka-Air Raid victims during the floral tribute held at City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka. The ambassador expressed her condolences to the people who lost their lives during the air raid.

She also stressed that this occasion provided her with an opportunity to think about promoting peace in particular and wished to come together with the citizens of Nagaoka in our effort for the pursuit of peace.

Ambassador Kennedy was well aware of the presentation

of Nagaoka Fireworks at Pearl Harbor on August 15th, 2015, in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu, which may have made her decide to visit Nagaoka.

On the morning of August 3rd, the ambassador joined a discussion session with high school students from Nagaoka and Fort Worth, our sister city.

The Nagaoka “Glocal (Global + Local)” Educational Project

In order to foster the growth of younger generations who will play leading roles in international society, ten students from the Nagaoka University of Technology and the Nagaoka National College of Technology were chosen for the 2016 Glocal Educational Project in which they will learn and work at various research institutions and firms located overseas. They will also promote Nagaoka’s culture, traditions, and industries as Japanese cultural ambassadors from Nagaoka. Prior to their overseas assignments, the students will learn about various aspects of local businesses and industries during their internship programs at local firms. On July 27th, an appointment ceremony was held for the students by representatives of the supporting organizations.

“One, Two, and Three,” for Building a Bridge of Friendship

On August 6th, one of the 12 high school students of the South Baden German Youth Sports Association visited the Mishima Sports Center and enjoyed playing volleyball with local children. While tossing, passing, and spiking balls together, they gradually relaxed, got used to each other, and became good friends. Each member of the German delegation had sports exchanges in several different locations in other neighboring prefectures.

Mastering English in Honolulu, HawaiiDuring an 8-day-learning program from August 5th, five

high school students from Nagaoka enjoyed studying English and staying with their host families in Honolulu, our sister city.

Mr. Edwin Hawkins (the president emeritus of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii) gave the students English lessons focusing on pronunciation. They had many other interesting opportunities to improve their communication skills by meeting with the local people and visiting various facilities including the Arizona

Memorial and Ford Island where the Nagaoka-Honolulu Peace Exchange Commemoration Project was held last year to mark the 70th year after the end of the Pacific War.

The 10th Anniversary of the Establishmentof Our Sister City Partnership

with the City of Trier, GermanyAs Fort Worth, our sister city in the U.S.A. is also a sister

city of Trier, Nagaoka established a friendship city affiliation with Trier in 1995. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the modern municipality of Nagaoka, the Cities of Nagaoka and Trier became sister cities in April, 2006 in order to further promote the bonds of friendship between our cities. Since then approximately 770 people have visited with each other and enjoyed sports and cultural exchanges along with home stay programs.

The 10th anniversary will be held in Nagaoka in October during the One Hundred Sacks of Rice Festival where the Trier Delegation will join the Samurai Warrior Costume Parade. A commemoration concert will also be held, in which Mr. Thomas Kiessling (a star tenor), Ms. Manami Suzuki (an opera singer), and the Nagaoka Boys’ and Girls’ Choir will perform at Hotel New Otani on Friday, October 7th.

The Special Ancient Pottery ExhibitSeptember 24 (Sat.) – November 6 (Sun.)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)Closed: Mondays (or Tuesdays in weeks with a holiday on Monday)Umataka Jômon Kan Hall 1-3060-1 Sekihara-machiPhone: 0258-46-0601General Admission: ¥200 (free for high school students and younger)http://www.museum.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/umataka

The exhibit will be held in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the discovery of the Flame-Shaped Pot (火焔土器, Kaen Doki) (exclusively named), which was unearthed at the Umataka Historic Site in 1936. Along with a variety of pottery from the Jômon Period (10,000 B.C. – 300 B.C.) some important cultural monuments not usually on display will also be part of the special exhibit.

It’s the Season for Gakuensai! (Campus Festivals)

How to Ride the Choinori Bus:

Enjoy visiting campuses at various locations in the city for their campus festivals where many fun and interesting programs will be held. (see pp. 6-7) It might be a good idea to use the “Gakusei Kôryû Choinori Bus” Service with special discount bus tickets.

A new comprehensive support system for child-rearing was implemented throughout Japan in April 2015. Under this system the child-rearing support facilities for preschool-aged children are categorized into four types. If you wish to enroll your child in either one of these facilities, you must apply for both approval (nintei shinsei/にんてい　しんせい・認定申請) and enrollment (nyûen môshikomi/にゅうえん　もうしこみ・入園申し込み) .

Special Discount Bus Tickets for Local StudentsEchigo Kôtsû Co. offers special discount bus tickets to

students studying at academic institutions in Nagaoka City. This service is named “Gakusei Kôryû Choinori Bus (a casual bus ride for students’ exchange programs),” in which the bus fare between Nagaoka Station and each institution is just ¥100 per trip.

・Fill out an application form, available at your campus store, with your name and the purpose of your ride and submit your application form there. Then, purchase a booklet of tickets with 11 ¥100 tickets for ¥1,000 there. ・Use any regular bus service provided by Echigo Kôtsû

Co. between your school and Nagaoka Station. ・When getting out of the bus, put one of the ¥100 bus

tickets into the fare box beside the driver.

An ancient pot unearthed at the Umataka Historic Site(a national important cultural monument)

Ambassador Kennedy and Mayor Mori watching the White Chrysanthemum Fireworks being launched in honor of war victims

Ambassador Kennedy with a gift of Tochio’s temari, an ornamental handball elaborately handmade with brightly colored silk threads symbolizing Nagaoka Fireworks

* Nintei Kodomo-En・認定こども園 (Center for Early Childhood Education and Care) are mostly located in the same building of a nursery school or a kindergarten. For further information and assistance, please contact the staff at the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba. (see p. 4)

にんてい えん

Types of Facilities

● Nursery School

● Nursery School Section of Nintei Kodomo-En

　認定こども園 (*Center for Early Childhood Education and Care)

● Kindergarten

● Kindergarten Section of Nintei Kodomo-En

認定こども園 (*Center for Early Childhood Education and Care)

0 - 5

0 - 5

3 - 5

3 - 5

7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Extension possiblewith extra fees

・Employment・Pregnancy or childbirth・Illness or disability・Caring for a relative・Recovery after a disaster・Job hunting・Attending school・Possible risk of domestic violence or abuse

FromOct. 3 (Mon.), 2016

(1) First submit an application for approval.

(2) After being approved, submit an application for enrollment.

FromNov. 1 (Tues.), 2016

Application forms forapproval and enrollmentcan be submitted at thesame time.

Based on guardian’shousehold’s income

Based oneach kindergarten’stuition system

Ages ofChildrenAccepted

Hours Requirements for Application

Application Periodfor 2017 enrollment Fees

にんてい　　　　　　えん

にんてい　　　　　　えん

32

Various services are provided for international residents. The center is a place where international residents can find help and support. The staff are ready to respond to you either in English or easy Japanese. No appointment is necessary for consultations. Feel free to stop by if you have any difficulties, worries, or questions.

The Nagaoka Civic Center

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: 0258-39-2715E-mail: kouryu-c@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

Nagaoka City International Affairs Center (Chikyû Hiroba) (1st Floor)

Consultations Offered for International Residents

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.

Japanese Learning Programs

Nihongo HirobaVolunteers help international residents learn Japanese

at this free program during the following sessions:

Sundays, Oct. 2 – Dec. 25 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.Room 2A Nagaoka Civic Center 2nd Floor

An intensive short-term Japanese language class will be offered from Sunday, Oct. 2nd to Sunday, Dec. 25th so that you can brush up on your Japanese skills. International residents who have completed the Japanese Language Class II at the Civic Center or who have mastered a basic level of the Japanese language are recommended to join this intensive class.

• 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.

Weekday Classes (Tuesdays & Fridays)* Class I

(Lesson 1 – Lesson 12 of Minna no Nihongo) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (60 minutes)

* Class II (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo) 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (60 minutes)

Oct. 4, 7, 11. 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 ¥1,600Nov. 1, 4. 8. 11. 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 ¥1,800Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27 ¥1,400Jan. 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 ¥1,600Feb. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 ¥1,600March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 ¥1,600

Sunday Classes* Class I (Lesson 1 – Lesson 12 of Minna no Nihongo)

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (120 minutes)* Class II (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo)

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (120 minutes)Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ¥2,000Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 ¥1,600Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 ¥1,600

Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 ¥1,600Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 ¥1,600March 5,12,19 ¥1,200

Nihongo Kôza A free trial lesson is being offered. Please call ahead. The 2nd term of classes for the 2016 fiscal year is being offered from October 2016 to March 2017.

The 11th Annual International Athletic Meet ~ Sports Festival with Our Friends from around the World ~

Short-Term Japanese Language Class

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ¥2,000Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 ¥1,600Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 ¥1,600

The Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba, will organize an athletic meet in which international residents and Nagaokans can join together. Everyone is welcome. It will be a great opportunity for you to meet with friends from various countries through enjoying sports.Date: Saturday, October 15 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Venue: Nagaoka Civic Disaster Prevention ParkParticipation Fees (drinks and other necessary materials):¥300 for adults¥200 for elementary school children and under

Application Deadline: Oct. 8 (Sat.)Phone: 0258-39-2714 Fax: 0258-39-2715E-mail: kouryu-c@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

* Nakayoshi Time 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sept. 16 (Fri.), 23 (Fri.), and 30 (Fri.)

* Let’s Enjoy Singing10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Monday

* Wai Wai Chatting 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 20 (Tues.)

* Child-Rearing Festival 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept. 11 (Sun.)

* Let’s Enjoy Drawing Pictures2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept.12 (Mon.)

* Park Exploration 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.)

* Information on Enrollment in Preschools1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.) and 16 (Fri.)

* Let’s Play at the Kids’ Land10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 (Tues.)

* Lecture for Families: Children-Parents Recreational Exercises 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)

* Playing Games from the Old Days10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1 (Sat.)

* Digging for Sweet Potatoes10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 (Tues.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Sept. 27 (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

(also open on Oct. 9 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. during the Kaidô Festival)

* Suku Suku Tea Time11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.) and Oct. 7 (Fri.)

* Disaster Prevention Lecture by a Maternity Nurse10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28 (Wed.)* Let’s Play in the Temari Hall

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 30 (Fri.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Sept. 16 (Fri.) Public Health Nurse Oct. 5 (Wed.) Maternity Nurse

Kosodate no Eki, Gun GunNagaoka 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 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Every Day * Picture Storybook Reading Time

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Every Day * “Spot Time” 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Monday

Helpful Tips for Times of DisasterSept. 12 (Mon.) and Oct. 10 (Mon./Holiday)Gun Gun English Time Sept. 19 (Mon.)Safety Tips for Children Sept. 26 (Mon.)Children-Parents Yoga Oct. 3 (Mon.)

* Toy Plaza 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)* Craftwork Cafe 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.)* Happy Birthday Party

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 16 (Fri.)* A Quick Stroll to the Floral Terrace

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.)* Mini-Lecture: Basic Tips on How to Start Baby Food

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23 (Fri.) * Exploring Fire Department Headquarters

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28 (Wed.)* Child-Rearing Mini-Lecture: How to Take Great Shots

of Children 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)* Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother-Child Healthcare Advisor

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 7 (Fri.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Sept. 14 (Wed.) Child-Rearing Advisor

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 DayKamishibai (Large Picture-Card Story) Sept. 15 (Thurs.)

* Smiley Kids’ Day: Let’s Play with Balls9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Friday

* Time for Chibikko Kids & Birthday Party11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.)Birthday Party Sept. 28 (Wed.)

* Let’s Play with Grandmothers11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 12 (Mon.) and Oct. 3 (Mon.)

* Making Your Own Picture Storybook (Ehon no Tane) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 13 (Tues.)

* Teaching about the Preciousness of Life 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13 (Tues.)

* Enjoy Playing to the Rhythms11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Information on Enrollment in Preschools10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Let’s Play with Blocks11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 17 (Sat.)

* Playing with Picture Stories11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20 (Tues.)

* Chatting Time for Expecting Mothers 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept. 23 (Fri.)

* Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother-Child Healthcare Advisor11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 26 (Mon.)

* Picture Storybook Reading Time for Babies11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Sept. 27 (Tues.)

* Children-Parents Laughter Yoga 11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)

* Autumn Festival 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Oct. 8 (Sat.)* Lecture on Healthy Recipes for Children

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 15 (Sat.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Oct. 4 (Tues.) Maternity Nurse Oct. 6 (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)

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Various services are provided for international residents. The center is a place where international residents can find help and support. The staff are ready to respond to you either in English or easy Japanese. No appointment is necessary for consultations. Feel free to stop by if you have any difficulties, worries, or questions.

The Nagaoka Civic Center

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: 0258-39-2715E-mail: kouryu-c@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

Nagaoka City International Affairs Center (Chikyû Hiroba) (1st Floor)

Consultations Offered for International Residents

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.

Japanese Learning Programs

Nihongo HirobaVolunteers help international residents learn Japanese

at this free program during the following sessions:

Sundays, Oct. 2 – Dec. 25 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.Room 2A Nagaoka Civic Center 2nd Floor

An intensive short-term Japanese language class will be offered from Sunday, Oct. 2nd to Sunday, Dec. 25th so that you can brush up on your Japanese skills. International residents who have completed the Japanese Language Class II at the Civic Center or who have mastered a basic level of the Japanese language are recommended to join this intensive class.

• 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.

Weekday Classes (Tuesdays & Fridays)* Class I

(Lesson 1 – Lesson 12 of Minna no Nihongo) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (60 minutes)

* Class II (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo) 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (60 minutes)

Oct. 4, 7, 11. 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 ¥1,600Nov. 1, 4. 8. 11. 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 ¥1,800Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27 ¥1,400Jan. 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 ¥1,600Feb. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 ¥1,600March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 ¥1,600

Sunday Classes* Class I (Lesson 1 – Lesson 12 of Minna no Nihongo)

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (120 minutes)* Class II (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo)

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (120 minutes)Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ¥2,000Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 ¥1,600Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 ¥1,600

Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 ¥1,600Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 ¥1,600March 5,12,19 ¥1,200

Nihongo Kôza A free trial lesson is being offered. Please call ahead. The 2nd term of classes for the 2016 fiscal year is being offered from October 2016 to March 2017.

The 11th Annual International Athletic Meet ~ Sports Festival with Our Friends from around the World ~

Short-Term Japanese Language Class

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ¥2,000Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 ¥1,600Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 ¥1,600

The Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba, will organize an athletic meet in which international residents and Nagaokans can join together. Everyone is welcome. It will be a great opportunity for you to meet with friends from various countries through enjoying sports.Date: Saturday, October 15 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Venue: Nagaoka Civic Disaster Prevention ParkParticipation Fees (drinks and other necessary materials):¥300 for adults¥200 for elementary school children and under

Application Deadline: Oct. 8 (Sat.)Phone: 0258-39-2714 Fax: 0258-39-2715E-mail: kouryu-c@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

* Nakayoshi Time 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sept. 16 (Fri.), 23 (Fri.), and 30 (Fri.)

* Let’s Enjoy Singing10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Monday

* Wai Wai Chatting 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 20 (Tues.)

* Child-Rearing Festival 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept. 11 (Sun.)

* Let’s Enjoy Drawing Pictures2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept.12 (Mon.)

* Park Exploration 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.)

* Information on Enrollment in Preschools1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.) and 16 (Fri.)

* Let’s Play at the Kids’ Land10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 (Tues.)

* Lecture for Families: Children-Parents Recreational Exercises 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)

* Playing Games from the Old Days10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1 (Sat.)

* Digging for Sweet Potatoes10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 (Tues.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Sept. 27 (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

(also open on Oct. 9 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. during the Kaidô Festival)

* Suku Suku Tea Time11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.) and Oct. 7 (Fri.)

* Disaster Prevention Lecture by a Maternity Nurse10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28 (Wed.)* Let’s Play in the Temari Hall

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 30 (Fri.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Sept. 16 (Fri.) Public Health Nurse Oct. 5 (Wed.) Maternity Nurse

Kosodate no Eki, Gun GunNagaoka 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 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Every Day * Picture Storybook Reading Time

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Every Day * “Spot Time” 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Monday

Helpful Tips for Times of DisasterSept. 12 (Mon.) and Oct. 10 (Mon./Holiday)Gun Gun English Time Sept. 19 (Mon.)Safety Tips for Children Sept. 26 (Mon.)Children-Parents Yoga Oct. 3 (Mon.)

* Toy Plaza 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)* Craftwork Cafe 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15 (Thurs.)* Happy Birthday Party

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 16 (Fri.)* A Quick Stroll to the Floral Terrace

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.)* Mini-Lecture: Basic Tips on How to Start Baby Food

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23 (Fri.) * Exploring Fire Department Headquarters

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28 (Wed.)* Child-Rearing Mini-Lecture: How to Take Great Shots

of Children 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)* Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother-Child Healthcare Advisor

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 7 (Fri.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Sept. 14 (Wed.) Child-Rearing Advisor

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 DayKamishibai (Large Picture-Card Story) Sept. 15 (Thurs.)

* Smiley Kids’ Day: Let’s Play with Balls9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Friday

* Time for Chibikko Kids & Birthday Party11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 21 (Wed.)Birthday Party Sept. 28 (Wed.)

* Let’s Play with Grandmothers11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 12 (Mon.) and Oct. 3 (Mon.)

* Making Your Own Picture Storybook (Ehon no Tane) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 13 (Tues.)

* Teaching about the Preciousness of Life 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13 (Tues.)

* Enjoy Playing to the Rhythms11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Information on Enrollment in Preschools10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 14 (Wed.)

* Let’s Play with Blocks11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 17 (Sat.)

* Playing with Picture Stories11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20 (Tues.)

* Chatting Time for Expecting Mothers 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept. 23 (Fri.)

* Mothers’ Chat Cafe Mother-Child Healthcare Advisor11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept. 26 (Mon.)

* Picture Storybook Reading Time for Babies11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Sept. 27 (Tues.)

* Children-Parents Laughter Yoga 11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Sept. 29 (Thurs.)

* Autumn Festival 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Oct. 8 (Sat.)* Lecture on Healthy Recipes for Children

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Oct. 15 (Sat.)

Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Oct. 4 (Tues.) Maternity Nurse Oct. 6 (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)

54

Seasonal Events

Aguratte Nagaoka(Suyoshi-machi, next to the Municipal Ski Area)・Rice Harvesting ・Digging for Sweet Potatoes・Handicraft Classes ・Sale of Locally-Grown Vegetables・Sale of Natane Cooking OillFor further information: Nôsuisan Seisaku Ka (Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Policy Division)Phone: 0258-39-2223

Nagaoka AgriculturalFestivalSept. 25 (Sun.)10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The contest will be followed by a party for the speakers and the audience to get together.

Venue: Nagaoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, 2nd Floor Hall 2-1-1 Sakanoue-machi Phone: 0258-32-4500 For further information: Ms. Miwako Kobayashi1-10-3 Omote-machi, Nagaoka City 947-0071Phone / Fax: 0258-36-0114 E-mail: miwakowe@nct9.ne.jp

The 28th Annual Japanese Speech Contestfor Non-Native Speakers ~ Hosted by Mutsumi Kaiand Nagaoka International Exchange Association ~Sept. 25 (Sun) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meet at:・Aôre Nagaoka ・Saiwai Plaza in Saiwai-choFee: ¥2,000 (includes lunch)Limited to: 30 participants (decided by lottery)Registration: By Sept. 15 (Thurs.) Chiiki Shinkô Senryaku Bu (Regional Promotion Strategy Department) Phone: 0258-39-2260

A Guided Bus Tour to KawaguchiOct. 7 (Fri.) 8:20 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Enjoy visiting the Kawaguchi District, which is blessed withhistoric sites and local traditions.

Echigo Kyûryô Kôen (Hillside Park) 0258-47-8001Displays and Demonstrations of Civil Engineering and Disaster Prevention MachineryFor further information: Doboku Seisaku Chôsei KaPhone: 0258-39-2307(Public Works Policy Coordination Division)

Nagaoka North Smart ICunder construction

Nagaoka Civil Engineering FestivalOct. 16 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

米百俵まつり Kome Hyappyô Matsuri (The One Hundred Sacks of Rice Festival)Oct. 8 (Sat.) 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ote Street

Saiwai Plaza・Pony Riding・Handicraft Classes・Tasting School Lunch・Many other fun programsFor further information: Central Community Center Phone: 0258-32-0437http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate12/saiwai-fes2016

Saiwai Plaza Festival for Learning andHealth CareSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Nagaoka University of Technology Campus Courtyard・Karaoke　　　・Bingo・Flea Market　 ・Stalls・Many other fun programsFor further information: Nagaoka University of Technology Mr. Sugimoto Phone: 080-6500-2100 http://www.nutfes.net/

Nagaoka University of Technology FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sept. 18 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Nagaoka Lyric Hall (3-1356-6 Senshu)Phone: 0258-29-7715Tickets: ¥3,500 for all films in advance or at the door ¥1,000 for one film in advance, ¥1,200 for one film at the door,Ticket Outlets: Bunshindo Bookstore (CoCoLo), Aeon Nagaoka, Nagaoka Municipal Auditorium, etc.

If an international resident shows his or her foreign national registration card or resident card, admission is free. A total of 10 films from Palestine, Australia, Vietnam, Hungary, and Japan will be shown. There will be talk sessions by guests and international students. The detailed program information is available at the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba in the Nagaoka Civic Center on Ote Street. (see p. 4)For further information: Community Cinema Nagaoka Phone: 0258-37-3512 http://nagaokafilms.sakura.ne.jp/

The 21st Nagaoka Film FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – 19 (Mon./Holiday)

Digging for Renkon, Cooking Class, and Art ClassRenkon lunch will be served.Fees: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000Sign up by Sept. 14 (Wed.) by sending a postcard with your name, address, age, phone number, etc.to: 954-0192 Chiiki Shinkô Ka (Regional Promotion Division), Nakanoshima Branch OfficePhone: 0258-61-2010http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/bosyu/nk-renkon.html

Digging for Renkon (Lotus Roots)Sept. 24 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Nagaoka Civic Disaster Prevention ParkFor further information:Kodomo Katei Ka (Child and Family Affairs Division)Phone: 0258-39-2300

Nagaoka Pony CarnivalOct. 2 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Noboriyatai Float: Sept. 17 (Sat.) and 18 (Sun.) 7:15 p.m.Tsuno Shintô Shrine

The highlight of this annual festival is the exciting event in which the 250-year-old tradition of dedicating a noboriyatai float to Tsuno Shintô Shrine takes place. Spectators line the road to the shrine, and cheer and praise the bearers of the float for their hard effort in pushing and pulling the huge float, which is full of locals, up the slope to the shrine.For further information: Yoita-machi Commerce and Industry AssociationPhone: 0258-72-2303http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/jyuugoya

Yoita Jûgoya (Full Moon) FestivalSept. 16 (Fri.) – Sept. 18 (Sun.)

・Workshop ・Fashion Show・Stalls ・Artwork Exhibit・Stage Show ・FireworksFor further information: 0258-21-3351 http://nidfes.com

Nagaoka Institute of Design FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Sept. 18 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sekihara Park and Umataka Jômon Kan・Folk Dance Parade ・Karaoke and Mini-Live・Fireworks Show 　・Mikoshi (portable shrine)・Many other fun programsFor further information: Sekihara-chiku Shôkôkai(Sekihara Area Commerce and Industry Association)Phone: 0258-46-2170

Sekihara FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – Sept. 19 (Mon./Holiday)

Echigo Kyûryô Kôen (Hillside Park)Approximately 300,000 cosmos plants of 15 different

species will be on display.For further information: Echigo Hillside ParkPhone: 0258-47-8001 http://echigo-park.jp

Cosmos FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – Oct. 23 (Sun.)

Nagaoka’s Shining Star Athletes~ Speeding up to Become the World’s Top BMX Racer ~

Daichi Yamaguchi (18 years old)A 3rd-year student at Teikyo Nagaoka High School

“I will definitely become the best in the world!!!”

Daichi is a world-class BMX racer. He has been competing in the world championships since 2007 and has stood on the winners’ podium four times. He also won the Asian Championships in 2015 and 2016. BMX (bicycle motocross) is a type of off-road bicycle racing. He is commuting to school from his home in Ojiya City by bicycle every day.

He started riding a bicycle without training wheels when

he was two years old and began competing in BMX races at the age of four. To practice and compete in various races, Daichi spends most of the year in overseas locations including in the U.S.A. and Australia.

Basically being a very competitive racer who hates to lose and never gives up, he has excellent jumping and cornering acceleration techniques. In his two-hour daily practices, Daichi is trying to improve his posture and muscle movements to speed up his first five pumps on the pedals.

Daichi, whose goal is to become a gold medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, says, “I want to be recognized as a star BMX racer by my rivals around the world.”

The Spirit of One Hundred Sacks of Rice is a concept stressing that city development is dependent on education. Nagaokans take pride in and draw courage from this teaching, which originated in a historic event that took place after the end of the civil war of 1868.

The festival will have many fun-filled programs including street performances, a 35.6-km relay, and a flea market. There will also be a parade (starting around 3:20 p.m.) of approximately 500 people dressed in samurai warrior costumes from the Boshin Civil War of 1868 and ancient

gorgeous costumes of the Makino Clan going up to Edo (present-day Tokyo) for alternate-year attendance to the Shôgun. A skit dramatizing the historic One Hundred Sacks of Rice story will also be performed.

For further information:Matsuri Shinkô Ka (Festival Promotion Division)Phone: 0258-39-2221http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/kome_matsuri

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Seasonal Events

Aguratte Nagaoka(Suyoshi-machi, next to the Municipal Ski Area)・Rice Harvesting ・Digging for Sweet Potatoes・Handicraft Classes ・Sale of Locally-Grown Vegetables・Sale of Natane Cooking OillFor further information: Nôsuisan Seisaku Ka (Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Policy Division)Phone: 0258-39-2223

Nagaoka AgriculturalFestivalSept. 25 (Sun.)10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The contest will be followed by a party for the speakers and the audience to get together.

Venue: Nagaoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, 2nd Floor Hall 2-1-1 Sakanoue-machi Phone: 0258-32-4500 For further information: Ms. Miwako Kobayashi1-10-3 Omote-machi, Nagaoka City 947-0071Phone / Fax: 0258-36-0114 E-mail: miwakowe@nct9.ne.jp

The 28th Annual Japanese Speech Contestfor Non-Native Speakers ~ Hosted by Mutsumi Kaiand Nagaoka International Exchange Association ~Sept. 25 (Sun) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meet at:・Aôre Nagaoka ・Saiwai Plaza in Saiwai-choFee: ¥2,000 (includes lunch)Limited to: 30 participants (decided by lottery)Registration: By Sept. 15 (Thurs.) Chiiki Shinkô Senryaku Bu (Regional Promotion Strategy Department) Phone: 0258-39-2260

A Guided Bus Tour to KawaguchiOct. 7 (Fri.) 8:20 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Enjoy visiting the Kawaguchi District, which is blessed withhistoric sites and local traditions.

Echigo Kyûryô Kôen (Hillside Park) 0258-47-8001Displays and Demonstrations of Civil Engineering and Disaster Prevention MachineryFor further information: Doboku Seisaku Chôsei KaPhone: 0258-39-2307(Public Works Policy Coordination Division)

Nagaoka North Smart ICunder construction

Nagaoka Civil Engineering FestivalOct. 16 (Sun.) 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

米百俵まつり Kome Hyappyô Matsuri (The One Hundred Sacks of Rice Festival)Oct. 8 (Sat.) 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ote Street

Saiwai Plaza・Pony Riding・Handicraft Classes・Tasting School Lunch・Many other fun programsFor further information: Central Community Center Phone: 0258-32-0437http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kurashi/cate12/saiwai-fes2016

Saiwai Plaza Festival for Learning andHealth CareSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Nagaoka University of Technology Campus Courtyard・Karaoke　　　・Bingo・Flea Market　 ・Stalls・Many other fun programsFor further information: Nagaoka University of Technology Mr. Sugimoto Phone: 080-6500-2100 http://www.nutfes.net/

Nagaoka University of Technology FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Sept. 18 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Nagaoka Lyric Hall (3-1356-6 Senshu)Phone: 0258-29-7715Tickets: ¥3,500 for all films in advance or at the door ¥1,000 for one film in advance, ¥1,200 for one film at the door,Ticket Outlets: Bunshindo Bookstore (CoCoLo), Aeon Nagaoka, Nagaoka Municipal Auditorium, etc.

If an international resident shows his or her foreign national registration card or resident card, admission is free. A total of 10 films from Palestine, Australia, Vietnam, Hungary, and Japan will be shown. There will be talk sessions by guests and international students. The detailed program information is available at the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba in the Nagaoka Civic Center on Ote Street. (see p. 4)For further information: Community Cinema Nagaoka Phone: 0258-37-3512 http://nagaokafilms.sakura.ne.jp/

The 21st Nagaoka Film FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – 19 (Mon./Holiday)

Digging for Renkon, Cooking Class, and Art ClassRenkon lunch will be served.Fees: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000Sign up by Sept. 14 (Wed.) by sending a postcard with your name, address, age, phone number, etc.to: 954-0192 Chiiki Shinkô Ka (Regional Promotion Division), Nakanoshima Branch OfficePhone: 0258-61-2010http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/bosyu/nk-renkon.html

Digging for Renkon (Lotus Roots)Sept. 24 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Nagaoka Civic Disaster Prevention ParkFor further information:Kodomo Katei Ka (Child and Family Affairs Division)Phone: 0258-39-2300

Nagaoka Pony CarnivalOct. 2 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Noboriyatai Float: Sept. 17 (Sat.) and 18 (Sun.) 7:15 p.m.Tsuno Shintô Shrine

The highlight of this annual festival is the exciting event in which the 250-year-old tradition of dedicating a noboriyatai float to Tsuno Shintô Shrine takes place. Spectators line the road to the shrine, and cheer and praise the bearers of the float for their hard effort in pushing and pulling the huge float, which is full of locals, up the slope to the shrine.For further information: Yoita-machi Commerce and Industry AssociationPhone: 0258-72-2303http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/jyuugoya

Yoita Jûgoya (Full Moon) FestivalSept. 16 (Fri.) – Sept. 18 (Sun.)

・Workshop ・Fashion Show・Stalls ・Artwork Exhibit・Stage Show ・FireworksFor further information: 0258-21-3351 http://nidfes.com

Nagaoka Institute of Design FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Sept. 18 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sekihara Park and Umataka Jômon Kan・Folk Dance Parade ・Karaoke and Mini-Live・Fireworks Show 　・Mikoshi (portable shrine)・Many other fun programsFor further information: Sekihara-chiku Shôkôkai(Sekihara Area Commerce and Industry Association)Phone: 0258-46-2170

Sekihara FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – Sept. 19 (Mon./Holiday)

Echigo Kyûryô Kôen (Hillside Park)Approximately 300,000 cosmos plants of 15 different

species will be on display.For further information: Echigo Hillside ParkPhone: 0258-47-8001 http://echigo-park.jp

Cosmos FestivalSept. 17 (Sat.) – Oct. 23 (Sun.)

Nagaoka’s Shining Star Athletes~ Speeding up to Become the World’s Top BMX Racer ~

Daichi Yamaguchi (18 years old)A 3rd-year student at Teikyo Nagaoka High School

“I will definitely become the best in the world!!!”

Daichi is a world-class BMX racer. He has been competing in the world championships since 2007 and has stood on the winners’ podium four times. He also won the Asian Championships in 2015 and 2016. BMX (bicycle motocross) is a type of off-road bicycle racing. He is commuting to school from his home in Ojiya City by bicycle every day.

He started riding a bicycle without training wheels when

he was two years old and began competing in BMX races at the age of four. To practice and compete in various races, Daichi spends most of the year in overseas locations including in the U.S.A. and Australia.

Basically being a very competitive racer who hates to lose and never gives up, he has excellent jumping and cornering acceleration techniques. In his two-hour daily practices, Daichi is trying to improve his posture and muscle movements to speed up his first five pumps on the pedals.

Daichi, whose goal is to become a gold medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, says, “I want to be recognized as a star BMX racer by my rivals around the world.”

The Spirit of One Hundred Sacks of Rice is a concept stressing that city development is dependent on education. Nagaokans take pride in and draw courage from this teaching, which originated in a historic event that took place after the end of the civil war of 1868.

The festival will have many fun-filled programs including street performances, a 35.6-km relay, and a flea market. There will also be a parade (starting around 3:20 p.m.) of approximately 500 people dressed in samurai warrior costumes from the Boshin Civil War of 1868 and ancient

gorgeous costumes of the Makino Clan going up to Edo (present-day Tokyo) for alternate-year attendance to the Shôgun. A skit dramatizing the historic One Hundred Sacks of Rice story will also be performed.

For further information:Matsuri Shinkô Ka (Festival Promotion Division)Phone: 0258-39-2221http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kankou/event/kome_matsuri

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Vol. 304September2016

275,584（－30）

134,467 （－9）

141,117（－21）

105,627（+56）

Population and HouseholdsAs of August 1, 2016(compared to the previous month)

Facilities Departments Hours

Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights(0258-37-1199)

Internal Medicine(Naika) (Sundays and Holidays) 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

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

Pediatrics(Shônika)Surgery(Geka)

Dentistry(Shika)

Pediatrics(Shônika)

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

Chuetsu Center for Children’s Emergency Treatment(0258-86-5099)

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

Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza - 1F)

Major Emergency Medical Facilities

Information about clinics in charge of specific Sundays or holidays:・Clinic for Sundays, Holidays, and Nights (Phone: 0258-37-1199)・Nagaoka Medical Society (Phone: 0258-22-5600)・Nagaoka Fire Department Headquarters (Phone: 0258-36-0119)

Major General HospitalsNagaoka Chûô Sôgô Byôin (Central General Hospital)Nagaoka Sekijûji Byôin (Red Cross Hospital)Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin (General Hospital)Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza)

0258-35-37000258-28-3600 0258-33-3311 0258-39-7508

Medical Subsidies for Children(Revised as of October 2016)

Major Features:Renewing Our Oath of Peace -------------------------- p. 2Nagaoka’s Cross-Cultural Programs ------------------ p. 2It’s the Season for Gakuensai (Campus Festivals)!-- p. 3How to Apply for Enrollment in Nursery Schools or Kindergartens -- p. 3Seasonal Events -------------------------------------pp. 6 - 7Major Emergency Medical Facilities ----------------- p. 8Temporary Welfare Benefits --------------------------- p. 8Medical Subsidies for Children ------------------------ p. 8

International Affairs Division, Nagaoka City Office2-2-6 Ote Street, Nagaoka City Phone: 0258-39-2207 Fax: 0258-39-2280E-mail: intlexchange@city.nagaoka.lg.jp

URL: http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/（長岡市ウェブサイト）→ English (Nagaoka International Affairs Center) → 地球広場 (International Affairs Center) → Konnichiwa Nagaoka

Out-Patient Treatment・Households with one or two children

Subsidies are available for children until they graduate from elementary school.・Households with three or more children

Subsidies are available for children until they graduate from junior high school.

In-Patient TreatmentRegardless of the number of children in a household,

subsidies are available for children until they graduate from junior high school.

Eligible recipients must complete certain procedures to receive these subsidies. Application forms were sent out to households with eligible children. Eligible children who apply by September 16 will receive a new subsidy certificate via postal mail at the end of September.For further information: Fukushi Ka (Welfare Division) Phone: 0258-39-2319 http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/kosodate/cate01/nyuyouji.html

Temporary Welfare BenefitsRinji Fukushi Kyûfukin

りんじ　ふくし　きゅうふきん・臨時福祉給付金

In order to alleviate the impact of the increase in the consumption tax rate to 8% enforced in April 2014, the national government will provide low-income earners with Temporary Welfare Benefits. The amount of this benefit for each eligible person is ¥3,000 (¥30,000 exclusively for recipients of Basic Disability Pension or Basic Pension for Surviving Family Members). The city will send application forms to households with members who may be eligible. Please submit your application form to the city office by using the enclosed return envelope. The application period is from Tuesday, September 6th to Monday, December 5th.

You can check the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare website for further information about eligibility requirements and necessary documents for the Temporary Welfare Benefits.

For further information: Fukushi Sômu Ka (Social Welfare General Affairs Division) Phone: 0258-39-2992

http://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/fukushi/cate04/rinji-kyufu.html

Echigo Nagaoka Sake no Jin(Sake Tasting Event)

Enjoy tasting a variety of sake produced exclusively by 16 local sake breweries.Tickets: in advance, ¥1,000 for 11 sheets at the door, ¥1,000 for 10 sheetsTickets for sake and snacks can be purchased from September 10 (Sat.) at: Machinaka Kankô Plaza (next to Aôre Nagaoka) Phone: 0258-31-5202

“What a great opportunity to taste many different kinds of Nagaoka’s locally-brewed sake by getting interesting information from sake-brewing experts!”

The Beer Garden at Tachibana Park in Yoita

From July 30th to October 31st, a beer garden is open under a large tent in Tachibana Park in Yoita, where visitors can enjoy beer, soft drinks, and barbecued food including locally-grown vegetables. Yoita is the birthplace of Mr. Seibei Nakagawa, who is known as the father of beer and who promoted the basic technology of brewing beer in Japan. (For reservations: 050-5835-0493)

Let’s Enjoy

a BBQ Party!

No need toworryabout rain !

Just bring

yourself !Enjoy drinkingand chattingwith your friends !

Oct. 8 (Sat.)11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.11:15 a.m. Traditional Kagamibiraki (Sake Cask Opening)

Nagaoka StationFire DepartmentHeadquarters●

Nagaoka ChûôSôgô Byôin

Tachikawa Sôgô Byôinfrom November 2, 2016

Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin

NagaokaSekijûji Byôin

Ote Ohashi Bridge

Nagaoka Ohashi Bridge

ChoseibashiBridge

Shinano River Saiwai Plaza

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