Multilingual interpretation services using tabletsAn interpretation service via tablet is now available in several municipal facilities. An interpreter will appear on the screen of a tablet, and interpret the communication between a foreign resident and Minato City staff. The camera on the tablet can be used to assist with document translation. This interpretation solution will eliminate the language barrier between foreign residents and city staff. Also, municipal services will be provided smoothly and adequately by reducing the waiting hours. By providing tablet interpretation services as an alternative to on-site interpreters, who are unavailable during the busy counter hours, it will reduce the waiting hours for residents who need language assistance.Available languages and service hoursEnglish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish: Available during the operating hours of the below stated facilitiesThai: 9 a.m. to the closing time of the below stated facilitiesRussian: 9 a.m. to the closing time of the below stated facilities or until 6 p.m. for some facilitiesAvailable placesTablets are available on the 3rd floor of Minato City Hall, each Regional City Office, Minato Recycling and Waste Management Office, Children and Families Support Center, Minato Public Health Center, and the International Communication Space.Inquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2046

Visit the Facebook Page “Minato Information Board”A Facebook page called “Minato Information Board” has been started. It disseminates useful information about everyday life for foreign residents. Minato Information Board provides information regarding Minato City’s internationalization plan, disaster prevention, events, international exchanges, education, pension, taxes, and other helpful information in English and easy Japanese. Please take advantage of this service.Find us at https://m.facebook.com/city.minato.mib/ or google “Minato Information Board.” Inquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2046

ARTICLES RELATED TO MULTILINGUAL SERVICES CONTINUED TO NEXT PAGE>>

Soothed by the nature and the sound of river at Takahashi Korekiyo Memorial Park, 7-3-39 Akasaka

MULTILINGUAL SERVICES

Published by Minato City

Minato Monthly is delivered with The Japan Times/International New York Times on the first of each month. It is also available at municipal facilities, post offices andsubway stations (Akabanebashi, Akasaka, Akasaka-mitsuke, Aoyama-itchome, Azabu-juban, Daimon, Gaien-mae, Hiroo, Kamiyacho, Mita, Nogizaka, Omotesando, Roppongi, Shimbashi,

Shiodome, Shirokanedai and Shirokane-Takanawa) in Minato City. The articles appearing in the Minato Monthly are also found on the Minato City Web: www.city.minato.tokyo.jp

Minato Monthly home-delivery service: For free delivery of Minato Monthly to foreign resident’s homes in Minato City, contact Minato Call orMinato Monthly by e-mail at kuminkoho@city.minato.tokyo.jp. Please write “Minato Monthly” in the subject line.

Minato CallCITY INFORMATION SERVICE

03-5472-3710

Published monthly by: Minato City Tokyo Edited by: Public Relations Subsection, Office of the Mayor, Minato City Hall, 1-5-25, Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8511

Tel: 03-3578-2111, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. E-mail: kuminkoho@city.minato.tokyo.jp Web: www.city.minato.tokyo.jp Circulation: 10,000 copies No 375 May 2018

2 | Minato Monthly May 2018

DISASTER PREPARATION

Minato International Disaster-relief Volunteers for FY2018Minato City recruits international disaster-relief volunteers to ensure that foreign nationals will be provided with accurate information and equipped with appropriate communication tools in case of disaster.

RequirementApplicant who meets the following conditions:1) Applicant who can interpret and translate in Japanese and foreign languages2) Applicant who can attend the training seminars in Japanese3) Applicant who can be contacted by email4) Applicant who is prepared both physically and mentally to work as a volunteer in time of disasterApplicant may be a resident outside of Minato City.

ActivityAt the time of disasters: Interpretation at evacuation centers, consultation counters for foreign residents, and other places in Minato City; translation of disaster-related information. At non-emergency times: Interpretation at disaster prevention drills and other events.

Insurance enrollmentAll volunteers are insured and the city bears the cost.

ApplicationDownload an application form from the Minato City Web, fill it out and submit it in person or by post to the Global Community Planning Subsection located on the 3rd floor of Minato City Hall.

Address3rd floor of Minato City Hall, 1-5-25 Shibakoen, Minato City 105-8511Inquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2046

MINATO INTERNATIONALIZATION

Minato Internationalization Master Plan FY2018-FY2020Promoting the participation and cooperation of foreign nationals in a multicultural societyThe Minato Internationalization Master Plan is formulated with the aim of using the abundant international city resources effectively. To realize a mature cosmopolitan city with vitality and appeal, where diverse cultures and people co-exist, Minato City is collecting opinions from foreign residents and from the members of the Minato Internationalization Promotion Advisory Conference. This conference is formed by academic experts, recruited foreign and Japanese people who live, work, or study in Minato City. To reflect requests and surveys collected from city residents and the Minato Internationalization Promotion Advisory Conference members, the Minato Internationalization Master Plan has been revised in FY2017. The revised version of the Minato Internationalization Master Plan is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Please read the plan at your convenience.

You can view the revised version of the plan at:- The Global Community Planning Subsection and the Promotion

of Art and Culture Subsection, and the Reference Room on the 3rd floor of Minato City Hall

- Each Regional City Office and municipal libraries - Minato City WebInquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2308

CHILDBIRTH BENEFITS

Childbirth Expense SubsidiesEligibilityAll of the following must apply.1) The child’s mother/father must have an address and have resided in Minato City for one or more years from the date of filing a subsidy application.2) The newborn have lived in Minato City with the mother/father from the date of birth.3) The mother of the child must be enrolled in a Japanese public health insurance.

Summary of the subsidyIf the difference is incurred between the sum of child birth and hospitalization expenses and the sum of childbirth allowance and high-cost medical care benefits, including the additional amount provided from the health insurance, a subsidy is provided to the applicant from Minato City. The ceiling amount for the sum of childbirth and hospitalization is ¥600,000.

Required documents1) Copies of receipts and of a detailed statement of childbirth costs issued by the hospital2) A copy of the document of consent for the direct childbirth lump-sum allowance payment system for lump-sum childbirth allowance or a copy of the notice of the childbirth lump-sum allowance determination notice issued by the enrolled health insurance union3) A copy of the mother’s health insurance card

Other required documentsIf an additional payment to the childbirth lump-sum allowance is/has been provided, a copy of the determination notice for the additional payment must be submitted.If childbirth is performed by caesarean section, etc. and the applicant is eligible for high-cost medical care benefits, a copy of the benefit determination notice must be submitted.For more information on other required documents, please confirm to the health insurance that you are enrolled.

ApplicationFill in a childbirth expenses subsidy application form and submit the required documents within one year as of the date of birth either at the Health and Welfare Subsection of any Regional City Office, or via postal mail to Children’s Benefit Subsection, Minato City Hall, 105-8511.* The childbirth expenses subsidy application form is available at the Children’s Benefit Subsection on

the seventh floor of Minato City Hall and at the Health and Welfare Subsection of any Regional City Office. It can also be downloaded from the Minato City Web.

Inquiries: Children’s Benefit Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2433

CHILD REARING

Exchange for Parent and InfantA fun interactive event for babies and their parents is conducted in the Akasaka area. Please feel free to participate.Eligibility: First 20 pairs of an infant under one year old and guardian living in Akasaka district. Come to the venue directly.Date and time: June 8, 10 a.m. to noon.Place: Fifth floor of Akasaka Civic CenterProgram: Enjoying yoga with babies, reading picture books, singing and taking rhythm to the music, and communicating with the staff who can speak English. Bring bath towels, wear clothes which you can move actively. Inquiries: Residents Support Section, Akasaka Regional City Office, Tel: 03-5413-7276 (Japanese only)

May 2018 Minato Monthly | 3

Outline of FY2018 budget

The FY2018 budget has been structured as

a budget to bring about the realization of a dynamic Minato City filled with happiness and vitality, where all residents can live in safety and comfort, and advance toward the future.

Budgets for respective accountsThe main account for the operations of the city administration reached 138.88 billion yen. The total budget for all accounts, including special accounts for health and medical treatment, and others, amounted to 184,431,822,000 yen.

Unit: Million yen, %

CategoryFY2018 FY2017 Comparison

Budget Component percentages Budget Component

percentages Difference Rate of change

Main account for the city administration 138,880 75.3 166,150 76.7 – 27,270 – 16.4

Special accounts such as health and medical treatment

45,552 24.7 50,386 23.3 – 4,834 – 9.6

Total 184,432 100.0 216,536 100.0 – 32,104 – 14.8

Revenue budget for the main accounts for the operations of the city administration

Unit: Million yen, %

ItemFY2018 FY2017 Comparison

Initial budget Component percentages Initial budget Component

percentages Difference Rate of change

Special district tax 77,296 55.7 72,553 43.7 4,743 6.5

Other 16,505 11.9 17,614 10.6 – 1,109 – 6.3

Total financial resources that can be used freely

93,801 67.5 90,167 54.3 3,634 4.0

Usage fees and commission 7,897 5.7 7,751 4.7 146 1.9

Appropriation from National/Tokyo Metropolitan Government

21,057 15.2 19,724 11.9 1,333 6.8

Reverse from funds 10,951 7.9 43,989 26.5 – 33,037 – 75.1

Other 5,174 3.7 4,520 2.7 654 14.5

Total financial resources with uses that have been determined

45,078 32.5 75,983 45.7 – 30,905 – 40.7

Total 138,880 100.0 166,150 100.0 – 27,270 – 16.4

Breakdown of budget categorized for the main accounts of city administration

Unit: Million yen, %

ItemFY2018 FY2017 Comparison

Budget Component percentages Budget Component

percentages Difference Rate of change

Staff expenses 20,300 14.6 20,141 12.1 159 0.8

Welfare expenses 24,795 17.9 23,039 13.9 1,756 7.6

Public bond expenses 383 0.3 770 0.5 – 387 – 50.3

Total mandatory expenses 45,478 32.7 43,950 26.5 1,528 3.5

Facility construction cost 25,190 18.1 24,823 14.9 367 1.5

Other 68,212 49.1 97,376 58.6 – 29,165 – 30.0

Total 138,880 100.0 166,150 100.0 – 27,270 – 16.4

MINATO MONTHLY SPECIAL EDITION2018 Financial Budget and 2016 Financial Report

Budget categorized by the main accounting objectives for the operations of the city administration

Operation of city hall, etc. Enhancement of welfare

General affairs budget 31,612 million yen

Welfare budget 53,271 million yen

• Operation of the city hall• Promotion of disaster prevention measures• Promotion of internationalization

• Maintenance of nursery schools• Promotion of welfare for senior citizens and

disabled people

Promotion of educationDevelopment of roads, parks, urban planning

Education budget 16,887 million yen

Public works budget 14,064 million yen

• Operation of kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools

• Promotion of lifelong learning and sports

• Maintenance and management of roads and parks

• Construction and management of municipal housing

Environment and cleaning Health and hygiene

Environment and cleaning 5,698 million yen

Health budget 5,367 million yen

• Promotion of waste and recycling• Environmental conservation and pollution

measures

• Prevention of infectious diseases and health promotion

• Food hygiene and veterinarian hygiene

Industrial development Operation of the City Assembly

Industry and economy budget 2,885 million yen

City Assembly budget 778 million yen

• Industrial promotion• Tourism promotion

• Operation of the City Assembly

Other

8,317 million yen

• Public bond and others

Minato City tree

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Minato City, city tree and flowers

were chosen as a symbol of nature in December 25, 1986. The city tree is

hanamizuki, dogwood.

4 | Minato Monthly May 2018

Statements categorized by the main accounting objectives for the operations of the city administration

Unit: Million yen, %

Expense itemFY2016

Actual spending Component percentages

City Assembly expenses 726 0.6

General affairs expenses 26,754 20.8Environment and cleaning expenses 5,209 4.1Welfare expenses 43,085 33.5Health and hygiene expenses 4,793 3.7Industry and economy expenses 2,046 1.6Public works expenses 14,022 10.9Education expenses 17,764 13.8Other 14,118 11.0

Total 128,516 100.0

[Note]Figures shown are rounded off to the nearest whole number. As adjustments have not been madefor fractions, then totals may not correspond to the respective figures.Supervising section: Financial Affairs Section

Statements categorized by the nature of the main accounts for the operations of the city administration

Unit: Million yen, %

ItemFY2016

Actual spending Component percentages

Staff expenses 19,479 15.2

Welfare expenses 22,767 17.7Public bond expenses 992 0.8Total mandatory expenses 43,239 33.6

Facility construction cost 15,285 11.9Other 69,992 54.5

Total 128,516 100.0

Statements of annual revenue for the main accounts for the operations of the city administration

Unit: Million yen, %

Revenue itemFY2016

Revenue amount Component percentages

Special district tax 76,826 56.7

Other 23,390 17.3

Total financial resources that can be used freely 100,217 74.0

Usage fees and commission 7,725 5.7

Appropriation from National/Tokyo Metropolitan Government 19,239 14.2

Reverse from funds 2,202 1.6

Other 6,062 4.5

Total financial resources with uses that have been determined 35,228 26.0

Total 135,445 100.0

Balance of funds and Minato City bonds

40

0

40

80

120

160 Balance of funds(Billion yen)

Balance of city bonds

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 201513 12 11 9 8 7 5 4 3

122

141129 131 127 130 125

117125

2016

2

147

(Fiscal year)

MINATO MONTHLY SPECIAL EDITION2018 Financial Budget and 2016 Financial Report

Three policies that place priority on financial resources

(1) Creation of a city in which various people co-exist with safety, security, and comfort 7,067,890,000 yenDisaster prevention measures considering the aspects of various people, including women and senior citizens• Preparing emergency supplies for senior citizens and women • Disaster preparedness drills for foreign residents

Measures to eradicate elevator accidents• Renovations of elevators in municipal facilities• Offering subsidies for the installation of elevator safety equipment in

private buildings

Promote urban planning with the goal of creating a comfortable and harmonized environment• Enhancing barrier-free community depending on the situation of each

region in Minato City• Promoting Minato City smoking rules

Supporting measures which are creating momentum in the communities• Assistance for the activities of neighborhood associations, shopping

streets, and other communities• Support for the issuance of common gift certificates in Minato City

(2) A city that nurtures the growth and health of children 15,800,870,000 yenAugment the capacity of nursery facilities and improve the child rearing environment• Increase nursery school facilities and nursery school personnel• Providing subsidies for the companies building nursery schools in

Minato City

Strengthen support for children and families with various circumstances• Development and maintenance for facilities to respond seamlessly to

child abuse and other problems • Improve the quality of educational assistance

Education to broaden the possibilities of various children• Promoting education which nurtures students globally• Promote the use of tablet devices at schools

Create more time for teachers to face each student• Promote projects which reform the labor of teachers

(3) Measures for all residents to be able to live with a sound state of mind and body 5,185,870,000 yenComprehensive health protection for working-age residents, including measures to fight cancer, enhanced medical checkups, and others• Open Home-based Palliative Cancer Care Support Center• Extend cancer examination period

Supporting employment and living for disabled people• Employment support for disabled people • Daycare assistance for severely disabled children

Promote community-based integrated care systems and enhance measures for senior citizens to lead energetic lives• Promote community-based integrated care systems • Providing support equipment for senior citizens, such as wheelchairs and

other equipment

Promoting mutual cooperation among people with various backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and opinions• Providing information to foreign residents in easy Japanese • Enlightening the importance of respecting human rights

Pushing up Minato City culture programs heading toward the Tokyo 2020 Games and promoting parasports• Invigorate cultural programs• Promote parasports

Balance sheet for each accountUnit: Million yen, %

CategoryFY2016

Revenue Expenditure Balance of payments

Main account for the city administration 135,445 128,516 6,929

Special accounts such as health and medical treatment 48,218 46,416 1,802

Total 183,663 174,932 8,731

May 2018 Minato Monthly | 5

MINATO BULLETIN BOARDPrograms may change without notice. All events listed on this page are conducted in Japanese except MIA events. For more information, please see the Minato City Web.

Minato City EventsSCHEDULE FOR MAY

Date Time Program Place/Capacity

2210 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sales of used household goods *For charitySale of used clothes, baby products, household items, and more.Organizer: Tokyo American Club Women’s GroupEligibility: Open to the public for people 12 and over *babies in carrier pouches OK Purchases in cash only. Inquiries: TAC Women’s Group Tel: 03-4588-0691

Tokyo American Club, Azabudai 2-1-2

Library Movies *Doors open 30 min. before the starting time. Programs may change without notice.

2 1 p.m. “Like Father, Like Son” – 2013, Japan, 125 min. Minato/90

3 1:30 p.m. “MAZE” – 2007, Japan, 118 min. Akasaka/35

4 2 p.m.“LEONARD BERNSTEIN” and “the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC RHYTHM” –1960, U.S., 51 min.

Takanawa/40

5 2 p.m. “LE MILLION” – 1931, France, 81 min. Takanawa/60

6 2 p.m. “Fan and Fancy Free” – 1947, U.S., 73 min. Azabu/30

12 2 p.m. “BLOOD ON THE SUN” – 1945, U.S., 94 min. Konan/45

19 1 p.m. “MONEYBALL” – 2011, U.S., 133 min. Minato/90

19 2 p.m. “JEAN COCTEAU” – 1996, France, 45 min. Akasaka/35

25 1 p.m. “THREE BAD MEN”– 1926, U.S., 92 min. Minato/90

27 2 p.m. “Umberto D.” – 1952, Italy, 89 min. Mita/60

31 6 p.m. “PIROSMANI” – 1969, Georgia, 85 min. Azabu/30

Library Events6 10:30 a.m. Shadow theater, "Three Little Pigs" Minato

6 11:30 a.m. Experiencing and playing at the shadow theater Minato

9 3 p.m. Craft class, “Let’s make book cover” Mita/20

12 2 p.m.Enjoy Board Games in English! *Elementary school students and their guardians who can understand basic English

Azabu/24

30 3 p.m. Spring Song Concert Azabu/30

Sale of Recycled Bikes Minato Recycling and Management Office Working Contact, 3-9-6 Moto-azabu

13 10 a.m.About 15 recycled bikes in good condition that are reclaimed and repaired are sold.The drawing starts at 10:30 a.m. Minato City residents have priority.Price: Ranges from ¥7,900 to ¥9,900 Inquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

Mia EventsMinato International Association Toei Kita-aoyama 1-chome Apt. No. 3, 1-6-3-B1 Kita-aoyama 107-0061Tel: 03-6440-0233 Fax: 03-6440-0234 E-mail: office@minato-intl-assn.gr.jpWeb: http://www.minato-intl-assn.gr.jp

1211:30 a.m.

to noon

Japanese Conversation PartnerThis program is for foreign people who are looking for opportunities to speak Japanese. *Basic Japanese required.

MIA/ Call or send an email to MIA

19Noon to

1:30 p.m. Let’s Chat in JapaneseEnjoy chatting in Japanese with other participants.

Space D of Mita NN Bldg, 4-1-23 Shiba

192 to

3:30 p.m.

Let’s Rediscover JapanTopic: Trump, trade, turmoil, fire, and fury for 2018!Speaker: Mr. J. Nicholas PapatonesParticipation fee: ¥500 or ¥200 with student IDCapacity: 40 people

Space D of Mita NN Bldg, 4-1-23 Shiba

269 a.m. sharp

Mount Takao HikingMeeting place: Keio West Gate of Shinjuku stationDestination: Mount Takao Fee: ¥700 for MIA members and ¥1,000 for non-members. The fee excludes transportation cost and cable car fare.Bring your own lunch.

Call or send an email to MIA

2610 a.m. to

noon

Welcome to Minato City ~ Coffee Morning ~Having difficulty finding the information you need? We can help you. Coffee will be served.

MIA/ Call or send an email to MIA

Kissport Events and AnnouncementKissport, Minato Sports, Community, Culture, and Health FoundationTel: 03-5770-6837, Fax: 03-5770-6884 Web: www.kissport.or.jp *Programs may change without notice.

5/2710 a.m. to

3 p.m.

Shibaura-konan Flea Market No parking space is available. *Canceled if it rains. Inquiries: Shibaura-konan Civic Center, Tel: 03-3769-8864

Shibaura-konan Civic Center Plaza

6/9 10 a.m.

Tokyo Bay Clean-up Campaign: Make Tokyo Bay clean. Clean up the seashore to save the environment. The registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Please bring work gloves. Come to the venue directly.

Around Odaiba Kaihin Park

Minato Public Health CenterSCHEDULE FOR MAY

Eligibility: Registered residents or registered foreign residents of Minato City

Minato Public Health Center: 1-4-10 Mita, Tel: 03-6400-0083Eligibility Date Time Place

Stomach, colon cancer

Residents aged 35 or older Capacity: 20 people

Weekdays in June 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (B)

Appointment for HIV test, Tel: 03-6400-0081

Eligibility Examination date Exam. results available Place

HIV/STD test* Open to all 6/7, 6/21 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (A)

*The result is two weeks later from the check-up day at the Minato Public Health Center

Other examinationsEligibility Date Time Place

Checkup and consultation for babies/infants

An eligible resident must receive the notification- 4-month-old: Born in February, 2018- 18-month-old: Born in November, 2016- 3-year-old: Born in May, 2015

A notification will be sent to eligible residents.

(A)

Birthday dental checkupBabies aged one or two years old born in May

6/81:30 to

2:30 P.m.(A)

(A) Minato Public Health Center(B) Kokoro-to-karadano Genki Plaza, 3-6-5 Iidabashi Chiyoda CityNote: You need to apply and make an appointment in advance.Inquiries and appointment: Minato Public Health Center, Tel: 03-6400-0084For inquires in English, contact Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

Himawari Medical Facilities Consultation ServiceIf you are looking for a doctor or pharmacy, you can call or visit

the Himawari English language website. Himawari informs medical institutions and Japanese healthcare system.

Tel: 03-5285-8181, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq/qq13enmnlt.asp

CHANNEL 11

Minato Public TV Program Guide J:COM MINATO-SHINJUKU MAY schedule

Program Time Program

With Our Residents - Feel Your MINATO -20 min. bilingual program

10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

Introduction of Minato City Work and Employment Service Center for Senior Citizens. <Minato Information>Bicycle Sharing

Minato-ku Koho Topics, Topics in Minato City 30 min. program

10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 9 p.m.

Public AnnouncementDelivers important announcements, new information, or events in Minato City.1-10: Welfare officer and social worker for children11-20: Information about safety and security in everyday life21-31: Subsidy for safeguarding elevators in apartments

Note: Programs may change without notice. You can also see the programs broadcasted by this channel on the Minato City Web or Youtube. Video/DVD lending is available at the Office of the Mayor, regional city offices, and each public library. Videos/DVDs of programs broadcasted from May 2017 to last month are available.Inquiries: J:COM Minato-Shinjuku, Tel: 0120-914-000

INTERFM 89.7 MHZ

Minato VoiceTime: 6:26 to 6:29 a.m. and 5:56 to 5:59 p.m., 3 min. programMonday & Thursday: English Tuesday: JapaneseWednesday: ChineseFriday: Korean Note: Programs may change without notice.Inquiries: Public Relations Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2041

6 | Minato Monthly May 2018

ENVIRONMENT

Eco Life Fair MINATO 2018The 38th Eco Life Fair will be held to spread messages regarding the environment. Date & time: May 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shinePlace: Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park, 5-7-29 Minami-azabu Program: An “eco character” show, introduction of activities of participating organizations, free bitter ground seedling distribution, sale of recycled bikes, free bike check-ups, quizzes providing gifts for the participants, recycle bazaar, collecting small home appliances, used clothes, disposable edible oil, Futon mattresses and more.

Supervising Subsection: Global Environment SubsectionInquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

GREEN CURTAIN

Free Green Wall Seedling DistributionMinato City is promoting setting up of green curtain, which covers building and home by plant to alleviate the strong sunlight during summer. Let’s grow climbing plants. Minato City will distribute seedlings such as bitter gourd, morning glory, balloon vine, and gourd for city residents. The number of bags is limited to two bags per person.

Date & time Place Number of bags

May 19, 10:15 a.m. Numbered ticket distribution: 9:30 a.m.

Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park, 5-7-29 Minami-azabu

1,250

May 23, 10 a.m.Takanawa Civic Center, 1-16-25 Takanawa

400

May 24, 10 a.m. Daiba Annex, 1-5-1 Daiba 100

May 28, 10 a.m.Shibaura-konan Regional City Office, 1-16-1 Shibaura

300

May 30, 10 a.m.Akasaka Regional City Office, 4-18-13 Akasaka

300

June 1, 10 a.m.Minato City Hall, 1-5-25 Shibakoen

150

Supervising Subsection: Global Environment SubsectionInquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

PICTURES

International Photo ExhibitionsPhotos from various countries, introducing their cultures and traditions. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Introducing the culture of the Islamic Republic of PakistanDate and Time: From June 4 to June 18, weekdays only, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., until 7 p.m. on June 6Place: Lobby of Minato City Hall, 1-5-25-1F ShibakoenCooperation: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Pulsation – Biodiversity of Taiwan Photography Exhibition – Date and Time: June 5 to June 20, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until 5 p.m. on SundayPlace: Audiovisual room of Azabu Library 5F, 5-12-24 RoppongiCooperation: Taiwan Cultural Center, Azabu Library

France seen from spaceDate and Time: June 7 to June 21, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., until 3 p.m. on June 21Place: Atrium lobby of Minato Park Shibaura, 1-16-1-1F ShibauraCooperation: Atout FranceInquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2046

Population of Minato CityAS OF APRIL 1, 2018Total: 255,320Japanese Residents: 235,348Male: 109,697 / Female: 125,651Registered Foreign Residents: 19,972 Male: 10,477 / Female: 9,495

COLUMN

Four Seasons and the Japanese Food Arrival of SummerMay fifth is Tango-no-sekku, Boy’s Day. It originally started as a day to pray for the healthy growth of boys. On this day, families with boys hang koinobori, carp streamers outside of the houses. This custom has the implication for boys to grow strong and accomplish in their life. According to the Chinese folklore, carps climbed up the waterfall and became a dragon. Therefore, carps represent courage and endurance in achieving success.In terms of food, Kashiwa-mochi is commonly eaten on the fifth of May. Mochi is a sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. Kashiwa is an oak leaf wrapping mochi. Combined them together, it is called Kashiwa-mochi. Although the oak leaf cannot be eaten, it has a slight fragrance informing the arrival of summer. Inside the rice cake, An is filled. An is a sweet red bean paste, commonly used as a filling for Japanese sweet. The typical An is red bean paste called tsubuan, koshi-an which is a mashed paste strained through a sieve, and miso-an which is a white paste made from soybeans. Various kinds of Kashiwa-mochi are sold with many flavors and shapes, depending on the regions and stores. It may be a pleasure to visit different places, try this little sweet, and feel the fresh summer coming close to you.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

The 2nd Minato City Subsidy Program for Tokyo 2020 Games Minato City is providing subsidy for programs that are creating positive legacies and enthusiasm toward the Tokyo 2020 Games. Programs planned and operated by city residents and organizations having offices and establishments in Minato City are eligible.

Subsidy AmountRanges from ¥100,000 to 1 million, depending on the subsidy program

ApplicationApplication for the 2nd Minato City Subsidy Program for Tokyo 2020 Games will be accepted from May 8 through June 29, 2018. Programs to be conducted from September 1, 2018 through March 17, 2019 are eligible to apply for the subsidy.For more information about application and the subsidy program, please confirm the application form at the Collaboration Project Section of each Regional City Office, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Promotion Subsection located on the 4th floor of Minato City Hall, or visit the Minato City Web.Supervising Section: Olympic and Paralympic Games Promotion SubsectionInquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

Carp streamers swimming way up high to the sky