Koho Niseko Newsletter February Issue [No. 754] Text Version
Special feature: Cultural inheritance and comfort for parents and children
Niseko Kids Park in Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
January 7, 2025, Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. A little different from the usual Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, the happy voices of children could be heard coming from the special exhibition room in the museum, where the picture book exhibition "A Bunch of Grapes" and "Niseko Kids Park" were being held.
This is the first time that a Kids Park has been held at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, and moreover, that it has been held simultaneously with an exhibition. We asked everyone involved in the event about their thoughts on the event.
Passing on Takeo Arishima's thoughts to the next generation
Takeo Arishima is known for opening up his farm to all his tenant farmers free of charge.
He is also famous for writing many novels set in Karifuto Village (now Niseko Town), such as "Cain's Descendants," which depicts a farmer who lives by instinct, and "Parent and Child," which depicts the conflict between a father and son over farmland ownership. And the idea of "mutual aid," which was Takeo Arishima's teaching, is still alive and well in the town development of Niseko Town today.
2023 (2023) marks exactly 100 years since Takeo Arishima passed away. As the years passed, Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum felt that Takeo Arishima's work and the very existence of Takeo Arishima were being forgotten, but he planned to breathe eternal life into Takeo Arishima's ideas, and the picture book "Hitobusha no Grape" was published.
"A Bunch of Grapes" is a children's story that Takeo Arishima wrote to please his own children and has been widely read. This story is filled with the idea of "mutual aid" that Takeo Arishima wanted to convey, and its contents resonate with us who live in the modern age. Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum.
Takeshi Arishima
Picture book "A bunch of grapes"
○A place where you can play safely
The Niseko Kids Festival was held in August 2017 as part of the Town Development Support Project, a project in which the town supports town development activities conducted by local community groups. It was held in response to the wishes of mothers who wanted a place where parents and children could play stress-free without worrying about the weather, a place where they could relax and have an opportunity to communicate with other parents, and a desire to improve the child-rearing environment in the future. Many parents and children came to the festival over the two days.
Later, the Niseko Future Support Team was established as an NPO to provide support to the townspeople raising children. They carry out various projects such as childcare and events for children, one of which is the "Niseko Kids Park," which has created a place for parents and children to gather.
○A relaxing playground where thoughts can be shared
On the walls of the Kids Park, all pages of the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" are displayed as panels, so visitors can read the book, learn about the person Takeo Arishima, and feel his thoughts and feelings. In the venue, children can be seen playing freely on their favorite playground equipment, such as inflatable toys and trampolines, while parents watch over them with smiles on their faces.
The current Kids Park was created with Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum 's desire to "connect the legacy of Arishima Takeo to the next generation" and the Niseko Future Support Team's desire to "create a place where parents and children can play in safety."
A look at the Kids Park held at Niseko Central Warehouse No. 1 in 2023
"Kids Park" was born from the connection of each individual's thoughts
The vision of Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
Curator Daisuke Ito
We were approached by the Niseko Future Support Team and they decided to hold a Kids Park at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, so we proposed an exhibition of the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" in the Kids Park. We knew that there was a problem of no indoor playground in the winter, so we wanted to help solve that local issue and to let people know about the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes," which was planned, supervised, and published by Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum.
Children may visit Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum as part of their school classes, but they probably don't have the impression that it's a fun place. I hope that through playing like this, they'll remember Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum I also hope that cultural facilities like this will become a part of everyone's lives.
This was the first time we held the event at the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, but we would like to continue holding events there in the future. And someday, we would like to turn the Arishima Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum into a place where children can play and become familiar with the world of picture books.
Thoughts from the Niseko Future Support Team, a non-profit organization
Chairperson: Yuko Takai
Niseko Town is blessed with snow and is a popular place for winter sports. Ideally, children would like to ski and play in the snow. However, in reality, parents find it difficult to take their children to the ski resort every day. In particular, if there are brothers or sisters, the younger child's activities are limited. We thought that there was a need for a place where children could safely exercise even in winter, so we started the "Kids Park" initiative. The play equipment for the Kids Park is borrowed from businesses that is used outside in the summer and stored in warehouses during the winter.
The event was made possible with the cooperation of Niseko Town, Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, the ambitious local revitalization cooperation team, and mothers raising children. Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is open all year round. I think the fact that so many people gather and use Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is in keeping with Arishima Takeo's spirit of mutual assistance. When opening the Kids Park, there was some conflict as it is a memorial museum and many visitors would prefer to spend their time quietly. However, being a place where townspeople gather creates a lively atmosphere and we thought it would be a good opportunity to visit Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. In the future, we would like to aim to create a place that can be enjoyed by children of elementary school age and above.
We hope to increase the number of days the event will be held and look forward to welcoming everyone. We sincerely hope that it will become a place where parents and children can enjoy themselves in safety and that it will become a catalyst for the development of the community.
Lots of fun toys!
Let's play together!
Kids Park in Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
Kids Park is open on weekends and holidays in February
Would you like to play with some fun play equipment? Please come and visit us.
Dates: February 1st (Sat), 2nd (Sun), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun), 11th (Tues., public holiday), 15th (Sat),
16th (Sun), 22nd (Sat), 23rd (Sun), 24th (Mon/Holiday)
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Special Exhibition Room
Admission: Free for townspeople
Play with caution
・Children in the lower grades of elementary school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・Please keep quiet except in the special exhibition rooms.
- There is an eating and drinking space, a diaper changing station, and a breastfeeding space.
・Please take your trash home with you.
・There are no vending machines, so please bring your own drinks.
▲In addition to the large trampolines, there are also small trampolines. Can you jump high?
▲There are a variety of picture books available, so you can take your time reading them. I wonder if you'll find your favorite one?
▲You can fold and cut origami to create any kind of work you like.
NPO Niseko Future Support Corps
Mr. Osamu Muraoka, Niseko Town Regional Revitalization Cooperation Volunteer, Children's Future Division
The clever arrangement of the playground equipment, combined with the warmth of Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum interior, creates a bright atmosphere. Many children who have not yet entered elementary school also visit the museum. I think it is a good activity for children, as they can get active and move their bodies.
I feel like the children's eyes naturally turn to the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" on display on the wall. I think that seeing the book by the parents will help to carry on Takeo Arishima's thoughts. I was reminded that this Kids Park was made possible through the cooperation of many people, based on the idea of "mutual aid."
Yasuki's family
I heard about the Kids Park from a friend. I've walked on the lawn and outside at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum before, but this is my first time inside the museum. It's helpful because there aren't many indoor play areas. I hope there's a place to play even on rainy days.
▲Sea-themed inflatable play equipment, including a slide. There are also large balloons near the air mats! It's sure to be fun.
The picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" is also on display at the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Shop and in the elevator hall of the town hall.
You can also see various works by Takeo Arishima at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. Please take this opportunity to check them out. Information about Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is posted on its official SNS accounts.
▲ Just to the left of the entrance to the venue, along the wall, all the pages of the picture book are displayed as panels at a child's perspective. This is a cute picture book created by picture book authors Nakai Rei and Keitaro.
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Curator
Shion Kono
I hope that the exhibition at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum will provide an opportunity for people to experience his work. There are few books by Takeo Arishima available in bookstores these days, so I want to ensure that they are not forgotten.
You may have the impression that a facility like Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is stuffy, but I would be delighted if this Kids Park would encourage people to learn about Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum and to visit again.
▲A mat space where even small children can play safely.
■Inquiries regarding Kids Park/NPO Niseko Future Support Team
mail：contact.nis.eco@gmail.com
This is the first time that a Kids Park has been held at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, and moreover, that it has been held simultaneously with an exhibition. We asked everyone involved in the event about their thoughts on the event.
Passing on Takeo Arishima's thoughts to the next generation
Takeo Arishima is known for opening up his farm to all his tenant farmers free of charge.
He is also famous for writing many novels set in Karifuto Village (now Niseko Town), such as "Cain's Descendants," which depicts a farmer who lives by instinct, and "Parent and Child," which depicts the conflict between a father and son over farmland ownership. And the idea of "mutual aid," which was Takeo Arishima's teaching, is still alive and well in the town development of Niseko Town today.
2023 (2023) marks exactly 100 years since Takeo Arishima passed away. As the years passed, Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum felt that Takeo Arishima's work and the very existence of Takeo Arishima were being forgotten, but he planned to breathe eternal life into Takeo Arishima's ideas, and the picture book "Hitobusha no Grape" was published.
"A Bunch of Grapes" is a children's story that Takeo Arishima wrote to please his own children and has been widely read. This story is filled with the idea of "mutual aid" that Takeo Arishima wanted to convey, and its contents resonate with us who live in the modern age. Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum.
Takeshi Arishima
Picture book "A bunch of grapes"
○A place where you can play safely
The Niseko Kids Festival was held in August 2017 as part of the Town Development Support Project, a project in which the town supports town development activities conducted by local community groups. It was held in response to the wishes of mothers who wanted a place where parents and children could play stress-free without worrying about the weather, a place where they could relax and have an opportunity to communicate with other parents, and a desire to improve the child-rearing environment in the future. Many parents and children came to the festival over the two days.
Later, the Niseko Future Support Team was established as an NPO to provide support to the townspeople raising children. They carry out various projects such as childcare and events for children, one of which is the "Niseko Kids Park," which has created a place for parents and children to gather.
○A relaxing playground where thoughts can be shared
On the walls of the Kids Park, all pages of the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" are displayed as panels, so visitors can read the book, learn about the person Takeo Arishima, and feel his thoughts and feelings. In the venue, children can be seen playing freely on their favorite playground equipment, such as inflatable toys and trampolines, while parents watch over them with smiles on their faces.
The current Kids Park was created with Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum 's desire to "connect the legacy of Arishima Takeo to the next generation" and the Niseko Future Support Team's desire to "create a place where parents and children can play in safety."
A look at the Kids Park held at Niseko Central Warehouse No. 1 in 2023
"Kids Park" was born from the connection of each individual's thoughts
The vision of Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
Curator Daisuke Ito
We were approached by the Niseko Future Support Team and they decided to hold a Kids Park at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, so we proposed an exhibition of the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" in the Kids Park. We knew that there was a problem of no indoor playground in the winter, so we wanted to help solve that local issue and to let people know about the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes," which was planned, supervised, and published by Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum.
Children may visit Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum as part of their school classes, but they probably don't have the impression that it's a fun place. I hope that through playing like this, they'll remember Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum I also hope that cultural facilities like this will become a part of everyone's lives.
This was the first time we held the event at the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, but we would like to continue holding events there in the future. And someday, we would like to turn the Arishima Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum into a place where children can play and become familiar with the world of picture books.
Thoughts from the Niseko Future Support Team, a non-profit organization
Chairperson: Yuko Takai
Niseko Town is blessed with snow and is a popular place for winter sports. Ideally, children would like to ski and play in the snow. However, in reality, parents find it difficult to take their children to the ski resort every day. In particular, if there are brothers or sisters, the younger child's activities are limited. We thought that there was a need for a place where children could safely exercise even in winter, so we started the "Kids Park" initiative. The play equipment for the Kids Park is borrowed from businesses that is used outside in the summer and stored in warehouses during the winter.
The event was made possible with the cooperation of Niseko Town, Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, the ambitious local revitalization cooperation team, and mothers raising children. Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is open all year round. I think the fact that so many people gather and use Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is in keeping with Arishima Takeo's spirit of mutual assistance. When opening the Kids Park, there was some conflict as it is a memorial museum and many visitors would prefer to spend their time quietly. However, being a place where townspeople gather creates a lively atmosphere and we thought it would be a good opportunity to visit Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. In the future, we would like to aim to create a place that can be enjoyed by children of elementary school age and above.
We hope to increase the number of days the event will be held and look forward to welcoming everyone. We sincerely hope that it will become a place where parents and children can enjoy themselves in safety and that it will become a catalyst for the development of the community.
Lots of fun toys!
Let's play together!
Kids Park in Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
Kids Park is open on weekends and holidays in February
Would you like to play with some fun play equipment? Please come and visit us.
Dates: February 1st (Sat), 2nd (Sun), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun), 11th (Tues., public holiday), 15th (Sat),
16th (Sun), 22nd (Sat), 23rd (Sun), 24th (Mon/Holiday)
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Special Exhibition Room
Admission: Free for townspeople
Play with caution
・Children in the lower grades of elementary school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・Please keep quiet except in the special exhibition rooms.
- There is an eating and drinking space, a diaper changing station, and a breastfeeding space.
・Please take your trash home with you.
・There are no vending machines, so please bring your own drinks.
▲In addition to the large trampolines, there are also small trampolines. Can you jump high?
▲There are a variety of picture books available, so you can take your time reading them. I wonder if you'll find your favorite one?
▲You can fold and cut origami to create any kind of work you like.
NPO Niseko Future Support Corps
Mr. Osamu Muraoka, Niseko Town Regional Revitalization Cooperation Volunteer, Children's Future Division
The clever arrangement of the playground equipment, combined with the warmth of Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum interior, creates a bright atmosphere. Many children who have not yet entered elementary school also visit the museum. I think it is a good activity for children, as they can get active and move their bodies.
I feel like the children's eyes naturally turn to the picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" on display on the wall. I think that seeing the book by the parents will help to carry on Takeo Arishima's thoughts. I was reminded that this Kids Park was made possible through the cooperation of many people, based on the idea of "mutual aid."
Yasuki's family
I heard about the Kids Park from a friend. I've walked on the lawn and outside at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum before, but this is my first time inside the museum. It's helpful because there aren't many indoor play areas. I hope there's a place to play even on rainy days.
▲Sea-themed inflatable play equipment, including a slide. There are also large balloons near the air mats! It's sure to be fun.
The picture book "A Bunch of Grapes" is also on display at the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Shop and in the elevator hall of the town hall.
You can also see various works by Takeo Arishima at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. Please take this opportunity to check them out. Information about Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is posted on its official SNS accounts.
▲ Just to the left of the entrance to the venue, along the wall, all the pages of the picture book are displayed as panels at a child's perspective. This is a cute picture book created by picture book authors Nakai Rei and Keitaro.
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Curator
Shion Kono
I hope that the exhibition at Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum will provide an opportunity for people to experience his work. There are few books by Takeo Arishima available in bookstores these days, so I want to ensure that they are not forgotten.
You may have the impression that a facility like Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum is stuffy, but I would be delighted if this Kids Park would encourage people to learn about Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum and to visit again.
▲A mat space where even small children can play safely.
■Inquiries regarding Kids Park/NPO Niseko Future Support Team
mail：contact.nis.eco@gmail.com
Town development lecture meeting held
Every year, the town holds a ``town development roundtable'' held at local community centers and other venues to exchange opinions on town development with town residents.
This month, we will introduce the main points from the exchange of opinions at the conference held from November to December last year.
● Event period: November 22nd to December 11th, 2024
●Number of events: 14 times (held in various areas within the town)
Total number of participants: 147
● Opinions and requests received: 174
Commerce and industry tourism
◆ Comments from participants
・Drinking and driving by foreigners has become commonplace. We have spoken to the police and they have been patrolling the area, but I want them to crack down more. There are many foreigners driving rental cars, so I think it would be better if they responded quickly.
◇From town
The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division is working with Kutchan Town to provide training for foreign staff working in the Niseko area on Japanese culture, manners and rules, classroom lessons on Japanese traffic rules, and practical training to experience the dangers of winter roads. However, as these measures are difficult to implement for tourists, they are putting up awareness posters in stores about the prohibition of drunk driving and are working with the Kutchan Police Station to raise awareness.
Public information broad hearing
◆ Comments from participants
・Why don't you move towards a paperless public relations paper? It would be nice to have a system where you can view the circulated flyers in PDF format. It would be convenient if the flyers could be viewed online, so you can check them immediately.
◇From town
Consider making flyers available in PDF format. Regarding the distribution of newsletters, some people think that PDF format is better, while others want paper versions, so we would like to consider the possibility of providing a choice between them.
Parenting
◆ Comments from participants
・I can receive postpartum care from Namiuchi Midwifery Clinic up to three times, but three times is not enough. There are many things I don't understand about child-rearing, and I don't have anyone I know or can consult with. In other municipalities, I can receive support about 10 times. I wish they would increase the number of times.
◇From town
We are considering expanding our postpartum care services next year. We also have other programs for people raising children, such as baby food classes, which we will keep you updated on as they come up. Please consult with a public health nurse about any concerns you may have about your child's health or child-rearing.
refuse
◆ Comments from participants
How much plastic waste is being recycled?
◇From town
Properly sorted garbage is 100% recycled. Currently, plastic garbage in Niseko Town is used as a combustion additive, which is also considered recycling.
Public housing
◆ Comments from participants
・Some people in the town have pets, but there are few apartments that allow pets. Is there any solution, such as building public housing that allows pets?
◇From town
Keeping pets in public housing is prohibited by ordinance due to issues such as noise, cleaning up feces and urine, and causing discomfort and allergies to other residents.
Even if pets were allowed, tenants would have to cover costs such as repairing walls and floors and removing odors when they move out. These costs can be significant, placing a heavy burden on tenants and guarantors, making it difficult to do so under the current circumstances.
State-owned agricultural land reorganization and maintenance project
◆ Comments from participants
・The national farmland reorganization and improvement project will end in two years, but I heard that there will be no subsidies from the national or town governments after the project ends. I would like the town to consider providing subsidies after the project ends.
◇From town
The town has a small-scale disaster prevention subsidy program, so I think we can use that to help out. Many people are taking advantage of this program, so we would like to consider expanding the scope of the program in some cases.
traffic
◆ Comments from participants
・We operate a sightseeing bus free of charge for town residents only during the winter, but I think it would be better to make this a year-round service and apply it to on-demand buses as well. I think the reality is that the on-demand buses are used by a lot of people from outside the town, and town residents are unable to ride them.
◇From town
We have also heard that it is difficult to make reservations for the demand bus during the winter, so we would like to find a solution. If we can secure drivers for the tour bus, we are considering operating it year-round.
The demand bus operates for 200 yen. By lowering the fare for the sightseeing bus to 100 yen, it will be easier to board and we hope that tourists will use the sightseeing bus for sightseeing.
◆ Comments from participants
What is the current status of Taxi GO? Can it operate safely on snowy roads?
◇From town
There are many users, and last year 180 to 300 vehicles were dispatched per day. Training is also provided for driving on snowy roads. This year, a total of 20 vehicles and 45 drivers are on the road. We hope that the operation of Taxi GO will help ease winter traffic, even if only a little.
welfare
◆ Comments from participants
・With the number of elderly people increasing, nursing care facilities such as Niseko Heights are at full capacity. I think the number of people using these facilities will increase in the future, but are there any concrete plans or considerations to increase the number of beds in nursing care facilities?
◇From town
Estimates of the elderly population and planning considerations are being coordinated across the 16 towns and villages that make up the Shiribeshi Regional Union.
At present, the number of elderly people in the entire Shiribeshi region is predicted to decrease, and simulations show that there will be no increase in the number of people wishing to move in in the future, leading to a shortage of facilities.
Niseko High School
◆ Comments from participants
・The capacity of Niseko High School will be increased to 70 students, but is it okay to increase the capacity in an era of declining birthrates? Also, by converting to a full-time school, won't the distinctive feature of being able to study agriculture and tourism be diluted?
◇From the Board of Education
Using the unique environment of Niseko Town as a field and working closely with the local community, applications from not only the local area but also from all over Hokkaido and the country are on the rise. Therefore, by increasing the capacity to 70 students in the future, the number of teachers will increase and it will be possible to accommodate students going on to higher education. By converting to a comprehensive department, we hope to be able to study a variety of fields, including agriculture and tourism.
education
◆ Comments from participants
- I would like parents to be able to regulate the apps that run on Chromebooks given to their children.
◇From the Board of Education
It is not possible to individually set whether or not students can use apps such as YouTube on Chromebooks lent to them. The school will instruct students to follow the rules for using devices, including the rules at home.
◆ Comments from participants
・I would like to see more buses and coaches provided when club activities go on trips.
◇From the Board of Education
The ministry will listen to the parents of students who participate in youth groups and club activities to understand the current situation regarding the improvement of transportation for sports activities, etc. After that, it will organize issues and requests, and consider concrete measures.
Sports
◆ Comments from participants
・There are many women who want to participate in town athletic meets and softball tournaments. From the perspective of gender equality, I would like the limit on the number of women to be stopped.
◇From the Board of Education
Although there are restrictions for different age groups in softball tournaments, there are no limits on the number of women who can participate. The nine-player volleyball tournament, which previously had a limit on the number of participants, has lifted that restriction starting this year.
The town athletic meet has a limit on the number of participants for each event, but the basic rule is that there should be an equal number of men and women, and if there are no women, men can participate instead. Only the centipede race takes into account differences in physical strength and sets the number of participants by gender (10 men, 5 women), but this will be reviewed at next year's supervisors' meeting.
◆ Comments from participants
・I would like the pool facilities to be improved. Is it possible to have a pool all year round?
◇From town
The pool has been a long-standing concern. We would like to start planning it once we have a good idea of how to secure renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy. We will continue to investigate ways to secure energy sources.
■問合せ／企画環境課広報広聴係 TEL 0136-44-2121
This month, we will introduce the main points from the exchange of opinions at the conference held from November to December last year.
● Event period: November 22nd to December 11th, 2024
●Number of events: 14 times (held in various areas within the town)
Total number of participants: 147
● Opinions and requests received: 174
Commerce and industry tourism
◆ Comments from participants
・Drinking and driving by foreigners has become commonplace. We have spoken to the police and they have been patrolling the area, but I want them to crack down more. There are many foreigners driving rental cars, so I think it would be better if they responded quickly.
◇From town
The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division is working with Kutchan Town to provide training for foreign staff working in the Niseko area on Japanese culture, manners and rules, classroom lessons on Japanese traffic rules, and practical training to experience the dangers of winter roads. However, as these measures are difficult to implement for tourists, they are putting up awareness posters in stores about the prohibition of drunk driving and are working with the Kutchan Police Station to raise awareness.
Public information broad hearing
◆ Comments from participants
・Why don't you move towards a paperless public relations paper? It would be nice to have a system where you can view the circulated flyers in PDF format. It would be convenient if the flyers could be viewed online, so you can check them immediately.
◇From town
Consider making flyers available in PDF format. Regarding the distribution of newsletters, some people think that PDF format is better, while others want paper versions, so we would like to consider the possibility of providing a choice between them.
Parenting
◆ Comments from participants
・I can receive postpartum care from Namiuchi Midwifery Clinic up to three times, but three times is not enough. There are many things I don't understand about child-rearing, and I don't have anyone I know or can consult with. In other municipalities, I can receive support about 10 times. I wish they would increase the number of times.
◇From town
We are considering expanding our postpartum care services next year. We also have other programs for people raising children, such as baby food classes, which we will keep you updated on as they come up. Please consult with a public health nurse about any concerns you may have about your child's health or child-rearing.
refuse
◆ Comments from participants
How much plastic waste is being recycled?
◇From town
Properly sorted garbage is 100% recycled. Currently, plastic garbage in Niseko Town is used as a combustion additive, which is also considered recycling.
Public housing
◆ Comments from participants
・Some people in the town have pets, but there are few apartments that allow pets. Is there any solution, such as building public housing that allows pets?
◇From town
Keeping pets in public housing is prohibited by ordinance due to issues such as noise, cleaning up feces and urine, and causing discomfort and allergies to other residents.
Even if pets were allowed, tenants would have to cover costs such as repairing walls and floors and removing odors when they move out. These costs can be significant, placing a heavy burden on tenants and guarantors, making it difficult to do so under the current circumstances.
State-owned agricultural land reorganization and maintenance project
◆ Comments from participants
・The national farmland reorganization and improvement project will end in two years, but I heard that there will be no subsidies from the national or town governments after the project ends. I would like the town to consider providing subsidies after the project ends.
◇From town
The town has a small-scale disaster prevention subsidy program, so I think we can use that to help out. Many people are taking advantage of this program, so we would like to consider expanding the scope of the program in some cases.
traffic
◆ Comments from participants
・We operate a sightseeing bus free of charge for town residents only during the winter, but I think it would be better to make this a year-round service and apply it to on-demand buses as well. I think the reality is that the on-demand buses are used by a lot of people from outside the town, and town residents are unable to ride them.
◇From town
We have also heard that it is difficult to make reservations for the demand bus during the winter, so we would like to find a solution. If we can secure drivers for the tour bus, we are considering operating it year-round.
The demand bus operates for 200 yen. By lowering the fare for the sightseeing bus to 100 yen, it will be easier to board and we hope that tourists will use the sightseeing bus for sightseeing.
◆ Comments from participants
What is the current status of Taxi GO? Can it operate safely on snowy roads?
◇From town
There are many users, and last year 180 to 300 vehicles were dispatched per day. Training is also provided for driving on snowy roads. This year, a total of 20 vehicles and 45 drivers are on the road. We hope that the operation of Taxi GO will help ease winter traffic, even if only a little.
welfare
◆ Comments from participants
・With the number of elderly people increasing, nursing care facilities such as Niseko Heights are at full capacity. I think the number of people using these facilities will increase in the future, but are there any concrete plans or considerations to increase the number of beds in nursing care facilities?
◇From town
Estimates of the elderly population and planning considerations are being coordinated across the 16 towns and villages that make up the Shiribeshi Regional Union.
At present, the number of elderly people in the entire Shiribeshi region is predicted to decrease, and simulations show that there will be no increase in the number of people wishing to move in in the future, leading to a shortage of facilities.
Niseko High School
◆ Comments from participants
・The capacity of Niseko High School will be increased to 70 students, but is it okay to increase the capacity in an era of declining birthrates? Also, by converting to a full-time school, won't the distinctive feature of being able to study agriculture and tourism be diluted?
◇From the Board of Education
Using the unique environment of Niseko Town as a field and working closely with the local community, applications from not only the local area but also from all over Hokkaido and the country are on the rise. Therefore, by increasing the capacity to 70 students in the future, the number of teachers will increase and it will be possible to accommodate students going on to higher education. By converting to a comprehensive department, we hope to be able to study a variety of fields, including agriculture and tourism.
education
◆ Comments from participants
- I would like parents to be able to regulate the apps that run on Chromebooks given to their children.
◇From the Board of Education
It is not possible to individually set whether or not students can use apps such as YouTube on Chromebooks lent to them. The school will instruct students to follow the rules for using devices, including the rules at home.
◆ Comments from participants
・I would like to see more buses and coaches provided when club activities go on trips.
◇From the Board of Education
The ministry will listen to the parents of students who participate in youth groups and club activities to understand the current situation regarding the improvement of transportation for sports activities, etc. After that, it will organize issues and requests, and consider concrete measures.
Sports
◆ Comments from participants
・There are many women who want to participate in town athletic meets and softball tournaments. From the perspective of gender equality, I would like the limit on the number of women to be stopped.
◇From the Board of Education
Although there are restrictions for different age groups in softball tournaments, there are no limits on the number of women who can participate. The nine-player volleyball tournament, which previously had a limit on the number of participants, has lifted that restriction starting this year.
The town athletic meet has a limit on the number of participants for each event, but the basic rule is that there should be an equal number of men and women, and if there are no women, men can participate instead. Only the centipede race takes into account differences in physical strength and sets the number of participants by gender (10 men, 5 women), but this will be reviewed at next year's supervisors' meeting.
◆ Comments from participants
・I would like the pool facilities to be improved. Is it possible to have a pool all year round?
◇From town
The pool has been a long-standing concern. We would like to start planning it once we have a good idea of how to secure renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy. We will continue to investigate ways to secure energy sources.
■問合せ／企画環境課広報広聴係 TEL 0136-44-2121
The talk of the town!!
みなさんの地域や職場の話題などありましたら、広報担当（TEL.0136-44-2121）までお気軽にご連絡ください。
Talk show with Nippon Ham Fighters players
Straight talk in Niseko
As part of efforts to create a local community, a talk show featuring players from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Niseko Supporters Association, called "Niseko de Chokkyu Talk", was held at the Community Center on December 22nd.
We welcomed No. 12 Yazawa Kota and talked to him about his play this season, his aspirations for next season, and his memories from his school days. The talk was conducted in a discussion format with members of the Niseko Supporters Association, and the fans who came to the event listened intently to Yazawa's story.
At the end of the event, a fun raffle was held, with some great prizes given away, including Fighters merchandise and a uniform signed by Yazawa.
A large number of fans came and the event was a big success
High-five with Yazawa!
He also revealed his interactions with the team's players.
Connect! Deepen your bonds!
Niseko Town and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
On December 11th, players Daihachi Okamura and Shinichi Dema visited Niseko Town as part of the "Consadole Hokkaido Tours", an event organized by Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo where players visit cities and towns.
The townspeople gathered at the town social gathering, where they were greeted by members of the supporters' club, town officials, and many other fans, and had fun getting autographs on the merchandise they had brought with them and taking photos with the players.
They also visited Niseko Elementary School, where they participated in a dribbling relay with 5th and 6th graders from a local elementary school. During question time, they kindly offered advice and encouragement to the students.
At the end of the match, the team was presented with a commemorative gift from Consadole and a commemorative photo was taken.
Excited children and Consadole players
A support group was established
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Niseko Supporters Association Official LINE
Click here →
■Inquiries/
consadole.niseko@gmail.com
The event was lively with various events.
NISEKO Christmas 2024
On December 15th, a Christmas event was held at the Community Center, co-hosted by the Regional Revitalization Volunteers and International Exchange Coordinators.
In addition to performances such as picture book readings and musical instrument performances, there was also a Christmas-themed craft experience, attracting many visitors.
The event concluded with the lighting of a Christmas tree made from recycled materials from around the town.
I also decorated it with ornaments I made myself.
Experience Chinese food culture
Chinese cooking class "Compare and taste dumplings!"
On December 21st, which is the winter solstice in northern Chugoku, the Coordinators for International Relations (Niseko FRIENDS Office) held a Chinese cooking class.
In China, Chinese cabbage is considered a lucky charm, so we made skins in two colors, white and green, to imitate Chinese cabbage. We stuffed the thinly stretched skins with gyoza filling containing pickled Chinese cabbage to make boiled gyoza, and compared the taste with the pan-fried and steamed gyoza made by the international exchange coordinators.
The participants were surprised at the differences in gyoza culture between countries and enjoyed chatting with each other, making it a fun time that satisfied both their hearts and their stomachs.
Trying out how to wrap dumplings in China
I made a friend from far south.
Exchange meeting with children and students from Satsumasendai city
For four days from December 25th to 28th, elementary and junior high school students from Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture visited Niseko Town and interacted with local elementary and junior high school students.
This exchange program was started due to the fact that a memorial museum for Takeo Arishima's younger brother, Tono Satomi, is located in Satsumasendai City, and this year marks the 10th time the program has been held.
At the welcome ceremony held at the community center, the children introduced themselves and were presented with commemorative gifts.
Afterwards, the venue was moved outside and participants enjoyed snowball fights, making snow sculptures, etc. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen friendships through playing in the snow, a sport unique to the northern region.
Deepened my understanding of life in Niseko Town and Takeo Arishima
Protect the town from fire
Firefighting initiation ceremony
On January 7th, the Niseko Fire Department held its New Year's parade. After an inspection and review in front of the Niseko Branch Office, the venue moved to the Town Hall, where certificates of commendation were presented to those who have contributed to disaster prevention and fire prevention activities for many years.
Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award: Division Chief Takayuki Maeda
Mr.
Hokkaido Governor's Award
30 years of service: Department manager Kazuhiko Shirakami
Fire Commander Hideki Kawaguchi
20 years of service: Team leader Osamu Onuki
Assistant Fire Commander Ikariuchi Susumu
Member with 10 years of service: Yume Harada
Division chief Takayuki Maeda receiving the Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award
Towards the construction of a new dormitory
The 228th Town Planning Citizen Lecture
On December 24th, the Board of Education held the 228th Town Planning Citizen Lecture in preparation for the completion of the detailed design for the construction of the new Niseko High School dormitory.
First, Principal Motoya gave an explanation about the new school. After that, the developer explained the detailed design drawings of the Niseko High School dormitory, and the participants asked various questions about the dormitory.
There was a lively exchange of opinions
In recognition of his many years of achievement
Awards for Meritorious Contributions and Industry Contributions
To express gratitude to everyone who has contributed to town development and industrial development, Niseko Town Merit Awards and Industrial Contribution Awards for 2024 were held at the Town Hall on January 6th.
Merit Award: Tomoaki Kawahara
Certificate of appreciation presented to: Koichi Shimura and Shigeo Nishimoto
Industry Contribution Award: Kiyoshi Nakano, Wataru Naruse, Keiko Matsumoto
Koichi Shimura giving a speech on behalf of the group
Supporting the lives of local residents
Certificate of appreciation for contributions to the community
On January 8th at the town hall, Mayor Katayama presented Makino Kogyo Co., Ltd. with a letter of appreciation for their contributions to the local community.
As part of their social contribution activities, Makino Kogyo Co., Ltd. renovated the stairs used by local residents in the Hondori area of our town, striving to make them safe to use. We are deeply grateful for their significant contribution to the community.
President Makino receiving the award
Reuniting with old friends brings smiles
Reiwa 7 (2025) 20th Birthday Gathering
The Board of Education held a "20th Birthday Gathering" at the Town Hall on January 12th, with 24 people in attendance.
Those who turned 20 this year were born between April 2004 and March 2005.
During the attraction, a special lecture was given by Mr. Yoshinori Hayashi, who was the homeroom teacher for three years at Niseko Junior High School. The students were given a special Coming of Age Ceremony issue of the class newsletter and postcards that they had written to themselves when they were 20 years old in February 2020, just before graduating from junior high school, and they reminisced with their friends and parents.
After the ceremony, the students, dressed in kimonos or suits, enjoyed spending time together with their classmates whom they had not seen for a long time, taking photos and catching up on their lives.
Spotlight
We present the speech given by a representative of the 20-year-olds at the 20-year-old gathering, in which they expressed their gratitude to many people and pledged their determination for the future.
Thank you for joining us today.
I would like to express my greetings on behalf of all the participants, after receiving the words of congratulations from everyone who attended.
This may be a sudden question, but do you have a dream? Pursuing a dream requires great resolve, and it can also come with anxiety and fear. I am currently pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. This job may seem glamorous at first glance, but every day is a series of challenges and failures. Sometimes I fail auditions, and sometimes I am not satisfied with my acting.
Now, failure happens to everyone in life, but here's what I think about failure:
"You can't change the future, but you can change the past"
You may think this is the opposite, but no one knows what the future holds, so it cannot be changed. However, I believe we can change our future by how we face and learn from past events. If we turn failure into learning, it can become an opportunity for growth. The idea is that if we keep trying until we succeed, failure is just a passing phase. Sometimes we fail badly in love, but that is also just a passing phase.
When we were kids, we all had dreams. Some of us may have dreamed of becoming an athlete or a celebrity. When we become adults, we tend to be bound by "normality" and "common sense" and put off what we really want to do, but I think it's important to live true to your heart.
Since I decided to become an actor, I've been full of anxiety. I ask myself every day, "Can I do this?" But I still keep trying. Even when I fail, I feel like I'm growing.
What's important in life from now on is to keep trying without fearing failure. I believe that you can overcome failure, grow and achieve your dreams. I hope you too will believe in your own path and move forward.
Finally, what should we do first as we reach this turning point?
I think it's about expressing gratitude to your family, friends, teachers, and everyone around you.
Please express your gratitude to those who have supported you thus far.
And from now on, let's become adults who can support others.
Although we are still inexperienced, we are grateful for the support and help we have received from so many people, and we pledge to join the ranks of working adults here today. This concludes my speech on behalf of all 20-year-olds.
January 12, 2025, Representative: 20-year-old Yota Miki
Talk show with Nippon Ham Fighters players
Straight talk in Niseko
As part of efforts to create a local community, a talk show featuring players from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Niseko Supporters Association, called "Niseko de Chokkyu Talk", was held at the Community Center on December 22nd.
We welcomed No. 12 Yazawa Kota and talked to him about his play this season, his aspirations for next season, and his memories from his school days. The talk was conducted in a discussion format with members of the Niseko Supporters Association, and the fans who came to the event listened intently to Yazawa's story.
At the end of the event, a fun raffle was held, with some great prizes given away, including Fighters merchandise and a uniform signed by Yazawa.
A large number of fans came and the event was a big success
High-five with Yazawa!
He also revealed his interactions with the team's players.
Connect! Deepen your bonds!
Niseko Town and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
On December 11th, players Daihachi Okamura and Shinichi Dema visited Niseko Town as part of the "Consadole Hokkaido Tours", an event organized by Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo where players visit cities and towns.
The townspeople gathered at the town social gathering, where they were greeted by members of the supporters' club, town officials, and many other fans, and had fun getting autographs on the merchandise they had brought with them and taking photos with the players.
They also visited Niseko Elementary School, where they participated in a dribbling relay with 5th and 6th graders from a local elementary school. During question time, they kindly offered advice and encouragement to the students.
At the end of the match, the team was presented with a commemorative gift from Consadole and a commemorative photo was taken.
Excited children and Consadole players
A support group was established
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Niseko Supporters Association Official LINE
Click here →
■Inquiries/
consadole.niseko@gmail.com
The event was lively with various events.
NISEKO Christmas 2024
On December 15th, a Christmas event was held at the Community Center, co-hosted by the Regional Revitalization Volunteers and International Exchange Coordinators.
In addition to performances such as picture book readings and musical instrument performances, there was also a Christmas-themed craft experience, attracting many visitors.
The event concluded with the lighting of a Christmas tree made from recycled materials from around the town.
I also decorated it with ornaments I made myself.
Experience Chinese food culture
Chinese cooking class "Compare and taste dumplings!"
On December 21st, which is the winter solstice in northern Chugoku, the Coordinators for International Relations (Niseko FRIENDS Office) held a Chinese cooking class.
In China, Chinese cabbage is considered a lucky charm, so we made skins in two colors, white and green, to imitate Chinese cabbage. We stuffed the thinly stretched skins with gyoza filling containing pickled Chinese cabbage to make boiled gyoza, and compared the taste with the pan-fried and steamed gyoza made by the international exchange coordinators.
The participants were surprised at the differences in gyoza culture between countries and enjoyed chatting with each other, making it a fun time that satisfied both their hearts and their stomachs.
Trying out how to wrap dumplings in China
I made a friend from far south.
Exchange meeting with children and students from Satsumasendai city
For four days from December 25th to 28th, elementary and junior high school students from Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture visited Niseko Town and interacted with local elementary and junior high school students.
This exchange program was started due to the fact that a memorial museum for Takeo Arishima's younger brother, Tono Satomi, is located in Satsumasendai City, and this year marks the 10th time the program has been held.
At the welcome ceremony held at the community center, the children introduced themselves and were presented with commemorative gifts.
Afterwards, the venue was moved outside and participants enjoyed snowball fights, making snow sculptures, etc. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen friendships through playing in the snow, a sport unique to the northern region.
Deepened my understanding of life in Niseko Town and Takeo Arishima
Protect the town from fire
Firefighting initiation ceremony
On January 7th, the Niseko Fire Department held its New Year's parade. After an inspection and review in front of the Niseko Branch Office, the venue moved to the Town Hall, where certificates of commendation were presented to those who have contributed to disaster prevention and fire prevention activities for many years.
Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award: Division Chief Takayuki Maeda
Mr.
Hokkaido Governor's Award
30 years of service: Department manager Kazuhiko Shirakami
Fire Commander Hideki Kawaguchi
20 years of service: Team leader Osamu Onuki
Assistant Fire Commander Ikariuchi Susumu
Member with 10 years of service: Yume Harada
Division chief Takayuki Maeda receiving the Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award
Towards the construction of a new dormitory
The 228th Town Planning Citizen Lecture
On December 24th, the Board of Education held the 228th Town Planning Citizen Lecture in preparation for the completion of the detailed design for the construction of the new Niseko High School dormitory.
First, Principal Motoya gave an explanation about the new school. After that, the developer explained the detailed design drawings of the Niseko High School dormitory, and the participants asked various questions about the dormitory.
There was a lively exchange of opinions
In recognition of his many years of achievement
Awards for Meritorious Contributions and Industry Contributions
To express gratitude to everyone who has contributed to town development and industrial development, Niseko Town Merit Awards and Industrial Contribution Awards for 2024 were held at the Town Hall on January 6th.
Merit Award: Tomoaki Kawahara
Certificate of appreciation presented to: Koichi Shimura and Shigeo Nishimoto
Industry Contribution Award: Kiyoshi Nakano, Wataru Naruse, Keiko Matsumoto
Koichi Shimura giving a speech on behalf of the group
Supporting the lives of local residents
Certificate of appreciation for contributions to the community
On January 8th at the town hall, Mayor Katayama presented Makino Kogyo Co., Ltd. with a letter of appreciation for their contributions to the local community.
As part of their social contribution activities, Makino Kogyo Co., Ltd. renovated the stairs used by local residents in the Hondori area of our town, striving to make them safe to use. We are deeply grateful for their significant contribution to the community.
President Makino receiving the award
Reuniting with old friends brings smiles
Reiwa 7 (2025) 20th Birthday Gathering
The Board of Education held a "20th Birthday Gathering" at the Town Hall on January 12th, with 24 people in attendance.
Those who turned 20 this year were born between April 2004 and March 2005.
During the attraction, a special lecture was given by Mr. Yoshinori Hayashi, who was the homeroom teacher for three years at Niseko Junior High School. The students were given a special Coming of Age Ceremony issue of the class newsletter and postcards that they had written to themselves when they were 20 years old in February 2020, just before graduating from junior high school, and they reminisced with their friends and parents.
After the ceremony, the students, dressed in kimonos or suits, enjoyed spending time together with their classmates whom they had not seen for a long time, taking photos and catching up on their lives.
Spotlight
We present the speech given by a representative of the 20-year-olds at the 20-year-old gathering, in which they expressed their gratitude to many people and pledged their determination for the future.
Thank you for joining us today.
I would like to express my greetings on behalf of all the participants, after receiving the words of congratulations from everyone who attended.
This may be a sudden question, but do you have a dream? Pursuing a dream requires great resolve, and it can also come with anxiety and fear. I am currently pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. This job may seem glamorous at first glance, but every day is a series of challenges and failures. Sometimes I fail auditions, and sometimes I am not satisfied with my acting.
Now, failure happens to everyone in life, but here's what I think about failure:
"You can't change the future, but you can change the past"
You may think this is the opposite, but no one knows what the future holds, so it cannot be changed. However, I believe we can change our future by how we face and learn from past events. If we turn failure into learning, it can become an opportunity for growth. The idea is that if we keep trying until we succeed, failure is just a passing phase. Sometimes we fail badly in love, but that is also just a passing phase.
When we were kids, we all had dreams. Some of us may have dreamed of becoming an athlete or a celebrity. When we become adults, we tend to be bound by "normality" and "common sense" and put off what we really want to do, but I think it's important to live true to your heart.
Since I decided to become an actor, I've been full of anxiety. I ask myself every day, "Can I do this?" But I still keep trying. Even when I fail, I feel like I'm growing.
What's important in life from now on is to keep trying without fearing failure. I believe that you can overcome failure, grow and achieve your dreams. I hope you too will believe in your own path and move forward.
Finally, what should we do first as we reach this turning point?
I think it's about expressing gratitude to your family, friends, teachers, and everyone around you.
Please express your gratitude to those who have supported you thus far.
And from now on, let's become adults who can support others.
Although we are still inexperienced, we are grateful for the support and help we have received from so many people, and we pledge to join the ranks of working adults here today. This concludes my speech on behalf of all 20-year-olds.
January 12, 2025, Representative: 20-year-old Yota Miki
Everybody's page
This is the participation page for the townspeople. We look forward to hearing from you!
Planning and Environment Division Public Relations Section
TEL.44-2121 FAX.44-3500
We would like to introduce you to the opinions and letters received from everyone.
This month, I would like to introduce a method that allows you to easily communicate with your town about things that you have noticed on a daily basis regarding towns and community development. Please feel free to use it.
Submit "My Opinion"
Pages 12 and 13 of this month's newsletter are a submission form called "My Opinion." This form is for you to feel free to share with us any opinions or questions you may have about the town administration.
If you cut this form along the lines and glue it together, it will become an envelope that you can send as mail (no stamp required). The form that arrives at the town will be opened personally by the town mayor and the contents will be checked. After that, we will respond to each of your opinions and questions, so please fill in your address and name as much as possible (personal information will be strictly protected). In addition, if a response is required or possible, instructions will be given to the relevant department to respond as soon as possible.
In addition to this form, we also accept opinions by any method, including letter, fax, email, and the "Town Development Public Relations Boxes" set up in various places around town.
*"Machizukuri Public Listening Boxes" are installed at the town hall, townspeople center, Kiranoyu, and Asobukku.
Please use "town development talk"
If you would like to have a group discussion with the mayor, please use the "Town Development Talk." When about five people have gathered, the mayor will visit the designated location.
Niseko High School Agricultural Club
New High School Leader, 1st Year, Vice President, Wataru Endo
Nice to meet you! I'm Wataru Endo, a first-year student who has been appointed as the new vice president of the student council. I'm from the neighboring village of Makkari, and I decided to run for the student council because I wanted to not only see the changes that are happening at Niseko High School, but also to make a difference myself.
The Niseko High School I am aiming for is a school where students "enjoy working hard" and "work hard in order to have fun."
For example, we are currently working on changing the rules regarding hairstyle, uniforms, and school festivals, and we would like to make our high school a more enjoyable place for the townspeople!
Niseko High School is constantly changing, but I want to overcome any changes while having fun and doing my best with the skills I have acquired through my student council activities.
Niseko Tanka Association
At the foot of the mountain, shrouded in mist, there are streetlights in the village, but are people still living there?
The madder red light shines on a pot of poinsettia. Today, by the window.
Niseko Haiku Association
Winter Morning: The Sky is Colored Outside the Window by Taiko Sato
Mount Yotei, surrounded by snow, standing still, Ayako Shimizu
Shopping with fingerless gloves by Yoshie Koshino
The white birch trees on a clear day shine brightly.
It will arrive without a stamp
Please cut along the lines, glue and post.
To the town hall or mayor
I look forward to your "My Opinion"
This is a service that invites you to send us any questions, opinions, or suggestions you may have about town administration via fax or letter.
The mayor will first read your message and then respond to those whose names are signed.
And we will use your opinions as much as possible in town development.
You are also welcome to submit essays that do not require a specific answer, such as things that you enjoyed or that made you happy in your daily life.
You can also send us your comments and opinions on the Niseko Town official website.
http://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/inquiry/
Planning and Environment Division Public Relations Section
TEL.44-2121 FAX.44-3500
We would like to introduce you to the opinions and letters received from everyone.
This month, I would like to introduce a method that allows you to easily communicate with your town about things that you have noticed on a daily basis regarding towns and community development. Please feel free to use it.
Submit "My Opinion"
Pages 12 and 13 of this month's newsletter are a submission form called "My Opinion." This form is for you to feel free to share with us any opinions or questions you may have about the town administration.
If you cut this form along the lines and glue it together, it will become an envelope that you can send as mail (no stamp required). The form that arrives at the town will be opened personally by the town mayor and the contents will be checked. After that, we will respond to each of your opinions and questions, so please fill in your address and name as much as possible (personal information will be strictly protected). In addition, if a response is required or possible, instructions will be given to the relevant department to respond as soon as possible.
In addition to this form, we also accept opinions by any method, including letter, fax, email, and the "Town Development Public Relations Boxes" set up in various places around town.
*"Machizukuri Public Listening Boxes" are installed at the town hall, townspeople center, Kiranoyu, and Asobukku.
Please use "town development talk"
If you would like to have a group discussion with the mayor, please use the "Town Development Talk." When about five people have gathered, the mayor will visit the designated location.
Niseko High School Agricultural Club
New High School Leader, 1st Year, Vice President, Wataru Endo
Nice to meet you! I'm Wataru Endo, a first-year student who has been appointed as the new vice president of the student council. I'm from the neighboring village of Makkari, and I decided to run for the student council because I wanted to not only see the changes that are happening at Niseko High School, but also to make a difference myself.
The Niseko High School I am aiming for is a school where students "enjoy working hard" and "work hard in order to have fun."
For example, we are currently working on changing the rules regarding hairstyle, uniforms, and school festivals, and we would like to make our high school a more enjoyable place for the townspeople!
Niseko High School is constantly changing, but I want to overcome any changes while having fun and doing my best with the skills I have acquired through my student council activities.
Niseko Tanka Association
At the foot of the mountain, shrouded in mist, there are streetlights in the village, but are people still living there?
The madder red light shines on a pot of poinsettia. Today, by the window.
Niseko Haiku Association
Winter Morning: The Sky is Colored Outside the Window by Taiko Sato
Mount Yotei, surrounded by snow, standing still, Ayako Shimizu
Shopping with fingerless gloves by Yoshie Koshino
The white birch trees on a clear day shine brightly.
It will arrive without a stamp
Please cut along the lines, glue and post.
To the town hall or mayor
I look forward to your "My Opinion"
This is a service that invites you to send us any questions, opinions, or suggestions you may have about town administration via fax or letter.
The mayor will first read your message and then respond to those whose names are signed.
And we will use your opinions as much as possible in town development.
You are also welcome to submit essays that do not require a specific answer, such as things that you enjoyed or that made you happy in your daily life.
You can also send us your comments and opinions on the Niseko Town official website.
http://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/inquiry/
Playbook Newsletter No.263
Learning Exchange Center Aso Book
■ Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays, last Fridays, public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays
TEL.0136-43-2155 FAX.0136-43-2156
https://asobook-lib.com/
Niseko Kohiru story time
This time, we have selected three picture books related to Wagomu, with the theme of "The Possibilities of Wagomu." There will also be a mini exhibition.
MOE Picture Book Store Grand Prize
The 2024 MOE Picture Book Store Grand Prize winners have been announced. The 2022 and 2023 winning works are also on display.
Notice
Announcement of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize Winners
Asobook also exhibited the nominated works, and the winning works were announced on January 15th. Did you guess right?
We will continue to exhibit the nominated and winning works. We are currently preparing some works, so please look forward to the announcement of new books.
Akutagawa Prize
Jose Ando "DTOPIA"
Suzuki Yuuki "Goethe said everything"
Naoki Prize
Arata Iyohara "The Sea That Inherits Indigo"
Setsubun coloring books on display
We hope that small children and elementary school students who visit with their parents will enjoy the experience, so we have prepared some coloring books.
Would you like to decorate your playbook with an oni mask? Please ask at the counter. We also have picture books and events that are perfect for winter.
We also have picture books related to the subject.
During the cold winter, it can be hard to leave the house, but we'll keep you warm inside the building and welcome you.
Would you like to exhibit your hobby?
At Asobook, we regularly hold exhibitions of our users' artwork.
The exhibits are diverse and unique, and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Be sure to check them out when you visit.
We are also looking for people who would like to exhibit their works. The exhibition period will be about two weeks. Would you like to hold a "small solo exhibition" at Asobook? Please feel free to ask the counter staff.
Exhibition
book display
2/1～2/28
There are exhibits related to Edo, which will be the setting for the 2025 taiga drama "Berabou."
Why not take a peek into the Edo culture in which our main character, Tsutaya Juzaburo, was active?
hobby exhibition
2/1-2/14 Knitting / Yoshiko Aoki
2/15～2/27 French Embroidery / Shizuko Nakajima
New arrival book introduction
practical book
KidZania Tokyo Complete Guide Kodansha
Caregiving has begun - Maru Tsukino
Yoko Ishihara's Soup for a Healthy Body, 77 Years Old
Reading material
Fortress of Life Sosuke Natsukawa
The Mermaid Escaped by Michiko Aoyama
Shigeko Morita and Eight-tenths of a Stomach by Akiko Kawasaki
Children's books and picture books
Whitebird RJ Palacio
Tengu's Fan by Yoko Imoto
Deep-fried squid and octopus Junko Takabatake
There are many other new books. Please take a look at the Playbook.
■ Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays, last Fridays, public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays
TEL.0136-43-2155 FAX.0136-43-2156
https://asobook-lib.com/
Niseko Kohiru story time
This time, we have selected three picture books related to Wagomu, with the theme of "The Possibilities of Wagomu." There will also be a mini exhibition.
MOE Picture Book Store Grand Prize
The 2024 MOE Picture Book Store Grand Prize winners have been announced. The 2022 and 2023 winning works are also on display.
Notice
Announcement of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize Winners
Asobook also exhibited the nominated works, and the winning works were announced on January 15th. Did you guess right?
We will continue to exhibit the nominated and winning works. We are currently preparing some works, so please look forward to the announcement of new books.
Akutagawa Prize
Jose Ando "DTOPIA"
Suzuki Yuuki "Goethe said everything"
Naoki Prize
Arata Iyohara "The Sea That Inherits Indigo"
Setsubun coloring books on display
We hope that small children and elementary school students who visit with their parents will enjoy the experience, so we have prepared some coloring books.
Would you like to decorate your playbook with an oni mask? Please ask at the counter. We also have picture books and events that are perfect for winter.
We also have picture books related to the subject.
During the cold winter, it can be hard to leave the house, but we'll keep you warm inside the building and welcome you.
Would you like to exhibit your hobby?
At Asobook, we regularly hold exhibitions of our users' artwork.
The exhibits are diverse and unique, and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Be sure to check them out when you visit.
We are also looking for people who would like to exhibit their works. The exhibition period will be about two weeks. Would you like to hold a "small solo exhibition" at Asobook? Please feel free to ask the counter staff.
Exhibition
book display
2/1～2/28
There are exhibits related to Edo, which will be the setting for the 2025 taiga drama "Berabou."
Why not take a peek into the Edo culture in which our main character, Tsutaya Juzaburo, was active?
hobby exhibition
2/1-2/14 Knitting / Yoshiko Aoki
2/15～2/27 French Embroidery / Shizuko Nakajima
New arrival book introduction
practical book
KidZania Tokyo Complete Guide Kodansha
Caregiving has begun - Maru Tsukino
Yoko Ishihara's Soup for a Healthy Body, 77 Years Old
Reading material
Fortress of Life Sosuke Natsukawa
The Mermaid Escaped by Michiko Aoyama
Shigeko Morita and Eight-tenths of a Stomach by Akiko Kawasaki
Children's books and picture books
Whitebird RJ Palacio
Tengu's Fan by Yoko Imoto
Deep-fried squid and octopus Junko Takabatake
There are many other new books. Please take a look at the Playbook.
Niseko Town Area Development Cooperation Team
Report daily activities from the members!
My Neighborhood Cooperation Team 41.
We will send out information every month so that the townspeople can learn about the activities and personalities of our volunteers!
Editor in charge
<2nd year> Risa Ito Osamu Muraoka
First year: Kyoka Sato, Kosuke Ota
Introducing the activities of the cooperation team
≫Radio Niseko
Inside [Kira Niseko]
"Because I like Niseko of the cooperation team~"
(every Monday from 3:20 pm to 50 pm)
<Those scheduled to perform in February>
2/ 3 Emi Deguchi and Koichi Fukikoshi
10. Risa Ito and Masashi Hirayama
17 Ayaka Saito and Naoki Nakamura
24 Suzuki Konoka and Takagi Hokuto
＞＞Information is also being posted on social media!
website
▼
Facebook
▼
Instagram
▼
Introducing the new members
Introducing the new members joining in the second half of FY2024!
Tomoho Kobayashi (from Aichi Prefecture) Assigned to Niseko High School in Hokkaido
I came to Niseko because I was attracted to the rare opportunity to create a new school in a country where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging. I also wanted to use my experience to play a role in connecting Japan and the world in the global setting of Niseko.
In the new entrepreneurial education program at our school, I am involved in inquiry classes and the after-school entrepreneurial activity "StarsUP." I am able to experience the students' creativity up close, and I am inspired by their lively expressions of joy in discovering and learning, as well as their hard work every day.
Daigo Kizawa (from Hakodate City) Assigned to Niseko Resort Tourism Association Co., Ltd.
I was attracted by the abundant nature and beautiful scenery of Niseko Town, so I decided to take on a new challenge as a local revitalization volunteer.
At the Niseko Resort Tourism Association, where I am assigned, I am in charge of providing tourist information and accepting educational trips. Although it is a different field from my previous experience, I have a strong interest in a job that promotes the charm of the region through tourism. In particular, I would like to convey the rich nature and unique culture to many people and provide visitors with a memorable experience.
While valuing our connections with local residents, we will do our utmost to revitalize the region through tourism.
Mai Ikeda (from Hakodate City) Assigned to: Agriculture Department Niseko View Plaza Direct Sales
I aspired to become a local revitalization volunteer in Niseko Town because I was drawn to its rich nature and delicious agricultural products, and wanted more people to know about its charms. Although it is known as a tourist destination, I felt that there was still room for expansion in local resources such as agricultural products.
I would like to work with the local community to turn ideas into reality, promote new attractions, and use my experience to help people fall in love with Niseko Town.
Overall Activity Report December
event support
A huge success at the Christmas party
This year, the JOCVs and Niseko FRIENDS held a grand Christmas event. The event started with Santa distributing presents, and the children enjoyed stage performances of music and dance, and had the chance to try out some crafts. There was also an exhibition of panels introducing the CIRs and JOCVs.
As part of an eco-friendly initiative, the base of the Christmas tree was made from recycled materials and then decorated with ornaments that the children had made during their craft experience on the day, completing the tree.
At the end of the event, we sang Jingle Bells together with the Coordinator for International Relations in five languages and lit up the tree to close the event. I think everyone enjoyed the joyful Christmas atmosphere through this event! (Ota Kosuke)
Original project
Volunteer workshop held!
Activity philosophy for the second half of 2020
The JOCVs brainstormed ideas to help each member work towards a goal in their relocation and settlement, and decided on the following activity philosophy and goals and guidelines for action.
Niseko Town Regional Revitalization Volunteer Theme for the Second Half of FY2024
Activity Philosophy
"Connecting the local community with members to create new value and vitality"
Goals and Guidelines
1. Contribute to status activities by promoting communication among team members, deepening teamwork, and smoothly sharing information.
2. By widely publicizing and recognizing the assigned duties and activities of the volunteers to the townspeople, it will help boost the morale of the volunteers.
We will make the most of each team member's special skills and strive to contribute to the further development of Niseko Town, so please support us! (Kohei Shimizu)
My Neighborhood Cooperation Team 41.
We will send out information every month so that the townspeople can learn about the activities and personalities of our volunteers!
Editor in charge
<2nd year> Risa Ito Osamu Muraoka
First year: Kyoka Sato, Kosuke Ota
Introducing the activities of the cooperation team
≫Radio Niseko
Inside [Kira Niseko]
"Because I like Niseko of the cooperation team~"
(every Monday from 3:20 pm to 50 pm)
<Those scheduled to perform in February>
2/ 3 Emi Deguchi and Koichi Fukikoshi
10. Risa Ito and Masashi Hirayama
17 Ayaka Saito and Naoki Nakamura
24 Suzuki Konoka and Takagi Hokuto
＞＞Information is also being posted on social media!
website
▼
▼
▼
Introducing the new members
Introducing the new members joining in the second half of FY2024!
Tomoho Kobayashi (from Aichi Prefecture) Assigned to Niseko High School in Hokkaido
I came to Niseko because I was attracted to the rare opportunity to create a new school in a country where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging. I also wanted to use my experience to play a role in connecting Japan and the world in the global setting of Niseko.
In the new entrepreneurial education program at our school, I am involved in inquiry classes and the after-school entrepreneurial activity "StarsUP." I am able to experience the students' creativity up close, and I am inspired by their lively expressions of joy in discovering and learning, as well as their hard work every day.
Daigo Kizawa (from Hakodate City) Assigned to Niseko Resort Tourism Association Co., Ltd.
I was attracted by the abundant nature and beautiful scenery of Niseko Town, so I decided to take on a new challenge as a local revitalization volunteer.
At the Niseko Resort Tourism Association, where I am assigned, I am in charge of providing tourist information and accepting educational trips. Although it is a different field from my previous experience, I have a strong interest in a job that promotes the charm of the region through tourism. In particular, I would like to convey the rich nature and unique culture to many people and provide visitors with a memorable experience.
While valuing our connections with local residents, we will do our utmost to revitalize the region through tourism.
Mai Ikeda (from Hakodate City) Assigned to: Agriculture Department Niseko View Plaza Direct Sales
I aspired to become a local revitalization volunteer in Niseko Town because I was drawn to its rich nature and delicious agricultural products, and wanted more people to know about its charms. Although it is known as a tourist destination, I felt that there was still room for expansion in local resources such as agricultural products.
I would like to work with the local community to turn ideas into reality, promote new attractions, and use my experience to help people fall in love with Niseko Town.
Overall Activity Report December
event support
A huge success at the Christmas party
This year, the JOCVs and Niseko FRIENDS held a grand Christmas event. The event started with Santa distributing presents, and the children enjoyed stage performances of music and dance, and had the chance to try out some crafts. There was also an exhibition of panels introducing the CIRs and JOCVs.
As part of an eco-friendly initiative, the base of the Christmas tree was made from recycled materials and then decorated with ornaments that the children had made during their craft experience on the day, completing the tree.
At the end of the event, we sang Jingle Bells together with the Coordinator for International Relations in five languages and lit up the tree to close the event. I think everyone enjoyed the joyful Christmas atmosphere through this event! (Ota Kosuke)
Original project
Volunteer workshop held!
Activity philosophy for the second half of 2020
The JOCVs brainstormed ideas to help each member work towards a goal in their relocation and settlement, and decided on the following activity philosophy and goals and guidelines for action.
Niseko Town Regional Revitalization Volunteer Theme for the Second Half of FY2024
Activity Philosophy
"Connecting the local community with members to create new value and vitality"
Goals and Guidelines
1. Contribute to status activities by promoting communication among team members, deepening teamwork, and smoothly sharing information.
2. By widely publicizing and recognizing the assigned duties and activities of the volunteers to the townspeople, it will help boost the morale of the volunteers.
We will make the most of each team member's special skills and strive to contribute to the further development of Niseko Town, so please support us! (Kohei Shimizu)
smiling square
In this section, we will introduce various activities and information related to child-rearing!
Parenting topics
Yoji Centre
There was a mochi-pounding party.
This year, the older children tried their hand at making mochi rice. As they took turns showing off the steamed rice, the younger children looked in and exclaimed, "It looks delicious!"
Everyone sang the rice cake pounding song loudly and cheered on the staff members and the older boys and girls from the Bear group who were pounding the rice cakes, calling out "Yoisho! Yoisho!"
When they saw the finished rice cakes, everyone was very happy and said, "Wow, that's amazing!"
Pounding mochi is fun!
Sun
Child care course "cooking class"
We held a cooking class with nutritionist Saito from the Health and Welfare Division as the instructor. This time, we tried making "lasagna-style gyoza skins," "egg cup salad," "consomme soup," and "crepe rolls." We cooked in a friendly and fun atmosphere while having lively conversations, and enjoyed eating the delicious dishes together with the children.
After learning the simple recipe, participants expressed a desire to try making it at home.
It's delicious!
"Ohisama" is a place where parents and children can play casually and talk to each other about their worries. (Inside Yoji Centre)
Notice
Parenting seminar "Playbook Puppet Show"
The Asobook Puppet Theatre Company will come to Yoji Centre and perform puppet shows. Why not come and watch a show with your children?
◆Date and time: Wednesday, February 19th, 10:30am
◆Location: Yoji Centre
Parenting class "Flower Arrangement"
Date and time: Tuesday, February 25th, 10:00am
◆Place/Townsman Center
◆Lecturer: Kiyomi Mitani
◆Material cost/1,500 yen
◆ Daycare / Child-rearing Support Center “Ohisama”
◆Application deadline: Friday, February 14th
Early Yoji Centre Opening
Opening up early Yoji Centre to parents and children before kindergarten age
I will do it.
◆Date and time: Monday, February 10th, 10:00 AM
◆Location: Yoji Centre
◆Contents: playing in the snow, indoor play, etc.
◆Application deadline: Wednesday, February 5th
*The content of the daycare may change. Please dress appropriately for playing in the snow.
<Inquiries about this page>
Niseko Town Yoji Centre "Kiratto" Manager / Aoki and Matsui
TEL.（代表）0136-44-2700 FAX.0136-44-2725
Parenting topics
Yoji Centre
There was a mochi-pounding party.
This year, the older children tried their hand at making mochi rice. As they took turns showing off the steamed rice, the younger children looked in and exclaimed, "It looks delicious!"
Everyone sang the rice cake pounding song loudly and cheered on the staff members and the older boys and girls from the Bear group who were pounding the rice cakes, calling out "Yoisho! Yoisho!"
When they saw the finished rice cakes, everyone was very happy and said, "Wow, that's amazing!"
Pounding mochi is fun!
Sun
Child care course "cooking class"
We held a cooking class with nutritionist Saito from the Health and Welfare Division as the instructor. This time, we tried making "lasagna-style gyoza skins," "egg cup salad," "consomme soup," and "crepe rolls." We cooked in a friendly and fun atmosphere while having lively conversations, and enjoyed eating the delicious dishes together with the children.
After learning the simple recipe, participants expressed a desire to try making it at home.
It's delicious!
"Ohisama" is a place where parents and children can play casually and talk to each other about their worries. (Inside Yoji Centre)
Notice
Parenting seminar "Playbook Puppet Show"
The Asobook Puppet Theatre Company will come to Yoji Centre and perform puppet shows. Why not come and watch a show with your children?
◆Date and time: Wednesday, February 19th, 10:30am
◆Location: Yoji Centre
Parenting class "Flower Arrangement"
Date and time: Tuesday, February 25th, 10:00am
◆Place/Townsman Center
◆Lecturer: Kiyomi Mitani
◆Material cost/1,500 yen
◆ Daycare / Child-rearing Support Center “Ohisama”
◆Application deadline: Friday, February 14th
Early Yoji Centre Opening
Opening up early Yoji Centre to parents and children before kindergarten age
I will do it.
◆Date and time: Monday, February 10th, 10:00 AM
◆Location: Yoji Centre
◆Contents: playing in the snow, indoor play, etc.
◆Application deadline: Wednesday, February 5th
*The content of the daycare may change. Please dress appropriately for playing in the snow.
<Inquiries about this page>
Niseko Town Yoji Centre "Kiratto" Manager / Aoki and Matsui
TEL.（代表）0136-44-2700 FAX.0136-44-2725
Dr. Kawai's Health Memo Vol.31
ニセコ医院 TEL.0136-44-2201
Hello everyone, this year is the year of the snake. The year of the snake is said to be the year of "revival and regeneration." So, I would like to talk about regenerative medicine.
What is regenerative medicine?
This is a general term for medical technologies aimed at repairing and regenerating cells, tissues, or organs lost due to injury or disease. Until now, transplants have typically involved transplanting organs from other people, but regenerative medicine makes it possible to create new organs using one's own cells, so there is less risk of rejection and it may even be possible to create an infinite number of organs. This will increase new treatment options for diseases and injuries that were difficult to cure with conventional treatments.
Japan is a world leader in establishing laws to promote regenerative medicine, and is building a system to promote new medical treatments nationwide, including revising laws that set safety standards for drugs and medical devices.
For example, in severe burns, treatment involves transplanting skin from another part of the body to replace the missing skin, but if the burn is widespread, the amount of skin that needs to be harvested is also large. Therefore, if we can minimize the amount of skin that needs to be harvested and culture it to increase, it will be possible to treat widespread burns, which is expected to shorten the treatment period and reduce the burden on the patient.
Research is also currently being conducted into a treatment in which genes with properties that cause the lymphocytes responsible for the immune system in the patient's blood to actively attack cancer cells in the blood, and then those lymphocytes are then returned to the body to destroy the cancer.
Challenges and prospects
Although regenerative medicine is very promising, it does have some challenges. Transplanted cells and tissues can cause side effects such as cancer, so long-term safety confirmation is necessary. In addition, when it comes to cell therapy, there are ethical issues regarding the source of cells used and the technology. Furthermore, regenerative medicine treatments require advanced technology, so the cost of treatment tends to be high.
Regenerative medicine is being applied to the treatment of various diseases, such as spinal cord injuries, myocardial infarction, diabetes, arthritis, and retinal diseases, and has the potential to bring about revolutionary changes, but it is also a field that still requires steady research. However, with future advances in medical technology, we may see the development of artificial hearts and livers, and a time when there are no more incurable diseases.
Hello everyone, this year is the year of the snake. The year of the snake is said to be the year of "revival and regeneration." So, I would like to talk about regenerative medicine.
What is regenerative medicine?
This is a general term for medical technologies aimed at repairing and regenerating cells, tissues, or organs lost due to injury or disease. Until now, transplants have typically involved transplanting organs from other people, but regenerative medicine makes it possible to create new organs using one's own cells, so there is less risk of rejection and it may even be possible to create an infinite number of organs. This will increase new treatment options for diseases and injuries that were difficult to cure with conventional treatments.
Japan is a world leader in establishing laws to promote regenerative medicine, and is building a system to promote new medical treatments nationwide, including revising laws that set safety standards for drugs and medical devices.
For example, in severe burns, treatment involves transplanting skin from another part of the body to replace the missing skin, but if the burn is widespread, the amount of skin that needs to be harvested is also large. Therefore, if we can minimize the amount of skin that needs to be harvested and culture it to increase, it will be possible to treat widespread burns, which is expected to shorten the treatment period and reduce the burden on the patient.
Research is also currently being conducted into a treatment in which genes with properties that cause the lymphocytes responsible for the immune system in the patient's blood to actively attack cancer cells in the blood, and then those lymphocytes are then returned to the body to destroy the cancer.
Challenges and prospects
Although regenerative medicine is very promising, it does have some challenges. Transplanted cells and tissues can cause side effects such as cancer, so long-term safety confirmation is necessary. In addition, when it comes to cell therapy, there are ethical issues regarding the source of cells used and the technology. Furthermore, regenerative medicine treatments require advanced technology, so the cost of treatment tends to be high.
Regenerative medicine is being applied to the treatment of various diseases, such as spinal cord injuries, myocardial infarction, diabetes, arthritis, and retinal diseases, and has the potential to bring about revolutionary changes, but it is also a field that still requires steady research. However, with future advances in medical technology, we may see the development of artificial hearts and livers, and a time when there are no more incurable diseases.
News from Niseko Town Information on living
Notice
The 230th Niseko Town Community Development Lecture "About the 3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Creation Comprehensive Strategy"
As the "2nd Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy (Comprehensive Strategy)" is entering its final year of the target period this year, we are currently formulating the "3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy."
The Comprehensive Strategy is a regional economic strategy for Niseko Town to protect its rich natural environment and other regional resources, while making the most of them to enrich the local economy and promote town development that attracts funds and human resources, even as the population declines across Japan.
The town is confronting the problem of population decline and working on "autonomy revitalization" to create a rich and attractive town in the future. In this townspeople lecture, we will share the trends and issues of the "Population Vision" that shows the direction of the "Third Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy", the basic goals of the "Third Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy", and exchange opinions with the townspeople.
Date and time: Thursday, February 13th, 6pm
■ Location: Niseko Central Warehouses, former starch factory
■問合せ／企画環境課経営企画係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Niseko Town Gift Card Expiration Date
Niseko Town Gift Cards distributed in January to all town residents (those with registered addresses as of November 1, 2024) will expire on Sunday, February 16th. Please use them as soon as possible.
Also, if your household has not received a gift card via Yu-Pack, please contact us.
■問合せ／企画環境課経営企画係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Disaster prevention radio automatic start training
In conjunction with the nationwide simultaneous information transmission test of the J-ALERT (Japan ALERT) nationwide instantaneous warning system, the town will conduct an automatic start-up drill for disaster prevention radios. In order to quickly inform residents of emergency information announced by the national government, the disaster prevention radio will be automatically started in conjunction with J-ALERT. When the training time arrives, a loud sound will be played from the disaster prevention radio. Please be careful not to make any mistakes as this is a training drill.
■ Date and time: Wednesday, February 12th, 11:00 AM
■問合せ／総務課防災係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Notice of Recruitment of Self-Defense Forces
●Self-Defense Force candidates (8th)
・Eligibility for taking the exam: 18 years old or older but under 33 years old as of the 1st day of the scheduled hiring month
・Reception period: February 10, 2020 (Monday) to February 20, 2020 (Thursday)
・Exam date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Please contact us for more information as test dates are subject to change.
■問合せ／自衛隊札幌地方協力本部倶知安地域事務所 TEL 0136-23-3540
または自衛官募集相談員 TEL 0136-44-2177
Preparing for Winter
During the winter, the pressure in the west of Japan is high and the pressure in the east is low, creating a "winter pressure pattern" that allows cold air to flow in from the continent. In particular, from late January to early February, the temperature is at its lowest in the year, so it is important to double-check your preparations for the cold winter weather. When the winter pressure pattern occurs, snow streaks form one after another over the Sea of Japan, causing a lot of snow to fall on the Sea of Japan side, which can cause traffic disruptions due to heavy snowfall and snowdrifts.
In addition, if the inflow of cold air causes the maximum temperature to drop below 0 degrees for several days in the middle of winter, there is a possibility that water pipes may freeze. Let's review the measures to prevent traffic disruptions caused by heavy snow and snowdrifts, and to prevent water pipes from freezing.
To get through this harsh winter, be sure to regularly check the weather information released by meteorological observatories on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website, on television, and on the radio.
■問合せ／札幌管区気象台天気相談所 TEL 011-611-0170
Adult men: Get a rubella antibody test and vaccination by the end of February 2025
This is the final notice for men born between April 2, 1962 and April 1, 1979 who have not used the free coupon to take an antibody test (and for those who have taken an antibody test but not received a vaccination).
■How to administer: Take a rubella antibody test (blood draw), and if your antibody levels are below the standard level, get vaccinated.
■ Antibody testing and vaccinations
Location: Niseko Clinic and other medical institutions outside the town (most medical institutions in Hokkaido are registered with the implementing agency)
*For reissuance of coupons, please contact us or apply online. Scan the 2D code on the left and enter the required information.
■問合せ／保健福祉課健康づくり係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Attorney Katahira will solve your worries!
●This month's theme
Boy and bicycle
During the New Year holidays, I watched a movie called "A Boy and His Bicycle."
This French film begins with the protagonist, a boy of about 10 years old living in an orphanage, becoming worried when he has stopped hearing from his father and calling his home number, which has now been disconnected since his father moved away.
Through an unexpected turn of events, the boy ends up being fostered by a woman for the weekend while he searches for his father.
When the boy finds his father, he tells him not to come back.
Despite his foster mother's warnings, the boy becomes friends with an older boy from the local area who had lived in an orphanage for three years, and follows the boy's instructions to commit a robbery.
When the older boy finds out that the protagonist's face has been seen, he tells him that he committed the crime and helps him out of the getaway car in which they were making the getaway. The boy tries to give the money he stole to his father, but his father pushes him back, asking if he is going to make him a criminal too. Instead of picking up the money that was dropped on the street, the boy returns to his foster parents and confesses that he wants to live with them. The victim, the boy, and the foster mother then meet face to face in court, where the boy apologizes to the victim and the foster mother promises to compensate the victim on the boy's behalf. The boy is ultimately allowed to live with his foster mother rather than going to a juvenile detention center.
The idea for this film, which won many film awards, seems to have come from a story he heard at a symposium on juvenile crime in Japan. I too have met children in similar circumstances to the boy in the film. In the film, it is by chance, but just like the protagonist's encounter with his foster parents, our job is to try to find an environment that will lead to rehabilitation.
Park Front Law Office Niseko Office
141 Hondori Niseko Town
TEL 0136-44-3800 FAX 0136-44-3801
★Advance reservation is required
Acceptance of final tax return
You can file your tax return at your city hall from Monday, February 17th to Friday, March 14th.
*You can file your tax return at any time at the Kutchan Tax Office.
important!
Advance reservation is required for final tax return
Please make a reservation in advance for the desired date and time for filing your tax return, and come to the city hall with plenty of time to spare. To make a reservation in advance, please contact us by phone or email at least one day before the desired date.
Those who do not make an appointment cannot file tax returns. Even if you make an appointment, if you are not feeling well on the day, please do not force yourself and file again at a later date.
TEL 0136-44-2121 Mail:zeimu@town.niseko.lg.jp
*If you are filing at the tax office, you will need to obtain an "admission ticket" in advance. It can be issued in advance on the National Tax Agency's official LINE account, or distributed on the day at the venue.
File your tax return from home using your My Number card!
On the National Tax Agency's website, "Tax Return Creation Corner," you can create a tax return by simply entering the amount and other details. Once you have created the tax return, you can send it via e-Tax using your My Number card. Starting this year, the screen has been made easier to operate on smartphones, making it convenient to file on your smartphone.
Furthermore, if you use your My Number card and link it to Mynaportal, you can get information about your income, such as your salary, as well as deductions for medical expenses and hometown tax payments, all in one place, and automatically enter the relevant information into the relevant fields on your tax return. This makes filing your tax return even more convenient.
*For details on My Number Portal Linkage, please search for "My Number Portal Linkage Special Page" on the National Tax Agency website.
Do you need to file your return now?
If you are filing a return to receive a refund for overpaid income tax (refund return) by adding deductions for medical expenses, donations, life insurance, etc., you do not need to file by March 17. Refund returns can be filed for five years, so you can file for the 2024 tax year at any time up until December 31, 2019.
Tax offices and city halls are busy during the tax return season. If you are filing to get a tax refund, consider filing at a later date or using e-Tax.
If you are unsure whether you need to declare
If you are unsure whether or not you should file your tax return yourself, please feel free to contact us.
When you contact us, please prepare the following documents showing your income and expenses for the past year:
[Reference documents (example)]
・Withholding tax slip for salary and pension
・Receipt of medical expenses (total amount paid out-of-pocket)
・Life insurance deduction certificate, etc.
※About tax returns in general
Search for "National Tax Agency tax return" on the Internet
■問合せ／税務課 TEL 0136-44-2121
Consultation on capital gains and gift taxes
If you need an individual consultation with a tax office employee regarding capital gains or gift tax, online consultations will be available from Sapporo Naka Tax Office employees every Tuesday and Friday until March 17. If you would like to have a consultation, please come to the office on one of these days.
Please note that you will need a numbered admission ticket to attend online consultations at the declaration venue.
■問合せ／倶知安税務署 個人課税部門 TEL 0136-22-1192
Contract results The contract results are posted on Niseko Town website.
"The Northern Territories are Japanese territory, now, in the past, and in the future."
February 7th is “Northern Territories Day”
■Inquiries/Northern Territories Reversion Alliance Shishi Local Branch
Kutchan Town, Kita 1-jo Higashi 2-chome (within the Shiribeshi Regional Development Bureau)
TEL 0136-22-0216
We ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding emergency vehicle operations and firefighting activities during the winter season.
With the snowfall season upon us, it's time to worry about frozen roads, snow accumulation, and traffic disruptions caused by snowfall. Emergency vehicles such as fire engines can run smoothly only with the cooperation of general vehicles.
Fire engines, ambulances, etc. that receive a 119 call arrive at the disaster site as soon as possible, and in order to extinguish the fire and transport the injured and sick to medical institutions, all or part of their bodies protrude onto the right side of the road. The Road Traffic Act grants priority rights of way that are not granted to regular vehicles, such as being able to drive at the right angle and entering intersections with red lights.
If you are driving your own car and an emergency vehicle approaches, please give way to the emergency vehicle and cooperate with the following points so that we can arrive at the disaster site as quickly as possible.
（1）
If you are driving and an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren sounding, pay close attention to your surroundings, move to the left side of the road, and give way quickly.
（2）
If you are driving at or near an intersection, avoid the intersection, move to the left side of the road (or to the right if doing so would obstruct traffic), and stop temporarily.
（3）
If you are riding a bicycle or walking on a road without a sidewalk, please give way to other pedestrians as quickly as possible by moving as close to the edge of the road as possible.
Emergency calls tend to increase during the winter tourist season, so there are often times when ambulances are not available in town.
In the event of multiple emergency calls within the town, ambulances from neighboring towns and villages will be dispatched at the same time, and Niseko Fire Department will dispatch a fire engine to the scene of the emergency to provide first aid and support the activities of the emergency team. We may be confused with a fire as we head to the scene of the emergency with our sirens blaring, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation in order to save as many lives as possible.
In addition, when calling 119, you may be asked to come without turning on the siren, but when driving in an emergency, be sure to flash the red warning light and drive with the siren on. This is stipulated by law, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation.
In addition, parking cars near fire hydrants or fire water tanks during the winter and throwing removed snow into these areas will significantly hinder firefighting activities, so please refrain from doing so under any circumstances.
■問合せ／羊蹄山ろく消防組合消防署ニセコ支署 TEL 0136-44-2354
CS Channel vol.43
Raise children to learn in Niseko and love Niseko
~Community School from 2025~
In preparation for the 2025 school year, we are revising our organizational structure and management methods to enhance the school management councils at each school and Yoji Centre, so that children in Niseko can "study in Niseko". In this context, community-school collaboration activities are becoming increasingly important. These are various activities in which the community and schools work together as partners to support children's learning and growth, with the participation of a wide range of local residents, including local elderly people, students, parents, PTAs, NPOs, private companies, organizations and institutions, with the aim of "building a community with schools at its core".
In one elementary school, sixth graders listened to talks by people from various professions during their comprehensive studies and were thinking about their future lifestyles. Apparently, there was a CS committee member who recruited local people to talk and sent out request and thank-you letters. By getting involved with such people, the school was able to connect with people it would not have been able to connect with on its own, and the children were able to learn a lot.
We believe that by further enhancing Niseko Town and love Niseko."
Classes taught by international exchange officers
A trial lesson by members of the Brush Club
■問合せ／コミュニティ・スクール委員会事務局 TEL 0136-44-2101
Recruitment
Niseko Town Mini Orchestra OK NISEKO (Okeniseko) Participants Wanted
Why not join OK NISEKO, a mini orchestra aimed at everyone, professional or amateur, to have fun playing instruments?
■ Participation conditions /
・People who are 5th grade or older and have a musical instrument
・Those who can participate in full practice once or twice a month
・People who like Niseko Town
*We do not rent instruments, so please bring your own.
■ Instruments wanted: Clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion
*Many of the participants are beginners or have had a break from playing, but anyone who can read music or pick out notes by ear is eligible to participate.
■ Schedule/
● Practice day [Venue: Town Hall Large Hall]
・Full-team practice sessions are held once or twice a month between April and October (early November), mainly on Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.
· Individual and group practice will be conducted as appropriate.
● Concerts: In addition to a general performance at the cultural festival held from late October to early November, we also participate in events in the town.
●How to apply: Please send the following information to the email address on the left: 1) your name, 2) name of your instrument, 3) your instrument experience, and 4) a brief self-introduction including your affiliation and occupation.
■Application deadline: Monday, March 31st
■Inquiries: Niseko Town Music Event Executive Committee
Mail:riekoshino@hotmail.com TEL 080-6091-3692
Radio Niseko News vol.10
The Hokkaido Support Ambassador Project will also be in the Shiribeshi area in 2025!
Hokkaido's professional baseball team, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. It's been 20 years since they moved to Hokkaido. Last year, the Climax Series was held at Escon Field Hokkaido, and Niseko Town and Hokkaido were very excited. It's been 10 years since the Niseko Supporters Association was established to support the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, promote baseball and other sports, and contribute to improving the health of the elderly and nurturing young people.
The Niseko Supporters Association donates to and supports baseball teams, and also organizes bus tours to Hokkaido's Escon Field to watch baseball games. Last year, they held a talk show called "Niseko de Chokkyu Talk" with Kota Yazawa, who is currently playing two-way.
We also set up booths to promote friendship and interaction among members, and help revitalize local events.
The secretariat is Radio Niseko. Why not join us in supporting the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as part of our efforts to create a local community?
■Inquiries: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Niseko Supporters Association Office (Radio Niseko)
TEL 0136-55-5762 Email:niseok762@radioniseko.jp
Recruiting participants for the 49th Yoron Island Exploration School for Children
The International Youth Training Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, is recruiting participants from across Japan for the 49th Children's Exploration School on Yoron Island.
This program will involve living together with fellow participants from around the country in a guesthouse amid the coral reefs and beautiful nature of Yoron Island, a southern island close to Okinawa, and various outdoor activities. It is a great opportunity to overcome differences in language and customs, cooperate with each other, and develop the independence and international sensibility to proactively take on new challenges.
■ Period: Wednesday, March 26th to Tuesday, April 1st, 6 nights and 7 days
■ Location: Yoron Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture
■ Capacity: 120 Japanese elementary school students, 70 foreign elementary school students
*For students in grades 2 to 6 as of the end of February
■Application deadline: Wednesday, March 5th
■申込み・問合せ／公益財団法人 国際青少年研修協会 TEL 0136-44-2354
Event
International exchange event "The 11th Picture Book World" held
"Ehon World," an event that broadens children's worldview through picture books, will be held for the 11th time. You can experience over 100 picture books from Japan and around the world. There will be a variety of fun programs, including multilingual storytimes, puppet shows by the Asobook Puppet Theater, and craft experiences! Why not come and experience picture books from around the world together, both adults and children? We look forward to your participation.
■Date and time: Saturday, February 15th, 1pm to 4pm (entry permitted from 12:30pm)
■ Place / Townsman Center
■ Participation fee / free
■問合せ／国際交流員（不在時＝企画環境課経営企画係） TEL 0136-44-2121
culture
Peace Treaty "Saitou Kiyoshi and Fujikura Hideyuki"
A curator from Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum will talk about the connection between the two artists.
Date and time: Saturday, February 8th, 2pm to 3pm
■ Place / Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
■ Fee/Free
■ Capacity: 30 people (no reservations required)
■問合せ／有島記念館 TEL 0136-44-3245
Personnel affairs of the town staff
■As of January 1st
◎Town mayor department
[Accounting room]
▽ Accounting Manager and Treasury Department Chief, Toshio Fuji (Agricultural Policy Section Chief, Agriculture Policy Division)
[Agricultural Policy Division]
▽Agricultural Policy Section Chief Shigeki Yano (General Affairs Section Chief)
◎ Parliamentary Secretariat
▽ Secretary-General of the Assembly Noritaka Kato (Accounting Manager and Head of the Treasury Department)
■Date of December 31st
◎Retirement
▽ Secretary-General of the Diet Tatsuya Takase
Thank you for your kind donation.
《Niseko Town Social Welfare Council Reception》
“Please use it for social welfare.”
Junichi Yoshimoto, Chairman of the Hokkaido Shinkin Bank Himawari Foundation
《Niseko Town Office Reception》
"As a thank you for taking care of my grandmother."
Mayumi Murai, Urakawa Town
International Exchange News vol.22
Here are some reports on the activities of the international exchange coordinators over the New Year holidays! Peipei went to Alaska and enjoyed the beautiful Northern Lights while soaking in an open-air bath at a hot spring inn. Fabian toured popular tourist sites in Hakodate. Kanha ate delicious Genghis Khan and Zangi in Sapporo. Joanna and Anna stayed home and enjoyed Japanese New Year's cuisine.
The cold weather continues, so please take care of yourself. Thank you for your continued support this year.
Belated Happy New Year!
There is a vacant room in the municipal housing
Type Apartment name Format Structure Rent guideline Minimum to maximum Parking space
Public housing (for families) Chuo Danchi Building 6, Room 303, 3LDK (67.25 sqm), built in 1990, fireproof mid-rise, 12,600 yen to 41,000 yen (varies depending on income, etc.)
Public housing (for families) Chuo Danchi Building 6, Room 304 3LDK (67.25 sqm) Built in 1990 Fireproof mid-rise 12,600 yen to 41,000 yen (varies depending on income, etc.) Available
Specific public rental housing (for families) Nozomi Danchi Building 2 3LDK (73.9 sqm) Built in 1996 Fireproof 2nd floor 63,000 yen (including 3,000 yen garage fee) Available
●Application period: February 3rd (Monday) to February 17th (Monday)
●Eligibility and application method/Please inquire for details.
■町営住宅に関する問合せ／都市建設課住宅管理係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Tracking! Town development company activities!
Introducing the members of the Niseko Town Office!
This time, we would like to introduce the staff who work at the Niseko Town Office so that you can get an idea of what it is like on a daily basis.
There are seven members in the office: two directors who have been involved in the business since before Nisekomachi was founded, two former members of the Regional Development Cooperation Team, two members of the Regional Development Cooperation Team assigned to Nisekomachi, and one employee of a cooperating company. In addition, we have a director who frequently comes to Niseko Town from outside of town, and several members of cooperating companies who work in various places in town, and the office is becoming more and more crowded (we are gradually running out of desks!).
Each member is involved in a variety of roles, including planning and running the entire business, home sales, construction and construction supervision, energy conservation measures, consulting, home management, public relations, and accounting. Because we are a small company, each member has their own area of expertise, but they also work together across a wide range of fields and are involved in a wide range of tasks. There is an atmosphere where you can easily ask for advice or have frank discussions when you have a problem, and you can feel the warmth of a family.
At Niseko Mirai events, various Niseko Town members gather, so please feel free to come and meet the members.
■Inquiries: Niseko Town Co., Ltd.
TEL 0136-55-6087
Email:info@nisekomachi.co.jp
clean station
Everyone manages the garbage station!
The garbage station is managed by everyone who uses it. During this time of year, snow falls and the roof and surrounding area of the garbage station can become buried in snow. If the area is buried in snow, it becomes impossible to throw away or collect garbage. It can also damage the station, so please maintain the station by removing the snow regularly.
Recently, it seems that many people are putting food waste in burnable garbage bags and throwing it away. In Niseko Town, the rule is that food waste must be put in a special bag and separated from burnable garbage, so please separate them.
■問合せ／町民生活課町民生活係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Town case book Niseko Town Crime Prevention Association
A case
There was an incident where one party assaulted the other party.
- There was an incident in which cash was stolen from a commercial facility.
Traffic accident
-On December 10th, a three-vehicle accident (rear-end collision) occurred.
・On December 21st, a collision accident resulting in injury or death occurred.
-On December 22nd, a rear-end collision occurred resulting in injuries.
-On December 25th, a head-on collision resulting in injury or death occurred.
倶知安警察署／TEL 0136-22-0110
Nice to meet you/Nice to meet you
Regional Ocean Cooperation Vol.
Agriculture Department Niseko View Plaza Direct Sales Mai Ikeda (from Hakodate City)
We will work hard to deepen our interactions with local residents and to help more people learn about the appeal of Niseko's agricultural and dairy products.
hello mayor
Radio Niseko FM
76.2MHz
The town once introduced "off-talk communication" using telephone lines as a means of administrative information communication, but it was discontinued due to the high line usage fees and high renewal costs. After that, thanks to the great efforts of the people involved and the full support of the government for the construction of the station and the maintenance of the equipment, radio broadcasting began in March 2012. In addition to announcing administrative information about the town, it also practices "radio that is not just heard, but also appears" by introducing and appearing on town development and active people. Furthermore, it can be heard not only in the town and surrounding areas, but also all over the world through SNS, making it an indispensable radio for the town. Even during the blackout in the entire prefecture, it continued to broadcast the latest information all day long, providing peace of mind. Let's all support Radio Niseko, the information exchange hub!
Niseko Town Kenya Katayama
The 230th Niseko Town Community Development Lecture "About the 3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Creation Comprehensive Strategy"
As the "2nd Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy (Comprehensive Strategy)" is entering its final year of the target period this year, we are currently formulating the "3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy."
The Comprehensive Strategy is a regional economic strategy for Niseko Town to protect its rich natural environment and other regional resources, while making the most of them to enrich the local economy and promote town development that attracts funds and human resources, even as the population declines across Japan.
The town is confronting the problem of population decline and working on "autonomy revitalization" to create a rich and attractive town in the future. In this townspeople lecture, we will share the trends and issues of the "Population Vision" that shows the direction of the "Third Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy", the basic goals of the "Third Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy", and exchange opinions with the townspeople.
Date and time: Thursday, February 13th, 6pm
■ Location: Niseko Central Warehouses, former starch factory
■問合せ／企画環境課経営企画係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Niseko Town Gift Card Expiration Date
Niseko Town Gift Cards distributed in January to all town residents (those with registered addresses as of November 1, 2024) will expire on Sunday, February 16th. Please use them as soon as possible.
Also, if your household has not received a gift card via Yu-Pack, please contact us.
■問合せ／企画環境課経営企画係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Disaster prevention radio automatic start training
In conjunction with the nationwide simultaneous information transmission test of the J-ALERT (Japan ALERT) nationwide instantaneous warning system, the town will conduct an automatic start-up drill for disaster prevention radios. In order to quickly inform residents of emergency information announced by the national government, the disaster prevention radio will be automatically started in conjunction with J-ALERT. When the training time arrives, a loud sound will be played from the disaster prevention radio. Please be careful not to make any mistakes as this is a training drill.
■ Date and time: Wednesday, February 12th, 11:00 AM
■問合せ／総務課防災係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Notice of Recruitment of Self-Defense Forces
●Self-Defense Force candidates (8th)
・Eligibility for taking the exam: 18 years old or older but under 33 years old as of the 1st day of the scheduled hiring month
・Reception period: February 10, 2020 (Monday) to February 20, 2020 (Thursday)
・Exam date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Please contact us for more information as test dates are subject to change.
■問合せ／自衛隊札幌地方協力本部倶知安地域事務所 TEL 0136-23-3540
または自衛官募集相談員 TEL 0136-44-2177
Preparing for Winter
During the winter, the pressure in the west of Japan is high and the pressure in the east is low, creating a "winter pressure pattern" that allows cold air to flow in from the continent. In particular, from late January to early February, the temperature is at its lowest in the year, so it is important to double-check your preparations for the cold winter weather. When the winter pressure pattern occurs, snow streaks form one after another over the Sea of Japan, causing a lot of snow to fall on the Sea of Japan side, which can cause traffic disruptions due to heavy snowfall and snowdrifts.
In addition, if the inflow of cold air causes the maximum temperature to drop below 0 degrees for several days in the middle of winter, there is a possibility that water pipes may freeze. Let's review the measures to prevent traffic disruptions caused by heavy snow and snowdrifts, and to prevent water pipes from freezing.
To get through this harsh winter, be sure to regularly check the weather information released by meteorological observatories on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website, on television, and on the radio.
■問合せ／札幌管区気象台天気相談所 TEL 011-611-0170
Adult men: Get a rubella antibody test and vaccination by the end of February 2025
This is the final notice for men born between April 2, 1962 and April 1, 1979 who have not used the free coupon to take an antibody test (and for those who have taken an antibody test but not received a vaccination).
■How to administer: Take a rubella antibody test (blood draw), and if your antibody levels are below the standard level, get vaccinated.
■ Antibody testing and vaccinations
Location: Niseko Clinic and other medical institutions outside the town (most medical institutions in Hokkaido are registered with the implementing agency)
*For reissuance of coupons, please contact us or apply online. Scan the 2D code on the left and enter the required information.
■問合せ／保健福祉課健康づくり係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Attorney Katahira will solve your worries!
●This month's theme
Boy and bicycle
During the New Year holidays, I watched a movie called "A Boy and His Bicycle."
This French film begins with the protagonist, a boy of about 10 years old living in an orphanage, becoming worried when he has stopped hearing from his father and calling his home number, which has now been disconnected since his father moved away.
Through an unexpected turn of events, the boy ends up being fostered by a woman for the weekend while he searches for his father.
When the boy finds his father, he tells him not to come back.
Despite his foster mother's warnings, the boy becomes friends with an older boy from the local area who had lived in an orphanage for three years, and follows the boy's instructions to commit a robbery.
When the older boy finds out that the protagonist's face has been seen, he tells him that he committed the crime and helps him out of the getaway car in which they were making the getaway. The boy tries to give the money he stole to his father, but his father pushes him back, asking if he is going to make him a criminal too. Instead of picking up the money that was dropped on the street, the boy returns to his foster parents and confesses that he wants to live with them. The victim, the boy, and the foster mother then meet face to face in court, where the boy apologizes to the victim and the foster mother promises to compensate the victim on the boy's behalf. The boy is ultimately allowed to live with his foster mother rather than going to a juvenile detention center.
The idea for this film, which won many film awards, seems to have come from a story he heard at a symposium on juvenile crime in Japan. I too have met children in similar circumstances to the boy in the film. In the film, it is by chance, but just like the protagonist's encounter with his foster parents, our job is to try to find an environment that will lead to rehabilitation.
Park Front Law Office Niseko Office
141 Hondori Niseko Town
TEL 0136-44-3800 FAX 0136-44-3801
★Advance reservation is required
Acceptance of final tax return
You can file your tax return at your city hall from Monday, February 17th to Friday, March 14th.
*You can file your tax return at any time at the Kutchan Tax Office.
important!
Advance reservation is required for final tax return
Please make a reservation in advance for the desired date and time for filing your tax return, and come to the city hall with plenty of time to spare. To make a reservation in advance, please contact us by phone or email at least one day before the desired date.
Those who do not make an appointment cannot file tax returns. Even if you make an appointment, if you are not feeling well on the day, please do not force yourself and file again at a later date.
TEL 0136-44-2121 Mail:zeimu@town.niseko.lg.jp
*If you are filing at the tax office, you will need to obtain an "admission ticket" in advance. It can be issued in advance on the National Tax Agency's official LINE account, or distributed on the day at the venue.
File your tax return from home using your My Number card!
On the National Tax Agency's website, "Tax Return Creation Corner," you can create a tax return by simply entering the amount and other details. Once you have created the tax return, you can send it via e-Tax using your My Number card. Starting this year, the screen has been made easier to operate on smartphones, making it convenient to file on your smartphone.
Furthermore, if you use your My Number card and link it to Mynaportal, you can get information about your income, such as your salary, as well as deductions for medical expenses and hometown tax payments, all in one place, and automatically enter the relevant information into the relevant fields on your tax return. This makes filing your tax return even more convenient.
*For details on My Number Portal Linkage, please search for "My Number Portal Linkage Special Page" on the National Tax Agency website.
Do you need to file your return now?
If you are filing a return to receive a refund for overpaid income tax (refund return) by adding deductions for medical expenses, donations, life insurance, etc., you do not need to file by March 17. Refund returns can be filed for five years, so you can file for the 2024 tax year at any time up until December 31, 2019.
Tax offices and city halls are busy during the tax return season. If you are filing to get a tax refund, consider filing at a later date or using e-Tax.
If you are unsure whether you need to declare
If you are unsure whether or not you should file your tax return yourself, please feel free to contact us.
When you contact us, please prepare the following documents showing your income and expenses for the past year:
[Reference documents (example)]
・Withholding tax slip for salary and pension
・Receipt of medical expenses (total amount paid out-of-pocket)
・Life insurance deduction certificate, etc.
※About tax returns in general
Search for "National Tax Agency tax return" on the Internet
■問合せ／税務課 TEL 0136-44-2121
Consultation on capital gains and gift taxes
If you need an individual consultation with a tax office employee regarding capital gains or gift tax, online consultations will be available from Sapporo Naka Tax Office employees every Tuesday and Friday until March 17. If you would like to have a consultation, please come to the office on one of these days.
Please note that you will need a numbered admission ticket to attend online consultations at the declaration venue.
■問合せ／倶知安税務署 個人課税部門 TEL 0136-22-1192
Contract results The contract results are posted on Niseko Town website.
"The Northern Territories are Japanese territory, now, in the past, and in the future."
February 7th is “Northern Territories Day”
■Inquiries/Northern Territories Reversion Alliance Shishi Local Branch
Kutchan Town, Kita 1-jo Higashi 2-chome (within the Shiribeshi Regional Development Bureau)
TEL 0136-22-0216
We ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding emergency vehicle operations and firefighting activities during the winter season.
With the snowfall season upon us, it's time to worry about frozen roads, snow accumulation, and traffic disruptions caused by snowfall. Emergency vehicles such as fire engines can run smoothly only with the cooperation of general vehicles.
Fire engines, ambulances, etc. that receive a 119 call arrive at the disaster site as soon as possible, and in order to extinguish the fire and transport the injured and sick to medical institutions, all or part of their bodies protrude onto the right side of the road. The Road Traffic Act grants priority rights of way that are not granted to regular vehicles, such as being able to drive at the right angle and entering intersections with red lights.
If you are driving your own car and an emergency vehicle approaches, please give way to the emergency vehicle and cooperate with the following points so that we can arrive at the disaster site as quickly as possible.
（1）
If you are driving and an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren sounding, pay close attention to your surroundings, move to the left side of the road, and give way quickly.
（2）
If you are driving at or near an intersection, avoid the intersection, move to the left side of the road (or to the right if doing so would obstruct traffic), and stop temporarily.
（3）
If you are riding a bicycle or walking on a road without a sidewalk, please give way to other pedestrians as quickly as possible by moving as close to the edge of the road as possible.
Emergency calls tend to increase during the winter tourist season, so there are often times when ambulances are not available in town.
In the event of multiple emergency calls within the town, ambulances from neighboring towns and villages will be dispatched at the same time, and Niseko Fire Department will dispatch a fire engine to the scene of the emergency to provide first aid and support the activities of the emergency team. We may be confused with a fire as we head to the scene of the emergency with our sirens blaring, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation in order to save as many lives as possible.
In addition, when calling 119, you may be asked to come without turning on the siren, but when driving in an emergency, be sure to flash the red warning light and drive with the siren on. This is stipulated by law, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation.
In addition, parking cars near fire hydrants or fire water tanks during the winter and throwing removed snow into these areas will significantly hinder firefighting activities, so please refrain from doing so under any circumstances.
■問合せ／羊蹄山ろく消防組合消防署ニセコ支署 TEL 0136-44-2354
CS Channel vol.43
Raise children to learn in Niseko and love Niseko
~Community School from 2025~
In preparation for the 2025 school year, we are revising our organizational structure and management methods to enhance the school management councils at each school and Yoji Centre, so that children in Niseko can "study in Niseko". In this context, community-school collaboration activities are becoming increasingly important. These are various activities in which the community and schools work together as partners to support children's learning and growth, with the participation of a wide range of local residents, including local elderly people, students, parents, PTAs, NPOs, private companies, organizations and institutions, with the aim of "building a community with schools at its core".
In one elementary school, sixth graders listened to talks by people from various professions during their comprehensive studies and were thinking about their future lifestyles. Apparently, there was a CS committee member who recruited local people to talk and sent out request and thank-you letters. By getting involved with such people, the school was able to connect with people it would not have been able to connect with on its own, and the children were able to learn a lot.
We believe that by further enhancing Niseko Town and love Niseko."
Classes taught by international exchange officers
A trial lesson by members of the Brush Club
■問合せ／コミュニティ・スクール委員会事務局 TEL 0136-44-2101
Recruitment
Niseko Town Mini Orchestra OK NISEKO (Okeniseko) Participants Wanted
Why not join OK NISEKO, a mini orchestra aimed at everyone, professional or amateur, to have fun playing instruments?
■ Participation conditions /
・People who are 5th grade or older and have a musical instrument
・Those who can participate in full practice once or twice a month
・People who like Niseko Town
*We do not rent instruments, so please bring your own.
■ Instruments wanted: Clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion
*Many of the participants are beginners or have had a break from playing, but anyone who can read music or pick out notes by ear is eligible to participate.
■ Schedule/
● Practice day [Venue: Town Hall Large Hall]
・Full-team practice sessions are held once or twice a month between April and October (early November), mainly on Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.
· Individual and group practice will be conducted as appropriate.
● Concerts: In addition to a general performance at the cultural festival held from late October to early November, we also participate in events in the town.
●How to apply: Please send the following information to the email address on the left: 1) your name, 2) name of your instrument, 3) your instrument experience, and 4) a brief self-introduction including your affiliation and occupation.
■Application deadline: Monday, March 31st
■Inquiries: Niseko Town Music Event Executive Committee
Mail:riekoshino@hotmail.com TEL 080-6091-3692
Radio Niseko News vol.10
The Hokkaido Support Ambassador Project will also be in the Shiribeshi area in 2025!
Hokkaido's professional baseball team, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. It's been 20 years since they moved to Hokkaido. Last year, the Climax Series was held at Escon Field Hokkaido, and Niseko Town and Hokkaido were very excited. It's been 10 years since the Niseko Supporters Association was established to support the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, promote baseball and other sports, and contribute to improving the health of the elderly and nurturing young people.
The Niseko Supporters Association donates to and supports baseball teams, and also organizes bus tours to Hokkaido's Escon Field to watch baseball games. Last year, they held a talk show called "Niseko de Chokkyu Talk" with Kota Yazawa, who is currently playing two-way.
We also set up booths to promote friendship and interaction among members, and help revitalize local events.
The secretariat is Radio Niseko. Why not join us in supporting the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as part of our efforts to create a local community?
■Inquiries: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Niseko Supporters Association Office (Radio Niseko)
TEL 0136-55-5762 Email:niseok762@radioniseko.jp
Recruiting participants for the 49th Yoron Island Exploration School for Children
The International Youth Training Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, is recruiting participants from across Japan for the 49th Children's Exploration School on Yoron Island.
This program will involve living together with fellow participants from around the country in a guesthouse amid the coral reefs and beautiful nature of Yoron Island, a southern island close to Okinawa, and various outdoor activities. It is a great opportunity to overcome differences in language and customs, cooperate with each other, and develop the independence and international sensibility to proactively take on new challenges.
■ Period: Wednesday, March 26th to Tuesday, April 1st, 6 nights and 7 days
■ Location: Yoron Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture
■ Capacity: 120 Japanese elementary school students, 70 foreign elementary school students
*For students in grades 2 to 6 as of the end of February
■Application deadline: Wednesday, March 5th
■申込み・問合せ／公益財団法人 国際青少年研修協会 TEL 0136-44-2354
Event
International exchange event "The 11th Picture Book World" held
"Ehon World," an event that broadens children's worldview through picture books, will be held for the 11th time. You can experience over 100 picture books from Japan and around the world. There will be a variety of fun programs, including multilingual storytimes, puppet shows by the Asobook Puppet Theater, and craft experiences! Why not come and experience picture books from around the world together, both adults and children? We look forward to your participation.
■Date and time: Saturday, February 15th, 1pm to 4pm (entry permitted from 12:30pm)
■ Place / Townsman Center
■ Participation fee / free
■問合せ／国際交流員（不在時＝企画環境課経営企画係） TEL 0136-44-2121
culture
Peace Treaty "Saitou Kiyoshi and Fujikura Hideyuki"
A curator from Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum will talk about the connection between the two artists.
Date and time: Saturday, February 8th, 2pm to 3pm
■ Place / Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
■ Fee/Free
■ Capacity: 30 people (no reservations required)
■問合せ／有島記念館 TEL 0136-44-3245
Personnel affairs of the town staff
■As of January 1st
◎Town mayor department
[Accounting room]
▽ Accounting Manager and Treasury Department Chief, Toshio Fuji (Agricultural Policy Section Chief, Agriculture Policy Division)
[Agricultural Policy Division]
▽Agricultural Policy Section Chief Shigeki Yano (General Affairs Section Chief)
◎ Parliamentary Secretariat
▽ Secretary-General of the Assembly Noritaka Kato (Accounting Manager and Head of the Treasury Department)
■Date of December 31st
◎Retirement
▽ Secretary-General of the Diet Tatsuya Takase
Thank you for your kind donation.
《Niseko Town Social Welfare Council Reception》
“Please use it for social welfare.”
Junichi Yoshimoto, Chairman of the Hokkaido Shinkin Bank Himawari Foundation
《Niseko Town Office Reception》
"As a thank you for taking care of my grandmother."
Mayumi Murai, Urakawa Town
International Exchange News vol.22
Here are some reports on the activities of the international exchange coordinators over the New Year holidays! Peipei went to Alaska and enjoyed the beautiful Northern Lights while soaking in an open-air bath at a hot spring inn. Fabian toured popular tourist sites in Hakodate. Kanha ate delicious Genghis Khan and Zangi in Sapporo. Joanna and Anna stayed home and enjoyed Japanese New Year's cuisine.
The cold weather continues, so please take care of yourself. Thank you for your continued support this year.
Belated Happy New Year!
There is a vacant room in the municipal housing
Type Apartment name Format Structure Rent guideline Minimum to maximum Parking space
Public housing (for families) Chuo Danchi Building 6, Room 303, 3LDK (67.25 sqm), built in 1990, fireproof mid-rise, 12,600 yen to 41,000 yen (varies depending on income, etc.)
Public housing (for families) Chuo Danchi Building 6, Room 304 3LDK (67.25 sqm) Built in 1990 Fireproof mid-rise 12,600 yen to 41,000 yen (varies depending on income, etc.) Available
Specific public rental housing (for families) Nozomi Danchi Building 2 3LDK (73.9 sqm) Built in 1996 Fireproof 2nd floor 63,000 yen (including 3,000 yen garage fee) Available
●Application period: February 3rd (Monday) to February 17th (Monday)
●Eligibility and application method/Please inquire for details.
■町営住宅に関する問合せ／都市建設課住宅管理係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Tracking! Town development company activities!
Introducing the members of the Niseko Town Office!
This time, we would like to introduce the staff who work at the Niseko Town Office so that you can get an idea of what it is like on a daily basis.
There are seven members in the office: two directors who have been involved in the business since before Nisekomachi was founded, two former members of the Regional Development Cooperation Team, two members of the Regional Development Cooperation Team assigned to Nisekomachi, and one employee of a cooperating company. In addition, we have a director who frequently comes to Niseko Town from outside of town, and several members of cooperating companies who work in various places in town, and the office is becoming more and more crowded (we are gradually running out of desks!).
Each member is involved in a variety of roles, including planning and running the entire business, home sales, construction and construction supervision, energy conservation measures, consulting, home management, public relations, and accounting. Because we are a small company, each member has their own area of expertise, but they also work together across a wide range of fields and are involved in a wide range of tasks. There is an atmosphere where you can easily ask for advice or have frank discussions when you have a problem, and you can feel the warmth of a family.
At Niseko Mirai events, various Niseko Town members gather, so please feel free to come and meet the members.
■Inquiries: Niseko Town Co., Ltd.
TEL 0136-55-6087
Email:info@nisekomachi.co.jp
clean station
Everyone manages the garbage station!
The garbage station is managed by everyone who uses it. During this time of year, snow falls and the roof and surrounding area of the garbage station can become buried in snow. If the area is buried in snow, it becomes impossible to throw away or collect garbage. It can also damage the station, so please maintain the station by removing the snow regularly.
Recently, it seems that many people are putting food waste in burnable garbage bags and throwing it away. In Niseko Town, the rule is that food waste must be put in a special bag and separated from burnable garbage, so please separate them.
■問合せ／町民生活課町民生活係 TEL 0136-44-2121
Town case book Niseko Town Crime Prevention Association
A case
There was an incident where one party assaulted the other party.
- There was an incident in which cash was stolen from a commercial facility.
Traffic accident
-On December 10th, a three-vehicle accident (rear-end collision) occurred.
・On December 21st, a collision accident resulting in injury or death occurred.
-On December 22nd, a rear-end collision occurred resulting in injuries.
-On December 25th, a head-on collision resulting in injury or death occurred.
倶知安警察署／TEL 0136-22-0110
Nice to meet you/Nice to meet you
Regional Ocean Cooperation Vol.
Agriculture Department Niseko View Plaza Direct Sales Mai Ikeda (from Hakodate City)
We will work hard to deepen our interactions with local residents and to help more people learn about the appeal of Niseko's agricultural and dairy products.
hello mayor
Radio Niseko FM
76.2MHz
The town once introduced "off-talk communication" using telephone lines as a means of administrative information communication, but it was discontinued due to the high line usage fees and high renewal costs. After that, thanks to the great efforts of the people involved and the full support of the government for the construction of the station and the maintenance of the equipment, radio broadcasting began in March 2012. In addition to announcing administrative information about the town, it also practices "radio that is not just heard, but also appears" by introducing and appearing on town development and active people. Furthermore, it can be heard not only in the town and surrounding areas, but also all over the world through SNS, making it an indispensable radio for the town. Even during the blackout in the entire prefecture, it continued to broadcast the latest information all day long, providing peace of mind. Let's all support Radio Niseko, the information exchange hub!
Niseko Town Kenya Katayama
Town Calendar February FEBRUALY
Upper right box article
February is
Delivery date for nursing care insurance premium (8th period)
The deadline for payment is the 25th (Tuesday)
Inquiries about long-term care insurance premiums/Health and Welfare Division
TEL 0136-44-2121
bottom right box article
Emergency and sudden illness response at night and on holidays
倶倶知安厚生病院 電話0136-22-1141
2nd (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
3rd (Monday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
4th (Tuesday)
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/town: 13:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
5th (Wed)
Thursday 6th
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
Open at night
7th (Friday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Saturday, August 8
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●Niseko English Conversation Circle/O: 10:00~
Lecture: "Saito Kiyoshi and Fujikura Hideyuki" / Available: 14:00 ~ See page 24 of "Lifestyle Information"
9th (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
10th (Monday)
● Early Yoji Centre Opening Hours/Kindergarten: 10:00~ See page 17 of the Smile Plaza
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Tuesday 11th
National Foundation Day
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
Central warehouse group closed days
12th (Wed)
● Emergency radio automatic start training / Role: 11:00 ~ See Living Information p19
●Hybrid Inquiry Classroom/Town: 15:30~
Thursday 13th
Muscle building class/town: 10:30~
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
● 230th Town Development Citizen Lecture "About the 3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Comprehensive Strategy" / Warehouse: 18:00 ~
See living information p19
Open at night
Friday 14th
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
15th (Sat)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●11th Picture Book World/Town: 13:00-16:00 See Living Information, p.24
16th (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Monday 17th
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Tuesday 18th
●Health checkup for 18-year-old and 3-year-old children/Town: 12:45~
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~ (Reservation required by noon the day before)
Hello Mayor's Office / Role: 14:30-16:30
Central warehouse group closed days
Wednesday, 19th
Parenting class "Playbook Puppet Show" / Preschool: 10:30 ~ See page 17 of the Smile Plaza
●Radio Niseko Interruption Broadcast/Role: 10:50~
Thursday 20th
●Magic Carpet/A: 15:00~
Open at night
21st (Fri)
●Childcare seminar/Town: 9:30~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~
22nd (Sat)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●Niseko English Conversation Circle/O: 10:00~
23rd (Sun)
emperor's birthday
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
Monday 24th
Substitute holiday
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
25th (Tuesday)
● Parenting class "Flower Arrangement" / Town: 10:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
Wednesday 26th
●Muscle storage class/Town: 10:30~
●Hybrid Inquiry Classroom/Town: 15:30~
Thursday 27th
● Mom and Dad Seminar/Town: 10:00-
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
Open at night
28th (Fri)
●Health Committee/Town: 13:30~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
March 1 (Saturday)
●Niseko High School Graduation Ceremony/Niseko High School: 10:00~
2nd (Sun)
3rd (Monday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
4th (Tuesday)
●Comprehensive cancer screening/Sapporo (bus) 6:30~ (departs from Town Citizens Center)
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~ (Reservation required by noon the day before)
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
5th (Wed)
February is
Delivery date for nursing care insurance premium (8th period)
The deadline for payment is the 25th (Tuesday)
Inquiries about long-term care insurance premiums/Health and Welfare Division
TEL 0136-44-2121
bottom right box article
Emergency and sudden illness response at night and on holidays
倶倶知安厚生病院 電話0136-22-1141
2nd (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
3rd (Monday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
4th (Tuesday)
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/town: 13:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
5th (Wed)
Thursday 6th
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
Open at night
7th (Friday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Saturday, August 8
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●Niseko English Conversation Circle/O: 10:00~
Lecture: "Saito Kiyoshi and Fujikura Hideyuki" / Available: 14:00 ~ See page 24 of "Lifestyle Information"
9th (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
10th (Monday)
● Early Yoji Centre Opening Hours/Kindergarten: 10:00~ See page 17 of the Smile Plaza
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Tuesday 11th
National Foundation Day
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
Central warehouse group closed days
12th (Wed)
● Emergency radio automatic start training / Role: 11:00 ~ See Living Information p19
●Hybrid Inquiry Classroom/Town: 15:30~
Thursday 13th
Muscle building class/town: 10:30~
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
● 230th Town Development Citizen Lecture "About the 3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Comprehensive Strategy" / Warehouse: 18:00 ~
See living information p19
Open at night
Friday 14th
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
15th (Sat)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●11th Picture Book World/Town: 13:00-16:00 See Living Information, p.24
16th (Sun)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Monday 17th
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Tuesday 18th
●Health checkup for 18-year-old and 3-year-old children/Town: 12:45~
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~ (Reservation required by noon the day before)
Hello Mayor's Office / Role: 14:30-16:30
Central warehouse group closed days
Wednesday, 19th
Parenting class "Playbook Puppet Show" / Preschool: 10:30 ~ See page 17 of the Smile Plaza
●Radio Niseko Interruption Broadcast/Role: 10:50~
Thursday 20th
●Magic Carpet/A: 15:00~
Open at night
21st (Fri)
●Childcare seminar/Town: 9:30~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~
22nd (Sat)
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
●Niseko English Conversation Circle/O: 10:00~
23rd (Sun)
emperor's birthday
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
Monday 24th
Substitute holiday
●Kids Park/Available: 10:00-16:00
Playbook closed day
25th (Tuesday)
● Parenting class "Flower Arrangement" / Town: 10:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
Wednesday 26th
●Muscle storage class/Town: 10:30~
●Hybrid Inquiry Classroom/Town: 15:30~
Thursday 27th
● Mom and Dad Seminar/Town: 10:00-
●Play Club (reservation required)/A: 15:00~
Open at night
28th (Fri)
●Health Committee/Town: 13:30~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
March 1 (Saturday)
●Niseko High School Graduation Ceremony/Niseko High School: 10:00~
2nd (Sun)
3rd (Monday)
●After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
4th (Tuesday)
●Comprehensive cancer screening/Sapporo (bus) 6:30~ (departs from Town Citizens Center)
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~ (Reservation required by noon the day before)
●Health exercise class/Town: 14:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
5th (Wed)
Photo album of this month
We are looking for photos!
身近な写真を広報で紹介してみませんか。撮影日や撮影場所などの簡単な説明とお名前（フォトネーム）とともに、広報広聴係（koho@town.niseko.lg.jp）までお寄せください。ニセコ町公式LINEの投稿フォームからも投稿できます。
Central Warehouse Group Mochi Pounding Ceremony
Photographer: Public Relations Section
Good Sports Champions League 3rd place
Recruiting new members!
Photographer: Niseko Soccer Club
身近な写真を広報で紹介してみませんか。撮影日や撮影場所などの簡単な説明とお名前（フォトネーム）とともに、広報広聴係（koho@town.niseko.lg.jp）までお寄せください。ニセコ町公式LINEの投稿フォームからも投稿できます。
Central Warehouse Group Mochi Pounding Ceremony
Photographer: Public Relations Section
Good Sports Champions League 3rd place
Recruiting new members!
Photographer: Niseko Soccer Club
Central Warehouse Group News vol.32
I look forward to having a good relationship with you this year too!
Hello! I am Director Matsuda. I am sorry for the late greeting, but I would like to wish you a Happy New Year.
We look forward to your continued support of the Central Warehouse Group this year.
For the first time, our hotel held a mochi-pounding event on January 11th. On the day, many people, including local residents, came to the event, and after everyone pounded Niseko Town grown mochi rice, we served the mochi to everyone. The freshly-pounded mochi was chewy and delicious, and it was well worth the staff's efforts in preparation from the morning! Thank you to everyone who participated.
In 2025, we hope to take on more initiatives and create an atmosphere that will attract more people from the town to visit the Central Warehouses. You can now relax in the artificial turf and bonfire areas that were installed last year! Also, in December, our staff opened a weekend-only café called "Maromayu Café" in the kitchen, so please feel free to come and visit!
Niseko Central Warehouses (Former Starch Factory, Warehouse No. 1)
Opening hours / 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed/every Tuesday
TEL:0136-55-5538 FAX:0136-55-5596
Hello! I am Director Matsuda. I am sorry for the late greeting, but I would like to wish you a Happy New Year.
We look forward to your continued support of the Central Warehouse Group this year.
For the first time, our hotel held a mochi-pounding event on January 11th. On the day, many people, including local residents, came to the event, and after everyone pounded Niseko Town grown mochi rice, we served the mochi to everyone. The freshly-pounded mochi was chewy and delicious, and it was well worth the staff's efforts in preparation from the morning! Thank you to everyone who participated.
In 2025, we hope to take on more initiatives and create an atmosphere that will attract more people from the town to visit the Central Warehouses. You can now relax in the artificial turf and bonfire areas that were installed last year! Also, in December, our staff opened a weekend-only café called "Maromayu Café" in the kitchen, so please feel free to come and visit!
Niseko Central Warehouses (Former Starch Factory, Warehouse No. 1)
Opening hours / 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed/every Tuesday
TEL:0136-55-5538 FAX:0136-55-5596
Editor's Note
One month has passed since the start of 2025. How is everyone doing?
I have so many things I want to do in 2025, from small things (that may seem insignificant to others) to big things, so I'm feeling excited as I welcomed the new year. Since I started reading a certain fantasy novel at the beginning of the year, my body has been going back and forth between the office and home, and my mind has been going back and forth between the real world and the magical world, so I haven't been able to accomplish anything to date, but I'm enjoying every day. I want to have a fulfilling year where I can have fun and make the things I want to do come true.
The year 2025 has just begun.
I hope this year will be a wonderful one for everyone. Thank you for your continued support this year. (Ma)
I have so many things I want to do in 2025, from small things (that may seem insignificant to others) to big things, so I'm feeling excited as I welcomed the new year. Since I started reading a certain fantasy novel at the beginning of the year, my body has been going back and forth between the office and home, and my mind has been going back and forth between the real world and the magical world, so I haven't been able to accomplish anything to date, but I'm enjoying every day. I want to have a fulfilling year where I can have fun and make the things I want to do come true.
The year 2025 has just begun.
I hope this year will be a wonderful one for everyone. Thank you for your continued support this year. (Ma)
DATA OF NISEKO TOWN
The situation of radiation dose in the town
Measurement date: 1 month until January 15th
Maximum value 0.042μGy/h
Minimum value: 0.018μGy/h
Average value: 0.023μGy/h
The spatial radiation dose rate is
normal level
Movement of people (as of the end of December)
Population: 5,551
(Up 326 from the previous month)
Men: 2,830
(Up 171% from the previous month)
Women: 2,721
(Up 155% from the previous month)
Number of households: 3,260
(Up 317% from the previous month)
Of these, 1,053 are foreigners.
Of these, 900 are foreign households.
Measurement date: 1 month until January 15th
Maximum value 0.042μGy/h
Minimum value: 0.018μGy/h
Average value: 0.023μGy/h
The spatial radiation dose rate is
normal level
Movement of people (as of the end of December)
Population: 5,551
(Up 326 from the previous month)
Men: 2,830
(Up 171% from the previous month)
Women: 2,721
(Up 155% from the previous month)
Number of households: 3,260
(Up 317% from the previous month)
Of these, 1,053 are foreigners.
Of these, 900 are foreign households.
Inquiries regarding information on this page
- Niseko Town Hall
- TEL:0136-44-2121
- FAX:0136-44-3500