English Bulletin February 2012

Address:〒305-8555 Tsukuba City, Karima 2530-2 (Kenkyugakuen D32-2) Tel: 029-883-1111 Email: ctz031@info.tsukuba.ibaraki.jp

HP: http://www.city.tsukuba.ibaraki.jp/ Editors: Prakash Ronit, Yeow Li Sa

TSUKUBA CITY HALL Globalization and

Culture Division

Page 4

Date: February 18 – March 20

Opening Ceremony:

February 18 (Sat), 11:30 at Tsukuba-san Bairin

*Tsukuba-san Jinja if it is a rainy day

Main events:

･ Ume Tea Service (everyday)

･ Outdoor Tea ceremony (every Sunday)

･ Tsukuba‟s famous Gama no Abura Uri Kojyo

demonstration (everyday)

･ Stage Event (every weekend)

One year since the Great East Japan Earthquake, this

charity restoration event (performances of shamisen and

Taiko drum) declares a new start for Tsukuba with

blossoms of "smiles".

*events may be cancelled due to bad weather or by

organizer„s decision.

Tsukuba International Strategic Zone

Tsukuba, along with 6 other areas in the nation was

designated as an International Strategic Zone

Based on the Comprehensive Special Zone Law, the

prime minister had declared Tsukuba as a

Comprehensive Special Zone as a result of the joint

application by Ibaraki Prefecture and Tsukuba

University entitled "Tsukuba International Strategic

Zone Promoting Life and Green Innovation with

Integrated Life Science and Technology in Tsukuba".

The International Strategic Zone was created for the

purpose of developing internationally competitive

industries as one of the highlights of the government's

growth strategy. From this, not only reduced

regulation but also special measures in tax, banking

and finance system can be taken in an overall manner.

Tsukuba, along with 6 other areas in the nation had

been designated as a comprehensive special zone. In

the near future, a final "Strategic Zone Plan" will be

certified by the Prime Minister after consultation with

the concerned ministries through national and local

conferences.

The goal of Tsukuba International Strategic Zone is to

develop pioneer industries and businesses of the next

generation through the integration of world leading

science and technology. Being appointed as the

International Strategic Zone, necessary improvements

will be underway to transform Tsukuba City into an

international hub capable of organizing national and

international activities.

Contact:

Science and Technology Promotion Division

The 39th Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival

Start of a New Residency Management System

Due to the change of Resident Registration Law and

Immigration Control Act, the Alien Registration System will be

abolished. Foreign residents will be subject to the same resident

registration system as Japanese citizens in July 2012.

What are the main changes from July onwards?

1. A copy of residence certificate (Jyuminhyo) with the

names of all members in the household stated can now be

issued.

the certificate of registered matters will be replaced with a

residence certificate. In addition, the copy of the residence

certificate issued will list all the members in the household,

including households consisted of foreigner and Japanese

residents.

2. Issuance of Resident Card (zairyu-card) or Special Perma-

nent Resident Certificate (tokubetsu eijyusha shomeisho)

In place of the Alien Registration Card, mid- to long-term

residents will be issued a Resident Card while special

permanent residents will receive Special Permanent Resident

Certificate.

3. Change in Notification for Changing Address, State of

Residence and Period of Stay

When you change your address to other town, you need to fill in

a moving-out notification (tenshutsu todoke) to the city hall of

your previous residence. After receiving the moving-out

certificate (tenshutsu shomeisho), you are required to send in a

moving-in notification (tennyutodoke) to the city hall of your

new residence. When you change your status of residence or

period of stay, you will only need to report to the regional

immigration bureau. * Depending on the status of residence and length of stay, the

residence certificate (jyuminhyo) may not be issued to current holders

of alien registration card.

For more details, please visit the homepage of Immigration Bureau

and Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Contact: Citizen Services Division

How about Talking with the Mayor? Municipal District Discussion Gathering (Chiku-kon)

The Mayor of Tsukuba will go to each district and explain about

the current city government and challenges faced, then have a

discussion with the citizens.

25th Municipal District Gathering at

Sakura Junior High School District

Date & Time: February 25 (Saturday) 14:00 - 15:30

Place: Sakura Gymnasium Meeting Room

Implementation area: Sakura Junior High School District.

Eligibility: Anyone

Content: Discussion about the city government and issues

(Comments and remarks can be made by people who live or

work in the implemented area).

*Please come to the venue on the day of the event if you would

like to join in the Chiku-kon. No reservations required.

In previous discussions, requests such as the following had

been made!

･ Parks and facilities which requires entrance fee to be open free

of charge several times annually.

･ New reservation system for Community Centers.

Contact: Public Relations Division

Transportation Guide

1. By Bus: Take Tsukuba-san Shuttle Bus at Tsukuba

Center for 40mins, alight at "Tsukuba-san Jinja entrance"

and walk 5 minutes to Tsukuba-san Bairin. Fare: Adult

700 yen. Children 350 yen.

2. By Car: Parking Fee: car 500yen, 2-wheeled 250yen,

large vehicle 2000yen per entrance.

*Large vehical is prohibited in Parking lot #4.

3. By Ume Matsuri Free Tour Bus: Sat, Sun &

Holiday, 10:00 – 15:30.

Bus Route: loops from Bairin → Jinja → Tsutsujigaoka.

Contact:

･ Tourism Division

･ Tsukuba Sightseeing Association, Tel: 029-869-8333,

*search "Mount Tsukuba Plum Blossom Festival" for

homepage.

Tsukuba Citizen Activity Square

http://www.facebook.com/tsukuba.hiroba/

Building a new community with Facebook

What is Tsukuba Citizen Activity Square (Shimin

Katsudo Hiroba)?

This is a community page that provides information

about activities in Tsukuba for people who are

interested in volunteering and building new networks

but do not know how. Find out the activities available,

and the participation requirements.

What does it do?

It provides notice, report of events with photos and

videos and everyone can write their feedbacks after

participation too.

How do you use it?

1. Go to Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/) and

make an account.

2. Click the “Like” button on 'Tsukuba Citizen

Activity Square' page.

Contact:

Tsukuba Community Development Division.

Tsukuba City Information about Radiation

Designation as Priority Investigation Area Based on

Act on Special Measures on the Handling of Radioactive Contamination

The Act on Special Measures on the Handling of Radioactive Contamination is now in full force starting January 1 this year,

pursuing a long-term goal to keep the additional dose of radiation level below 1 millisievert per year. Based on this law, because

the southern part of the city (about 5% of the total city area) has the possibility to have additional radiation exposure of greater

than 1 mSv/year, Tsukuba is designated as "Priority Investigation Area". With this designation, decontamination plan will be

made in consultation with the national government for regions with radiation exposure greater than 0.23 mSv/hour. Prior to that,

the city is conducting measurements and contamination level is being investigated at regular intervals. Note that according to the

national government and experts, the value of 0.23 vSv/hour, which is derived from 1 mSv/year, is the value within the limit of

the level of natural radiation which is used as a guide for protective measure to be taken. It is NOT a value indicating the

boundary of safety level.

Measurements on Radiation Level of Ingredients for School Meals

Tsukuba city has started independent radiation level measurements on food products, including ingredients for school meals in

public schools, kindergartens and daycare centers since October 27 of last year. As of January 11, none of the ingredients contain

radioactive substance iodine 131, cesium 134,137 with detection threshold 30Bq/Kg. Inspection of an entire meal using the food

mixer is being executed from time to time. Also, from January onwards the inspection system will be further enhanced with

additional measuring instruments. For more detailed results, please visit the city homepage.

Contact: Radiation Countermeasure Office

Information about the Great East Japan Earthquake Relief Funds and Consolation Payment

There are relief funds and consolation payments for people who had suffered damages of home property (more than half

destroyed) or injuries due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Please make inquiries as the guide on relief funds and consolation

payment differs depending on the degree of damages and injuries inflicted. A part of the consolation payment application due

date is March 31 (Saturday) so please apply soon.

Contact: Social Welfare Division

Free Library Book Recycle The library will distribute unneeded books to the citizens for free. This event will be held on the following dates until all un-needed books are distributed. On 25 (Sat) only 60 persons are allowed for a shift of 40 minutes, while for 26 (Sun) 20 persons for a 25 minutes shift. Both days require entrance tickets (The tickets will be distributed until the capacity is reached). The entrance ticket will be distributed at 8:30. Entry is not permitted except on the session stated at the entrance ticket. Contact: Tsukuba Public Library Tel:029-856-4311

Library Information Tsukuba Public Library Open : Tues Thurs Fri: 9:30 - 19:00 Weds Sat Sun: 9:30 - 17:00

There are also library rooms at Yatabe, Tsukuba, Onogawa and Kukizaki Community Center. (Tue - Sun: 10:00 – 18:00).

Library closed on: Feb 20, 23, 24, 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 20, 26. When borrowing from the library… A “Member’s Card” is needed to borrow books and other materials from the city libraries. If you are a resident of Tsukuba, you can simply apply at the central library or community center libraries by presenting an ID with your address on it. For those who do not live in Tsukuba, but work or study here, you can apply for a card by presenting a work or student ID.

Clinics Open During Sundays and Holidays Emergency medical institution medical examination hours are 9:00 – 17:00. The dates below may change. In case of emergency, call the fire department Tel: 029-851-0119. Feb 19 Okano Seikei Geka Naika Clinic, Nishi Ohhashi 192, Tel 856-2300 Shibuya Clinic, Konda 2029-1, Tel: 863-5252

Feb 26 Ogura Naika (Higashi), Higashi 2-4-14, Tel: 852-0777

Minami Ohdori Clinic, Takezono 2-16-24, Tel: 851-3697 Mar 4 Kawai Clinic, Higashi Hiratsuka 715-1, Tel: 854-1881 Namiki Naika Clinic, Namiki 4-4-2-203, Tel:869-6969

Mar 11 Shoji Sanfujinka Shonika Iin, Yatabe 1562, Tel: 836-0405 Watanabe Naika Clinic, Namiki 3-11-9, Tel: 851-5901

Mar 18 Komatsu Naika Clinic, Kamiyokoba 1178, Tel: 838-2400 Tsukuba Center Clinic, Takezono 1-6-1 Tsukuba Mitsui Building 4F, Tel: 851-9001

Mar 20 Togo Iin, Tateno 636, Tel: 837-1785

Namiki Naika Clinic, Namiki 4-4-2-203, Tel:869-6969

Mar 25 Jinai Naika Iin, Onozaki 785-1, Tel: 855-4577

Minami Ohdori Clinic, Takezono 2-16-24, Tel: 851-3697 Tsukuba Byoin, Sasagi 1761, Tel: 857-0777

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Tsukuba Foothill School of Nature

Village Life and Culture Learning Course: Water Mill Buckwheat Grinding and Noodle Making Experience grinding Gen Soba (buckwheat) with stone mortar at a water mill, making and boiling the soba!

Date/Time: March 4 (Sunday) 09:30 - 14:30

Place: Tsukuba Fureai no Sato.

Fee: 900yen per person, including lunch and insurance fees.

Capacity: 35 persons (primary school age and above).

Application method: After you receive a confirmation number

by phone, send in via post or fax the confirmation number, name, address and grade of children (if any)

Contact: Tsukuba Fureai no Sato (〒300-4211, Usui 2090-20),

Tel: 866-1519 (9:00 - 17:00 except Tuesday), Fax: 866-1513.

85th Tsukuba Human Studies Course Kabuki is Japan’s Operetta! Noh Theatre is Japan’s Opera! Participants can relieve stress under the guidance of the lecturer! Let’s enjoy the fun participatory style Noh performance!

Date: February 25 (Saturday)

Time: venue opening: 13:30, starts: 14:00 - 16:00

Gathering Place: Tsukuba Science Information Center 3F meeting room.

Lecturer: Hashioka Nobuaki (Noh performer)

Capacity: 100, free participation (First come first served)

Contact: Lifelong Learning Division.

“Kigaru ni Oshaberi Salon” “Involvement in Educational Activities for Fire Prevention”

Date/Time: March 15 (Thursday) 10:00 - 12:00

Place: Disaster Prevention Conference Room 3, City Hall 2F

Guest Speaker: Inagawa Sachiko (Tsukuba Fire Brigade Female

Branch Commander)

Content: Fire prevention education activities such as short plays

and others organized in schools and districts. Doors open to everyone. Registration not required.

Contact: Gender Equality Division

Hina Matsuri around Ibaraki Prefecture Hina Matsuri, Japanese Doll Festival or also referred as Girls' Day, is held on March 3. It is when families pray for the happiness and prosperity of their daughters and to ensure that they grow up healthy and beautiful. But well before that, starting early February, steps-like platforms covered with red carpet displaying a set of ornamental dolls called “Hina-Ningyo” can be seen in living room of households and also hotel lobbies. This year, there are many places to go to for viewing the Hina Matsuri, and whats more, many of them are within Ibaraki Prefecture!

You can visit the famous Makabe Hina Matsuri in Sakura-gawa City, or go visit other equally fascinating Hina Matsuri in Tsuchiura City, Ishioka City, Ushiku City and also Toride City. For more Information (in Japanese) please visit this page: http://www.joyoliving.co.jp/special/girlsfestival/index.html

Preventative Vaccination Polio Vaccination Time: 13:30 ~ (reception time: 13:00 ~ 14:20) *No reservation required, vaccination given in order of reception. Eligibility: Children between 3 months - 90 months. *Children over 1 year old who are yet to get measles and rubella vaccinations should get them first. Things to bring: Mother & Child Health Handbook, Polio Vaccination ticket. Measles and Rubella Vaccination

② - ⑤ vaccination period is until

2012 March 31. ⑤ is applicable to those who are required to go abroad on school excursions or school related events. Others may receive the vaccination during 3rd year of high school. Contact: Sakura H.C., Tel: 029-857-3931 Cervical Cancer Vaccination The initial vaccination had been withheld due to insufficient

supply but now it has been resumed and the vaccine supply

is assured. If you wish to receive the vaccination, please

make a reservation at appointed medical centers.

Medical Check-up for Babies

Irrespective of residential area, babies can receive the check-ups at Sakura Health Center or Yatabe Health Center. A notification is sent in the month prior to the check-up date. Contact the health center or Tsukuba City Hall, Health Division for more information. Reception time: 12:45-13:30; Check-up: 12:45~ Contact: Sakura Health Center, 029-857-3931 Yatabe Health Center, 029-838-1100 Check-up for 18-months-old Babies Born in: July 2010: Sakura H.C., Feb 22,29. Yatabe H.C, Feb 15.

Aug 2010: Sakura H.C., Mar 13,14. Yatabe H.C, Mar 7.

Check-up for 3-year-old Babies Born in:

Jan 2009: Sakura H.C., Feb 23,28.

Feb 2009: Sakura H.C., Mar 6,27. Yatabe H.C. Mar 8.

Fertility Medical Treatment Subsidy

Tsukuba City provides partial subsidy for citizens who are

receiving In Vitro Fertilization or Micro insemination

treatment. The 5 years subsidy provides coverage for 2

treatments annually, each with a limit of 50,000yen

respectively.

Contact: Health Promotion Division.

Garbage Collection Calendar Distribution Year 2012 For Fiscal Year 2012, the garbage collection calendar will be distributed to all household door to door. Please check your postbox for the calendar. Distribution Period: March 15 - 19 Contact: Waste Management Division

Changes to Foreign Consultation Services The consultation service in Thai and Korean languages will be discontinued from April 2012 onwards until further notice. Consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese will continue to be provided. From April 2012 onwards...

Consultation Schedule: 10:00 - 12:00,

13:00 - 16:45 (except national holidays) Tel: 029-868-7700 (call accepted only on day of consultation) Consultation Method: Via phone or in person (for the latter,

please call for confirmation on the consultation day) *This service is free of charge, and personal details will be kept confidential) Contact: Globalization and Culture Division

Tax Return Declaration for Income and Residence Tax Declaration period: February 16 (Thurs) - March 15 (Thurs)

excluding Saturday and Sunday (will be open only on the Sunday falling on Feb 26) Time of reception: 9:00 - 16:00 (it may end sooner during peak time) Venue: Tsukuba City Hall 2F, Declaration Consultation Venue. Contact: Municipal Tax Division

Due Date for Tax Payment is February 29 (Wednesday) Fixed Property and City Planning Tax (4th Installment) Contact: Property Tax Division, Tax Collection Division. National Health Insurance Premium (8th Installment) Contact: Health Insurance and Pension Division

Hitokoto Nihongo In this corner we post daily life Japanese vocabulary and phrases. Let`s start to master Japanese from today!

The phrases for February is related to “災害 (saigai)” or Disasters. It has been a year since the Great East Japan Earthquake. These phrases are frequently used when earthquakes occur. It’s a little difficult but let’s learn it!

震源(Shingen)- epicenter of the earthquake.

余震(Yoshin) - aftershock of a big earthquake.

注意報(Chuuihou) - a warning notice for possible disaster occurrence.

警戒(Keikai) - to be prepared for disaster or danger and be cautious beforehand.

安否(Anpi) - to make sure of one’s safety

避難所(hinanjyo) - a temporary shelter for people whose houses are in unsafe areas.

避難準備情報(Hinan Jyunbi Jyouhou) - To get ready for evacuate at anytime. If you think its dangerous, evacuate

without waiting for the “避難勧告” (hinan kankoku).

避難勧告(Hinan kankoku) - Advisory for evacuation.

避難指示(Hinan shiji) - Order to evacuate immediately. (higher urgency than evacuation advisory).

HEALTH

Yatabe H.C.

March 12

Sakura H.C.

Feb 16, March 23

Oho H.C. March 22

Born in /Age

① Over age 1 below age 2

② 2005 April 2-2006 April 1

③ 1998 April 2-1999 April 1

④ 1993 April 2-1994 April 1

⑤ 1994 April 2-1995 April 1

Date Time Venue Intended

for

Book

Genre

Limit/

person

Feb 25 9:00 -

15:00 ARS Hall

first 360

citizens

General,

Magazine

30 for

general,

10 for

Magazine

Feb 26 9:00 -

15:00

2F Meeting

Room

First 240

citizens Children

10 books

(5 for

picture

books

28-Feb 9:30 -

15:00

2F

Meeting

Room

Everyone

General,

Magazine,

Children

no limit

EVENT LIVING INFORMATION

Tues Wed

English Chinese

Japanese