No. 4 Various Events at the Beginning of the Year

(Inagi Newsletter February 15, 2012 issue)

This year, we welcomed a peaceful start to the year, and I participated in the New Year's events as the new mayor.
I attended the New Year's Day ceremony, and it seems that the number of visitors at each shrine I participated in was higher than usual this year.
At the fire department's New Year's ceremony held on the 8th, a large rainbow appeared over the playground of Koyodai Elementary School during the simultaneous water discharge, and everyone was pleased, hoping for an improvement in fortune.
At the Coming of Age Ceremony on the 9th, we celebrated with 562 new adults. Inagi City has established a method of self-planning and management by the executive committee, and the event is held peacefully every year. This year, it started with a lively performance by the cheerleading team from Teikyo University, and included a video message from Nadeshiko Japan's player Iwashimizu, making for a packed program. During this time, as we reflect on the bonds between the nation, the community, and individuals, as well as on volunteerism and charity in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we are reminded of the significance of becoming an adult. The determination expressed by the committee member, Chairperson Arai, was represented by the character "satori". It signifies the resolve to live responsibly as an adult. I was impressed by the ceremony and the pamphlet, and I am grateful for the community strength in Inagi that nurtures such calm and responsible youth.
On the 10th, I participated in the martial arts opening ceremony held at the Tama Chuo Police Station. There were red and white matches of judo and kendo by the officers and young boys and girls. Right at the beginning of the new year, the event was filled with great spirit, and I felt reassured by the strong determination shown towards crime prevention and traffic safety.
As I write this manuscript, it is already past mid-January, but looking back, I remember that all the citizens I met uniformly wished for peace and safety.
We will now prepare for the budget formulation for the new fiscal year and the first Regular Session of the City Council, and we will do our best to gather everyone's opinions and meet your expectations.