No.16 Reflecting on the Beginning of the Year: Snowy Coming-of-Age Ceremony and More

(Inagi Newsletter February 15, 2013 issue)

This year is already halfway through February, and looking back at January, the biggest topic was undoubtedly the heavy snowfall on January 14, which was the first in seven years in Tokyo.
The fire department's New Year's ceremony on January 13th was an unusually warm day. I was sweating despite wearing thermal underwear for cold protection, but the weather changed drastically the next day.
The forecast for snow from the early morning was wrong, and when I woke up around 6 AM, I was pleasantly surprised. However, after 9 AM, the temperature suddenly dropped, and it changed from light rain to heavy, wet snow. I later learned that it was due to a bomb cyclone, but it was truly a weather phenomenon that made me feel the wonders of nature.
On that day, the Sai no Kami in the Yanokuchi area was ignited as scheduled, but in the Sakahama area, it was postponed, and it seems there was great confusion in other areas as well.
And then, the problem was yet to come. Snow piled up on the main road, forcing us to drive slowly, and due to the cars left abandoned on the shoulder, the road was in a major traffic jam. I was worried whether the Coming of Age Ceremony could be held as scheduled.
The bus slipped on the uphill road to Komazawa Gakuen, causing a massive traffic jam extending to Tsurukawa Street, which forced us to delay the start. I apologize to all the new adults who participated, and I am very sorry that, as a result, the second part's "gathering place" with mentors and old friends had to be canceled.
However, for the 802 new adults who experienced such heavy snowfall in Tokyo on the day of their coming-of-age ceremony, it must have become a wonderful lifelong memory.
This year, we would like to thank many local businesses for providing prizes for the lottery. We also express our gratitude to the members of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony Executive Committee for their diligent preparations, starting with soliciting these sponsorships. Furthermore, while the Coming-of-Age Ceremony in Inagi City is held peacefully every year without any disturbances, we are also grateful for the community strength of Inagi that nurtures such wonderful young people.

By the way, as of the end of January when I am writing this manuscript, we have completed the preparation work for the initial budget for the fiscal year 2013. We have taken into consideration disaster prevention measures, economic measures, environmental measures, energy-saving measures, and tourism projects.
In the December council meeting last year, we established the "Ordinance on the Employment of Fixed-Term Staff." We are currently in the process of hiring private individuals with knowledge and experience in tourism as city employees for a limited period. Starting from the new fiscal year, the head of the Tourism Division will take the lead in promoting Inagi's tourism initiatives.
This year, I would like to work together with everyone to create a vibrant and energetic Inagi. Thank you for your support.