Koho Niseko Newsletter October Issue [No. 762] Text Version

Katayama town administration started on October 9, 2009 (Heisei 21).
The curtain will fall on October 8, 2025 (Reiwa 7).
What are your thoughts on town development?
Mayor Katayama spoke about the 16 years of efforts.


2009
October: Appointed Niseko Town
2010
April - Free medical care for infants, toddlers, and junior high school students
June: ・ Yotei Area Consumer Affairs Counseling Service opens
September: Comprehensive partnership agreement signed with Hokkaido University's Center for Advanced Tourism Studies
2011
March: The Great East Japan Earthquake occurs
May ・ Niseko Town Groundwater Conservation Ordinance and Niseko Town Water Source Protection Ordinance are enacted
December: Junior high school special needs classroom expansion, renovation, and maintenance
2012
January ・Hokkaido International School Niseko Campus Established
February: Signed a partnership agreement with North Pacific Bank
March: 5th Niseko Town Comprehensive Plan formulated
・FM radio station "Radio Niseko" launched
April ・ Niseko Town Center reopens after renovation
September: Joined Mayors for Peace
October ・ Niseko Town demand bus "Nikotto Bus" begins operation
2013
May ・Concluded a partnership agreement with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
June ・ Niseko Town Goshiki Onsen Information Center opens
・Niseko TMR Center completed
October ・JA Yotei snow-utilizing rice storage facility completed
November: Mutual support agreement signed with Kunimi Town, Fukushima Prefecture
2014
March: Selected as Eco-Model City
July: Group home "Kirari" opens
・Certified as part of the Niseko Tourism Zone
October: Commemoration Ceremony the 50th anniversary of the town's name formation
・National emergency farmland development project plan finalized
November ・ Niseko Town Wine Special Zone Certification
・Niseko Rules founder Akio Araya becomes the first person in the world to be honored at the World Ski Awards
2015
February ・Niseko View Plaza selected as a key roadside station
October: Received the Excellence Award at the 3rd Platinum Awards and was certified as a Platinum City.
2016
March: Niseko Town Comprehensive Strategy for Local Government Revitalization formulated
April: Niseko Children's Museum opens
July: Niseko Central Warehouse Complex opens
October ・Extension of Niseko Town Yoji Centre "Kiratto"
・Concluded a partnership agreement with Hokkaido Bank
2017
March: Signed an agreement with the Niseko Real Estate Association regarding the management of villas and vacant houses in Niseko Town
October: Free medical care for those up to 18 years old begins
December: Niseko Funeral Hall opens
2018
June - Certified as an SDGs Future City ▲SDGs Future City Certification Ceremony
August: Signed the Global Covenant of Mayors
September Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake
October: National Water Resources Liaison Council Symposium held in Niseko
2019
March: National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) and Kutchan Town sign a partnership agreement to prevent snow and ice disasters, including avalanche accidents.
May: The Emperor ascends to the throne and the era name is changed to "Reiwa."
2020
March: ・Formulation of the second Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy
・Reconstruction of Nishitomi Community Center completed
April: COVID-19 and first state of emergency declaration issued
July: Establishment of Niseko Machi Co., Ltd., a public-private partnership urban development company
・Declaration of a climate emergency and zero carbon declaration
September - Awarded Green Destinations Top 100
2021
March: New town hall building completed
・Ritsumeikan Keisho Junior and Senior High School signs partnership agreement with Niseko Resort Tourism Association Co., Ltd.
・Concluded a partnership agreement with Sapporo International University
July: Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games held
December: Awarded the "Best Tourism Village" award by the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) as an example of an excellent tourist destination in the world.
・Became the first Japanese local government to sign the Glasgow Declaration at UNWTOCOP26 (the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
2022
April ・Approved by the Japan Committee for UNICEF as a local government implementing the Japanese-style child-friendly town model
June: Family Support Center business begins
September: Received the Minister of Government Award
2023
February: 120th anniversary of the town's founding: Certificate of Appreciation Presentation Ceremony
March: Establishment of the local circulation company "Niseko Yukimorikosha Co., Ltd."
・Comprehensive collaboration agreement with Otaru University of Commerce
December: Received the Minister of the Environment Award for Climate Change Action
2024
March: 6th Niseko Town Comprehensive Plan formulated
April: Decision made to start a new project for the Rankoshi-Kutchan Road on National Highway No. 5 (Hokkaido Crossing Expressway)
・Construction of new Niseko Fire Station building begins
November: Accommodation tax begins ▲Niseko Fire Station building under construction
2025
March: ・Formulation of the 3rd Niseko Town Autonomy Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy
April - Free school lunches begin
・Construction begins on the new Niseko High School dormitory
June ・ Niseko Town Basic Ordinance for Town Development revised
October: Retires as Niseko Town


01 Thoughts on town development

Through information sharing and resident participation, he promotes town development in which townspeople think and act on their own, and promotes town administration based on the "Niseko Town Basic Ordinance for Town Development" which aims to break away from the past dependency on the government. In particular, since taking office, he has aimed to establish "fiscal democracy" and has made budget-making meetings open to the public.
As a town that lives by the idea of "mutual aid" of Takeo Arishima, who achieved the great feat of farmland reform in 1922 (Taisho 11), we are implementing administrative and financial reforms based on the principles of "speed, fairness, and compassion," while also expanding the education budget and strengthening disaster prevention measures. I believe that we are laying the groundwork for a society of empathetic capital where local resources, energy, and the economy circulate.
The "decentralization" that I have been striving for is currently at a standstill, but I hope to further develop the foundations for local governments where basic human rights are protected and democratic societies function.
<Major public office careers>
Advisor to the National Council of Local Governments for Water Resource Conservation
■Chairman of the National Hot Springs Recreation Area Council
■ Co-chair of the National Association of Mayors
■Chairman of the Shiribeshi Regional Union, etc.


▲Mayor Katayama at the time of his inauguration



02 Efforts to achieve fiscal consolidation

Sixteen years ago, we were in a very difficult financial situation, but despite the austerity measures, we made efforts to control town expenses by making maximum use of various national subsidies and grants for administrative operations, and by lobbying the national government to propose and utilize the creation of new model subsidies. Thanks to the cooperation of town officials and members of the assembly, we were able to significantly improve our finances, bringing our real public debt ratio from 16.6% at the time to 4.2%, a good figure that was seventh out of 179 cities and towns in Hokkaido (2023).



Niseko Town population trends in the national census



Financial Crisis Overcoming Plan Formulation
End of fiscal year H15 (2003)
Total debt (local bonds) *All accounts (billion yen) 110.1
Actual amount of debt (actual town burden) (billion yen) 54.7
Percentage (%): 49.7
Savings (fund) (billion yen) 14.9
Town tax revenue (billion yen) 5.7
Real debt service ratio (%) 16.3 (2005)

Settlement of accounts for the fiscal year before the start of Katayama Town administration
End of fiscal year H20 (2008)
Total debt (local bonds) *All accounts (billion yen) 92.7
Actual amount of debt (actual town burden) (billion yen) 45.5
Percentage (%): 49.1
Savings (fund) (billion yen) 13.6
Town tax revenue (billion yen) 6.5
Real debt service ratio (%) 16.6

Latest fiscal year financial statements
Year-end R5 (2023)
Total debt (local bonds) *All accounts (billion yen) 85.5
Actual amount of debt (actual town burden) (billion yen) 37.5
Percentage (%): 43.9
Savings (fund) (billion yen) 19.3
Town tax revenue (billion yen) 10.4
Real debt service ratio (%) 4.2

Financial Crisis Breakthrough Plan
End of fiscal year R5→H15
Total debt (local bonds) *All accounts (billion yen) -24.5
Actual debt amount (actual town burden) (billion yen) -17.2
ratio(%)-
Savings (fund) (billion yen) +4.4
Town tax revenue (billion yen) +4.7
Real debt service ratio (%) -12.1 (compared to 2002)

Compared to when Katayama's administration began
End of fiscal year R5→H20
Total debt (local bonds) *All accounts (billion yen) -7.2
Actual debt amount (actual town burden) (billion yen) -8.0
ratio(%)-
Savings (fund) (billion yen) +5.7
Town tax revenue (billion yen) +3.9
Real debt service ratio (%) -12.4


*The real debt service ratio is an indicator that shows the percentage of expenses (debt service) used to repay borrowings (town bonds) compared to the standard amount of money required based on the town's population, area, etc. The average for towns and villages nationwide in 2023 was 7.6%, and the average for cities, towns, and villages in Hokkaido was 7.1%.




03 Environmental and landscape conservation
The Niseko Town Basic Environmental Plan was compiled with the participation of townspeople in March 2002. In order to realize the principles of the Basic Environmental Ordinance and Landscape Ordinance, which state that "we want to leave a good environment for our children" and "we want to protect and nurture the beautiful and majestic scenery of Niseko Town and pass on the bounty of nature to future generations," the town has refused to allow development within its boundaries, including high-rise buildings and large-scale enclosed resorts that would obstruct views of the town.
We have been able to pave the way for environmental conservation and reducing the burden on the global environment by enacting ordinances regarding water resources.


▲The beautiful scenery of Niseko Town



04 Education and Human Resource Development
As part of efforts to create a town that is easy to raise children in, we have established a Family Support Center, expanded classrooms at the Early Yoji Centre, and opened an after-school care center. We have also reduced the burden on parents for their children's school supplies and various classes, implemented free medical care for children up to the age of 18, and begun efforts to make school lunches free for elementary and junior high school students. We have also built special needs classrooms at each school, carried out large-scale renovations and earthquake-resistance improvements to school buildings and gymnasiums, rebuilt vice principals' residences at each school, and improved staff housing. At Niseko Municipal High School, we have begun work on improving the dormitory environment and supported the Board of Education's efforts to promote full-time education and increase enrollment.


With the children at the Children's Museum



05 Revitalizing the local economy
In agriculture, a fundamental industry, we have achieved results by supporting efforts to produce new crops, and the Emergency Reorganization and Improvement Project for National Farmland, which began construction in 2014, is now on track to be completed in fiscal year 2027.
In terms of tourism, the Niseko Tourism Zone was established to enhance the value of the area as a sustainable, relaxing resort, and in terms of transportation, with support from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the "Niseko Model" was implemented as a measure to expand winter taxi services.
In promoting commerce and industry, we have been able to open up prospects in the food processing sector, with the opening of Lupicia Co., Ltd., a world-famous tea maker, and the Niseko Distillery, a whiskey factory by Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd. Furthermore, through collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to implement local industry revitalization measures, we have been able to expand the number of chamber of commerce members to 231 businesses (as of the end of January 2025).
The Niseko Central Warehouses, which have played a key role in the town's economic development, have been developed as a hub for interaction, and Niseko Yukimorikosha Co., Ltd. was established to promote the local circulation of forestry and the economy. The hometown tax system, "e-Travel Tax," has also been introduced, allowing people to connect with the local community, creating a foundation for regional revitalization.


▲Farmland developed under the National Farmland Urgent Reorganization and Development Project

▲An event at Niseko Central Warehouses



06 Safety in daily life
In order to strengthen preparations for disasters that occur in various regions, we have improved our disaster prevention plans and information community functions by stocking up on disaster supplies and launching Radio Niseko.
The aging, earthquake-resistant town hall building was rebuilt as a new, energy-saving, airtight, and insulated building, and construction of the fire department building, which had been a concern, was also able to begin.
In addition, in order to promote the SDGs and alleviate the chronic housing shortage, Niseko Machi Co., Ltd. has begun development of a new district called "Niseko Mirai," and has begun construction of 18 town-run housing units as a measure to resolve the mismatch in public housing.
To ensure that the elderly can live with peace of mind, we have established a dementia-friendly group home called "Kirari" in cooperation with a special nursing home for the elderly, and introduced the demand-based "Nikotto Bus" to ensure transportation options. We look forward to further measures to improve freedom of movement in the future.

▲ Niseko Town Hall

▲Municipal housing



07To the future of Niseko Town
The town has compiled and reviewed its past practices of resident self-governance into the town's constitution, the "Niseko Town Basic Ordinance for Town Development," and its passion for the environment into the "Basic Environmental Plan: Niseko, a Town of Water Environment." Our main industries, agriculture and tourism, are only possible thanks to beautiful scenery and a beautiful environment. We are moving from a "small global city" that values human dignity to an "environmentally creative city."
We hope that you will further advance the creation of a city of mutual assistance where children's smiles shine, towards Niseko, a city where we co-create the future of children.


Thank you for the past 16 years

The financial situation of the city as seen from the financial statements of each fiscal year
*Basis: Article 45 of the Basic Ordinance on Urban Development, Disclosure of Financial Status

The town's financial statements for fiscal year 2024 are currently being reviewed by the town council.
So this month, we will let you know how the town's money was used last year.


General account settlement

Revenue: 7,594,060,000 yen

dependent financial resources
Local gift tax and grants: 254.3 million yen
A portion of the taxes paid to the government will be paid out according to certain rules.

National and prefectural expenditures: 918.18 million yen
Subsidies for the construction of roads and public housing, etc.

Town bonds: 1,386,100,000 yen
Borrow money when carrying out large-scale projects such as construction work.

Local allocation tax 2.6 billion yen 50.5 million yen
The national government provides funds to cover the financial needs of the town that are not covered by the town's financial resources.


Independent revenue source
Miscellaneous income: 165,990,000 yen
School lunch fees and the cost of implementing various programs, etc.

Carryover funds: 285.15 million yen
Cover the shortfall with funds (savings)

Usage fees, commissions, etc.: 797.8 million yen
Public housing fees, garbage disposal fees, etc.

Town tax: 1,213,530,000 yen
Resident tax, property tax, etc.


Maintenance of public facilities
In the general account settlement for fiscal year 2024, revenue increased by 1,874 million yen (+32.7%) compared to the previous year due to increases in town taxes and other items, and expenditures increased by 1,973.4 million yen (+36.3%) compared to the previous year, with both revenues and expenditures increasing significantly from the previous year.
Major projects include the construction of a fire station building, the development of Niseko High School dormitories, the development of the Niseko Mirai-dori town road, and the improvement of public housing.

Carryover projects to FY2025
Due to factors such as the progress of the projects and the timing of national budgetary measures, the "New Housing Development Project" and the "Price Rise Emergency Support Grant/Low-Income Household Support Project" will be carried over to fiscal year 2025. The total budget to be carried over is 31.07 million yen, and the revenue will be secured by utilizing subsidies from the national and prefectural governments and issuing town bonds to implement the projects.

Town tax revenue increased by 175.57 million yen
Local allocation tax, the main source of revenue, increased by 162.45 million yen (+6.5%) from the previous fiscal year, due to increases in ordinary allocation tax of 23.51 million yen and special allocation tax of 138.94 million yen. Town tax increased by 175.57 million yen (+16.9%) from the previous fiscal year, resulting in tax revenue exceeding 1 billion yen for the second consecutive year. The significant increase in revenue is due to the new accommodation tax introduced in November 2024, as well as the town resident tax and fixed asset tax, both of which recorded record tax revenues.
In addition, town bonds (loans from the national government, banks, etc.) are used for large-scale construction projects.
This resulted in an increase of 888,830,000 yen (+211.7%) due to an increase in expenses.

Necessary investments in hardware and software
In terms of hard projects, we have promoted the maintenance and renewal of social infrastructure, including public housing improvement projects (Chuo Danchi), town road maintenance and repair projects (such as the Soga Station Line town road repair and longevity extension project), bridge longevity maintenance projects (Hamamoto Bridge, etc.), and Miyata district water distribution pipe renewal project.
In the software business, we focused our efforts on promoting agriculture and tourism, the town's core industries, by implementing clean agriculture and working to create a sustainable tourism area.



Settlement amount per town resident (general account revenue) 1,471,433 yen
*Calculated based on the population of 5,161 people based on the Basic Resident Register as of March 31, 2025

If we were to compare the town's finances (general account) to a household with an annual income of 4 million yen...
Income/month
Independent revenue source
Basic salary (resident tax, usage fee, etc.) 88,285 yen
Other (miscellaneous income) 72.86 million yen
Withdrawal from savings (fund transfer) 12,516 yen
Subtotal 100,000 yen 8,087 yen
dependent financial resources
Sales allowance, commission, etc. (local allocation tax, subsidies, etc.) 167,806 yen
Debt (town bonds, etc.) 57,440 yen
Subtotal 225,246 yen
Total income: 333,333 yen

Expenses/month
Food expenses (labor costs and assistance costs) 65,625 yen
Loan repayment (bond expenses) 27,485 yen
Utilities, car purchase, etc. (property expenses) 50,781 yen
Home and car repair costs (maintenance and repair costs, disaster recovery costs) 11,279 yen
Neighborhood association fees, donations (subsidies, etc.) 60,260 yen
Building a house or garage (construction costs) 81,912 yen
Medical expenses and remittance (withdrawal) 9,262 yen
Money lent to an acquaintance (loan) 360 yen
Savings (reserves) 26,369 yen
Total expenditure: 333,333 yen

*The town's expenses have been replaced to make it easier to visualize. Please use this as a reference.



Expenditures: 7,411,120,000 yen

Firefighting expenses: 173.29 million yen
Firefighting activities, emergency activities, etc.

Parliamentary, commercial and industrial expenses, etc.: 322.12 million yen
Parliament, commerce and industry, disaster recovery, etc.

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries expenses: 367.32 million yen
Farmland/farm road maintenance, forest maintenance, etc.

Sanitation costs: 490.02 million yen
Simple water supply, health promotion, garbage disposal, etc.

Public debt service: 611.1 million yen
Repayment of town bonds (debt) (principal 589,430,000 yen, interest 20,580,000 yen), temporary borrowing interest 1,090,000 yen

Civil expenses: 915.75 million yen
Welfare projects, etc.

Education expenses: 1,149,400,000 yen
Management of schools and Yoji Centre, school buses, management of Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, etc.

Civil engineering costs: 1,257,420,000 yen
Snow removal, road construction and maintenance, public housing management, sewerage, etc.

General administrative expenses: 2,169,160,000 yen
Public relations, demand buses, government building management, personnel expenses, etc.


Settlement amount for each fiscal year (general account)
The fiscal year 2024 settlement amount exceeded the previous year's amount.





We also continue to implement welfare and child-rearing policies, such as continuing the child medical expenses system and child care services during long holidays.

For future facility development
Currently, the National Emergency Farmland Reorganization and Development Project (a project directly managed by the national government) is in its 10th year and construction is progressing towards completion in fiscal year 2027. Other projects, such as the Fire Department Building Redevelopment Project, the Kutchan Kosei Hospital Phase 2 Development Cost Coverage Project, and the renovation of public housing, are also progressing according to plan. In implementing these investment-type projects, we will strive to ensure stable management of town finances and appropriate management of the outstanding local bond balance by borrowing town bonds with a high proportion of national support, as well as prioritizing and leveling out projects.



Special account settlement
Special accounts are established based on laws and ordinances when it is necessary to distinguish accounting from other accounts, such as when conducting a specific business.
In addition, public enterprise accounting is applied to simple water supply and sewerage businesses, allowing for accurate understanding of management and asset status and promoting flexible management.

National health service
Revenue: 217.96 million yen
Expenditures: 216.48 million yen

Medical care business for the elderly
Revenue: 72.42 million yen
Expenditures: 72.08 million yen

Simple water supply business
Revenue: 574.87 million yen
Expenditures: 537.07 million yen

Public sewerage business
Revenue: 250 million yen
Expenditures: 243.35 million yen

Medical expenses per insured person under the National Health Insurance program in fiscal year 2024 increased by 35,224 yen compared to 2023 to 260,836 yen.


Current status of financial resources
The town owns land such as roads and parks, buildings such as public facilities and public housing, and other assets in the form of capital contributions.
Land area: 9,827,935 square meters
Building: 90,952 square meters
Rights from investment (such as capital investment in the Land Development Corporation): 1.95 million yen
Securities (Kirat Niseko stock, etc.) 52.68 million yen
Hokkaido Emergency Fund Association Contribution (Savings in preparation for disasters) 328.59 million yen


Current status of fund (savings)
Although there was some withdrawal from the city hall construction fund, there were also contributions to the debt reduction fund and hometown development fund, resulting in an increase in the overall fund balance.

End of fiscal year 2024
2,236,700,000 yen (+310,250,000 yen)
Traffic Accident Orphans Educational Fund
5 million yen (no change)
Forest Environment Gift Tax Fund
5.64 million yen (+4.33 million yen)
Sports Promotion Fund
10 million yen (no change)
Social Welfare Fund
41.57 million yen (+1.45 million yen)
Corporate Hometown Development Fund
58.25 million yen (+58.25 million yen)
Industry Promotion Fund
62,320,000 yen (+40,000 yen)
community welfare fund
82.83 million yen (no change)
Accommodation Tax Fund
98.1 million yen (+98.1 million yen)
Land Development Fund
98.9 million yen (+40,000 yen)
National Health Insurance Fund
110,290,000 yen (+9,050,000 yen)
Government building construction fund
128,250,000 yen (-11,010,000 yen)
National Emergency Farmland Reorganization and Development Project Fund
141.8 million yen (+20.01 million yen)
Furusatozuri Foundation
148,990,000 yen (+67,350,000 yen)
sinking fund
259,660,000 yen (+50,130,000 yen)
Public Facility Improvement Fund
485,250,000 yen (+190,000 yen)
fiscal adjustment fund
499,850,000 yen (+12,320,000 yen)




Current status of town bonds (debt)
Taking into consideration the future financial burden of large-scale projects such as the Fire Department Building Improvement Project, we will make planned contributions to debt reduction funds, etc.

Debt balance: 9,446,110,000 yen (+892,990,000 yen)
Amount borne by the country and town of the outstanding debt

45% of the estimated amount actually borne by the town: 4,284,920,000 yen
55% Estimated amount to be provided by the government: 5,161,190,000 yen


Debt amount and repayment amount for each year
Town bond issue amount: 1,652,210,000 yen
Town bond repayment amount: 754.57 million yen (principal), 40.47 million yen (interest)



We will inform you of the financial indicators for the fiscal year 2024
In order to prevent local government financial collapse, the national government enacted the Financial Soundness Act in 2007.
This law is a rule that checks the deterioration of local government finances in two stages, "early consolidation" and "financial reconstruction," using new financial indicators. It also aims to clarify the financial situation of local governments by combining special accounts and public enterprise accounts with general accounts and by providing consolidated financial statements.
This fiscal index establishes ``Early Soundness Standards (Yellow Card)'' and ``Financial Recovery Standards (Red Card),'' and also ``Management Soundness Standards'' for public enterprise accounts such as simple water supply and sewerage. yellow card).
Starting with the fiscal year 2008 financial results, local governments that exceed the standards for any of these indicators are subject to various restrictions, including the need to formulate plans to improve their fiscal health.
As a result of calculations based on the fiscal year 2024 financial statements, Niseko Town 's indicators are all good figures that are below the early financial recovery standards.



■Financial indicators (1)

Niseko Town
Real deficit ratio -
Early soundness standards -
Fiscal revitalization standard 4.2% (previous year: 4.2%)
Future burden ratio: 30.0% (previous year: 37.9%)

Early soundness standards
Real deficit ratio: 15%
Early restoration standard 20%
Fiscal rehabilitation standard 25%
Future burden ratio: 350%

Fiscal revitalization standards
Real deficit ratio: 20%
Early restoration standard 30%
Fiscal rehabilitation standard 35%
Future burden ratio: None


real deficit ratio
An index of the extent of the deficit in the general account, which summarizes basic administrative expenses such as welfare, education, firefighting, and road construction.

Consolidated real deficit ratio
This is an index of the extent of the deficit of the entire town of Niseko Town.

Fund shortage ratio
An index that compares the deficit amount of each public enterprise account with the business scale such as fee income

Real debt service ratio
In addition to the repayment amount of borrowings from the general account, this is an index that is the sum of the amount owed by the special account for borrowings and the amount borne by expenses equivalent to the borrowings.

Future burden ratio
In addition to expenses based on the calculation of the real public debt service ratio, it is an index of the size of the amount that the general account may bear in the future among the retirement allowances for employees and the debts of established corporations and some administrative associations.


■Financial Indicators (2) Public Enterprise Accounting

Fund shortage ratio
Name of special account
Niseko Town Simple Water Supply Business Accounting - Management Soundness Standard 20%
Niseko Town Public Sewerage Business Accounting - Management Soundness Standard 20%
*Since there is no deficit in either account, no ratio is generated. However, the deficit is covered by funds carried over from the general account.


Fund shortage ratio
An index that compares the deficit amount of each public enterprise account with the business scale such as fee income

The second event is now underway!
Support local farmers and restaurants while enjoying great deals


2nd
9/22 (Monday) - 10/31 (Friday)
Autumn Vegetable Halloween
Halo Veggie


01
Autumn vegetables are so delicious!
Choose from the veggie picnic menu and take it out!

During this period, choose from the limited-time Veggie Pic menu, made with seasonal Niseko Town autumn vegetables, at popular restaurants in Niseko Town and order takeout!


Maitrier
Gratin Croissant
Dried sweet potato cake
Ground cherry cornet

BIRCH TREE CAFE
Grilled pumpkin puree and autumn vegetables sandwich

Vege King
Pumpkin potage
Strawberry smoothie

The POW BAR cafe
Sri Lankan curry plate

Niseko Foothills Parlor
Roasted pumpkin cheesecake

PRATIVO
Niseko pumpkin quiche

WHITE BIRCH CAFE
Niseko carrot cake

ICOR NISEKO
Oven-baked plate with autumn vegetables

Restaurant J'ai la patate
Pumpkin ice cream cookie sandwich

Stone Oven Bread Marche HARU
Bacon potato pumpkin filled with chunks of new potatoes and fluffy pumpkin

VegiRilla
Sweet potato and burdock soy milk potage

Plume
Autumn vegetables and sausage baguette sandwich



02
The familiar scenery looks a little different
Choose a picnic spot from among the scenic spots!

During the period, eight scenic spots will be available.
Enjoy a picnic on the lovely wooden terrace and benches that look great in photos!
 

A spot with a spectacular terrace
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
You can enjoy the beautiful view of the tower and Annupuri lined up side by side.
Niseko Tada Farm
The terrace is located in the middle of a field on a hill with no obstructions in all directions.
Plume
In front of the terrace overlooking Mt. Yotei are fields and pastures, creating a beautiful green space.
Niseko Distillery Second Warehouse
You can enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Yotei while feeling the beginning of history.


A spot with a bench with a spectacular view
Daido Farm
Why not take a leisurely ride on the hood of a tractor and enjoy the view of Mt. Yotei?
Niseko View Plaza Road Station
Buy your food at Vege King and sit on this bench! You can have a little veggie picnic experience.
K2 Stable Hill
This horse doesn't get angry even when you roll over on its belly! You can get up close and personal with the horse.
Niseko Arishima Ostrich Farm No. 2
This is the only place in the Shiribeshi area that offers a unique view of Mt. Yotei and ostriches.



03
Great deal that you can get without fail!
Buy vegetables at a great price at the direct sales event!
Vegetable coupons!
Get a 100 yen discount on purchases over 500 yen!

You can use the vegetable coupon to purchase the fresh vegetables used in the veggie picnic menu at a discount at the roadside station "Niseko View Plaza Direct Sales Event."

Present your vegetable coupon to receive even more special benefits
《Coupon eligible stores》
・Niseko Distillery/One original sticker of your choice
・Kiranoyu: 100 yen discount on bathing fees for adults, 50 yen discount for elementary and junior high school students
・Annupuri International Ski Resort / 10% discount on summer gondola tickets

Check out the menu and details on the store on their website!

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.0136-56-8837）までお気軽にご連絡ください。



I did my best with lots of energy!
Yoji Centre Sports Day
On September 6th, the Niseko Elementary School Yoji Centre Sports Day was held at the grounds of Niseko Elementary School. The weather was fine and refreshing, perfect for a sports day, and the day started with the "Mickey Mouse March Exercise." This year, the children in the Bear Class also performed the "Yocchore" exercise.
The Fox group pretended to be farmers, carrying vegetables drawn on cards and running all the way to the finish line. The Sheep group, along with their children, tried their hand at rolling a large ball, and had a blast with their perfectly synchronized passing. The Bear group bravely took on difficult obstacles, such as vaulting boxes and boards that were taller than them, and crossing a balance beam that went downhill.
With enthusiastic cheers and warm applause from their parents, the children competed with all their might until the very end.

A quick change of clothes and a big transformation! Change DE Pose (Sheep Group)

It's fun to run together (Fox Group)

Adults and children alike get seriously involved! Borrower Competition (Bear Group)




Learn about the history and enjoyment of tea
Elementary and junior high school town development committee
On August 18th, the elementary and junior high school town planning committee held a tea ceremony experience class at the town center.
Under the guidance of Yoichi Korogi, a master of Japan's proud kettle-fried tea, the children experienced brewing tea in a high-temperature kettle, drying the brewed tea, and kneading it by hand to improve its flavor. Even children who don't usually like tea seemed to enjoy drinking it.

Everyone hands-kneads the tea leaves that have been boiled in the kettle.




Thinking about the future of your home and vacant properties
Lecture on "House Closing"
The town, in collaboration with the Hokkaido Research Institute for Northern Buildings, held a lecture on "closing down a house" on August 21st, which was attended by approximately 30 townspeople.
Four experts in fields such as architecture, real estate, and law were invited as lecturers to talk about vacant house management, how to utilize them, and the risks of leaving them abandoned. Many questions were asked after the lectures, indicating a high level of interest.

It was an opportunity to think about the future of my home.




Explaining the revised Landscape Ordinance
Our Town Landscape Ordinance
On August 26th, the town held two explanatory meetings, one in the afternoon (for businesses) and one in the evening (for residents), to explain the purpose and content of the revisions to Landscape Ordinance.
For businesses, we mainly explained procedures such as pre-examination meetings and checklists, while for residents, we explained the purpose of the revisions and the overall process, providing an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of Landscape Ordinance.

A total of 29 people participated in the afternoon and evening sessions.




Learn about reducing food waste
Food Safety and Security Class for Elementary School Students
The town held a "Food Safety and Security Children's Class" on August 27th and 28th with the aim of teaching elementary school students about the efforts being made to reduce food waste in the town, at production sites, and in restaurants.
In preparation for the cooking class, potatoes were harvested on August 21st with the cooperation of the JA Yotei Youth Division Niseko Branch. On the day of the cooking class, with the cooperation of Chef Ogawa of Ushuku, the participants made potato gratin and potato salad sandwiches, using plenty of potato skins to avoid wasting ingredients. This was a valuable experience for learning cooking methods that reduce food waste.

Did you mix the ingredients for the potato salad well?





Sweat it out with your friends
Junior College · Old Man Club Association Joint Sports Day
A joint sports day between Kotobuki University and the Senior Citizens' Club was held at the Community Center on August 28th. The athletes competed in seven events in four teams (red, white, blue, and yellow) that were assigned by lottery, competing for points.
While many of the events tested teamwork, all the teams encouraged each other and played close matches. In the final event of the morning session, "Slot Ball," the participants hit the balls seriously, aiming for a high score, and were seen getting excited and worried about the ball's trajectory, creating a very exciting atmosphere. In the end, the White team won! The participants deepened their friendships and had fun working up a sweat.

In the ball rolling competition, gently pass the ball to the next person!




Have fun dancing with Fighters Girl
Fighters Autumn Days in Shiribeshi
As part of the Hokkaido Support Ambassador Project "Fighters Autumn Days in Shiribeshi" run by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, a dance class for children of elementary school age and younger was held at the town center on September 6th.
Two Fighters Girls and the mascot, Frepp, appeared in the dance class. They gave easy-to-understand instruction on the Fox Dance, which is performed between innings during games, the YMCA Dance, and the Genghis Khan Dance. Although it was a short class, everyone had fun moving their bodies to the music and dancing.

Everyone learns the familiar fox dance




What is happening on Earth right now?
ShiriBeshi Zero Carbon Outreach Lecture
On August 25th, the Shiribeshi Regional Development Bureau hosted a zero-carbon outreach lecture for first-year students at Niseko Junior High School.
With Mr. Tsuyoshi Ogoshi, a global warming prevention promoter, as the lecturer, the participants learned about a comparison of waste in Niseko Town and Guatemala, the basics of global warming, and measures to achieve zero carbon emissions. This gave them an opportunity to think about waste issues and global warming as something that affects them personally.

Mr. Ogoshi's questions made learning fun




Celebrating longevity and praying for good health
Niseko Town Respect for the Aged Day 2025
The town held the 2025 Niseko Town Respect for the Aged Day event at the Town Hall on September 4th.
First, commemorative gifts were presented by the town to the longest-lived people and couples celebrating 50 years of marriage. The 74 participants enjoyed interacting with each other while being captivated by the powerful performance of the Japanese drumming team "Yasawarai" and the graceful dance of the Nishikawa School of Japanese dance.

This year's raffle was a huge success




Full of colorful vegetables
Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station Great Harvest Festival
A big harvest festival was held at the Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station Direct Sales Event on September 6th.
The excitement was building even before the event started, as people looked forward to filling up on light trucks full of freshly picked seasonal vegetables. The raffle, which people could enter by showing their purchase receipts, was also a big hit! The farmers were beaming with smiles as they watched the bustling crowd of customers.

Bustling with people looking for fresh vegetables

This is the participation page for the townspeople. We look forward to hearing from you!

Everybody's page
Public Relations Planning & Environment Division
TEL.56-8837 FAX.44-3500



We would like to introduce you to the opinions and letters received from everyone.
My opinion
This month, we will introduce a method for you to easily communicate with the town about things you notice about the town and town development on a daily basis.
Please feel free to use it.

Submit "My Opinion"
Pages 16 and 17 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 town administration.
Cut this form along the lines and glue it together to form an envelope, which you can then mail as is. No stamp is required. The form that arrives at the town will be opened personally by the 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.
We will strictly protect personal information. In addition, if a response is necessary or possible, we will instruct the relevant department and take action as soon as possible.
In addition to this form, we also accept opinions by letter, fax, email, or through the "Town Planning Public Relations Boxes" located 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." Once approximately five people have gathered, the mayor will visit you at a designated location.




Niseko High School Student Council

Looking back at the first half
1st year secretary Mina Kazama

Recently, the weather has been getting cooler little by little, and we can feel the signs of autumn. How are you all doing? The long summer vacation is over, and school has finally started. This time, I would like to look back on the first semester before the summer vacation.
In the five months since I enrolled, I have been involved in a variety of activities, including the major event of the school festival. It was sometimes difficult to balance my work with club activities, after-school activities, and student council duties, but it has been a fulfilling and rewarding period.
I'm slowly getting used to school life, and I feel like I have more time to look around me than before. From the end of the first semester, I would like to actively take on activities that I haven't had the chance to fully engage in until now. I also want to put more effort into updating the Student Council's Instagram.
We look forward to your continued support of the Niseko High School Student Council Executive Committee!



Niseko Tanka Association
With the breeze from the electric fan at my back, I begin preparing a simple dinner.
The night by the window is lively and free of insects, and although it's already autumn, it's hot during the day.

Niseko Haiku Association
A Thunderhead Cloud in the Hospital Room While Waiting for Surgery by Sato Taiko
The wind carries the scent of fresh greenery. Ayako Shimizu
July ended with blessed rain. Yuriko Kudo
The Mother Who Doesn't Declutter - Appappa by Yasuko Shigemori

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/


Used Book Market Opened
We participated in the Welfare Festival with a secondhand book fair. Thank you to everyone who came. All proceeds will be donated to local facilities.



Have fun in English
We invited Mikiko Nakamoto, a children's English educator, to be the lecturer for an event aimed at elementary school students. It was a fun time filled with laughter.





Notice

"Play Club" and "Magic Carpet"
Asobook Club, which has been active since Asobook was founded, holds craft classes and seasonal events for children. In August, children enjoyed playing with soap bubbles. In October, we are also planning to make Halloween pumpkins. This is a popular class that fills up quickly with the elaborate crafts that are always offered. Reservations are required to participate, so please apply by phone or at the counter.

A scene from playing with soap bubbles


"Magic Carpet" is a monthly story time.
We also offer picture books, large format books, panel theater, and multilingual story time with the help of international exchange officers. On some days, volunteers from Niseko High School will also participate. Reservations are not required, so please arrive at the venue on time.
We are always looking for volunteers to join us.
◆When? Every Thursday from 3pm
◆Where? Asobook Community Room
◆Who? Elementary school students
For details, please see the Town Calendar and Kids' Playbook Newsletter.


Original Book Corner
Did you know that one of Asobook's most popular exhibition areas is the "Original Book Corner"? This corner displays original books that have been adapted into TV dramas, online dramas, and movies. The original book of the movie "National Treasure," which will be screened this summer, is also on display here.
You can reserve books in Asobook's collection by asking at the counter or by applying through the Asobook website.
*Books can be reserved for one week from the date of contact from Asobook. Please note that if you exceed this time, your reservation will be canceled.


Librarian's recommended books
"For Sleepless Nights" by Akane Chihaya, Heibonsha
Chihaya Akane, born in Hokkaido, won the Naoki Prize in 2023 for her novel "Shirogane no Ha."
This is a collection of short stories that covers 10 nights, starting with "Sleepless Nights." The stories are written in a series of short, well-paced sentences, like poetry or lyrics, and are so comfortable that you will find yourself drawn into the story.
The illustrations by illustrator Nishi Yoshiko are also fantastical and beautiful, leaving you entranced. This is a book I recommend for those long autumn nights. (Librarian Yasue Tsujimoto)




book display
9/27~10/30 "Spiritual World"
The invisible world of the spirit, woven together by our conscious and unconscious minds, emotions, and thoughts. We have collected books on mindfulness and spirituality. Please give them a read.


hobby exhibition
10/1～10/30
Accessories/Fedico



New arrival book introduction
There are many other new books. Please take a look at the Playbook.

practical book
Illustrated book to help you understand the Heart Sutra by Gen'yu Sokyu
Secret Animal Stories by Hiroshi Sasaki
Fermented Food Everyday by Yoritaka Okamoto

Reading material
Fireflies' Prayer by Machida Sonoko
Father's Number Akira Otani
Masquerade Life by Keigo Higashino

Children's books and picture books
Impressive! Dinosaur Encyclopedia Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Run, Melos Sayaka Umino
Who's to Blame? Regina Luk Toempere

Report daily activities from the members!
My neighbor's volunteer 49.

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> Saori Nakahara
<First year> Mari Nomura


Activities of the Japan Cooperation Volunteers
Introducing

≫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 October>
10/6 Daigo Kizawa and Nanami Takagi
13 Keima Sato and Saori Nakahara
20 Konoka Suzuki and Junichi Ohba
27 Tomoho Kobayashi and Saiki Saito


≫Information is also being sent on SNS!
website
▼
Facebook
▼
Instagram
▼



Overall Activity Report August and September

event support

Support for the Tanabata Fireworks Festival
I was involved in the management of the 45th "Small Hometown Development Tanabata Evening Fireworks Festival."
The weather was good on the day, and many townspeople came to the event. Fireworks were launched in the evening, and the event was a huge success. I was involved in a wide range of activities, from preparations to running the event on the day and clearing up, and being able to interact with the local community was a valuable experience for me as a volunteer. (Miyamae Ago)


Summer vacation children's cooking class support
Six volunteers shared the responsibility of supporting the "Summer Vacation Children's Cooking Class" four times in the morning and afternoon on July 28th and August 5th.
In the session I participated in, we made gyoza (plain and curry flavor) and jelly. The nutritionist taught the children how to make them, and while they were cooking, we helped with supervision and washing up. We also helped liven things up at times to make the experience more enjoyable. While the gyoza were being cooked, we listened to a picture-story show about food waste.
Some of the students even asked, "When's the next time? I want to come again!" so I'm glad they enjoyed themselves♪ (Nakahara Saori)


Niseko View Plaza Harvest Festival
I participated as a support staff member in the Niseko View Plaza Harvest Festival held on September 6th. The weather was perfect, and the event was bustling with visitors from the morning. In addition to the big raffle with lots of great prizes, the sales of potato mochi and sliced melons were also a big success. The "Light Truck Market" was particularly popular, and it was impressive to see people filling bags with potatoes, corn, and carrots. It was a heartwarming day, interacting with local farmers and experiencing the fun atmosphere of the visitors. (Kizawa Daigo)



My Assignment Introduction 33. Commerce and Tourism Division, 1st Year, Nomura Mari (from Sapporo City)
Niseko Migration Work Cooperative "WAKU WORK"

In order to address the town's challenge of creating year-round employment that is not affected by seasonal demand, we are working with the town hall's Commerce and Tourism Division and several local businesses to launch the Niseko Immigration Work Cooperative, "WAKU WORK."
I am in charge of web design, and our website is finally complete! We started recruiting workers this month, and we are working hard to create an exciting work environment for housewives and high school graduates. If you are looking for work, please feel free to contact us.
Volunteer members Takagi and Kida assisted with the filming.


My Assignment Introduction 34. Planning & Environment Division Public Relations Section, 3rd year, Risa Ito (from Sapporo)
"Note" is one of Niseko Town 's information dissemination tools
Have you heard of Niseko Town official note? In addition to X and Facebook, Niseko Town also frequently uses LINE and Instagram, providing a wealth of information from the town itself. The note I'm in charge of has more depth than the town newsletter, and as a stock-based social networking site, it makes it easy to read past releases. The number of followers recently surpassed 800. Feeling firsthand the high level of interest in Niseko Town, I will continue to share information about Niseko Town, whose greatest attractions are its nature and people.



Activities that connect to the future of Niseko
Sustainable Tourism Education 2nd year: Kyoka Sato (from Sunagawa) Assigned to Niseko High School
In this third installment of the series, I, who am currently assigned to Niseko High School, will be sharing my thoughts on "sustainable tourism education."
Niseko High School puts its learning into practice in collaboration with a variety of partners. Students study international tourism standards, discover the region's attractions and challenges through fieldwork, and engage in activities that actually lead to problem-solving, such as planning sustainable tours. As a result, tourism has given students an opportunity to develop civic pride in their local area, which is beginning to have a positive impact on those around them.
We hope that sustainable tourism education will provide students with an opportunity to consider approaches to a wide range of areas, not just environmental issues, but also cultural preservation and the lives of local residents, and that they will put what they have learned at school to good use while increasing their involvement with local residents.

In this corner,
Introducing various activities and information!


Parenting topics



Yoji Centre
Try climbing a door!
We were able to hold the sports day successfully this year as well.
Every year, the older children participate in an obstacle relay that includes climbing a board, and they have been practicing diligently this year as well.
It requires not only leg and arm strength, but also determination and balance, making it a sport suited to older children whose bodies are already developed.
On the day, every child gave it their all, the obstacle relay was a close race, and the cheering was enthusiastic. I believe this hard work will motivate them to take on their next challenge.

I tried my best to climb!




Sun
"Aromatherapy Spray Making" Course
We held a parenting class called "Making Aromatherapy Sprays" with Kana Matsuda, a local resident, as the instructor.
Using essential oils packed with the power of plants, we created refreshing and relaxing scents. By combining them, we discovered new scents and found our favorite scents from a wide range of essential oils.
It can be used in your room, on linens, in your car, and in other areas of your daily life, allowing you to enjoy the scent and find it soothing.

Which scent should I choose?

"Ohisama" is a place where parents and children can play casually and talk to friends about their worries (within Yoji Centre).



Notice
●Recruiting children for the Early Yoji Centre in 2026●
We are now accepting applications for children to enroll in the school in 2026.
All enrolment documents are available at Yoji Centre.
◆Application period: November 1st (Saturday) to November 30th (Sunday)
◆Application/ Yoji Centre
[Short-time childcare] (kindergarten type)
■Target age/3, 4, 5 year olds
[Long-term childcare] (nursery school type)
■Target age/Children 6 months to 5 years old
<Information session for admission to the Early Yoji Centre for 2026>
Date and time: Friday, October 31st, 6:30pm
◆Location: Yoji Centre
*If you would like to use childcare, please apply by Friday, October 24th.



Parenting Class
"Digging Carrots"
Date and time: Tuesday, October 7th, 10:00 AM
*Backup day in case of rain: Thursday, October 9th
Location: Within the town (take a bus to the field)
◆Meeting place/ Yoji Centre
◆Application deadline: Friday, October 3rd

"Cooking class"
Let's have fun cooking together and eat the food you make together as a family.
Date and time: Friday, November 14th, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
◆Location: Community Center ◆Childcare: Community Center
◆ What to bring: Apron, bandana, drink
◆ Capacity: Approximately 5 people
◆Application deadline: Friday, November 7th



Early Yoji Centre Opening
Yoji Centre will be open to parents and children before they start kindergarten.
Date and time: Thursday, October 16th, 10:00 AM
◆Application deadline: Wednesday, October 8th



<Inquiries about this page>
Niseko Town Yoji Center "Kiratto"
TEL.（代表）0136-44-2700 FAX.0136-44-2725

Shinbo public health nurse
Health Promotion Section, Health & Welfare Division
TEL.0136-56-8840



From lifestyle habits
Preventable cancer prevention
What is the relationship between cancer and lifestyle habits?

It is becoming clear that various lifestyle habits have an impact on the development of cancer.
Preventable risk factors for cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol, eating habits, exercise habits, and being obese or underweight.

Smoking
It is well known that smoking causes lung cancer, but it has also been shown to cause many other cancers.
(male)
Lung cancer: 4.5 times
Esophageal cancer: 3.7 times
Stomach cancer: 1.7 times
(woman)
Lung cancer: 4.2 times
Breast cancer (premenopausal) - 3.9 times
Breast cancer: 1.9 times
There is also the issue of passive smoking, so if you have family members who smoke, it may be a good idea to consider separating smoking areas or seeking smoking cessation treatment.

●Drinking
Men who drink more than three cups of sake per day have a 1.6 times higher risk of cancer than those who drink occasionally (less than one cup per day). Also, because women are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than men by constitution, it is said that their risk begins to increase at smaller amounts.
If you are in the habit of drinking every day, it would be a good idea to start by taking a day off from drinking.

●Eating habits
It is becoming clear that the causes of cancer in Japanese people are "eating too many salty foods," "not enough vegetables and fruits," and "eating foods and drinks that are too hot." Since the relationship between foods and nutrients and cancer is still largely unknown, it is difficult to say whether a certain food is good or bad. For this reason, it is important to strive for a balanced diet.

●Exercise habits
It has been reported that people who are more physically active through work or exercise have a lower overall risk of developing cancer. Try to increase the amount of time you spend moving your body in your daily life, within reasonable limits.

●Maintaining a healthy weight
It is said that obesity increases the risk of breast cancer in women, especially after menopause. It has also been reported that the risk of cancer death is higher in underweight men and higher in obese women. Manage your weight in a way that suits you by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) based on your weight and height.

How to calculate BMI
Weight (kilograms) ÷ Height (meters) × Height (meters)
[Health checkup reference value: 18.5-24.9]
●Early detection and early treatment
Of course, lifestyle habits alone cannot completely prevent cancer, so it is important to undergo cancer screening at the appropriate age and receive early detection and treatment.
The town offers cancer screenings that can be taken according to age, so if you haven't had your screening this year yet, please be sure to get one.

Notice

Niseko Town Election Results
We are pleased to announce the results of the Niseko Town Election held on September 14th.

Niseko Town Election Voting Results

Category Number of voters on election day Male 1,755 Female 1,892 Total 3,647
Category Number of voters Male 1,153 Female 1,342 Total 2,495
Category Voter turnout (previous election in 2009) Male 65.70% (87.41%) Female 70.93% (89.42%) Total 68.41% (88.46%)

Niseko Town Election Results (in order of votes)
Winner/Loser Candidate Name Number of Votes
Tanaka Kento 1,887
Ochimaehara Koshuku 387
Keiichi Fukuda 64
Shinichi Ochigishi 42
■ Valid votes: 2380
■ Invalid votes/115





Results of Niseko Town by-election
We are pleased to announce the results of the by-election for town council members held on September 14th.

Niseko Town by-election
Category Male Female Total
Number of voters on election day: 1,755 1,892 3,647
Number of voters 1,153 1,341 2,494
Voting rate 65.70% 70.88% 68.38%
(Voting rate in the previous election in 2019) (74.38%) (74.45%) (74.42%)


Niseko Town Council by-election results (in order of votes)
Winner/Loser Candidate Name Number of Votes
Yuko Takai 1,838
Gen Nishikawa 542
■ Valid votes: 2380
■Invalid votes/114


Kira points giveaway campaign for using sharing services
In order to promote diverse lifestyles, we are currently running a campaign in which you can receive Kira points by using the sharing services promoted by the town and answering a survey.
■ Period: September 8th (Monday) to October 31st (Friday)
■ Target:
・Part-time job "Timee" (1,000 points)
・Shared car "Times" and "Patto" (2,000 points)
*Another 1,000 points for answering the survey
■How to receive the points: After using the service, please visit the Commerce and Tourism Division counter.
■問合せ／商工観光課 TEL 0136-56-8843



We collect used small household appliances
The town collects used small household appliances in order to improve recycling and reduce waste.
Small home appliances (products that run on household electricity or batteries) contain useful metals such as iron, aluminum, precious metals, and rare metals, and these metals can be recycled as resources. Therefore, we aim to recycle resources by collecting used small home appliances and having government-certified businesses recycle them as metal resources.
If you have small household appliances that you no longer need, please help us collect them.
Starting this year, we will also be collecting used lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in mobile batteries.
*Small appliances cannot be collected from people, businesses, offices, or stores outside the town.
Collection date: Sunday, October 26th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
■ Collection location / Niseko Town heavy vehicle garage (opposite Niseko Dental Clinic)
■ Items that can be collected: Cell phones, telephones, digital cameras, and other household products that run on electricity or batteries
■Items that cannot be collected: Small cloth appliances such as refrigerators, kotatsu, and electric carpets, as well as large appliances
*Please delete any personal information beforehand.
*Please make sure to remove the ink and toner from the printer.
*Outer boxes and packaging materials will not be collected.
*If you are elderly and unable to bring your trash to the collection point, we will collect it on Friday, October 24th. Please contact the Town Hall Resident Affairs Division as soon as possible.
■問合せ／町民生活課町民生活係 TEL 0136-56-8839



Dedicated consultation telephone line "Women's Human Rights Hotline" will be integrated
The Ministry of Justice and the National Federation of Human Rights Commissioners
Starting October 1st of this year, the "Women's Human Rights Hotline" will be integrated into the nationwide human rights hotline "Everyone's Human Rights 110."
Your confidentiality will be strictly maintained. If you are experiencing issues related to human rights, such as discrimination, abuse, harassment, or women's rights, please contact us.
■ Consultation phone number: 0570-003-110
*Follow the automated voice guidance and press the number corresponding to your enquiry (women: 1, elderly: 2, disabled: 3, others: 4).
*For consultations regarding children, please call 0120-007-110.
■ Consultation hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM
■問合せ／札幌法務局倶知安支局 TEL 0136-22-0232







Attorney Tsuchiya will solve your daily life problems!
This month's theme: Sports and Law
Autumn is well underway, and autumn is the season for sports.
In our country, we have enacted a law regarding sports called the Basic Act on Sport.
For example, the National Athletic Meet, formerly known as the "Kokutai" (National Sports Festival), has now been renamed the "Kokumin Sports Festival." This is due to the amendment of the Basic Act on Sport in 2018, which stipulated that the "Kokumin Sports Festival" should be renamed the "Kokumin Sports Festival."
The Basic Act on Sport declares that "sport is a universal human culture" (Article 1), and goes on to state that "this Act is enacted with the aim of realizing a sports-oriented nation and to promote sports-related policies in a comprehensive and planned manner as a national strategy" (Article 1).
Furthermore, the Basic Act on Sport states that it is the right of all people to lead happy and fulfilling lives through sport, and that the tireless efforts of athletes are meaningful endeavors that pursue the limits of human potential, and that the success of Japanese athletes in international competitions, based on such efforts, gives the people pride, joy, dreams and inspiration, and increases their interest in sport.
In addition, the Act also stipulates the training of instructors (Article 11), the improvement of physical education in schools (Article 17), and the promotion of anti-doping activities (Article 29).
I also ran in the Hokkaido Marathon in August this year and enjoy sports. Sports enrich our daily lives.

Park Front Law Office Niseko Office
141 Hondori Niseko Town
TEL 0136-44-3800 FAX.0136-44-3801


Hokkaido minimum wage
The Hokkaido minimum wage, which applies to all workers (company employees, part-time workers, casual workers, students, etc.) working at workplaces in Hokkaido and their employers, has been revised as follows.
■Minimum wage/hourly rate: 1,075 yen
■Effective date: October 4, 2025
■Inquiries/Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Hokkaido Labor Bureau, Labor Standards Inspection Office (branch office)



Launch of Mina Emergency Services
"My Number Emergency" will be launched nationwide from October 1, 2025.
My Number Emergency allows emergency personnel to use the injured or sick person's My Number health insurance card to view medical information such as past hospital visits and prescribed medications. This reduces the burden on the injured or sick person and their accompanying family members, and also enables the injured or sick person to receive more appropriate treatment.
When requesting an ambulance, please carry My Number Card and present it to the emergency services. For details, please see the left.
■ Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Fire and Disaster Management Agency X/
■YouTube／
■問合せ／羊蹄山ろく消防組合消防署ニセコ支署救急係 TEL 0136-44-2354



Nuclear disaster prevention drills will be held again this year
The town will once again be holding a "Nuclear Disaster Prevention Comprehensive Drill" this year, sponsored by Hokkaido and 13 other towns and villages. This year's drill will be a public relations drill for the event of a nuclear disaster, and will involve public relations activities using the town's website, official LINE and social media such as X, and a public relations vehicle.
■Purpose of the training: Disaster prevention-related organizations will cooperate to improve their disaster prevention techniques so that nuclear disaster prevention measures can be implemented smoothly, and to raise disaster prevention awareness among local residents and promote understanding of disaster prevention measures.
■Date and time/
Wednesday, October 29th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (scheduled) *Depending on the situation, the training may be canceled.
■Training items/
・Disaster response headquarters establishment training
- Public relations for residents using PR vehicles
・Emergency environmental radiation monitoring training
■Inquiries: General Affairs Division, TEL 0136-56-8835




Google Business & Generative AI Seminar for Businesses
Do you have concerns like, "The number of foreign tourists is increasing, but we can't afford to spend money on creating a website," or "It's difficult to provide information in English, so we're not making much progress in disseminating information"?
In the Niseko area, which receives many tourists from both Japan and overseas, it is important to provide information in multiple languages. However, many businesses are unable to take the plunge into digitalization due to cost and manpower issues.
Therefore, we will be holding a free seminar to combine free Google tools with the latest generative AI to improve information dissemination and business efficiency throughout the Niseko area.
We will introduce easy-to-understand methods for attracting customers without spending money and techniques for utilizing AI that anyone can easily use. Please join us.
Date and time: Wednesday, October 15th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
■ Location: Town Hall Training Room 2
■Participation fee: Free
■Lecturer:
Google Business: Kenya Harada (General Manager of SoldOut Inc. Sapporo Sales Office)
・Generation AI: Satoshi Yonezawa (CEO, Fire Cracker Inc./DX Consultant)
■Application: Please apply using the QR code on the left.
*The event will also be held in Kutchan Town on the same day from 2:00 PM
■問合せ／ニセコ観光圏協議会（担当／一般社団法人ニセコプロモーションボード） TEL 0136-21-2551





Riko Sasaki's Claire Paris News vol.03
When you go to a country where you don't speak the language, including France, ordering at a restaurant can be particularly difficult. Fast food restaurants have self-ordering machines that can be set to English and have photos to choose from, but most regular restaurant menus are text-only.
In times like these, a smartphone translation app can be a reliable tool. However, simply translating the text only results in katakana, making it difficult to imagine what kind of dish it is. Putting it in a Japanese context, even if the word "oyakodon" is written, can a foreigner imagine that it is a dish made with eggs and chicken?
For example, I was surprised by a dessert called "Il Flottin" (Floating Island in Japanese). Can you imagine what kind of food it is just from that name?
I always send ChatGPT a photo of the menu and ask them to explain what the dish is, and they politely explain to me that it's a "light and fluffy meringue (island) floating in a vanilla-flavored custard sauce (ocean) dessert."
However, another problem is that the internet environment is poor, especially in France, and sometimes you can't connect at all once indoors. When that happens, you can't even look it up, so you just give up and ask for help.
Based on this experience, I think there are two things that Niseko Town can do to improve its operations: 1. Menus should be written in multiple languages and include photos, and 2. A free internet environment should be provided. What is the current situation in Niseko Town?






Recruitment
Notice of Recruitment of Self-Defense Forces

●General Sergeant Candidate (3rd)
・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
・Application period: Tuesday, September 16th to Friday, November 21st
・First exam date: Any one of the following dates: November 29th (Saturday) to December 4th (Thursday)
● Self-Defense Force Candidates (4th)
・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
・Application period: From Wednesday, October 15th
● Self-Defense Force Candidates (5th)
・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
・Application period: November 10th (Monday) to December 4th (Thursday)
・Exam date: December 12th (Friday) or 13th (Saturday)
Higher Technical School Students (recommended)
・Eligibility to take the exam: April 2026
Male students aged 15 to 17 as of the 1st who have excellent grades and have made outstanding achievements in student council activities, and who can be recommended by the school principal.
・Application period: Wednesday, October 1st to Friday, November 28th
・Exam date: One of the following dates between Saturday, January 10th and Monday, January 12th, 2026
●High School of Technology Students (General)
・Eligibility: Males aged 15 to 17 as of April 1, 2026
・Reception period: October 1st (Wednesday) - January 15th, 2020 (Thursday)
・First exam date: January 24th (Saturday) or 25th (Sunday), 2026 ・Exam date: November 7th (Friday), 2026 ・Exam date: November 16th (Sunday) or 17th (Monday)
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



Part-time snow removal staff wanted for JR Kutchan Station in winter
JR Kutchan Station is recruiting snow removal workers for Kutchan Station and Niseko Station.
■Employment period: December 1, 2020 (Monday) to March 15, 2020 (Sunday)
■Work location: Either Kutchan Station or Niseko Station
■Working hours and wages / Overnight shift: 8:50 AM to 8:50 AM the next day (16 hours of actual work) 20,000 yen
Day shift: 8:50 AM - 5:50 PM (8 hours of work) 10,000 yen
■ Job Description: Snow removal work on station platforms and within the premises
■問合せ／JR倶知安駅 TEL 080-2187-5501



Thank you for signing the petition and a report
The "Niseko Town Water Supply Source Protection Petition" was submitted to the Sapporo High Court by the Mayor on September 11, 2025. Thank you very much for your support.
*Total number of signatures: 219,438
Breakdown: 2,876 parcels (addresses Niseko Town) + 216,562 parcels (addresses outside Niseko Town)




Radio Niseko News vol.19
Open Studio
Open Studio is broadcast every Friday and Saturday. You can enjoy a variety of unique programs by local personalities! It will continue to be broadcast from October, so please tune in! There will also be a rebroadcast on Sunday.
Friday Open Studio
6:00 PM - Matsuda Keishi, Sato Tsutomu, Aizawa Saori, Kato Jun
〇Saturday Open Studio
・11:00 AM -Niseko Town International Relations Coordinator (every week)
・2:00 PM ~ Hideki Sakagami, Keiko Homma, Seiji Hoshiba, Niseko High School
3:00 PM - Kasumizuki, Ogura Tadashi, Moriwaki Dai, Toki Mitsupei
・4:00 PM ~ Takafumi Saito, Takanori Kobayashi, Matt Neyman, John Burton
*From left: 1st week to 4th week. Program staff may change at short notice.
The show features unique personalities from Niseko Town and the Mt. Yotei area! A special year-end program is scheduled to air in December. If you're interested in trying it yourself, feel free to contact Radio Niseko!
■各番組へのメッセージ・リクエスト、問合せ／TEL 0136-55-5762
Email : niseko762@radioniseko.jp



clean station
Please refrain from illegal dumping and littering
Recently, there was an incident in Niseko Town where police were called in to investigate an illegal dumping of garbage on the side of a road.
Illegal dumping of garbage is prohibited by the Waste Disposal Act, and even small amounts of garbage must not be dumped illegally. Violators may be subject to imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 10 million yen, or a fine of up to 300 million yen in the case of corporations.
We have also received a lot of information about garbage being dumped on the roads of the Prefectural Route Rankoshi Niseko Kutchan Line and the Town Route Yotei Kondo Link Line.
In order to provide a pleasant welcome to visitors to Niseko Town, it is important to be mindful of not littering and not allowing others to litter.
■問合せ／町民生活課町民生活係 TEL 0136-56-8839




Recruitment of Niseko Children's Center users
Niseko Children's Center is accepting applications for children to use the center from April 2026. Parents of children who wish to use the center should check the following conditions, fill out an application form, and submit it along with documentation proving the child's need for childcare (such as a certificate of employment). Application forms are available at the Children's Future Division, Early Yoji Centre, and the center, or can be downloaded from the town's website. Application forms will be available from Saturday, November 1st. Please contact us for details on activities at the center and how to fill out the application form.
■ Eligible children: Children in elementary school grades 1 to 3 who live in the town and are deemed to require daytime childcare as of April 1, 2026.
*For use by 4th grade elementary school students and above, we will notify you separately depending on the number of users up to 3rd grade.
■Usage fee/monthly 6,000 yen
*If two or more children from the same household use the facility, the second child will be charged half the monthly fee, and the third child and onwards will be exempt. Also, if a child from a semi-needy household uses the facility, the first child will be charged half the monthly fee, and the second child and onwards will be exempt.
*In addition to the usage fee, parents of all children who use the facility are required to join the "Parents' Association," which covers the costs of events and teaching materials. Membership fees are deducted in a lump sum in every even-numbered month.
(500 yen/month, 110 yen bank transfer fee to be paid by the parent/guardian). There is no sibling discount.
■Conditions for use: Parents (all adults living in the home) must meet the following conditions.
・ Always work outside the house
・You are constantly working apart from your children in addition to your daily housework.
- Pregnant or recently given birth
- Recuperating from illness or injury, or having a physical or mental disability
・ Always care for relatives living together who are ill or have physical or mental disabilities
・ We are working on recovery from disasters such as earthquakes.
■Usage Judgment/We will examine the submitted documents and decide which children will use the service. Please note that you may not be able to use the service if the terms of use are not met.
■Application period: November 1st (Saturday) to November 30th (Sunday)
■Where to submit application: Children's Future Division, Early Yoji Centre (if there are siblings)
■申し込み・問合せ／こども未来課 TEL 0136-44-2101












International Exchange Communication vol.30
I went on a business trip from August 25th to 26th. My first day's destination was the Asahikawa International Exchange Center. I was able to exchange valuable ideas about hosting events and promoting different cultures with two international exchange officers from Singapore and the United States.
On the second day, we visited "Sent Pure" in Higashikawa Town. There are 11 Coordinators for International Relations working there, which is about twice as many as in Niseko Town. We introduced each other to our work and discussed together areas for improvement. We were filled with various ideas and it looks like we can hold an even more fun event!



heart gift
We received your donation. thanks for the goodwill
《Niseko Town Social Welfare Council Reception》
“As a thank you for taking care of my husband when he was alive.”
Ms. Kazuko Fujimi Naruse
"Please use this for social welfare" (from proceeds of the Welfare Festival)
Niseko Town Red Cross Volunteer Committee Chairperson, Yoshiko Saito
"Please use this for social welfare" (from proceeds of the Welfare Festival)
NPO Asobook Association




There is a vacant room in the town house

Type: Public housing (for families)
Apartment name: Fujimi Apartment Complex Building 5, Room 201
Type: 3LDK (61.99 sqm) Built in 1986
Structure Simple fireproof second floor
Rent guideline: minimum to maximum 11,300 yen to 36,800 yen (varies depending on income, etc.)
Parking space available

Type: Public housing (for families)
Apartment name: Chuo Apartment Complex, Building 6, Room 302
Type: 3LDK (67.25 sqm)
Structure: Fireproof mid-layer
Rent guideline: minimum to maximum 12,600 yen to 52,900 yen (varies depending on income, etc.)
Parking space available

There may be other open recruitment opportunities besides those listed above. Please see the town's website for details.
●Application period: Wednesday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 15th
●Eligibility and application method/Please inquire for details.
■問合せ／都市建設課住宅管理係 TEL 0136-56-8846



The contract results are posted on Niseko Town official website.




Garage Bazaar Information
We will be holding a garage bazaar at Niseko Living House. Please use Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Second Parking Lot for parking.
Date and time: Saturday, October 18th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
■問合せ／ニセコ生活の家 TEL 0136-44-1730



Sports
★Let's interact with the local community
Whole town 9-person volleyball tournament
Participate in the regional volleyball tournament and deepen your friendships with the local community.
■ Date and time: Sunday, November 30th, match starts at 9:00 AM
■ Location: General Gymnasium
■Application deadline: Friday, November 7th
*Please apply as a team from each region.
■ Supervisor Meeting / Wednesday, November 12th
■ Place / Townsman Center
■申し込み・問合せ／総合教育課スポーツ係 TEL 0136-44-2034




culture
Niseko Railway Heritage Site
Autumn Grand Opening
The Niseko Express will be taken out of storage and put on display outdoors. Details and the latest information on the event will be posted on Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum official website.
■ Release date and time: October 12th (Sunday) 10:00 AM
■ Location: Niseko Railway Heritage Site (Ohashi side of Niseko Station)
*The event may be canceled due to bad weather or equipment conditions.


The 37th Takeo Arishima Youth Art Exhibition
This year marks the 37th annual public art exhibition, which continues the spirit of Arishima Takeo in promoting the arts. Prize-winning and selected works will be on display.
■ Artwork delivery: Saturday, October 11th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Exhibition period: Saturday, October 25th - Sunday, November 9th
■ Place / Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
■Price/entrance fee only



Takeo Arishima Youth Painting Exhibition Awards Ceremony and Reviews
In addition to awarding the winners, the judges will provide feedback on the submitted works.
■ Date and time: November 3rd (Sun) 1pm
■ Place / Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum
※くらしの情報「文化」コーナーについての問い合わせは有島記念館まで TEL 0136-44-3245
* Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum opens at 10:00 AM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. Admission is 500 yen for adults, and free for high school students and younger and town residents aged 65 and older.





Consumer affairs consultation memo

Please note that simply returning a product received as part of a regular purchase does not cancel the subscription.

There have been many cases where people have seen advertisements emphasizing low prices or trial offers, and ordered a product thinking it would be a one-time purchase, only to find out it was actually a subscription. Numerous inquiries have been received by helplines across the country. Warnings about subscriptions have been issued in various media, including newspapers and television, but the number of inquiries continues to grow.
Recently, we have received inquiries such as, "I only intended to try it once, but when the second product arrived, I sent it back, but later I received only a bill. I never received the product and had no intention of paying, so I left it alone, and then I received a notice from a law firm," and "I purchased a trial product, and then the same product arrived later, but I didn't remember ordering it, so I returned it. I continued to receive bills after that, but I ignored them, and then I received a letter from a law firm that seemed like a final notice to pay."
Even if you order something as a trial, if it has become a regular subscription, returning the product or refusing to receive it will not cancel the subscription, so be careful. When purchasing a product, make sure to check whether it is a regular subscription, the cancellation method, conditions, total amount to be paid, etc. If you are unsure of what to do or have any other problems, please contact your local government office or a consultation center.

■問合せ／ようてい地域消費生活相談窓口  TEL 0136-44-1600







hello mayor

Thank you for your support!
From the days when I constantly heard harsh words like, "The number of vacant houses is increasing, the property value of homes is falling, land is unsellable, the number of guests is steadily declining, and this town has no future," to the tireless efforts of various organizations, businesses, and townspeople, the town has gradually become what it is today. After transferring to town hall, I designed various systems, including administrative and financial reform, education, and information disclosure. I was able to work on a wide range of projects, including various parks like the Children's Plaza, rural planning, and waste management. Since becoming mayor, I often had sleepless nights compiling budgets under difficult financial circumstances, and I have countless memories of each issue. I cherish the "mutual aid" that is the foundation of our town, where we respect and help each other, and I pray that we may continue to live in peace. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone.
Niseko Town Kenya Katayama

 

Town Calendar: October
Upper right box article
October is
Town/province tax/medical insurance premium for the elderly (4th period)
National Health Insurance Tax (5th period)
Deadline for delivery is the 27th (Monday)
If you use bank transfer, please check your balance.
Inquiries about municipal and prefectural resident tax and national health insurance tax / Tax Division
Inquiries about medical insurance premiums for the elderly / Health & Welfare Division
TEL 0136-56-8840

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




5th (Sun)
6th (Monday)
After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

7th (Tuesday)
Parenting class "Carrot digging" / Neighborhood: 10:00- See page 21 of Niko Niko Hiroba
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 19:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

8th (Wednesday)
9th (Thu)
● Patrol mini-dock/town: 7:00~
●Asobukkurabu (Reservation required)/A: 15:00-
Open at night

10th (Friday)
● Patrol mini-dock/town: 7:00~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~

11th (Sat)
●English conversation circle/o: 10:00~
●"Learn about World Art 2: Surrealism and Magritte" Lectures and Workshops/
Storehouse: 14:00-16:00

12th (Sun)
●Niseko Halloween 2025
Warehouse/Niseko Station: 10:00-15:00
Niseko Railway Heritage Site Autumn Opening / Niseko Railway Heritage Site: 10:00~ See Living Information p29

13th (Monday)
Sports Day
Playbook closed day

14th (Tuesday)
Playbook closed day
Central warehouse group closed days
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

15th (Wed)
● Google Business & Generative AI Seminar for Businesses / Town: 10:00 ~ See Living Information p25
●Radio Niseko Interruption Broadcast/Role: 10:50~

16th (Thursday)
●Istre x Brain Training Health Class / Town: 10:00~
● Yoji Centre opening hours/Kindergarten: 10:00~ See page 21 of the smiling square
● Health & Welfare Division Events/
●Asobukkurabu (Reservation required)/A: 15:00-
Open at night

17th (Friday)
●Childcare seminar/Town: 9:30~
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~

18th (Sat)
●National Footpath Gathering/Niseko Area
●Niseko Morning Market/Maeda Shoten: 8:00~
●Garage Bazaar/Niseko Living House: 10:00~ See Living Information p29

19th (Sun)
●National Footpath Gathering/Niseko Area

Monday 20th
●Muscle storage class/Town: 10:30~
After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

21st (Tuesday)
Infant health checkups/town:
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~
●Health exercise class/Town: 19:00~
Central warehouse group closed days
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

22nd (Wednesday)
Hello Mayor's Office / Role: 10:00-12:00

23rd (Thursday)
●Parent-Mother Seminar/Town: 9:30~
● Play Club (reservation required) / A: 15:00~
Open at night

24th (Friday)
●Echinococcus extermination measures/town: 9:00~
After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
●Cartoon Workshop/Niseko High School World Village: 15:30~

25th (Sat)
●The 37th Takeo Arishima Youth Art Exhibition / Ari ~ November 9th See Living Information p29
Niseko Elementary School Learning Presentation / Niseko Elementary School: 8:40-11:40
●English conversation circle/o: 10:00~

26th (Sun)
● Collection of used small appliances / Niseko Town Heavy Vehicle Garage: 8:00-13:00 See Living Information p.24

27th (Mon)
After-school children's class/town: 13:30~
Playbook closed day
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum Closed Days

28th (Tue)
●Adult cooking class/Town: 10:30~
Central warehouse group closed days

29th (Wednesday)
Hokkaido Nuclear Disaster Prevention Training / Town: 8:30-15:30 See Living Information, p. 25

Thursday 30
●Adult cooking class/Town: 10:30~
●Magic Carpet/A: 15:00~
Open at night

31st (Fri)
After-school children's class/physical education: 13:30~
●2026 Yoji Centre Entrance Information Session / Early Childhood: 18:30 ~ See page 21 of the Smiling Plaza
Playbook closed day

1st (Sat)

2nd (Sun)

3rd (Monday)
Culture Day
●Award ceremony and critique session for the Arishima Takeo Youth Art Exhibition / Available: 13:00~ See Living Information p.29
Playbook closed day

4th (Tuesday)
●Free legal consultation by lawyer/Town: 13:00~
Playbook closed day
Central warehouse group closed days

5th (Wed)
●Muscle storage class/Town: 10:30~

We are looking for photos!

Golden ears of rice
Photographer: Mori-chan

Mount Yotei and the Dragon God
Photographer: RI

Handmade
Photographer: Moko & Kuu-chan

Let's do our best at the prefectural tournament! (Niseko Junior Track and Field Team)
Photographer: Public Relations Section

From a mild summer to a lively autumn

Hello, I'm Matsuda, the director of Niseko Central Warehouses.
There weren't many big events in August, but instead, we've seen a gradual increase in the number of people teleworking and using the kids' space on a daily basis. We're delighted to see people dropping by the free space of the former starch factory to relax, people concentrating on their work, and parents and children playing together becoming a part of everyday life! Also, "music Saturday," a time to enjoy music, was organized mainly by the townspeople, and there were more and more scenes where a warm, lively atmosphere could be felt even in the quiet.
September was also the start of the event season at the Central Warehouses. Various events such as "Niseko Gravel" and "Niseko Machikado Festa" were held with the Central Warehouses Lawn Square as the main venue.
The event was held in Niseko and was crowded with many people. In particular, Niseko Gravel was held again this year and is fast becoming the main event at the Central Warehouse Complex!
Although we often rent out the facilities for events, we also welcome general use. If you have any requests for using the Central Warehouses for a specific purpose, please feel free to contact our staff. We also look forward to hearing from you via our website or social media!

Homepage Reservation System

Niseko Central Warehouses (former starch factory)
Opening hours / 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed/every Tuesday
TEL:0136-55-5538 FAX:0136-55-5596

The situation of radiation dose in the town
Measurement date: 1 month until September 15th
Maximum value 0.042μGy/h
Minimum value 0.034μGy/h
Average value: 0.036μGy/h

Space radiation dose rate is normal level

Movement of people (as of the end of August)
Population: 5,041 people
(+16 compared to the previous month)
2,551 men
(+7 compared to the previous month)
2,490 women
(+9 compared to the previous month)
Number of households: 2,767
(+5 compared to the previous month)
Of these, 595 are foreigners
Of these, 413 are foreign households

The other day, I read a book for the first time in a long time. This book was recommended to me by my Japanese teacher in junior high school, who said, "This is the perfect book for you right now." Of all the books I have read, it is a favorite and one that holds deep memories for me, and it's also the book that sparked my love for reading. However, to be honest, I still don't know why my teacher recommended this book to me back then. However, it is such an important book that I can't help but feel that it was a book I was meant to come across at that time.
Well, the long, hot summer is finally over. I pride myself on spending quality time reading all year round, but as the saying goes, "Autumn is the season for reading," and this season is truly a pleasant one for reading. I hope I can find a book that I'm glad I read, or a wonderful book.
I can't stop feeling this excitement every day.