だて市政だより７月号（英訳版） Public Relations Magazine DATE English Digest - July 2024
A Disaster Could Occur at Any Moment so Lend a Hand to One Another
P3 災害は、今日起こるかもしれない だから助け合って生きる
We have lost many precious lives and valuables to earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and heavy snow, in recent years. Although the prefectural and municipal governments and other disaster prevention agencies are taking various measures to prepare for disasters, local residents must also be vigilant in their preparations in order to minimize damage when a large-scale disaster strikes.
In this article, we will introduce two initiatives.
Voluntary Disaster Prevention Associations
Disaster Prevention Specialists
Looking at the past few decades we can see that typhoons and earthquakes occur relatively frequently. Some farmlands were flooded and some houses were completely destroyed. The larger the earthquake, the longer it takes for aftershocks to subside, so please remain cautious.
Community members can lend a helping hand
Help one another rather than just rely on someone
In the event of a major disaster, roads may be cut off and rescue and relief requests may come in large quantities. In times of emergency, public disaster management agencies may not be able to provide support, rescue, or relief. In situations like these, it is important that community members assist with relief efforts and help out one another.
We must also rely on community members to assist with the elderly, those in need of special care, and those with disabilities.
Consider forming a voluntary disaster prevention association and preemptively decide each person’s roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster.
We can save lives by providing people with assistance and information regarding evacuation and evacuation routes.
This article introduces a joint disaster drill conducted last October by the Tsukidate 1, 2, and 3 Disaster Prevention Associations.
Roughly 50 people coming together to share issues is a display of what the community should strive to be.
Measures to take on a regular basis
・Spread information about disasters
・Identify local areas that are vulnerable to disasters
・Perform inspections on equipment and appliances that use fire
・Stockpile, organize, and inspect of disaster prevention materials and equipment
・Conduct disaster preparedness training (how to prepare for emergency food distribution work)
In the event of a disaster
・Gather information and convey it to others in your community
・Perform fire prevention and initial fire extinguishing
・Conduct evacuation guidance and confirm the safety of residents
・Rescue and provide relief to disaster-affected residents
・Distribute food, water, and other necessities
Make daily preparations so you are ready to act at a moment’s notice
General Affairs, Kouji Endo
All for one and one for all
The disaster drill was the first time in a long time where we were able to "work together in the community." The important thing was not to force people to attend, but to let them attend voluntarily and casually, so I was grateful to all those who showed up. What I learned working in general affairs for the group was to not put in too much effort alone. When some hear the word "disaster prevention," they may tend to clam up, so I thought that participating casually at first would lead to the creation of a community where we can help each other.
The key to disaster preparedness is making connections
In order to live a safely and comfortably, building relationships with those in your neighborhood is important. I understand the desire to rely on government assistance during these times, but it is run by people too. These people are likely to be affected by the disasters themselves, so a community having detailed information on its members is invaluable. I know we live in a world where personal information is kept under lock and key, but it would be beneficial to know what is going on at homes next door to each other so that we don't create a situation where we don't know if a neighbor is unable to evacuate or have collapsed in their home.
Disaster preparedness is the key to building good health
In the disaster drill lecture, we learned how the entire community can be sure to survive a disaster. Physical fitness is important for both evacuating and providing help. Putting effort in on physical fitness will lead to smooth evacuation for everyone. Tsukidate-machi is surrounded by mountains and rivers, so it is best to make sure to get accurate information and stay in good health so that no problems arise when evacuating.
The formation rate in Date City is about 60%
Although the rate of formation of voluntary disaster prevention associations is increasing year by year, there are still some neighborhood associations in Date City that have not yet formed one. Due to natural disasters occurring frequently in Japan, voluntary disaster prevention associations are attracting more and more attention, so why not take this opportunity to consider one? Our goal is to achieve 100% formation rate in Date City!
Subsidies are available for disaster drills!
The city provides subsidies for forming a voluntary disaster prevention association and conducting disaster drills. The joint disaster drill by the Tsukidate 1, 2, and 3 Disaster Prevention Associations that we introduced here was also subsidized by the city.
In addition, subsidies are also provided for disaster prevention stockpiles and other items. Please contact Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management for further details regarding the subsidies.
How to form a voluntary disaster prevention organization?
Please refer to the page on the city website titled "Procedures for Forming a Voluntary Disaster Prevention Organization" or contact the Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division.
Contact Disaster Preparation & Crisis Management Division, Crisis Management Section ☎ 024-575-1197
The more you know, the better you can respond
During a disaster, it is important that everyone works together to help each other out to overcome the hardships on a base level at the very least.
There are some things you can only realize by obtaining a certification specializing in disaster prevention. Here we will introduce how to obtain a disaster prevention certification and what those with a disaster prevention certification have to say.
Step 1
Take a Disaster Prevention Specialist Training Course
Step 2
Take the Disaster Prevention Certificate Exam and pass
Step 3
Attend the "General Lifesaving Course 1" at the Date Regional Fire Department and other locations.
77 years of age. Acquiring the certificate isn’t the end
I feel that it is a good idea for each neighborhood association to have a disaster prevention specialist in it, so I took the exam, hoping it would have a positive impact on my life. When I heard about Crush Syndrome on TV, I was interested in the studies of this condition. I had always brushed over these kinds of things before, so being able to understand and take interest in it made me happy. I will not give up just because I am now in my 70s, and I will continue to review what I have learned and apply it to the future of myself and my community.
5 minutes of leeway to protect yourself
Japan has many earthquakes and there are numerous disasters that you must always be ready to handle. There are also plenty of dangers other than natural disasters like car accidents so in order to protect yourself you must always be prepared. This applies especially to times of panic where you aren’t able to act as you normally would. This of course also applies to knowledge, supplies, and time. On that note, I also like to make it a habit to have at least five minutes of leeway so that I can act without panicking in the spur of the moment. I am always made aware that even small things are really important.
To those who plan on becoming certified
There are honestly still times where people ask me, “what is a disaster prevention specialist?” I’d like to spread the word as much as possible so I implore people of all ages to give it a try. I was even able to get certified so you can do it too!
Being well prepared leads to having no worries
Biography
After graduating from the National Defense Academy of Japan and serving for roughly 30 years as a senior Self Defense Force officer, he was appointed as an assistant disaster prevention specialist in Date City in June. He plans on using his experience to contribute to disaster preparedness.
As you know, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake occurred on January 1 this year, and people are still recovering from the disaster. At the time of the disaster, some people were evacuated safely by voluntary disaster prevention associations. The fact that the voluntary disaster prevention associations were able to make a difference indicates how important regular preparation is.
We would like many people to become certified disaster prevention specialists so that they can not only protect their own lives, but also protect their community. We should also continue to form voluntary disaster prevention associations.
Don’t overthink things, just establish a norm
We have introduced voluntary disaster prevention associations and disaster prevention specialists as one way to get people interested in disaster prevention, but there are still many more opportunities lying around in our daily lives.
For example, things such as “I heard X is on crutches” or “this road is always backed up at this time of the day” can all be useful bits of information. Even if you may just end up forgetting such information, the sharing of it may just save someone’s life.
Subsidies are available for the certification!
The city subsidizes the cost of acquiring a disaster prevention certification. The subsidy covers the cost of attending a training course and two days of transportation to the training course location (Sendai or Koriyama). (Maximum 71,000 yen)
Application Please check out our page on the city website or contact the Disaster Preparation & Crisis Management Division, Crisis Management Section
Date City Registered Disaster Prevention Specialists
Disaster prevention specialists who have an address in Date City, or who are enrolled in a business or school in the city may register with the city as a registered disaster prevention specialist.
Registered disaster prevention professionals will be invited to disaster prevention workshops and asked to participate in disaster prevention drills. If you are not registered with the city, please register with the city in order to strengthen local disaster preparedness.
Consider holding an on-site lecture
Disaster prevention specialists and city staff members will visit voluntary disaster prevention associations to give lectures and briefings during disaster drills and other events.
Example lecture topics
・What voluntary disaster prevention associations do
・Responding to disasters
・How to prepare a regional disaster prevention plan
・How to create a Personal Evacuation Sheet
・HUG (evacuation shelter management game)
etc.
HUG: This is a simulation game where players attempt to properly place cards with the ages and genders of evacuees written on them, on a diagram that resembles a shelter, in addition to making decisions on how to respond to events.
*If you have any requests regarding the content of the course, please consult with the Disaster Preparation & Crisis Management Division.
Contact Disaster Preparation & Crisis Management Division, Crisis Management Section ☎ 024-575-1197
Cool Off at the Hobara Community Contact Center
P9 保原ふれあいセンターで涼んでいがんしょ！
The Hobara Community Contact Center has opened its lobby free of charge where anyone can take a break to help fight off heat stroke. We also have baths available so please feel free to stop by!
Facility Availability Monday ~ Saturday (excluding holidays and Obon)
Facility Hours 8:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM
Bath Availability Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Bath Hours 10:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM
Bath Price 100 yen *300 yen for non-residents of Date City
Necessary Items Towel
Contact Elderly Welfare Division, Community Comprehensive Care Promotion Section
☎ 024-575-1125
Learn About Mental Health Through a Public Lecture on Depression
P10 知識や心の健康を学ぼう うつ病公開講座
Contact Health Promotion Division, Community Health Section ☎ 024-576-3736
Depression is a condition that can affect you or anybody around you. Take this opportunity to learn more about it from a medical doctor.
Date & Time July 27th (Tue.) 2:00 PM ~ 4:30 PM
Participant Limit 50 people
Price Free
Location Hobara Central Exchange Hall
Details
Lecture 1: Understanding depression and how to deal with it
Lecture 2: How to manage your own symptoms of depression
Application Apply by July 19th (Fri.) by phone call or using the QR code below
Contact Kenpoku Region Health and Welfare Office, Support Team for Persons with Disabilities ☎ 024-534-4300
Date City Hometown Hall Temporary Closure
P10 伊達市ふるさと会館ホールの利用を休止します
Contact Lifelong Learning Division, History, Culture, and Community Development Section ☎ 024-573-5804
The hall will be closed during for a period of time to allow for maintenance to the suspended stage equipment.
Location Date City Hometown Hall (Maekawahara 63)
Maintenance Details Repair and replacement of aged and deteriorated rugs, hoisting machines, and wire ropes
Closure Period 2024/12/1 (Sun.) ~ 2025/3/31 (Mon.)
*All other facilities other than the Hall will be available for use. This may be subject to change depending on the maintenance progress.
“Hello Date” Live Broadcast
P21 「こんにちはだて」ライブ配信
In preparation for the shift to a new video distribution method for cable TV, we have begun YouTube distribution of "Hello Date," an independent program currently broadcast in the Date City area. The program will deliver local information such as events held throughout the city and administrative information.
Channel Name
「こんにちはだて」公式YouTubeチャンネル
*Special programs, text broadcasts, and the Mt. Atago Camera will also be broadcast.
*Content may be changed on holidays and when the City Council is in session.
*Some content may be changed depending on the consent of those being featured.
Health Examination Registrations
P22 市民健（検）診 月舘・梁川会場予約開始
Examinations are reservation only. Please make a reservation via phone call or online.
Telephone Number for Reservations
☎ 024-572-7356 or 024-573-0538
Reception Times: 9 AM ~ 4:30 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Reception Period: During the reservation reception period for each district
※ If there are openings in the schedule, reservations will be made upon request, so please contact us.
※ People from outside the Tsukidate or Yanagawa areas can also receive an examination.
Distribution and Collection of Colon Cancer Screening Kits
Kits distributed at the Hobara Health Center, the National Health Insurance and Pension Department, or any of the general branch offices (excluding Hobara).
Please kindly go to the trouble of returning unused and unneeded kits at the exam site, or to one of the distributing locations.
Reservation Website Please use the reservation form to make an appointment by 4 PM, seven days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) prior to the exam date.
Contact Health Promotion Division, Health Management Section ☎ 024-575-1116
Make Sure Not to Forget Immunizations
P22 予防接種の受け忘れがないか確認を
There is a determined eligibility period for each vaccination. In order to prevent illness in children, please check the eligible periods in your Mother-Child Health Handbook.
Eligible Vaccinations measles and rubella, combined vaccination for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus, Japanese encephalitis, cervical cancer, and more.
Application Please make an appointment in advance with your family physician.
Necessary Items Mother-Child Health Handbook, Medical Pre-examination Document ※ Please contact the Health Promotion Department if you do not have a Medical Pre-examination form.
Fees Free (Please be aware that vaccination outside of the eligible age range is undertaken at one’s own discretion and expense)
Contact Health Promotion Division, Health Management Section ☎ 024-575-1116
Be Cautious of Heat Stroke During the Rainy Season
P23 梅雨の晴れ間の熱中症にご注意を
Make sure to use air conditioners and fans to keep the temperatures down, wear breathable clothes, use a parasol or wear a hat when outside, drink plenty of water even when you don’t feel thirsty, and intake proper sodium.
For more details scan the QR code below
Contact Health Promotion Division, Health Management Section ☎ 024-575-1116
Please Consider Donating Blood
P25 献血にご協力を
Donors will be given a thank you gift.
Date July 24th (Wed.)
Location Date City Hall … 9:30 AM ~ 4:00 PM, Yanagawa General Branch Office … 1:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM
Other Information Donations may be denied due to one's health condition or use of medication.
Contact Health Promotion Division, Health Management Section ☎ 024-575-1116
Come Cycling with us at Ote Village “Kitemi~na”
P25 お手の里きてみ～な 一緒にサイクリング
Price Free (for those who need one, bicycle rentals are 500 yen)
Tsukidate Cycling
7/13 (Sat.) 10:00 AM ~ 12;00 PM
Location Tsukidate region (15km)
Date Cycling
Date & Time 7/28 (Sun.) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (includes a lunch break)
Location Towards Hobara
Contact Tsukidate General Affairs Branch, Community Affairs Section ☎ 024-572-2111
July Facility Guide
P26 ７月の施設案内
Date City Public Library
Book Report Checkouts
At the City Public Library and each Central Exchange Library (except Date), you can check out book report books. The loan period is one week so that as many people as possible can use the books. Please make use of the library for your free research or book report.
Facility hours 9:00 AM ~ 7:00 PM (open until 5:00 PM on Sundays and holidays)
Closure Mondays
Contact ☎ 024-551-2132
Date City Hobara History and Culture Museum
Exhibitions (admission charged)
“Date City Silkworm Farming Tools”
These tools classified as a part of National Cultural Treasures and Heritage are currently on display.
Lecture on local history July 13th (Sat.)
Haniwa figure making July 20th (Sat.), 21st (Sun.), 27th (Sat.), 28th (Sun.)
Please check the city website for more information.
Facility hours 9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Price 210 yen (100 yen for elementary, middle, high school students)
Contact ☎ 024-575-1615
This Month’s Payment Deadlines
P30 今月の納期
The payment deadline is Wednesday, July 31st
・Fixed-Asset Tax (2nd payment)
・National Health Insurance (1st payment)
・Nursing Care Insurance (1st payment)
・Higashine Weir Improvement District Fees
Coordinator for International Relations’ Monthly Column by Lara Justice
P31 連載コラム 国際交流員の活動日誌
Goodbye, My Dear Date
It has been almost three years since I came to Date City, and this month will be my last.
I began my new life in Japan, experiencing being a working adult in Japanese society for the first time in the middle of the COVID pandemic during the frigid winter of Fukushima.
Looking back on it, it was a bit of a bumpy start. However, I was able to meet many people, from children to the elderly, all of whom warmly welcomed and accepted me. As I gradually experienced all of the charms of Date, before I knew it, I had fiercely and irrevocably fallen in love!
Date City is surrounded by nature with scenery so breathtaking it’s hard to look away, no matter the season. It’s thanks to this nature, clean air, and of course the hard work of the farmers, that I’ve been able to eat the most delicious fruits and vegetables in my life.
Despite being a stranger, I have been met with nothing but warm smiles and treated with the kindness of family by those around me. I love this city and the people who call it home. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to have come to this wonderful place, and thanks to everyone, have unforgettable experiences and gain new knowledge.
I am proud to have been a Coordinator for International Relations at Date City.
The longer I’m here, the less willing I am to part ways but I will forever cherish Date City as my second home, so I am positive I will come back again. Please say hello when that time comes!
Thank you so much for the past three years. Until we meet again!
