01 Preparing for Storms and Typhoons

02 From the Foreign Resident Registration Desk

03 Nakano Environmental Festival 2008 on June 14

04 17th Nakano Traditional Arts and Crafts Fair

05 Visit Our Web site

06 National Health Insurance Supported by Everyone

07 Photochemical Smog Alerts

08 Announcement from ANIC

01 Preparing for Storms and Typhoons: Vigilance Needed in Summer and Fall

Typhoons and storms have often caused damage in Nakano City in the past. Although we are not able to completely prevent natural disasters caused by sudden downpours, it is important to be prepared for emergency situations.
Inquiries: Disasters & Emergency Affairs Desk, Nakano City Office 5F
Tel: 3228-8823, Fax: 3228-5658

Prepare Quickly when Heavy Rains Are Forecast

If a storm seems imminent, having access to accurate information can help you protect yourself and your property. Get the latest information from TV, radio, and Internet broadcasts. The city offers the following sources of information:
- Cable TV (JCN Nakano)
When storm or flood warnings are issued in the southern part of Tokyo’s 23 cities, this channel provides information on local weather, river levels, rainfall, and the Disasters & Emergency Affairs Countermeasures Headquarters.
- City’s Web site
Weather in Nakano City (weather and disaster information)
(see http://dim2web09.wni.co.jp/nakanocity/pinpoint/index.html).
This site provides weather information, rain and river information, and images and water level information on the Myoshojigawa River provided by surveillance cameras.
- E-zine with Disaster Prevention Information
Important information that people need during times of emergency, such as storm and flood alerts/warnings and evacuation instructions, are transmitted to cell phones as text messages and e-mailed to computers. Those who would like to receive these announcements can register on the city’s Web site (e-mail or cell phone version at www.city.tokyo-nakano.lg.jp/i/index.html).

Sandbags Stocked in Local Communities

Those who live along rivers or have basements or semi-underground garages should put out sandbags promptly when floods threaten.
Sandbags will be stocked until late October at flood prevention warehouses in the city and on roads in communities that are most vulnerable to flooding. Please use them whenever necessary. Sandbags are distributed by the city free of charge. For more information, contact the Administrative Affairs Desk in the Civil Engineering & Traffic Section (Nakano City Office 8F, Tel: 3228-8844, Fax: 3228-5674).

During Storms, Listen for Sirens and Announcements

When storms threaten local residents, the city, police, or fire department may use emergency wireless speaker systems or sirens and may issue voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders via vehicles equipped with public-address systems.
- Community centers are temporary evacuation shelters.
If the city issues voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders, residents should follow roads on high ground to the nearest temporary evacuation shelter (community centers or the Nogata Senior Center). When evacuating, be careful of gutters, manholes, and cliffs. If you have waited too long to evacuate and find yourself in trouble, you should do one of the following. Those who live in buildings with two or more floors should proceed to the highest floor. Those who do not should evacuate to high ground.
Nine elementary and junior high schools in Nakano City have been designated as “vehicle evacuation shelters” for those who need to evacuate their vehicles. Contact the city for information on evacuation shelters.

Know Your Evacuation Routes

Reducing damage caused by disasters requires some advance preparation. You should not only know the route from your home to the nearest evacuation shelter (community center) but also do an actual trial run by walking that route.
The city has prepared and distributed Flood Hazard Maps. These maps show areas that are likely to flood when there is a maximum rainfall of 114 mm per hour, the damage that such flooding would cause, and the location of evacuation shelters. Maps are available at community centers, the City Administration Resource Center (Nakano City Office 1F), and the Disasters & Emergency Affairs Desk (5F). This information can be found on the city’s Web site as well.

02 Change of Address/Residence

When registered foreign residents move to a new location within Nakano City or into the city from another municipality, they must report their change of address. Please be prepared to accurately write the name of your new apartment/condominium complex and your unit number when completing this report.

1. Notification period
   Within 14 days of changing your address (moving)
   
   
2. Who can report a change of address?
   The person who moved (If the individual is under 16 years of age, he/she must be accompanied by a member of the same household who is 16 years of age or older.)
   Note: A family member who is 16 years of age or older and who can confirm that he/she lives with the person who moved may act as the person’s proxy to report the change of address. In such cases, the proxy must bring some form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or foreign resident registration card (certificate of alien registration)).
   
   
3. Where do I report a change of address?
   Foreign Residents’ Registration Desk (Desk No. 9), Nakano City Office 1F
   Do not report a change of address at community centers.
   
   
4. Required documents
   (1) Foreign resident registration card
   (2) National Health Insurance card (if a subscriber)
   (3) Rental contract or residence certificate of the homeowner (if available)

If you move out of Nakano City, you do not need to report your move to the Nakano City Office. However, you will need to visit the Foreign Resident Registration Desk of your new municipality to register your change of address within 14 days of your move.
Inquiries: Foreign Residents’ Registration Desk, Nakano City Office 1F, Desk No. 9
Tel: 03-3228-5505 (in Japanese)

03 Join Us for the Nakano Environmental Festival 2008 on June 14!

June is Environment Month

June 5 has been designated by the United Nations as World Environment Day. Think about what we can do in Nakano to protect the global environment!

Date and time: June 14 (Sat.), 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Major events at the Environment and Recycling Plaza (5-4-7 Nakano, Nakano-ku)
　(1) Workshop for families: Cardholders Made from Milk Cartons
　(2) Accepting submissions: Handmade Eco-Bag Contest—My Unique Design
　(3) Used cloth texturing practice and sales
　(4) Polyethylene gas pipe makeover! Recycled cell phone straps!
　(5) Family event: Making a Seaweed Herbarium: Herbarium-Making Section
　(6) Symposium
　(7) Quiz rallies and other fun activities!
- Major events at Sumire Park (5-5 Nakano, Nakano-ku)
　(1) Let’s Make Green Curtains Using Bitter Gourd Seedlings
　(2) Eco Café, featuring sales of organic coffee from East Timor and organic black tea from Japan
　Note: The schedule is subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Inquiries: Environment and Recycling Plaza
Tel: 3389-0600 (in Japanese), Fax: 3389-0635 (in Japanese)

04 17th Nakano City Traditional Arts and Crafts Fair

(Sponsored by the Nakano City Traditional Arts and Crafts Preservation Society)

This event features demonstrations of the traditional crafts of Nakano that have been handed down over generations.
Date and time: June 6 (Fri.) to 8 (Sun.), 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Nakano Chamber of Commerce and Industries Hall (1-9-1 Arai)
　Note: No advance registration required
Inquiries: City Sales Desk, Nakano City Office 8F
Tel: 3228-5433; Fax: 3228-5656

05 Visit Our Web site

Nakano City’s Web site is now available in both English and Chinese. The site offers information on local tourism, the history of Nakano, everyday living, and local events, and it has a voice synthesis browsing function that can be accessed from the English and Chinese versions.
Nakano residents are invited to take advantage of this useful resource!

Inquiries: Website Affairs Desk, Nakano City Office 4F
Tel: 3228-8804 (in Japanese), Fax: 3228-5645

06 National Health Insurance Is Supported by Everyone

Premium Notices to Be Sent

Like all Japanese citizens, foreigners who plan to stay in Japan for one year or longer must enroll in some form of public health insurance. Public health insurance is a medical care insurance system in which subscribers pay money (premiums) to ensure that their medical expenses will be paid in the event of illness or injury. National Health Insurance is a type of public health insurance.
National Health Insurance premiums are calculated based on this year’s Resident’s Tax, and premium notices will be sent to subscribers in June. An overview of this system is provided below.

2008 National Health Insurance Premiums

Premiums are calculated from the month in which the individual subscribed to the insurance. They are determined based on the number of subscribers and the amount of Resident’s Tax collected from the subscribers. Those who are 40 to 64 years of age must pay an additional nursing care premium in addition to the basic premium. Upon reaching 65 years of age, individuals must pay separately for nursing care insurance. Health insurance premiums for FY2008 are calculated as follows.

Annual health insurance premium (April to March) = basic portion (1) + nursing care portion (2)

Basic portion (Income ratio amount) Resident’s Tax revenue from all subscribers for the year x 117/100 +  (per capita amount) ¥36,900 x the number of subscribers ＝ annual medical portion (max. ¥590,000) Nursing care portion (Income ratio amount) Resident’s Tax revenue from all subscribers 40–64 years of age for the year x 21/100 + (per capita amount) ¥11,100 x the number of subscribers 40–64 years of age ＝ annual nursing care portion (max. ¥90,000)

◎ Starting in FY2008, the basic premium will be calculated by adding a very elderly support portion to the medical portion.
◎ To accurately calculate premiums, Resident’s Tax returns must be filed. Returns should be filed based on one’s place of residence as of January 1.
◎ In conjunction with revisions to the Resident’s Tax system, interim measures are being applied to the calculation of premiums for FY2008.

When Subscribing

In the following situations, individuals must enroll in National Health Insurance within 14 days at the NHI Enrollment and Withdrawal Desk or the Foreign Residents’ Registration Desk at the Nakano City Office.

　(1) When moving to Nakano City from another municipality or another country
　　 (Bring your foreign resident registration card.)
　(2) When unsubscribing from another form of public health insurance
　　 (Bring your foreign resident registration card and paperwork verifying your loss of eligibility for your previous health insurance.)
　(3) When you give birth, provided that both parents are National Health Insurance subscribers
　　 (Bring your child’s foreign resident registration card and your Mother and Child Health Handbook.)
　(4) When you are no longer receiving public welfare assistance
　　 (Bring your foreign resident registration card and your notice of public welfare assistance termination.)

When Canceling

In the following situations, individuals must cancel their National Health Insurance within 14 days at the NHI Enrollment and Withdrawal Desk or the Foreign Residents’ Registration Desk at the Nakano City Office.
　(1) When departing Japan
　　 (Bring your insurance card and airline ticket.)
　(2) When moving out of Nakano City
　　 (After reporting your change of address and subscribing to National Health Insurance in your new location, return the health insurance card that was issued to you by Nakano City.)
　(3) When subscribing to some other form of public health insurance
　　 (Bring your foreign resident registration card and both health insurance certificates. If you do not cancel your National Health Insurance, you will be invoiced twice for your insurance premiums.)
　(4) Upon the subscriber’s death
　　 (Bring the health insurance card and a verification of the subscriber’s death. This should be handled by a family member or the person handling funeral arrangements.)
　(5) When you begin receiving public welfare assistance
　　 (Bring your foreign resident registration card and your notice of public welfare assistance approval.)

Health Insurance Premiums Due by the End of the Month

Please take the bill that is mailed to you and make your payment by the due date at the nearest financial institution, post office, or convenience store. You can also make payments at the City Office and community centers.
If you are having problems making your payments, do not ignore the bill. Instead, contact the Premium Collection Desk immediately.

Inquiries (in Japanese): Regarding subscription and cancellation procedures and insurance premiums:
NHI Eligibility Desk, Nakano City Office 2F, Tel: 3228-5511, Fax: 3228-5655
For premium payment consultations:
Premium Payment Desk, National Health Insurance Section, Nakano City Office 2F, Tel: 3228-5509, Fax: 3228-5655

07 Photochemical Smog Alerts

On hazy days characterized by high temperatures and little wind, when the air seems almost white, photochemical smog can easily cause eyes to itch and throats to become sore. It is important to be aware of this potential hazard.

●The city issues photochemical smog alerts using the following methods:
　- Broadcasts over emergency wireless speaker systems installed at elementary and junior high schools and parks in Nakano City
　- Banners at certain city facilities, such as community centers and Children’s Centers (weekdays only)
　- Yellow windsocks flown on the roofs of public elementary and junior high schools (weekdays only)
　- Announcements on City TV Nakano Channel 5
　　Note: Because photochemical smog is created from a reaction with the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it naturally dissipates in the evening, when the sun goes down. Thus, there will be no broadcasts made over the emergency wireless speaker system if the smog alert is lifted after 5:00 p.m.

●The Tokyo metropolitan government issues information on photochemical smog as well.
　- Bureau of the Environment’s Web site: www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/
　- Web site for cell phone access: www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/ox/i/
　- Telephone number for air pollution information: 5320-7800

　• What to do if a photochemical smog alert is issued:
Avoid going outside and do not engage in outdoor exercise. Infants, senior citizens, and those with asthma or other respiratory disorders should be especially careful.

　• What to do if you are affected by photochemical smog:
If you experience such symptoms as itchy eyes or a sore throat, go indoors immediately, wash your face, and gargle. If your symptoms persist, contact your doctor or the nearest health and welfare center.
　Chubu Health and Welfare Center,
　Tel: 5341-8817, Fax: 5341-8818
　Hokubu Health and Welfare Center,
　Tel: 3389-4321, Fax: 3389-4339
　Nambu Health and Welfare Center,
　Tel: 3380-5551, Fax: 3380-5532
　Saginomiya Health and Welfare Center,
　Tel: 3336-7111, Fax: 3336-7134
　Note: On weekends and holidays and during non-business hours, contact the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center, Tel: 5272-0303

Inquiries: Environmental Pollution Control Desk, 9F, Tel: 3228-5556, Fax: 3228-5673

08 World Home Cooking Series: Thai Cooking Class

Real Thai cooking by a native of Thailand! Come out and make some new friends while enjoying the taste of Thai culture. Anyone who understands Japanese is welcome to participate.
Date and time: June 18 (Wed.), 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Numabukuro Community Center
Fee: Approximately ¥800
Capacity: The first 30 people to register
Registration and Inquiries: Association for Nakano International Communications (ANIC, 1-9-1 Arai, Nakano-ku, 165-0026, Tel: 3387-2580)
Visit, call, or e-mail (anic@nifty.com) the ANIC office.
Note: This photo was taken last year at the Vietnamese cooking class.

　Let’s Learn Together! Summer Japanese Class for Children

The Association for Nakano International Communications (ANIC) offers Japanese classes to elementary and junior high school students during the summer vacation. Once again this year, highly skilled and passionate ANIC volunteers will teach a well-developed Japanese course.
Note: No regular ANIC Japanese classes will be offered when the Summer Japanese Class for Children are held.

Date and time: July 23 (Wed.) to Aug. 18 (Mon.); every Mon., Wed., and Fri. (total number of classes: 12), 9:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Location: Nakano Chamber of Commerce and Industries Hall, 1F conference room (1-9-1 Arai, Nakanoku Shoh Koh Kaikan)
Method: Students will be taught individually or in small groups, according to their language level. All levels are welcome.
Registration fee: Students taking the course for the first time are to pay a registration fee.
Those who live or attend school in Nakano City: ¥2,000; others: ¥3,000
Participation fee: No participation fee, but an approximate ¥1,500 fee for materials will be charged. (Textbooks and workbooks developed by ANIC)
Registration and Inquiries: Association for Nakano International Communications (ANIC, 1-9-1 Arai, Nakano-ku, 165-0026, Tel: 3387-2580)
Visit or call the ANIC office.