June 18, 2013

Published by Training and Technical Development Center at the Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

1-19-1 Tamagawa-den-en-chofu, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Tel: 03-5483-3507

1. “Responding to Water Leaks” training ··················································· P2

2. Training for new recruits····································································· P3

3. Overseas training blog, from Washington D.C. ······························ P4 to P5

4. “Pipe Investigation Robot” featured in “news every.” ·························· P6 top

(Nippon Television Network Corporation)

5. Notification from the Development Division ·································· P6 bottom

Issue 31 Articles

GX-type Pipe Model “Earthquake-resistant Water Pipe”

A model (GX-type) “Earthquake-resistant Water Pipe” started to be on display at the B1F

entrance of the Training and Technical Development Center from March 2013.

Two models were made by the Water Distribution Section of the Water Supply Division in

FY2012, with the other model on show in front of the Director General’s office on the 14F of the

Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 2. Turning the handles on the left and right sides of the

model change the angle (allowable bending angle 4º) of the joint and allow it to be expanded and

contracted (pipe length ±1%), so that visitors can check the structure water pipes remains

connected even during earthquakes. Be sure to try it out.

The model is highlighted with blue LED illumination, and is currently lit up at the Center from

Monday through Friday between 8:20 and 9:00, 12:00 and 13:30, and 16:50 and 17:30.

The model on show at the Center can also be lent out during events, so please feel free to

enquire about the model.

* The GX-type Pipe is a new earthquake-resistant joint with easier construction characteristics and better durability

than past earthquake-resistant joints. The Center is currently running trial tests under ordinary conditions with the

aim of introducing the joint in the near future.

Issue 31- Seeking Collaboration between Training and Development -

GX-type Pipe Model Changing the angle and length of the pipe

±1%

４°

ｘ “Responding to Water Leaks” training

A large number of comments were received, including “Being

able to experience work related to day-to-day business on actual

sites was extremely valuable,” “I would like to put this experience

into practice when responding to customers,” “The training will be

useful straight away when reading meters at branches, and I would

like to apply what I have learnt when I receive inquiries from

customers in the future.”

The 2.7% water leakage rate in Tokyo is maintained by

technology such as these.

The “Responding to Water Leaks” training session washeld twice in May, with the aim of teaching the structure ofwater supply equipment, as well as the basic knowledge,testing methods and capabilities for providing descriptions tocustomers of the causes of water leaks. Field practice thatforms part of the training includes installation and removal ofmeters, responding to toilet water leaks, replacing watersaving packing, simple water examinations, acousticleakage sound detection method of underground pipes, andtests using the test meter. This edition features photos fromsome of the training sessions.

Using the leakage sound detection

method for underground pipes with an

acoustic bar

Using the leakage sound detection

method for underground pipes with

an electronic leak sound detection

bar: each costs 400,000 yen

Left: ordinary packing

Right: water saving packing

Replacing with water saving

packing helps to limit the

amount of water flowing

from taps

Installing and removing meters

Repairing water leaks with a split thimble Repairing water leaks with a split thimble

Replacing water saving packing

Position of water leak

(drain split thimble)

Stopping water leaks while

letting water leak via

drains

ｘTraining for New Recruits

Training for new recruits was held over a three-day period in April this year, with 158 traineesparticipating this fiscal year. The first two days of training was based on classroom lectures focusingon an “Overview of the Bureau’s Work,” “Paperwork” and “Legal Matters 1 (regulations related towaterworks),” while the last day consisted of practical training including “Development of a ServiceMindset” and “Earthquake-proofing Measures.” This edition features photos of “Development of aService Mindset” and “Earthquake-proofing Measures” from the training.

[Description]

Responding to an inquiry asking “I was overseas for business this

month and only used water for one day, however I was charged the

same as last time.”

[Description]

Responding to a complaint from a citizen

received at 3:00 a.m. that “construction noise

is too loud and I can’t get to sleep.”

While participants wereslightly confused at how torespond at the beginning, theentire group discussedpossible solutions andparticipated in role-playingexercises. Participants alsodiscussed “What is serviceprovided to citizens” and learnthow important “the moment ofmeeting with people” was.

Opening the emergency water supply valve Moving plastic water tanks

Joining vinyl chloride pipes

Trainees listened to the lecturer’s

explanation and then worked hard to

follow the lecturer’s example.

This type of training is important as

the Bureau plans to make

improvements to emergency water

supply training with the cooperation

of municipalities and local residents.

Scene from training (1) Scene from training (2)

Installing the emergency water supply valve

Installing water balloons

Development of a Service Mindset

Earthquake-proofing Measures – Emergency water Supply –

ｘOverseas Training Blog, from Washington D.C.

Senior staff member Naomi Takahashi of the Training Section of the Training and Technical DevelopmentCenter is currently posted to Washington D.C. as the short course (4 months) “Overseas Training ‘GraduateSchool Dispatch Program’” that forms one of the training courses held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

This edition covers the training details and scenes of activities direct from Washington D.C.

(1) Overview of training

Objective of dispatch: development of staff with

language skills, external negotiating skills and advanced

abilities for conducting operations centrally on

international works

Dispatch period: April 6 (Sat) to July 29 (Tue)

Dispatch location: Georgetown University (GU)

(During the training, the opportunities to listen in on speeches

by famous persons such as graduate from GU including former

President Bill Clinton, as well as former United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata were given by

chance.)

(2) Details of core activities

○ Public policy course (Georgetown Public Policy Institute course):

Coursework covered a number of topics such as the constitution,

separation of powers, financial affairs, political culture and disaster

response measures presented by specialists from GU and other

agencies. There was a lot of predetermined homework which meant that I

had to study through the night at times, however the lecturers presented a

wealth of knowledge based on their experience working in political

organizations. We were also able to listen to exciting stories from the

experience that lecturers had in key national decision-making processes,

which increased our understanding of the history, systems and culture

behind American politics, as well as the way society had developed.

○ Individual research:

We were able to choose certain topics, and take part in research into initiatives and systems related to public

policies. I chose “Human Resource development in public organizations” as the topic of my research.

In addition to reading through various publications, I participated in

conferences and conducted personal interviews (making appointments by

myself) in order to gather relevant information.

○ Internship:

As one of the new initiatives that began this fiscal year, I spend half a day a

week at the DC Water Head Office, the organization in charge of water and

sewage in Washington.

In addition to gathering information via interviews, I participate in meetings

and negotiations in order to experience actual work at sites.

Trainees for this fiscal year(Takahashi is third from right)2 trainees on the 1-year course,6 trainees on the 4-month course

Scene from coursework(Budget systems and the current fiscalcrisis, as well as appropriate response)

Meeting with Senior ManagerMr. Dozier at DC Water

The symbolic campus ofGU

○ Presentations

There is a presentation session held on campus at the end of the course,

and I plan to report the results of my individual research. As preparation for

this, I make a short presentation (5 to 10 minutes) once per week. I have

never been good with presentations, so I made it a rule to ensure that I “don’t

write or read any material, and instead increase the amount of English I can

use on the spot!” I also found it important to start with an entertaining

introduction, which Americans seems to like so much, and lead into my main

story while singing the GU college song or incorporating mascots from

Japanese and American water bureaus. In this way, I am trying to adopt a

flexible presentation style that would be difficult in Japan.

Other experiences included visiting Congress, the Supreme Court, as

well as both the Democrat and Republican Party offices once per week,

practicing negotiations together with other classmates (who have

acquired citizenship and are equivalent to native speakers in English)

from various countries, and practicing my pronunciation once per week.

While my schedule is quite full, I am enjoying this extremely valuable

study abroad lifestyle.

Sharing research results withpresentations

(3) Culture, lifestyle, and language

○ America is often said to be the country where individualism and assertion rules. I found that even during

classwork and visits, it is standard practice here to “always give an opinion or ask questions, and back opinions up

with reason.” Raising opinions here serves to increase discussion, which makes people much closer. During

coursework or visits, I made it my personal mission to always make a comment and ask questions whenever the

person I was talking to changed. As a result, I can prepare in advance and, bracing my nerves, conduct an

interview properly on the day.

○ I was introduced by GU to students studying Japanese and people interested

in Japan, and during my time outside of the classroom, spent more time with

language exchange as I became accustomed to my life here.

Besides, everyone here is outgoing, and it is ordinary for people who have met

each other for the first time to engage in small talk. I am currently studying hard

to learn more practical English, which differs to the official English used in the

classroom.

This wraps up my mid-training report.

On this occasion of reporting on the valuable experiences I

have gained here, I would also like to extend my appreciation

to everyone at the Bureau who has provided their

cooperation for this training while I have been away, as well

as everyone in my section who have supported me along the

way.

The second half of the training is still to come, and I will do

my best to ensure that the training brings a rewarding

experience.

Training instructors Michaeland Jenica

The GU mascot,Jack Jr. (the third)

Celebrating a language exchangepartner’s birthday with anAmerican Cup cake

Practicing pronunciation with afocus on correcting my vowels

Overseas Training Blog, from Washington D.C.

– Call for presentation papers forthe “Research and DevelopmentReport Meeting” –The Development Section is calling for

presentation papers for the “Research andDevelopment Report Meeting” to be held onAugust 16 (Fri), 2013.

Presentations should cover studies,research and development related toworkplace issues. Each General AffairsSection has already been notified about thedetails required of the presentation, includingthe format.

The submission deadline is June 28 (Fri),2013, and we hope to receive submissionsfrom as many of you as possible.

Calls for audience participation is plannedfor the start of July, so please take part.

“Pipe Investigation Robot” featured in “news every.”(Nippon Television Network Corporation)

With the deterioration of infrastructurearound the country, maintenance andmanagement of related facilities will becomean even greater social issue into the future.

To gain a better understanding of the state ofdeterioration within pipes of a diameter of 800mm or larger without interrupting the waterservice, the Bureau and a manufacturer jointlydeveloped the Pipe Investigation Robot, whichwas covered in the Nippon television networkprogram “news every.” that aired on May16.

The program aired images of the robot inaction in the development field, as well as thefact that it can be mounted with cameras,illumination and other features.

This Pipe Investigation Robot has been inuse since 2012 for maintenance andmanagement work within actual pipes.

Notification from the Development Division

Scene of the interview with the pipe investigation robot

Scene from the FY2012 Research and Development Report Meeting

– Call for proposals related to research and development –“Requests” and “inspiration” raised during day-to-day work can lead to hints for technicaldevelopments!If you ever think “it would be great if I had this” or “It would great if we could resolve this technicalissue” during your work, use the submission form within the “Notification from the DevelopmentDivision” on the knowledge bank to send a submission to the Training and Technical DevelopmentCenter.