Major Features:It Has Been 10 Years Since the Great Chûetsu Earthquake---p. 2TANITA CAFE Opened in the Nagaoka Civic Center---p. 3Safety Tips on How to Use Space Heaters-------------p. 6Seasonal Events--------------------------------------------p. 7Major Emergency Medical Facilities--------------------p. 8The Minimum Hourly Wage in Niigata Prefecture------p. 8Tax Deductible Social Insurance Premiums-----------p. 8The Application Deadline for the Special Benefits---p. 8

Vol. 282November2014

279,203 （－100）

136,172 （－51）

143,031（－49）

104,100（＋50）

International Affairs Division, Nagaoka City Office2-2-6 Ôte 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

Population and HouseholdsAs of October 1, 2014(compared to the previous month)

Sending Out Our Thoughts to the FutureIt has been 10 years since the Great Chûetsu Earthquake

hit the Chûetsu Region on October 23rd, 2004.

White chrysanthemum fireworks in memory of earthquake victims were launched and balloons were released. (Yamakoshi District Memorial Event, October 23rd)

Students from elementary and junior high schools in the Ôta, Yamakoshi, and Kawaguchi areas sang at the Joint Memorial Event for the 10th Year since the Great Chûetsu Earthquake.(Aôre Nagaoka, October 23rd)

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It Has Been 10 Years Sincethe Great Chûetsu Earthquake of October 23rd, 2004 We Will Link Our Restoration Efforts to our Hopes

for the Future Condolences

Presenting flowers at the 10th

Get-Together for Restoration (Aôre Nagaoka, Oct. 23rd)The 10th Get-Together forRestoration (Aôre Nagaoka, Oct. 23rd)

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DeterminationThe 10th Joint Memorial Ceremony for the 2004 Niigata Great Chûetsu Earthquake (Aôre Nagaoka, Oct. 23rd)A total of 752 attendees including bereaved families presented flowers and expressed their condolences. Mayor Mori: Even though nature sometimes affects us with its great power, the efforts of the people who strove to restore their devastated hometown seem to be much stronger. Based on the experiences we have acquired and the lessons we have learned, we will come together to work hard to help the restoration efforts of other disaster-stricken areas.

AppreciationMessage Candles and White Chrysanthemum Fireworks in Memory of Earthquake Victims (Oct. 23rd)Kizuna (Ties of Friendship) Marathon Race(Kawaguchi District, Oct. 19th)Bullfighting (Yamakoshi Bullfighting Ground, Oct. 19th)Hôsue Recovery Festival (Oguni District, Oct. 23rd)

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HopeBalloons of Hope The 2014 Song of the Earth (Kawaguchi Sports Park, Oct. 23rd)The Bell of Hope(in front of Yamakoshi Sports Gym, Oct. 23rd)

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Ms. Ayaka Hirahara, a singer/songwriter(Aôre Nagaoka, Oct. 23rd)Ms. Chikako Sawada, a singer, and children from Kawaguchi Elementary School(Kawaguchi Community Hall, Oct. 23rd)Ms. Sachiko Kobayashi, a singer(Yamakoshi Sports Gym, Oct. 23rd)

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The Nagaoka City Multi-Generational Health-Conscious ProjectWarmly Enveloping Your Body and Mind

A Relaxing Space for Your Healthy Lifestyle

Free Health-Related Lectureson Tuesdays and Fridays

(Registration Not Necessary)10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

TANITA CAFE

Be Healthy and Enjoy Yourself at the Nagaoka TANITA Health ClubDaily walking, periodic health check-ups, and making friends are all available at TANITA CAFE.Membership Fee: ¥3,000 for the first year ¥2,500 per year after the first year (tentative)Application: TANITA CAFE, Health Lab Nagaoka http://www.nagaoka-kenkou.jpMembership Card: A card-like pedometer that can help you track how many calories you burn every day. Your measured data will be transmitted from designated checkpoints (including the TANITA CAFE) to an Internet server where you can check your progress.Membership Benefits: ① Health-related information exclusive to members ② Collect points with good results (including prizes)③ Discounts at the TANITA CAFE

Based on the data recorded with this professional-use body composition meter, a registered dietitian will give you useful advice concerning your diet and health.

The aroma of fresh coffee,the tender melt-in-your-mouth sweets,and leisurely swinging hammockswill stimulate your five senses and provide you with a healing and relaxing time.

Opened on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Weekdays) 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays)Closed: Dec. 29 (Mon.), 2014 – Jan. 3 (Sat.), 2015 Nagaoka Civic Center on Ôte Street First FloorPhone: 0258-86-7867

Nov. 11 (Tues.) 14 (Fri.) 18 (Tues.) 21 (Fri.) 25 (Tues.) 28 (Fri.) Dec. 2 (Tues.) 5 (Fri.) 9 (Tues.) 12 (Fri.) 16 (Tues.)

19 (Fri.)

Downtown WalkingDietary Advice for Fatty FoodFoot Care AdviceDementia Prevention How to Look 10 Years Younger! How to Maintain Osteo-Strength Pharmaceutical Advice Square-Stepping ExercisesPelvis Correction ExercisesSalt-Consumption Check-Up Promoting Muscle Strength “Better Safe Than Sorry”Square-Stepping ExercisesFoot Bath and Hammocks

A comfortable and relaxing spacethat you can enjoy barefooted

Ms. Hiro Nishiuchi (An image model)

Pedometer(Activity Monitor)↑

Professional-Use BodyComposition Meter →

CounselingThe Nagaoka Civic Center First-Floor

TANITACAFE

TANITACAFE

International Affairs Division

International Affairs Center(Chikyû Hiroba)

Front Desk

Ôte Street Entrance

Escalator

Stairs

The First of Its Kind in Japan

Coffee TANITA Premium Blend Coffee ¥440 per cup (tax not included)This coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which promotes effective body fat combustion.

SweetsTANITA Original Cake These original low-calorie sweets are surprisingly filling.

TANITA Original YonanasYou will enjoy the unique texture ofthese new gelato-type sweets blended with strawberries, mandarin oranges, and tomatoes.

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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

Nishikigoi, the City Fish of Nagaoka and Ojiya

Various services are provided for international residents. The center is a place where international residents can find help and support. The staff members 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.

2-2-6 Ôte Street, Nagaoka City (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.

Nihongo Kôza

Nihongo Hiroba

Morning Classes (Tuesdays & Fridays)* Class I

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

* Class II (Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo) 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (60 minutes)Nov. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28Dec. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 26Jan. 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30Feb. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27Mar. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27

¥1,600¥1,400¥1,600¥1,600¥1,600

Sunday Classes (¥1,600 for a month) * Class I

(Lesson 1 – Lesson 12 of Minna no Nihongo) 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (120 minutes)

* Class II(Lesson 13 – Lesson 25 of Minna no Nihongo)10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (120 minutes)

How would you like to practice Japanese with Japanese language volunteers? A Japanese learning program entitled “Nihongo Hiroba” is currently being offered three times a week at the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba. It is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. These sessions are all free of charge.

Mayor Yasuo Yatsui (left) of Ojiya City and Mayor Tamio Mori (right) of Nagaoka City giving a joint press conference at Aôre Nagaoka (Oct. 17th)

Mr. Mark Gardner (left), a Nishikigoi journalist from the U.K.Mr. Masaru Saito (right), a Nishikigoi breeder

Cherishing Nishikigoi as our regional treasures, our pride across the world, and a symbol of recovery from disasters, the Cities of Nagaoka and Ojiya designated Nishikigoi (multi-colored ornamental carp) as the City Fish on October 23rd, 2014. Being the original birthplace of Nishikigoi, the areas of Yamakoshi, Kawaguchi, and Ôta of Nagaoka City and Higashiyama of Ojiya City have prided themselves on their approximately 200-year-old history of breeding and raising Nishikigoi. We are proud that no other areas in Japan have more Nishikigoi breeders or Nishikigoi raising ponds than Nagaoka and Ojiya. Over 70% of the Nishikigoi being raised Nagaoka and Ojiya are exported to 28 countries

Nov. 2, 16, 23, 30Dec. 7, 14, 21Jan. 4, 11, 25Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22Mar. 1, 8, 15, 12, 29

¥2,000¥1,200¥1,200¥1,600¥2,000

Japanese Learning ProgramsA free trial lesson is being offered. Please call ahead.

around the world with high popularity. The Nishikigoi are also helping us enjoy developing bonds of friendship with Nishikigoi admirers around the world.

● Sundays 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ● Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.● Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Please come and seeour Nishikigoi inYamakoshi!

I will tell peoplearound the worldhow beautifulNishikigoi are.

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

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

(Open on Tuesday if it is a national holiday) * Fureai Time 10:45 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 * Mini-Lecture: How to Start Toilet Training 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 (Wed.) * Healthy Tea Time 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Nov. 6 (Thurs.) * Craftwork Cafe 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 13 (Thurs.) * Ideal Communication Tips by an EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient) Child-Rearing Advisor 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 14 (Fri.) * Consultations about Vaccinations and Health Checkups 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 17 (Mon.) * Mothers’ Chat Cafe 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 17 (Mon.) * Waku Waku Time 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Nov. 19 (Wed.) * Child-Rearing Salon 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 (Thurs.) * Happy Birthday Party 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Nov. 21 (Fri.) * Toy Plaza 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 26 (Wed.) * Kira Kira Time: Playing to the Rhythms 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28 (Fri.) * Mini-Lecture: First-Aid for Emergency 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Dec. 5 (Fri.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 6 (Thurs.) Childcare Committee Chief Nov. 12 (Wed.) and Dec. 10 (Thurs.) Child-Rearing Advisor

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

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

* Story Telling Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Every Day Kamishibai (Large Picture-Card Story) Nov. 27 (Thurs.) * Wai Wai Chatting 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 4 (Tues.) and 18 (Tues.) * Time for Chibikko Kids and Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Nov. 5 (Wed.), 19 (Wed.), and 26 (Wed.) Birthday Party: Nov. 26 (Wed.) * Let’s Play to the Rhythms 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Nov. 10 (Mon.) and Dec. 1 (Mon.) * Let’s Play with Grandmothers 11:00a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 (Tues.) * Tips for First-Aid Emergency 11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Nov. 12 (Wed.) * Smiley Kids’ Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 14 (Fri.), 21 (Fri.), 28 (Fri.), and Dec. 5 (Fri.) * Let’s Play with Blocks 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 15 (Sat.) * Mother’s Chat Cafe 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 17 (Mon.) * Baby Clover Club Get-Together Baby Weighing-Measuring and Child-Rearing Consultation 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Nov. 18 (Tues.) * Baby Food and Children Eating with Their Hands 11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Nov. 20 (Thurs.) * Chatting Time for Expecting Mothers 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Nov. 21 (Fri.) * Pre-Event for Special Picture Storybook Reading Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 23 (Sun.) * Reading Picture Storybooks and Painting 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 30 (Sun.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 6 (Thurs.) and Dec. 4 (Thurs.) Child-Rearing Advisor Nov. 25 (Tues.) Experienced Mother Temporary Day-Care for Preschool-Aged Children: ¥300/hour

Kosodate no Eki, Senshû (Teku Teku) 1-99-6 Senshû 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)

* Playing Games from the Old Days 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 (Sat.) and Dec. 6 (Fri.) * Story Telling Time 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Every Monday * Enjoy Drawing Pictures 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Nov. 3 (Mon.) and 17 (Mon.) * Nakayoshi Time 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Nov. 7 (Fri.), 21 (Fri.), and 28 (Fri.) * Mini-Concert 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Every Friday * “Toy Hospital” for Fixing Broken Toys 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Nov. 7 (Fri.) * Park Exploration 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 (Mon.) * Protecting Your Children from Infectious Diseases in Fall and Winter 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 (Tues.) * Wai Wai Chatting 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 13 (Thurs.) and 27 (Thurs.) * Mothers’ Chat Cafe 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 13 (Thurs.) * Smiley Birthday Party 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 (Fri.) * Playing Games from Foreign Countries 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15 (Sat.) * Sunday Toy Box 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nov. 16 (Sun.) * Making Wreaths Using Sweet Potato Vines 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 (Tues.) * Let’s Play at the Kids’ Land 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 (Thurs.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 (Tues.) Child-Rearing Advisor 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9 (Tues.) Nursery School Teacher

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

* Fuwa Fuwa Plaza 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 (Wed.) and Dec. 3 (Wed.) * Nakayoshi Plaza 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 (Fri.) and Dec. 5 (Fri.) * Suku Suku Tea Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 (Fri.), 19 (Wed.), and Dec. 5 (Fri.) * Baby Massage 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12 (Wed.) * Wampaku Plaza 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 19 (Wed.) * Let’s Play Together 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 22 (Sat.) * Birthday Party 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 26 (Wed.) Free Child-Rearing Counseling 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 (Wed.) Maternity Nurse 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 (Fri.) Public Health Nurse 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3 (Wed.) Maternity Nurse

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Safety Tips on How to Use Space Heaters Most Japanese houses are not centrally heated. Space heaters and room air conditioners are widely used. Typical heating devices usually used in Japanese houses are:

Warnings against Traffic Accidents~ Drive Carefully! ~

There have been an increasing number of serious traffic accidents happening in the area under the Nagaoka Police Jurisdiction. A total of six persons in their 60s, 70s, and 80s were hit and killed between January and October, 2014. These accidents mostly happened while the victims were either walking or riding a bicycle at dusk or in the evening darkness.

Penalties for Illegal Bicycle Riding Bicycles are considered to be light vehicles by the Road Traffic Law. Violators will be punished. Intoxicated riders will receive a sentence of a maximum of five years in prison or a maximum fine of 1 million yen. There is a maximum penalty of ¥50,000 for riding at night with no lights. There is also a maximum penalty of ¥50,000 for riding while using a cell phone, smartphone, or headphones. You are always encouraged to ride safely by following the traffic rules.

Drivers are advised to drive carefully by keeping the following tips in mind:● Pay due attention to your forward view and try to anticipate any possible hazards.● Refrain from driving at excessive speeds and always be ready to respond to any possible hazards.● Turn your lights on early at dusk. ● Keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front.● Never drive a vehicle if you have drunk any alcoholic beverages and never let anyone who has drunk alcohol

(even a small amount) drive a vehicle. ● All drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seat belts. Child seats should also be properly installed and

used for the safety of your beloved children. ● A driver 75 years old or over is also required to put a designated sticker for the elderly on his or her vehicle.

If your heater is not equipped with a pipe for exhaust fumes, please be sure to ventilate your room. You are likely to feel sick or dizzy and even become unconscious if you stay too long in a room filled with carbon monoxide caused by imperfect combustion. Check and maintain the safety of space heaters before using them.* Do not use space heaters near flammable items.* Do not place heaters near doors or curtains.* Do not dry your laundry using space heaters.* Do not hang your laundry over space heaters.* Do not move space heaters while they are on.* Keep a proper distance between you and space heaters.* Be sure to ventilate your room. * Turn off kerosene heaters when refilling their kerosene tanks.* Fill kerosene tanks in a safe place away from any flames or burning materials.* Turn off space heaters before you go to bed.

hot carpet(electric carpet)

denki sutôbu/denki hîtâ(electric heater)

sekiyu sutôbu (kerosene heater with/without

exhaust pipes or fans)

gasu sutôbu (gas heater with/withoutexhaust pipes or fans)

kotatsu (low table with an

electric heatingdevice)

e-a-kon/reidanbôki (air conditioner)

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Seasonal Events~You can tour the city’s sightseeing spots on the Tenkomorigô~

The Tenkomorigô sightseeing bus is making round trips from Nagaoka Station to the city’s various sightseeing spots on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays until November 23rd.

The bus will leave Nagaoka Station, Ôte Exit terminal, at 9:45 a.m., 1:25 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.The morning route and afternoon route will be reversed. Tickets: ¥500 for junior high school students and above ¥200 for elementary school childrenFree for pre-school aged children (admission to the facilities not included)

The city’s landslide hazard map shows the locations where cliff collapses, debris flows, and landslides are possible. Please check: http://www.bousai.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp

Ticket Outlets: For further information: Echigo Kôtsû Co. Information Desk Kankô Kikaku Ka (Tourism Planning Division)- Nagaoka Station Ôte (West-Side) Exit Phone: 0258-39-2344 Phone: 0258-32-2809- Nagaoka Station East Exit Phone: 0258-34-3251

Round Trip Course:① Yomogihira Onsen - Nagaoka Station Ôte (West-Side) Exit - Hasegawa Mansion - Iwatsuka Confectionery Outlet

- Momijien (Maple Garden in Koshiji) - Asahi Shuzô (Sake Brewery) - Nagaoka Station Ôte (West-Side) Exit② Nagaoka Station Ôte (West-Side) Exit - Momijien (Maple Garden in Koshiji) - Nagaoka Station Ôte (West-Side)

A Bus Tour to the Yamakoshiand Kawaguchi DistrictsNov. 22 (Sat.) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Meet at Saiwai Plaza in Saiwai-chôSoba (buckwheat noodle) Lunch at Satoyama Restaurant Hands-on Experience of Making Soba at Tamugiyama Community Hall Fee: ¥3,000 (lunch included)Registration: By Nov. 14 (Fri.)

Mishima Chibikko(Little Kids) Winter Festival Mishima Chibikko (Little Kids) Winter Festival Nov. 24 (Holiday) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Mishima Sports GymGames, Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Racket Tennis, Stilts, Ringtoss, Ninja Land, and many other fun programs Registration: From Nov. 10 (Mon.)Mishima Sports Gym Phone: 0258-41-2133

The 2014 Echigo Nagaoka Japanese Taiko Drumming FestivalDec. 13 (Sat.) 12:00 p.m. ~Dec. 14 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m. ~Arena and Nakadoma City Hall Plaza – Aôre Nagaoka Drumming will be performed by over 500 drummers from the city’s 20 teams. The annual event is one of the most exciting taiko drumming festivals in Nagaoka, being performed by many drummers from various age groups such as nursery school children, elementary school children, junior and senior high school students, and grownups. Come and enjoy the powerful sounds of Japanese drums. There will be various booths serving dishes prepared with local ingredients. Admission: Free Information: 0258-39-2260

In order to express our wishes to convert all the bombs of the world to fireworks, fireworks including two shots of White Chrysanthemums fireworks will be launched at Suidô Park on the day the Pacific War between Japan and the U.S.A. broke out in 1941.

Cooking Class for Osechi RyôriSpecial Dishes for the New Year HolidaysAguratte Nagaoka, Suyoshi-machi(Hometown Experience Agricultural Center) Dec. 6 (Sat.) 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Dec. 10 (Wed.) 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Fee: ¥1,500Information: 0258-34-5360

Sending Out Our Thoughts to the WorldFireworks in Memory of War Victims

and for the Pursuit of World Peace Monday, December 8th 7:30 p.m.

In Case of An EmergencyInformation about Possible Cliff Collapses, Debris Flows, and Landslides

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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)

Chûetsu 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 which clinic is assigned for each Sunday or holiday.

Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza - 1F)

Tax deductible social insurance premiums include: National Health Insurance (国民健康保険・こくみん　けんこう　ほけん/Kokumin Kenkô Hoken)National Pension　(国民年金・こくみん　ねんきん/Kokumin Nenkin)Medical Insurance for the ElderlyNursing Insurance for the Elderly At the beginning of November, the Japan Pension Service will send out the Social Insurance Premium Deduction Certificates (社会保険料控除証明書・しゃかい　ほけんりょう　こうじょ　しょうめいしょ/Shakai Hokenryô Kôjo Shômeisho). When applying for a tax deduction, attach the certificate to the application form (Return Form for Insurance Premium Deduction/保険料控除申告書・ほけんりょう　こうじょ　しんこくしょ/Hokenryô Kôjo Shinkokusho).For further information: Nagaoka Nenkin Jimusho (Nagaoka Pension Office) Phone: 0258-88-0003If you need any assistance, please contact the Nagaoka City International Affairs Center, Chikyû Hiroba. (See p. 4)

The amount of this benefit for each eligible child is ¥10,000. Application forms were sent to households with eligible children in July 2014. Applications are being accepted from July 1st to December 24th. The application form can be returned in the enclosed envelope. For further information: Kodomo Katei Ka (Child and Family Affairs Division) Phone: 0258-39-2300

Tax Deductible Social Insurance Premiums The Minimum Wages Law in Japan stipulates that a lower limit of wages should be enacted in every prefecture, and that employers are required to pay their employees the same amount of wages or more, no matter what kind of job the employees are engaged in, and no matter what employment pattern (including temporary employment, part-time job, and piece-rate work) they work under. The minimum hourly wage in Niigata Prefecture was raised to ¥715 (effective as of October 4th, 2014). When you compare this amount with the rest of your wages after subtracting the following wages from the total amount of wages you are actually paid, the remainder (calculated hourly) must be equal to or more than the present minimum wage.1) Temporary wages (marriage allowance, etc.)2) Wages paid at regular intervals of more than one month (bonus, etc.)3) Increased wages for overtime work, work on rest days, and night work4) Perfect attendance allowance, commuting allowance, and family allowance

The Minimum Hourly Wage in Niigata Prefecture

Have You Applied for the Following Special Benefits?The application deadline for these special benefits is Wednesday, December 24th.

Extraordinary Exceptional Benefits for Child-Rearing HouseholdsKosodate Setai Rinji Tokurei Kyûfukin(子育て世帯臨時特例給付金・こそだて　せたい　りんじ　とくれい　きゅうふきん) The amount of this benefit for each eligible person is

¥10,000. Only people who are exempt from residential tax in 2014 are eligible. Application forms were sent to eligible people in July 2014. Applications are being accepted from July 1st to December 24th, 2014. The application form can be returned in the enclosed envelope.For further information: Fukushi Sômu Ka (Social Welfare General Affairs Division) Phone: 0258-39-2992

Temporary Welfare Benefits 　Rinji Fukushi Kyûfukin（臨時福祉給付金・りんじ　ふくし　きゅうふきん）

Since the consumption tax rate was raised in April 2014, special benefits are being provided as follows:

Civic Health Center(Saiwai Plaza -1F)

Nagaoka Station

Aôre Nagaoka

Shinano RiverÔte Ôhashi Bridge

Nagaoka TechnicalHigh School

Chôsei Bridge

Major Emergency Medical FacilitiesMajor General HospitalsNagaoka Chûô Sôgô Byôin (Central General Hospital) Nagaoka Sekijûji Byôin (Red Cross Hospital)Tachikawa Sôgô Byôin (General Hospital)

0258-35-37000258-28-36000258-33-3111

Civic Health Center (Saiwai Plaza -1F)2-1-1 Saiwai-chô (0258-39-7508)

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