Development of key policies

I would like to talk about policy development in the six priority areas.
 

We will strive to foster endogenous industries that take advantage of the town's rich natural environment, and promote collaboration among agriculture, tourism, commerce and industry, the utilization of locally available energy, and economic circulation within the region. In addition, we will promote initiatives for the independence of the local economy through a variety of collaborations with companies, universities, research institutes, etc. that share and empathize with our philosophy of community development.
In terms of tourism promotion, based on the "Tourism Promotion Vision," we will work on initiatives for GSTC (Sustainable Tourism Community Development), which is said to be the SDGs of tourism, and the expansion of intra-regional transportation using accommodation taxes. In addition, we will promote the promotion of commerce and industry based on the "Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Ordinance."

Conditions surrounding agricultural management, including soaring prices of crude oil, feed, fertilizers, and materials due to disruptions in international transportation and the weak yen due to the unstable international situation, including the Ukraine conflict, as well as climate change countermeasures. is becoming increasingly difficult. Currently, the government is amending the Basic Act on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas, strengthening initiatives for food security, and transforming agricultural policy through the Green Food System Strategy.
In light of this situation, the town will continue to promote clean agriculture and circular agriculture, and work to establish a crop rotation system based on soil preparation, while cooperating with related organizations to diversify management risks. At the same time, we will consider ways of agricultural production that are suitable for the region for the future.

Furthermore, in the diverse and sustainable agriculture that characterizes the town's agriculture, we are leveraging our technological capabilities that have enabled us to produce not only basic crops but also a wide variety of crops, and we are developing a variety of sales channels that take advantage of our strengths as a tourist resort area. It is also necessary to secure it. However, the aging workforce and labor shortages in the agricultural sector are becoming major issues. In particular, efforts to secure human resources have become an urgent issue as demand for temporary workers increases and employment costs soar. In order to compensate for this labor shortage, we will work together with JA Yotei to take steps to secure a workforce, such as introducing machinery to reduce agricultural work and accepting foreign trainees.

With the National Emergency Farmland Reorganization and Development Project, currently under development, at its core, we will strive to preserve prime farmland, promote clean agriculture that is in harmony with the environment, consolidate the use of farmland, improve agricultural infrastructure, encourage highly profitable agriculture, develop measures to nurture agricultural leaders, and promote sixth-sector industrialization, and work to increase farmers' incomes.
In addition, in order to carry out diverse and sustainable agriculture, in addition to continuing the Yes Clean rice cultivation support system, we will also implement soil preparation measures such as subsidies for fully ripened compost and encouragement of green manure crops, and regional branding measures for local products in conjunction with tourism. We provide support for introducing new crops and cultivation techniques.

Tourism numbers are recovering to pre-COVID levels, with inbound tourism in particular expected to increase significantly this winter.
　
Last year, our town's efforts as a sustainable tourist destination were recognized, and we received the Green Destinations Silver Award, laying the foundation for a world-class tourist destination. In the future, we will aim for even higher awards and continue to work on various initiatives based on our "Tourism Promotion Vision."
Additionally, the "Digital Nomad Visa" that we have been requesting from the national government will be established, but as its period is only six months, we will continue to request that it be extended.

Regarding the Niseko tourist area, we will work together with the constituent towns of Kutchan and Rankoshi. In addition, we will continue to work with related local governments and private organizations in the Niseko region and the foothills of Mt. Yotei this year, including supporting regional development events, promoting the use of hot springs, and increasing the appeal of the summer season by using bicycles.
　
Regarding safety measures for ski resorts, the Niseko Rules, which are measures to prevent avalanches, have been implemented in cooperation with the Niseko Avalanche Research Center, the ski resorts, the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, and other related organizations. The town is actively promoting winter mountain safety measures, including supporting the Avalanche Research Center's human resource development, and will continue to strengthen support for the Avalanche Research Center together with Kutchan Town, the ski resorts, and related organizations, so that the Niseko Rules can continue to be developed in a sustainable manner.

Regarding the redevelopment of "Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza," the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is currently considering the alignment of the expressway and the location of interchanges. I am willing to make a decision on whether to proceed.

Last December, the town council passed an ordinance to introduce an "accommodation tax" as a financial resource to create a sustainable tourist destination. We are currently in the process of obtaining consent from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications after discussions with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This fiscal year, we will work to specify the use of the accommodation tax and implement the project, as well as provide support for system implementation as necessary.

Business activities are also facing difficulties in the commercial and industrial sectors due to a chronic shortage of human resources. Last year, we concluded a collaboration agreement with Timey Inc., a skimmer part-time job service, and have been using it to help resolve the shortage of human resources in Honmachi. Additionally, last year we began a study toward the introduction of the ``Specified Area Development Project Cooperative System,'' which was institutionalized by the government in conjunction with migration promotion measures, and we aim to introduce it this fiscal year.

Furthermore, this fiscal year, we will support businesses in the town to secure employees by providing up to 2 million yen in subsidies to each business in their efforts to secure employees.
As of the end of December 2023 Industry is 226 businesses, a record high. We believe that the activities of Chamber of Commerce and Industry members are a catalyst for revitalizing the local area, and we will continue to support small-scale entrepreneurs and aim to improve the vitality of the local area by nurturing a diverse range of businesses.

This year, we will continue to actively promote business attraction activities and aim to expand our basic policy of securing business entities that are lacking in the region and sustaining the economic cycle within the region.
In addition, we will continue to subsidize the child-rearing support program run by the Kira Card Association, and strive to foster a sense of community and expand consumption within the town. At the same time, we will promote the "expansion of the use of local currency" as one of the core elements for circulating the local economy.

In terms of consumer measures, in order to prevent town residents from suffering from unfair solicitations, etc., we are utilizing government financial support to implement the functions of the "Yotei Local Consumer Affairs Consultation Counter," which has been established in seven neighboring towns and villages, including Honmachi. We will expand our consultation activities and promote awareness-raising activities so that our employees can demonstrate their abilities to the fullest.

In order to create a society where all the townspeople can help each other and live healthy and fulfilling lives, we will comprehensively consider solutions to various issues such as health, medical care, welfare, child-rearing, and education, and live with peace of mind. We will continue to take steps to make this possible.

In April 2023, the Children's Basic Act came into effect, calling for the realization of a society where all children are welcome. The town will work together with the Board of Education to create an environment where the children who will lead the next generation can play and learn with peace of mind, and where parents can easily raise their children.
In addition, we will continue our efforts to encourage children's participation in town development based on Article 11 of the Basic Ordinance on Town Development, and encourage each child to develop their potential based on the "Memorandum of Understanding of Local Governments Practicing Child-Friendly Town Development" signed with the Japan UNICEF Association. We will promote initiatives to protect the human rights of children so that they can grow up healthy.
　
To improve the child-rearing environment, we will continue to provide free medical care for all children up to the age of 18, and expand the scope of free school lunches. In addition, to support childbirth and child-rearing, we will provide accompanying consultation support and benefits at the time of pregnancy and childbirth, and provide economic support so that pregnant women and families with children can give birth and raise their children with peace of mind. In addition, we will continue to provide child health checkups, maternal and child health programs, and medical care for premature babies.

We will work to enhance welfare services based on various welfare and disability plans so that the elderly and people with physical disabilities can live with peace of mind in familiar areas.
In addition, we will support part of the operating costs and special measures to maintain nursing care services for the ``elderly group home'' operated by the Niseko Welfare Association and the ``home care support office'' that prepares care plans (nursing care support plans). Masu. In addition, in order to stabilize the Niseko Welfare Association's management, we have decided to outsource monitoring of the action plan created in 2023 and implementation support related to the town's elderly living support system.

In the "Regional Comprehensive Support Center" project, we provide support to elderly people who are facing challenges, and we also carry out preventive projects to maintain health. In addition, in response to the increasing number of dementia patients each year, under the guidance of dementia specialists, we provide comprehensive and intensive initial support to patients and their families, supporting them so that they can live independently.
Niseko Seikatsu no Ie, a community activity support center that plays a role in supporting people with disabilities, will receive a portion of its operating costs so that support from the local community and community-based community life support projects can proceed smoothly. We support.
The Social Welfare Council, which plays a central role in the town's social welfare, pays operating costs for the Town Life Support Center, which promotes regional welfare, provides welfare services for the elderly, and provides consultation for dementia, which is on the rise. We will assist you.

Regarding health promotion, based on the "Niseko Town Health Promotion Plan", we will focus on projects related to diet, exercise, mental health, dental health, and lifestyle diseases.
In the vaccination program, we will continue to provide routine vaccinations for children, and for adults, we will provide assistance with the cost of vaccinations for influenza, shingles, etc.
In the health checkup program, we will continue to award Kira points to those who undergo specific health checkups and various cancer screenings this year, and will strive to increase the rate of people taking these tests. We will also hold health classes and lectures. We will also continue our "Echinococcus eradication measures" that we have been implementing with the cooperation of the townspeople.

For the National Health Insurance, Hokkaido presents the total amount and tax rate of the National Health Insurance tax required for the town based on medical expense estimates for the entire prefecture, and the town determines the "insurance tax rate" based on this. Masu. The tax rate for FY2024 will be increased by 0.34% for the income tax, 709 yen for the per capita tax, and 815 yen for the per capita tax, and the tax limit will be 20,000 yen in accordance with the national system. The amount will be increased.

In order to compensate for the deficit of Kutchan Welfare Hospital, we will provide support for operating costs and other expenses with the towns and villages at the foot of Mt. Yotei, mainly in Kutchan Town, where the hospital is located. In addition, we will work with related towns and villages to bear the cost of the renovation of Kutchan Welfare Hospital.
Based on the agreement, Niseko Clinic, which plays an important role as the local residents' family doctor, will receive support for part of the maintenance and inspection costs for the CT and X-ray equipment they installed in fiscal year 2013.

In order to cherish the beautiful natural environment of Honmachi and maintain a lifestyle in harmony with nature, we will proceed with initiatives to realize "Niseko, the City of Water Environment" based on the Basic Environmental Plan, Global Warming Countermeasures Implementation Plan, etc.
Our town's main industries, agriculture and tourism, are made possible by the good environment, including the water environment, and we believe that these will increase our trust. As a local government that has made a zero-carbon declaration and signed the Global Covenant of Mayors Japan, we aim to combat climate change and reduce the burden on the global environment, while also working to create a recycling-oriented society.

It is expected that development plans for tourist facilities will continue to be proposed in the area, including the area around the foot of Mt. Annupuri in Niseko. In order to harmonize with Niseko's beautiful nature and scenery and protect and nurture our valuable assets, we will continue to operate systems such as the National Park Law, semi-urban planning, Landscape Ordinance, and groundwater conservation ordinances, and will continue to guide "orderly development". I'll try to figure it out.
As for waste disposal measures, seven towns and villages at the foot of Mt. Yotei are working together to outsource the processing of combustible waste into solid fuel to a private business in Kutchan Town, but as the number of tourists recovers, the amount of waste is expected to increase further. It is expected that

In order to ensure thorough separate disposal of garbage, the town has been operating a garbage sorting app service that can be used on smartphones and other devices since 2020 The town will continue to raise awareness of the need to separate garbage to each household and business.
Additionally, sewage is treated at the Yotei Sanitation Center of the Mt. Yotei Environmental Sanitation Association (Kutchan Town), but the current facility is over 50 years old and is severely damaged, so we are working on various plans with the aim of starting up a new facility in 2029. As the amount of sewage being collected in our town is on the rise, we will do our utmost to encourage people to switch to combined septic tanks.

As a "Eco-Model City" and "SDGs Future City," the town has been promoting initiatives for sustainable living and community development in the future, aiming to reduce environmental impact and revitalize the region. In 2018, we signed the "Global Covenant of Mayors / Japan", 2020 (2020), declared a "climate emergency", 2021 (2021) We have enacted the "Ordinance on the Proper Promotion of Renewable Energy Projects" and the "Ordinance on Promoting the Appropriate Use of Bicycles."
This fiscal year, we will proceed with the basic design for introducing solar power generation equipment to effectively utilize renewable energy in town-owned facilities, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In addition, we aim to enact the "Climate Change Countermeasures Promotion Ordinance" this fiscal year to popularize highly energy-efficient buildings.

In 2018, the city was selected by the Cabinet Office as a SDGs Future City, and efforts are underway to establish the NISEKO Lifestyle Model District, "Niseko Mirai," as its core project. To date, one condominium building with eight units has been completed as an ultra-energy-efficient, high-performance wooden apartment complex.
This year, construction work is scheduled for one condominium building with eight units and one rental house with ten units, and we will continue to support efforts to reduce utility costs, reduce the burden of snow removal and maintenance, and create a healthy and comfortable living environment. In addition, we will promote diverse collaboration based on the environment, promote decarbonization and regional revitalization, and advance sustainable town development together with Niseko Machi Co., Ltd.

Forests are important local resources that make up the natural environment and landscape that form the foundation of the town, and they bring richness to the lives of the town's residents. In order to maintain the beautiful landscape and pass it on to the future, it is necessary to maintain it in a planned manner and work on forest creation as a community-wide effort. By coordinating with forest maintenance plans and other measures, we will advance efforts to promote forestry so that the multifaceted functions of forests can be demonstrated sustainably.
This year, in accordance with the Forest Vision Implementation Plan, we will proceed with efforts to create forests for future generations. In order to steadily advance this initiative, we are collaborating with "Niseko Yukimori Kosha Co., Ltd." to utilize forest resources, develop human resources, and promote tree cultivation so that we can communicate the town's rich natural environment to the townspeople. We will implement it.
Regarding the Hokkaido-operated project ``Forestry Road Niseko Katsuradai Line,'' for which business planning began last year, surveys and survey designs are scheduled to be carried out this year.

In close cooperation with the Board of Education and related organizations, we will work to create an educational environment where children can grow up healthy, and provide support so that diverse cultural and sporting activities can be developed through the independent actions of town residents. I will try my best.

Regarding education, we will support the projects undertaken by the Board of Education in accordance with the "Town Comprehensive Plan," "Niseko Town Education Outline," and "Town Educational Promotion Basic Plan."
 

We will support social education and social physical education projects that are held based on the ``Social Education Medium-Term Plan,'' which was formulated so that everyone can easily participate in cultural activities and become familiar with sports.

We will support social education and social physical education projects that are held based on the ``Social Education Medium-Term Plan,'' which was formulated so that everyone can easily participate in cultural activities and become familiar with sports.

The Central Warehouse Group is a facility where townspeople, tourists, and visitors can interact and relax, and as a facility that contributes to the regional development and industrial revitalization of the town, we cooperate with designated management companies and operate the facilities appropriately. We will strive to
We will continue to improve the local community centers and Nishitomi District Citizens' Centers, which were created as a result of the village reorganization, to make them easier to use as bases for various community activities and disaster prevention.
Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) are responsible for cultural exchange with local residents and students, providing tourist information for foreigners, attracting tourists, making the town's publicity media multilingual, and providing support for foreigners wishing to immigrate. We carry out a wide range of international exchange activities.
This year, with support from the Council for Local Government International Relations (CLAIR), we will deploy international relations coordinators to continue to promote further understanding of multicultural coexistence and support various international exchange projects.

We will continue to work on enhancing disaster prevention measures and comprehensively improving the living and social infrastructure so that the townspeople can live with peace of mind.

Natural disasters have become more frequent in recent years, such as the earthquake disaster that occurred on the Noto Peninsula in January of this year, causing extensive damage across the country. In Honmachi, we have established a crisis management system as a municipality based on the "Regional Disaster Prevention Plan," "Resilience Regional Plan," "Business Continuity Plan (BCP Plan)," etc., and have implemented disaster prevention measures such as preparing disaster prevention equipment. In addition to improving disaster mitigation response functions, we will conduct disaster prevention drills and work to create voluntary disaster prevention organizations with the cooperation of neighborhood associations.
Regarding nuclear disaster prevention measures, we will continue to work closely with the national government, Hokkaido Prefecture, relevant local governments, etc., and continue to provide information to town residents based on the "Regional Disaster Prevention Plan/Nuclear Disaster Prevention Plan Edition."
In addition, the government building, which has a disaster prevention center function, will serve as a base for disaster prevention measures, contributing to the safe and secure lives of the town's residents, and will be used to become a friendly government building that town residents can easily use. We will take care to improve the environment.
In addition, with regard to firefighting operations, we will work in cooperation with the Yotei Mountain Fire Department Association to strengthen our firefighting capabilities, and while taking into consideration the ``10-Year Plan for Firefighting Capacity Development,'' we will continue to carry out the detailed design for the reconstruction of the Niseko Branch Station Fire Department building in 2023, and make preparations to start construction.

Community FM "Radio Niseko", which is the main town's information dissemination base, plays a major role as a means of providing information in times of disaster.
In 2023, we will implement a backup transmitting station on the rooftop of the town hall building in order to reliably provide information essential for securing the lives and property of town residents, such as damage information in the event of a disaster. The project is currently being designed and is expected to be completed this year.
We will continue to strive to provide information that is rooted in the lives of town residents and the needs of tourists, including administrative information, various organizations in the town, tourist events, and information on avalanche accident prevention under Niseko rules.

To date, we have worked to improve the living environment by subsidizing the construction costs of private rental housing, subsidizing energy-saving home renovations and earthquake-resistant renovations, and extending the lifespan of public housing. This fiscal year, we plan to utilize the government's subsidy system to begin complex improvement work to extend the lifespan of building No. 5 in the central public housing complex and the construction of a new housing complex.

Based on the "Individual Road Maintenance Construction Plan," the town is working to properly maintain and manage roads while utilizing bond issuance and other sources of funding. Regarding the commissioned work for the maintenance of town roads, the town is carrying out the "Commissioned Design for the Maintenance of Sidewalks on the Town Road to Junior High School" and the "Commissioned Design for the Maintenance of Sidewalks on the Town Road to Seima Company Street." With regard to construction work, the town aims to complete the "Town Road Toyosato Higashidori Pavement Improvement Work," "New Construction of the Town Road Niseko Mirai Street," and "New Housing Complex Ancillary Work."
As for bridges, we will continue with the "Bridge Longevity Inspection Commission Work" from last year, as well as the "Repair Work on Hamamoto Bridge on the Town Road Fukui Minami Gosen" and "Repair Work on the Large Curved Omagari Bridge on the Town Road." In addition, we will continue with repairs to guard cables and other structures, and with the cooperation of the townspeople, we will work to ensure the safety of winter roads by removing snow during the winter.

Regarding regional transportation, based on the "Regional Public Transportation Plan" formulated in March of this year, we will take measures to ensure the convenience of daily life for local residents and transportation for tourists. Through the efforts of local residents, we have supported Niseko Town 's version of ride sharing, ``Fukui District Mutual Transportation'', operated the ` Niseko Area Circuit Bus'' and ``Niseko Model'', a project aimed at resolving the taxi shortage. ”, support bus operators operating in the town to become cashless, and consider updating the “AI system” and increasing the number of buses aimed at improving the efficiency of demand buses.
Regarding the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen in Sapporo, it was confirmed at the Hokkaido Shinkansen Parallel Conventional Line Countermeasures Council's Shishi Block meeting that after the parallel conventional line was abolished, the section between Oshamanbe and Otaru would be replaced by a bus conversion system. , discussions are underway with bus companies along the Hokkaido route. Going forward, we will keep these situations in mind and proceed with discussions among the national government, Hokkaido prefecture, and related local governments.
In addition, regarding expressways, last year, during the planning stage evaluation of the Hokkaido Transverse Expressway's Rankoshi-Kutchan section, it was decided that it would be constructed on a separate line from National Route 5, and in March of this year, it was decided that it would be commercialized to the Niseko Interchange. Did. We will continue to work with the Shishi Comprehensive Development Association and request the government to investigate and commercialize the area up to Kuromatsunai.

Regarding vacant houses in Honmachi, based on the "Vacant House Countermeasure Plan," we work together with the Niseko Real Estate Association to properly manage buildings in order to prevent the occurrence of poorly managed vacant houses and to promote the utilization of vacation homes and vacant houses. Masu.
 

In the water business, we have been implementing renewal projects for water pipeline facilities and measures against aging facilities since 2020. This year, we will continue the renewal work on water distribution pipes in the Miyata area, and will also construct new water distribution reservoirs and new water transmission pipes in the city area to increase water volume and expand water distribution facilities.
In the sewage business, in order to appropriately update and maintain facilities, based on the ``Sewage Business Stock Management Plan'' and the ``Optimum Improvement Plan for Agricultural Village Drainage Facilities,'' we are using government subsidy projects to improve sewage facility mechanical and electrical equipment. We will proceed with the update work. In addition, water and sewage operations have been carried out using special accounts, but from FY2020 they will be transitioned to public enterprise accounting.
 

In addition to steadily promoting the "Comprehensive Plan," "Comprehensive Strategy for Autonomy Revitalization," "SDGs Future City Plan," and "Decarbonization Action Plan," we will aim to effectively utilize administrative assets and resources owned by the town, and efficiently and efficiently. We will strive for effective administrative and financial management.

Based on the town's top-level plan, the 6th Comprehensive Plan (for the 12 years from 2024 to 2035), we will continue to develop the town with the aim of realizing "Niseko, a city where children's futures are co-created."

In order to expand the related population listed in the comprehensive strategy for self-government creation, we will further publicize the use of the "Furusato juminhyo (certificate of residence)", and also to connect the thoughts of donors to the region and develop attractive towns. We will strive to disseminate and exchange information.
In addition, regarding the ``Hometown Tax x Travel Tax'' for travelers, which started in 2022, this year we will expand the number of member stores in the town so that it can be used more widely. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to further expand the use of eumo (Niseko Yumo). In addition, in order to create a diverse local recycling-oriented society, it is necessary to expand the number of people who sympathize with the town's efforts through the use of SNS and local currency. We will strive to expand and strengthen the corporate version of hometown tax payments.

Regarding self-government revitalization, we are proceeding with various projects based on the "Comprehensive Strategy for Local Self-Government Revitalization," and although the population is still at the expected size, we will continue to work on responding to changes in the social situation and related plans. We will proceed with initiatives aimed at countering population decline and strengthening regional economic circulation, while keeping in mind consistency with the above.
We will continue to deploy community revitalization cooperation volunteers to play a leading role in town development, and will support their settlement and entrepreneurial activities. At the same time, we will also deploy community support staff. In addition, in order to promote sustainable town development, we will strengthen various collaborations with "Niseko Machi" Co., Ltd., "Niseko Yukimori Kosha" Co., Ltd., and "Niseko Resort Tourism Association" Co., Ltd., and conduct corporate hometown tax payments. We will strive to expand our related population and cooperating companies.

We will strive to properly manage and operate our facilities based on the "Comprehensive Management Plan for Public Facilities, etc." and "Individual Construction Plans," including planned maintenance and repairs, consolidation and abolition of similar facilities, extending their lifespans, and reviewing and considering abolishing facility management. We will also consider effective use of assets owned by the town, such as selling or leasing, and strive to maintain the financial soundness of the town. In facility development, we will place emphasis on "life cycle costs," make maximum use of various national support systems, and carry out appropriate renovations of facilities to promote the development of sustainable social infrastructure.
 

Regarding wide-area administration, we will continue to consider ways to better utilize the functions of the Regional Alliance for the Future, which carries out affairs related to tax arrears, national health insurance, long-term care insurance, and administrative appeal committees. The Mt. Yotei Roku Fire Department Union and the Mt. Yotei Foothills Environmental Sanitation Association are facing an increase in the burden of common expenses, and will proceed with discussions with the constituent towns and villages to ensure that the increase in burden does not become permanent.











This year, as in the past, we will continue to invest in the children who will lead the next generation, expand the environment in which it is easy to raise children, based on my basic principles of "fairness, speed, and consideration." We will strive to ``create a vibrant Niseko where children's smiles shine'' through the three cycles of ``circulation, 2. energy circulation, and 3. local economic circulation.''