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Fast-Facts Guidebook

SUGINAMISUGINAMISUGINAMI

○Rivers at the ward Suginami City is located on the flat Musashino plateau. In the north, there is the Myoushouji River, in the central part is the Zenpukuji River, and the Kanda River flows from the west to the east in the south. Their main source of water is spring water in the ward and neighboring Mitaka City. The gentle rivers flow through Tokyo and eventually join the Sumida River and continue to Tokyo Bay.

Mitaka City. The gentle rivers flow through

Children playing in the river near Shinomiya (1950)

Migratory birds at Zenpukuji Park Upper ReservoirMigratory birds at Zenpukuji Park Upper Reservoir

Suginami City

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○Life beside the river Many village remains have been found near the r ivers cur rent ly f lowing through the ward. Stone tools have also been excavated f r o m t h e s e r u i n s , indicating that people have been living here from ancient times in the pre-earthenware era.

○Utilizing the water supply During the Edo Era, the Kanda River was called “Kanda aqueduct”and was used as a water supply system for the c i ty unt i l 1901. The Tama River aqueduct that drew water from the Tama River into Edo also nourished the lives of people in the south part of the ward.

○Supporting the lives of the people in Edo It is said that the population of Tokyo in the mid-Edo period reached 1 million. In order to support the lives of these people, the Tokugawa shogunate developed new rice fi elds in the ward and established rural villages responsible for supplying vegetables, etc.

Foreword Suginami City Overview Pocket Edition“Visit Suginami”introduces Suginami’s history and the eff orts of the people who gathered and built villages on a luscious, green plateau in Musashino. People came together and by living closely with water and in a beautiful natural environment, communities and culture were born which has led to the creation of a wonderful residential city.

○Disappearing farmland The role as a farming village that began in the Edo Era has gradually changed as the number of migrants from the city has increased due to changes in society and events such as the Great Kanto Earthquake and war. The rapid increase of the population has led to a reduction of farmland in the ward. After the war, changes in industry as well as the burden of the inheritance tax also contributed to this reduction. Farmland continues to decrease. Farmers and agricultural land that comprised 430 houses, 100 ha. in 1985 has decreased to less than half, 146 houses, 44.7 ha. in 2016.

○Passing precious farmland to future generations Among Tokyo’s 23 wards, farmland only remains in the 10 wards of Katsushika, Edogawa, Adachi, Setagaya, Ota, Meguro, Nakano, Nerima, Itabashi and Suginami. Agricultural land supplies vegetables and flowers and serves as an evacuation area. It also off ers beautiful seasonal scenery. Once these lands are lost, they are difficult to regain. Therefore, Suginami City together with neighboring Se t a g a y a C i t y h o l d a n “Agrifesta”to highlight the importance of urban farmland.

○The fl ow of the river that fosters life The ３rivers and their basins in the ward foster both people

and many wild creatures. In particular, the Zenpukuji River and its water source Zenpukuji Park. Along the river, the Zenpukuji River Greenland and Wada Hori Park form a green belt that is the habitat for many birds, insects, and aquatic animals.

○Fostering an aquatic environment　for kingfi shers Suginami City and the Zenpukuji River project have partnered to create“a waterside where aquatic birds live,”aspiring to regenerate and create an aquatic environment that enables diverse animals and plants to inhabit, grow and breed alongside the ci t izens. Every year, we organize a survey and

symposium featuring aquatic birds, in which elementary school students participate. “Kugayama Firefly Festival”led by the shops in the Kugayama district has been held since 1996 to restore the environment where fi refl ies can live, which has been lost with residential development.

There are 3 rivers flowing in the ward that have nurtured many lives since ancient times. The fl ow of the water, which could be called the source of life, created the wind as well as a luscious, green plateau.

Treasuringour rich green environment

古墳時代の遺跡分布

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集落が発見されている遺跡 1 本村原遺跡 2 本陣山遺跡 3 方南町峰遺跡群

峰南方（ 　 ・方南・ 4 向山遺跡 5 済美台遺跡 6 上原遺跡 7 高千穂大学大宮遺跡 8 松ノ木遺跡 9 成宗白幡遺跡10 尾崎熊野神社遺跡11 矢倉台遺跡12 矢倉台南遺跡13 日性寺遺跡B地点14 高井戸東遺跡

Restored ruins of a pine tree house

Kugayama Firefl y Festival (Kanda River Venue)

Zenpukuji Park Aqueduct in autumn

Agrifesta being held

Tama River Water Supplynear the Mihodo Bridge (1959)

Kingfi sher at Wada Hori Park

Distribution of ruins during the Kofun Era

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○Improving Railway The Kobu Railway (current Chuo Line) connect ing Shinjuku and Tachikawa opened i n 1889 , a nd Ogikubo Station opened in 1891. The open ing of three more stat ions, Koenji, Asagaya and Nishi Ogikubo, in July, 1922, promoted the development of the area. Private railway lines also advanced during the Taisho Era.

○The Great Kanto Earthquake A huge earthquake of magnitude 7.9 occurred on September 1, 1923. As fires broke out one building after another was destroyed. It was a catastrophe, with more than 140,000 people dead or missing.

Yokufukai in Takaido opened to support the e lde r l y peop le who had become homeless. With donations from the Imperial Family, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs a foundation was established. After World War II, it became a new home for elderly

people. Today, it serves as a social welfare corporation off ering nursing care and dementia support, and has become an important facility for the elderly.

○Pursuing a safe life As the war intensifi ed and aerial attacks destroyed many homes the ward population increased as people sought a safe place to live. There were many intellectuals and writers among the new res idents , inc luding Masuji Ibuse, Mizuho A o y a g i , A k a t s u k i Kanbayash i . L i fe in Asagaya and in the Ogikubo area, as well as the interactions among the writers including Osamu Dazai, is also mentioned in literary works.

○Shifting to a town of anime from a town of writers In the late Meiji Era, inspired by foreign animation, Japan started producing animation. The first film was about 2 minutes long and was screened at a theater. With the spread of TV, many new works were created. Currently there are 622 animation production companies in Japan, of which 138 firms, more than 20%, are in Suginami City. (Source: The Association of Japanese Animations“Animation Industry Report 2016”). Suginami has the most animation companies in Japan which have released countless beloved anime.

○Japan,s fi rst animation museum T h e S u g i n a m i An ima t i o n Museum opened in March, 2005 promoting the Ward’sunique position as a leadingt area in the animation industry. The mu s e um we l c ome s m a n y v i s i t o r s a n d introduces the history of animation in Japan and the procedure of animation production, and other exhibitions.

○Promoting multilingualization T h e r e w e r e 9 0 6 foreign visitors to the Suginami Animat ion M u s e u m d u r i n g 2011 . T he n umbe r increased by 5 times to 4 ,500 peop le i n 2015. With the Tokyo Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games approaching in 2020, the number of foreign tourists is expected to increase. Therefore, we are promoting multilingualization of exhibitions and guidance in (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.) so that foreign visitors can both enjoy and deepen their understanding of Japanese animation.

○The town,s symbol “Gundam monument”

In March 2008, a statue of “Mobile Suit Gundam”was placed in front of the Seibu Shinjuku Line Kami-Igusa Station. The area has many anime production companies including the company of Gundam. Created at the request of the local shops, i t has become a beloved symbol.

○The fi rst broadcast of the Ultraman Series The “birthplace of Ultraman” Prior to the fi rst episode of“Ultraman”, a PR event, “Ultraman Eve Battle Festival Ultraman’s Birth”, was recorded on July 9th 1966 at the Suginami Public Hall and broadcast on July 10. There is a plaque commemorating the“birthplace of Ultraman”.

Gatheringat a new residential environment

With the improved railway system in the Meiji Era, as well as survivors of the Great Kanto Earthquake and the war moving into the Ward, housing developed rapidly. Also, the number of shops increased, greatly supporting people’slivelihood.

Yokufukai headquarters

ⓒSOTSU Sunrise

Map of Literature Village

Suginami Public Hallcommemoration plate©Tsuburaya Productions

Nishi Ogikubo Station when it opened (1922)

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Changes in the number of foreign visitors at the Suginami Animation Museum

Suginami Animation Museum

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○Partnering with local governments According to a national census in 2015, the population of Japan was 127 million, a decrease of 947,000 from 5 years ago which is the first decrease since the census began. On the other hand, the population of the metropolitan area continues to increase, and over 10% of the total population is concentrated in Tokyo. This is due to the infl ux of young people from rural areas. If the population of rural areas continues to decline, we will inevitably be aff ected. Therefore, we are promoting eff orts toward regional revitalization so that both city and rural areas can thrive.

○Regional revitalization/partnering local government collaboration forum We have been holding a forum since 2015, with the theme of “creating a fl ow of young people to rural areas” and“cultivating people who support the area.”We conduct discussions so that urban and rural areas can coexist and prosper together.

○Prospering together Our partnership currently includes 10 cities in Japan and 3 cities (areas) overseas. The origins vary but we have been strengthening our ties since the Great East Japan Earthquake.■ Trial migration (Minamiizu-cho) We co-opened a special nursing home for the elderly in Minamiizu-cho. We also provide a“trial migration”from a few days to about a month in order to promote the migration of active seniors (healthy elderlies).■ Country experience (Ojiya City) Ojiya City, which is known for its rice fi elds, is promoting a residence type farm“Ojiya Kurain Garuten Fureai Village.”Experience the countryside with a base in two residential areas, urban and rural.■ Supporting activates in other areas (Suginami City) The new“Suginami regional revitalization collaboration troop”is a system in which young people in the ward conduct various activities in partnership with local governments for a period, which expands one’s way of living. It is expected to help eliminate the local talent shortage and revitalize the region.

Supportingthe lives of the elderly

We wish to create an environment in which people can live happily even in old age and when medical care and nursing care are required, we support each other in the community. We are partnering with local governments, in addition to improving public facilities within the ward.

○Focusing on the year 2025 About 8 million people were born in 1947 ‒ 1949, which is 20 to 30% more than other generations. These people, called the baby-boomer generation, will be over 75 years old in 2025. Also, one in four people in Japan will be over 75 or older. We are building a comprehensive regional care system so that the elderly can continue living independently as they are accustomed to. Measures include dementia management, partnering with medical care and nursing care facilities, and the improvement of a living support system.

○Houses for the disabled “After parents’death” According to“A survey on community life”conducted by Suginami City in FY 2013, 49.6% of caregivers of disabled people were over 60 years old. To cope with the so-called “after parents’death”situation in which disabled people lose support due to the aging of parents or caregivers, we have established a system to secure a group home and support new homes for disabled people.

○Maintenance of special nursing homes for the elderly Applications to enter special nursing homes for the elderly are expected to rapidly increase. Establishing special nursing homes is being promoted mainly on public land, but it is not easy to secure land in the ward. For these reasons, we are working towards establishing a special nursing home for the elderly by collaborating with the local government in Minamiizu-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is the fi rst eff ort in Japan to solve administrative issues collaboratively.

○Using various methods During a national discussion about aging in urban areas this was praised for being a great example of a strong partnership between local governments. By meeting the needs for special nursing homes for the elderly, there are accompanying economic benefi ts such as rural employment and tourism by family members.

Concep tua l d raw ing o f special nursing home for the elderly in Minamiizu-cho

1st Forum (Nayoro City)Domestic exchange１ Nayoro City, Hokkaido

２ Higashiagatsuma Town, Gunma Prefecture

３ Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture

４ Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture

５ Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture

６ Ome City, Tokyo

７ Musashino City, Tokyo

８ Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture

９ Minamiizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture

10 Ogasawara Village, TokyoOverseas exchange１ Willoughby City (Australia)２ Seocho Ward (Special City, Seoul, South Korea)３ Taiwan

★“Oshino Village” appeals Oshino Hakkai takes its water from river-bed water of Mt. Fuji, and is famous as a tourist spot. As t ranspor tat ion f rom the metropolitan area is convenient, the population of the village has reached a record high. Major companies and related businesses have also relocated here.

★“Minamiizu Town” appeals It is blessed with tourism resources such as hot springs and Yumigahama, the spawning ground of sea turtles. The main industry is the production of processed fi sheries and marine products such as spiny lobsters, turban shells, and tengusa seaweed. Migrants from urban areas seeking its warm climate are increasing.

Soft rime and world heritage “Mt. Fuji”

Japan’s best 100 beaches: Yumigahama

★“Kitashinobara Village”appeals Enjoy one of the top 100 famous Japanese moun t a i n s“Banda i ,” as you trek around lakes, enjoy canoeing, cycling and fi shing. In recent years, Lake Hibara has been a base for long distance track & field practice, where many business associations and university teams visit for training.

★“Ojiya City”appeals Many people come from across Japan and overseas to visit the birthplace of Nishikigoi carp and to enjoy the sweet Koshihikari rice f rom Uonuma which is nurtured by the rich natural environment of this snowy land. Manufacturing centers on ironworks The electronics industry is thriving, as Ojiya is easily accessed from the metropolitan area via the Kanetsu Expressway.

Overlooking Bandai Mountain from Goshiki Numa (pond)

The Shinano River, the longest river in Japan

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○Unceasing support from pregnancy In recent years, the number of people who feel about anxious raising children is increasing, especially when giving birth for the fi rst time. Therefore, we continue to off er prenatal and postpartum support by public health nurses and midwives such as holding childbirth preparation classes. This includes a“cradle”service in which all pregnant women are counselled by specialists such as public health nurses at the time of notifi cation of pregnancy as well as after giving birth.

○Suginami daycare child emergency declaration Due to the increase in pre-school age children and rising women’s social advancement, the number of people applying for daycare is also increasing every year. In April, the number on the waiting list tripled from the previous year, causing some parents to quit their jobs. For couples to be able to raise children with ease, day care is crucial. For these reasons, we announced the“Suginami daycare emergency declaration”on April 18, 2016. We are working hard to solve the waiting list problem by April, 2017 and provide more than 2200 childcare spaces in a single year.■ Development status of nurseries

Items April, 2013

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April, 2017（estimate）

Daycare capacity 7118 8037 8997 9709 11929Waiting list number 285 116 42 136 0

○Opening after-school care at Elementary Schools The need to enroll children in after-school clubs is also increasing. We are making efforts to secure a nurturing, safe environment for children and meet future demands by basing after-school clubs in schools and promoting school maintenance at the time of school renovations.

○Nurturing youth for the next generation Children have unlimited potential and we are committed to nurturing the next generation so that they can fulfill their dreams for the future. The options they can choose from expand by experiencing culture and arts from various countries and interacting with people through sports, etc. To support young people who are responsible for the next generation, we established the Next Generation Development Fund in 2012.■ Donations to the Next Generation Development FundItems FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015Numbers 35 221 419 730Amount ￥4,307,876 ￥30,353,809 ￥10,654,563 ￥19,009,210

〈Activities using the fund〉 ・Nayoro nature experience・Higashiagatsuma children exchange program・Ogasawara nature experience・Local Government exchange baseball tournament

○Legendary hall of brass band The holy land where high school students long to play baseball is“Koshien,”for soccer,“The National Stadium” and“Hanazono”for rugby. Suginami City also has a place where high school students across the country long to go. It is“Fumon Hall”in Wada 2-chome. The famous All Japan Band Competition, known as “Koshien”of brass band competitions, has been held at Fumon hall. This is where many Jr. High and High School amateur brass bands have aspired to perform. The building was completed in 1970 and can accommodate 5000 people. Its iconic exterior is painted in two colors. World-renowned orchestras have also performed here. Although it is currently held in a different hall as it was found that the building cannot withstand an earthquake with a seismic intensity scale of 6, the hall remains one of the most famous buildings in the ward, a place where countless touching performances have been held.

Supporting families raising childrenA town you can raise children with ease

If we rely only on the infl ux from the rural areas to maintain the population, it will eventually decline even in Suginami City and that speed will accelerate. To prevent this, we must create an environment where young couples can give birth and raise children with ease.

杉並区役所 待機児童解消緊急対策本部（保健福祉部保育課）〒166-8570 東京都杉並区阿佐谷南1丁目15番1号　電話：03-3312-2111（代表）　※電話番号をお確かめのうえ、お間違えのないようお願いします。

この4月の待機児童数は、昨年の42人を大きく上回る136人（平成28年4月15日現在速報値）となりました。

私は就任以来、急ピッチで認可保育所を整備していますが、これまでの整備の遅れを取り戻すまでには至っていません。

この危機的状況を打開するために、これまで手をつけてこなかった学校や公園を含めた区有施設も

保育施設に転用し、平成29年4月の待機児童解消に向け保育所整備を精力的に進めます。

子育て環境の整備は、区の将来の発展に向けた必要不可欠な投資です。

なにとぞ区民の皆様のご理解とご協力をよろしくお願いいたします。

いま、手を打たないと待機児童は増え続けます

杉並区長

『すぎなみ 保育 緊急事態宣言』

H25 H26 H27 H28 H29

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杉並区作成

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えっ？急ピッチで保育所をつくっているのに待機児童はこんなに増えるんだ…

平成２9年４月待機児童

500人超（予測値）

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認可保育所数の推移（人口同規模程度の他区との比較）

※就学前児童人口に対する認可保育所定員数の割合

H27年４月１日現在の認可保育所整備率※

２３区中

２０位東京都保健福祉局保健事業関係資料をもとに杉並区作成

The holy land of brass band,“Fumon Hall”

★“Nayoro City” appeals Na y o r o h a s o n e o f Japan’s largest telescopes, “Kitasubaru.”The air is clear and it is ideal for mak i ng a s t r onom ica l observations. Many railroad fans also visit, attracted to the history of the discontinued line and revived station. It is also a mecca f o r o u t d oo r s po r t s , including skiing and fi shing.

★“Higashiagatsuma Town”appeals Mt. Iwabitsu, where the famous warrior, Yukimura Sanada spent his childhood is the symbol of the town. You can enjoy nature and historical culture together, such as the fi refl ies dancing in June - July.

★“Ogasawara Village” appeals The Ogasawara Islands, 1000km south of Tokyo, are called a subtropical paradise and are also a World Heritage Site. In addition to the many unique plants and animals, the islands include both the easternmost and southernmost tip of Japan.

★“Ome City” appeals A t ow n w h e r e n a t u r e and history l ive together . Long worshipped as a high mountain, Mt. Mitake is close to Mitake Valley, which is famous for its autumn leaves. The Ome Race which has continued since 1967 is a pioneer of“citizen marathon”and is beloved by many people.

“Hakojima spring water,” the habitat of fi refl ies

“Ome Race,” with more than 10,000 participants

“Nature guide”who protects the forest

Telescope in Nayoro City, “Kitasubaru”

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○Creating a town through music There are multiple music events in the ward, which is the symbol of our town. It helps us create a town through music.

★Partnership with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra I n 1994 , Sug inam i City signed a friendship partnership agreement with“The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra,”an orchestra that represents Japan. The ward provides practice venues and the orchestra performs at events for the people in the ward to enjoy music. Suginami Public Hall at Ogikubo Station Northgate is one public performance venues.

★Koenji is not only Awa Odori！In 2016,“Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori”won the top ranking of a major travel agency’s survey,“Japanese Festivals I would like to go!”It is famous as an event that represents Tokyo’s summer. 10,000 people dance for 2 days, and 1 million people visit. Koenji is also known as a town of rock. There are many l ive

houses playing rock and blues around the station, as well as many street musicians playing on street corners. The entire town is rocking!

★Asagaya has jazz The departing bell of JR Asagaya Station is the Jazz-themed“Tanabata”. Asagaya is famous for“The Asagaya Tanabata Festival”which has been held since 1954. The town which is known for jazz has also held “Asagaya Jazz Street”for 2 days in late October since 1995, in which the area becomes lively with many people.

★Class suits Ogikubo perfectly Otaguro Park is in a quiet residential area of Ogikubo. A circuit style Japanese garden that opened in 1981, it was created on the grounds of the house of the music critic, Motoo

Otaguro (1893 - 1979). On the 9000 m2 site there are rows of gingko trees, zelkova, Japanese red pine, as well as a lovely pond with Nishikigoi carp and a room for Japanese tea ceremony. There is also the piano which Mr. Otaguro used over 100 years ago, and mini-concerts are often held using it. Ogikubo holds“The Ogikubo Music Festival,”

aspiring to develop the town through classical music. You can enjoy classical music at various places, including Otaguro Park, the plaza in front of the station, cafes, banks, and hospitals.

○Many Merchant Association Sponsored Events“Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori”and“Asagaya Tanabata Festival”are Tokyo’s new summer traditions, which were initiated by the merchant associations. The association has held many fun events to express gratitude to shoppe rs and to o f fe r enjoyment to local children. These events also serve as an opportunity for many people to visit the shops.★Nishi Ogikubo Station Area Nishi Ogikubo is sandwiched between the popular town, Kichijoji and the terminal station, Ogikubo. With a mix of traditional shops and cool, new stores in the shopping street , there is something for everyone to enjoy. Every year more stores participate in the merchant association- sponsored“Chasampo” In this event, stores provide pots of tea in front of their stores so people can casually sip tea and get to know each other. At another event, pictures are drawn on a 300m street from Tokyo Women’s University to the station with chalk. This event is very popular among children!★Horinouchi Area Horinouchi is the home of Myohoji temple which was the setting for a Ukiyoe painting in the Edo Era. Many people visit the temple which was founded as a religious sect warding off evil. In front of the temple, you will find an old style shopping street. Events are held using Globe amaranth as a symbol.

○Creating a fl ow of people from abroad In anticipation of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2020, we are also making efforts to have tourists from overseas visit the ward and partnering with local governments. One example is the Koenji Awa Odori performance in Taiwan in April, 2015. Although our relationship started by an exchange through Jr. High School baseball, we have continued to promote traditional performing arts in the ward. In addition, we are attracting visitors by broadcasting promotional videos on the Internet.

A town where many peoplegather and thrives

Suginami City is a lively ward where approximately 560,000 people live. The Seibu Shinjuku Line runs along the Myoshoji River fl owing north. In the middle is the Zenpuku-ji River and the JR Chuo Line. At the south is the Kanda River and the Keio Inokashira Line. The Tamagawa Aqueduct is parallel to the Keio Line. Each station is built upon the history and culture of the land.

A magnifi cent Awa Odori performance in Taiwan

Ward Offi ce lobby concert

Jazz parade at a shopping street

“Koenji Awa Odori,”with a history of 60 years

Casually classical music“Ogikubo Music Festival”

Shops off ering tea during “Chasampo”

Globe amaranth grown by the locals

Koenji Bikkuri Daidogei

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○Widening narrow roads Approximately 30% of the roads in the ward are narrow roads with a width of less than 4m. About 198km of roads have been redeveloped with the owners retreating 2m from the road centerline since 1989. However, there are still obstacles such as planters, vending machines, vehicles, etc., causing s ign i f icant in te r fe rence wi th evacuation, traffi c and everyday life. For example, nursing care vehicles and cleaning vehicles cannot pass. To solve these problems and increase the disaster preparedness level of the town, based on the revised“Ordinance on Expansion of Narrow Roads”, we prohibit placing obstacles such as planters, vending machines, vehicles, etc. in areas slated for redevelopment, and will warn or publish a list of violators, as well as enforcing proxy executions.

○Utilizing Fireproof Special Zone We are utilizing Tokyo’s“Fireproof Promotion Special Development Zone (Fireproof Zone) System”and promoting fireproofing in the areas surrounding Suginami Sixth Elementary School (about 46.7 ha) and Honan 1-chome area (about 33.6 ha). This system urges the removal and rebuilding of old buildings. As there is a partial subsidy for dismantling, removal cost, design cost/construction supervision fee, reduction and exemption of property tax, fireproofing is expected to advance during the specified period (end of FY 2020).

○A giant water reservoir The underground No. 7 retention pond is a giant tunnel made about 40 m underground with a diameter of 12.5 m and a length of 4.5 km. It draws water from the 3 rivers, Myoshoji River, Zenpukuji River, and Kanda River, which fl ow through the area and protects the area from fl ooding. It began withdrawing water after its partial completion in 1997. Today, it has become a facility that can store a maximum of 540,000 tons, which is equal to 1,800 swimming pools.

○Rugger man scrummed with the local town council In 2015, the Waseda University Rugby Football Club and 6 neighborhood associations in Kami-Igusa signed a“Mutual Disaster Assistance Agreement.”Students who are mentally and phys ica l ly t ra ined th rough rugby and the local residents will be in a scrum to prepare for disasters. Even in Japan it is unusual for a national university club to sign a disaster reduction agreement with the local area.

○Local government scrum support meeting The local governments will also be in a scrum. During the Great East J a p a n E a r t h q u a k e , Higashiazuma Town in Gunma Prefecture, Ojiya City in Niigata Prefecture, a n d N a y o r o C i t y i n Hokkaido who had no direct relationships with

Minamisoma City joined Suginami City and Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture’s disaster mutual support agreement. Although these local governments had already signed a disaster agreement with Suginami City, they had no direct relationship with Minamisoma City. However, they launched “Local Government Scrum Support Meeting”in April, 2011 to be in a scrum together and help people in need. Ome City in Tokyo and Kitashiobara Village in Fukushima Prefecture have joined this meeting, and the partnership is enlarging. This scrum support activity is not limited to the support of Minamisoma City. Each local government will cooperate to deepen disaster management efforts and relationships between local governments, promote civic-level exchanges and discuss issues among local governments, which will lead to a relationship aiming for mutual prosperity.

Off ering wisdom to createa safe and secure town

Life along the river creates wind and nature and provides a pleasant living environment. However, nature can suddenly pose a threat to our lives such as heavy rain and storms. Earthquakes can also strike the Tokyo area at any moment. Therefore, we are continuing our eff orts of disaster preparedness such as widening narrow roads and eliminating areas with concentrated wood housing.

A narrow road in the ward

The 10th Scrum Support Meeting (Ome city)

Signed a disaster prevention treaty

A “giant tunnel” protecting ward residents from fl oods

★Local partner government The current situation of “Minamisoma City” Minamisoma City experienced tremendous damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. A large tsunami struck the town immediately after the earthquake and fl ooded about 10% of the city area, resulting in 636 deaths. 5,200 houses were fully/partially destroyed. Many residents were forced to evacuate due to the nuclear plant accident. In July, 2016, 5 years after the earthquake, the evacuation order was lifted in most areas. However, the population dec reased f r om 70 ,000 to 50,000 people and as most of the people who left were working age, the city is lacking workers. Moreover, to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the residents regarding air and tap water, well water and agricultural products, radiation monitoring has continued. The shipment of safe agricultural products and marine products that have undergone rigorous inspections has begun bring smiles to residents.

Also, the“Soma Nomaoi”with a 1000-year history was held even in the year of the earthquake, hoping for local reconstruction and deepening local ties. It is a precious tradition that strengthens local pride and unity and even after the disaster it attracts many visitors from across the country.A heroic picture scroll“Soma Nomaoi”

Sales of special products at the government offi ce

Prohibition of setting obstacles

the road centerline

Securing road space

Warning/order of removal

13 14

Bustle of the end &beginning of the year yougather with friends and family

Sometimes let’s treat ourselves to a reward and stop by (and get drunk)

There are more occasions to have a drink with family and friends during the New Year’s holidays. You will fi nd the so-called“bar town”around many stations in Suginami, with many cozy restaurants and bars. You become closer to people as you get drunk, and you will see many people smiling.

When Christmas illuminations start to adorn the city, you know the end of the year is approaching. Released from work, the time you can spend with family and friends increases. The local areas, shrines, and temples also become lively with more visitors at the end and beginning of the year giving thanks for the year and praying for good luck in the new year.

○Nostalgic mochi pounding and 　end-of-year cleaning The Nagaya-mon gate and old houses bui l t in the Edo Era have been relocated to the Sug inami H i s to r i ca l Museum. You can see the year-end cleaning and repasting the paper of the paper sliding doors at the end of the year. You can also experience a little traditional farm life, including the annual mochi pounding, which many local residents join.

○The new year that begins with the Bell on New Year’s Eve The bell ringing starts from 12 A.M. on New Year at Myohoji. Unlike other temples, the bell ringing does not stop at 108 t imes, and many worshippers visit to ring the bell and form a long queue.

○Praying for a peaceful year Neighborhood shrines are located throughout the ward. Families dressed in special clothes visit t o c o nduc t t h e f i r s t worship of the year and pray fo r good heal th . These shrines provide luscious greenery and are a rejuvenating place for local people.

○Local traditional performing art: “shishimai” Traditional performing arts such as shishimai and hayashi are still cherished. Sadly, there are many festivals in each area that have been lost. However, these events are being passed down to children with the help of conservation groups.

Suginami Historical Museum

Myohoji on New Year’s Eve

Igusa Hachimangu Shrine

The wind of New Year“Shishimai”

Editing/Publishing : Suginami City General Affairs Department Public Relations Division1- 15 -1, Asagayaminami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-8570 JapanTel 0 3 - 3 3 1 2 - 2 1 1 1 (Main)

Suginami City Overview Pocket Edition Registered Printing No.

2 8 - 0 1 1 4March, 2017 Issue

In addition to the Suginami public announcements and the City's official website, we are also introducing the issues and efforts of the City through video. The video features comedians and we have tried to make it easy to understand, so we hope you take the time to watch.

■ Suginami news ■ We explain the challenges facing the ward and feature the efforts the ward is making. We also introduce events taking place in the ward as well as useful information for everyday life.

■ Suginami news street corner NOW ■ As the name suggests, it is a 5-minute program introducing the “now”information of Suginamifrom various places. Comedians and actors join to make residents smile.

■ Suginami Want to Know Everything Troop ■ As part of the Suginami News, res iden ts’ ques t ions a re a n swe r ed . I n a dd i t i o n , mysteries of Suginami City are introduced. We also welcome information from the residents.

　 “Huge underground space” A dark space deep underground. Who, when, made it for what purpose?

“Tokyo’s bellybutton” The Bellybutton connects the mother with the baby and is an important part of the body. What is Tokyo’s bellybutton and why is something so important hidden in our Ward?

“Letter to Anne Frank” A Jr. High School student read Anne’s letter and wrote a reply. Let’s see what kind feelings were embedded in the letter.

Example

■a eiss

Suginami City viewed with video clip

You can watch the answer tothese mysteries at You TubeSuginami Official Channel.