City Life: April & May Edition

April/May 2017 Edition

Contents:

Sakura Viewing Spots 2

Harvest Hill

2

Sofia Sakai Events 3

ASEAN Cultural Classes

4

Cultural Events & Exhibitions

2 ~ 4

City Notices & Campaigns

5

Important Information & Numbers

6

1-L5-17-0054

Message from the Editor: Spring has arrived and it brings cherry blossoms and various other flower viewings. This edition includes many cul-tural events such as ASEAN cultural classes as well as exhibitions and city notices & important information.

Azalea at Asakayama

Dates: April 29th (Sat/Public Holiday)~ May 8th (Mon)

Times: 10:00 ~ 17:00

Access: Asakayama Station (Nankai Koya Line ) Asaka Station (JR

Hanwa Line) or Aisengakuen-mae bus stop (Nanaki Bus)

Near the end of April, the azaleas (tsutsuji) are in season. A recom-

mended spot in Sakai to enjoy these flowers are at the Asakayama

Greenway which is on the site of the old Asakayama water filtra-

tion plant and the adjacent Asakayama Park. 2500 Azalea trees, a

mixture of newly planted trees along with trees over 80 years old

stretches around 600 meters.

The azalea was selected as the city flowering shrub because it be-

came a popular favorite of the citizens after it was introduced

around the Asakayama Water Purification Plant in 1937.

Rose de Mai 2017: Rose Garden Night Light-Up & Concert

Light-Up Dates: May 14th (Sun) ～ May 28th (Sun)

Light-Up Time: Sunset～21:00 (Enter by 20:45)

Concert Dates: May 20th (Sat), 21st (Sun), 27th (Sat), & 28th (Sun)

Concert Time: 18:30 ~ 19:30

Capacity: 150 seating (standing sections also available)

* Concert will be cancelled if raining

Place: Hamadera Park（near central entrance）

Nearest Station: Hamadera Koen Station (Nankai Line)

Hamadera Eki-mae Station (Hankai Line) Cost: Free

See roses in full bloom during the day as well as during the period from sunset to

21:00 where the rose garden will be lit up. In the rose garden, a garden concert will

also be held.

The name “rose” comes from French which originates from the Latin word “rosa”.

Ranging in size, shape, and color, the rose flower has over a hundred species. Known

for its beauty and fragrance, the rose has been used as ornamental plants, perfumes,

food, drinks, and medicine. It is a favorite subject in art and has a long cultural histo-

ry and is an ancient symbol of love and

beauty.

Page 2 April/May 2017 Cultural Events & Exhibitions

Sakura Viewing Spots in Sakai Until Early-April

Nishihara Park: Toga Mikita Sta. (Semboku Rapid

Line)

Kozen Park: Takeshirodai-guchi bus stop (Nankai

Bus)

Ohasu Park: Izumigaoka Sta. (Semboku Rapid Line)

Kamotani Park: Komyoike Sta. (Semboku Rapid

Line)

Shinmakio Park: Komyoike Sta. (Semboku Rapid

Line)

Miike Park: Miikedai-nicho bus stop (Nankai Bus)

Daisen Park: Mozu Sta. (JR Hanwa Line )or Daisen-

cho bus stop (Nankai Bus)

Ohama Park: Sakai Sta. (Nankai Line)

Chozenji Temple: Sakai Higashi Sta. (Nankai Koya

Line)

Shirasagi Park: Shirasagi Sta. (Nankai Koya Line)

Along with the chrysanthemum, sakura is considered

the national flower of Japan. Hanami (flower viewing)

is considered a centuries-old custom that is said to

have started during the Nara Period (710 ~ 794). By

the Heian Period (794 ~ 1185), the sakura came to

attract more attention and hanami was synonymous

with sakura.

The custom of han-

ami was originally

limited to the elite

of the Imperial

Court but soon

spread to include

samurai-class and

by the Edo Period

(1603 ~ 1888), to

the common peo-

ple. It is very common to see people eat and drink

under the sakura trees.

Within in Japan, there are well over 200 different vari-

ation of the sakura. The most popular in Japan is the

somei yoshino. Its flowers are almost completely

white with a tinge of pale pink. It is a common motif

that has been utilized in many different art forms as

well as consumer goods including kimono, stationery,

and dishware.

Cherry blossoms can be found in other countries such

as China, Korea, Europe, India, Canada, and USA.

Harvest Hill

17th Anniversary Events

Harvest Hill Flower Viewing

Tulips: Until April 16th (Sun)

Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes): From

mid-April

Sakai City Wind Orchestra Concert

Date: April 16th (Sun)

Time: TBD

Place: Outdoor Stage

Bird Show (Eagles performance)

Date: April 30th (Sun)

Time: 11:00 ～, 14:00～

Place: Outdoor Stage

Water attraction “ Jabu Jabu Hiro-

ba” opens

Dates: April 29th(Sat) ~ late September

Strawberry Melon Bread Making

Date: Everyday

Time: (weekdays) 10:30 ~ (weekends

& holidays) 16:15~

Cost: 1,300 yen

Duration: 90mins

Children (Grade 6 lvl & under) are

admitted free till April 6th (Thurs)

April 14th (Fri) free admission for all

Capacity: 48 persons

Strawberry Ice cream Making

Date: Everyday

Time: (weekdays) 16:00 ~ (weekends

& holidays) 15:00~

Cost: 900 yen

Duration: 40mins

Capacity: 72 persons (weekends &

holidays: 36 persons)

Page 3 April/May 2017 Cultural Events & Exhibitions

Sofia Sakai Events (TEL) 072-270-8110

Flea Market 2017

Date: May 7th (Sat)

Time: 11:00 ~ 16:00

Cost: Free

Place: Sofia Sakai Galley

There is also a mini-festival taking place

at the same time. Those with children are

recommended to visit for a fun family

time.

Yoyo-ball fishing or Rubber ball scoop-

ing 100yen for 1 try

打打打団 天鼓 大創業祭 Wadaiko Japanese Drum Concert

Date: May 21st (Sun)

Time: 16:00 ~ (doors open 15:30)

Cost: 3,500 yen (at door 4,000 yen)

Place: Sofia Sakai Hall

Ticket: Naka Cultural Hall

(TEL) 072-270-8110

Ticket Pia (TEL) 0570-02-9999 (P-code) 322-821 Lawson Ticket (TEL) 0570-084-005 (L-code) 53409

e＋（E-plus） http://eplus.jp

Nearest Station: Fukai Station

(Semboku Rapid Line)

Jiraiya (TEL) 06-6770-9101

(Weekdays) 11:00 ~18:00 * All seats reserved for ticket holders

* Children 3yrs and older are required

to have tickets

* Children under 3yrs old who want to

have their own seat are also required to

have tickets

Planetarium Show

Show created by KAGAYA studio show-

casing the starlit skies through the four

seasons along with Mt. Fuji

Dates: Until July 20th (Thurs)

*Closed Mondays

Time: 14:30 ~ 15:15

Cost: Adult: 510 yen

Child (up to junior high): 250 yen

Place: Sofia Sakai Planetari-

um

No application required.

Please come to the place

directly.

BMW Vintage Cars Open

to the Public

Date: April 22nd (Sat) & 23rd (Sun)

Time: 10:00 ~ 16:00 (Last entry

15:30)

Place: Takishirodai Warehouse

Cost: Free

Nearest Sta.: 20min walk from

Izumigaoka Station (Semboku

Rapid Line)

* There is no parking lot so please

use public transportation.

Sakai City Museum

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Seto Inland Sea

Route Map

Dates: Until June 4th (Sun)

This exhibition displays modern

times navigation maps around the

Seto Inland Sea drawn on folding

screens, picture scrolls and plates

to show the joy of journey in

those days.

Exhibition: World of Folding

Screens

This exhibition features the

works depicting sights such as

Kyoto, Osaka, Nara on folding

screens during the Edo period.

Dates: April 21st (Fri) ~ May 14th

(Sun)

Place: 1st floor, exhibition hall:

Special Exhibit Corner

Sakai City Museum

Concert

Classic & Jazz Piano Concert

Date: April 30th (Sun)

Time: 14:00 ~ (doors open at 13:30)

Place: Museum Basement Hall

Capacity: first 150 persons

Cost: Free

* If you would like the view the

exhibitions, separate admission fee

is required.

* Reservation not required for

concert

Please come to the venue on the day

of the concert (first come-first served

basis.

We will distribute the tickets

starting from 12:00 that day

Sakai City Museum

Admission

Museum

Entry

only

Adults 200 yen

University/senior

high students 100 yen

Elementary/junior

high students 50 yen

Please inquire the museum for

further information.

Sakai City Museum

Opening Hours

Open Tues. ~

Sun.

9:30-17:15

(enter by

16:30)

Close Mon. (except public

holidays)

Nearest Sta.: Mozu Station (JR

Hanwa Line) TEL: 072-245-6201

FAX: 072-245-6263 Email: hakugaku@city.sakai.lg.jp

Address: 2 Mozusekiun-cho

Sakai Ward, Sakai 590-0802

201st View 21 Concert

Young oboist and pianist per-

formance concert

Date: April 14th (Fri)

Time: 12:10 noon~

Place: Sakai City Hall 21st Ob-

servation Floor

Cost: Free

Tunes: Mozart Oboe Concerto in

C major, K. 314

C. Saint-Saens The Swan etc.

Page 4 April/May 2017 Cultural Events & Exhibitions

Sakai Two-Day March

Explore in and around Sakai

Dates: June 3rd (Sat) & 4th (Sun)

Participation costs (for pre-event

registration):

10km+ courses: 1,500 yen per

person for 2 days (2,000 yen on the

day)

9km and shorter: 500 yen for 1

day

Free for children up to 3rd year

junior high school students (at

the time of the event)

Registration deadline: May 12th

(Fri)

To register, please collect a leaflet

from the city office Administrative

Information Center, any ward of-

fice Administrative Information

Corner, any gym, or from the

Sports Promotion Division.

Take the payment slip inside the

leaflet to a post office and pay to

have it stamped. Take the stub with

you on the day as proof of pay-

ment.

Two Day March Entry Office

TEL: 0570 - 550 - 846

Fire Campaign:

Preventing Stove Fire

The most common cause of house

fires during 2016 are fires that hap-

pen due to using a stove. When

using stoves, make sure not to

leave the stove while in use as well

as make sure it’s turned off com-

pletely when done. In addition, fire

risk can be reduced by using a

stove equipped with a SI sensor.

Also, misuse of an IH stove will

result in a fire outbreak. Please pay

attention to the following points

when using an IH stove.

· Use IH compatible pan

· If there is a function correspond-

ing to "deep-fry", switch to that

function and use it

· Use the proper amount of oil

Please also install fire alarms

at your home!

ASEAN Cultural

Experience Classes

Peranakan Beads Class

Date: May 23rd (Tue)

Time: 13:00 ~ 16:00

Cost: 1,500 yen

Place: Sakai International Plaza 6th

Floor

Application Period: May 1st ~ 17th

Cilantro (Chinese parsley) Class

Date: June 7th & 14th (Wed, 2-part

class)

Time: TBD

Cost: 2,000 yen

Place: Toga Cultural Hall Cooking

Room

Application Period: May 1st ~ 24th

Apply to Sakai ASEAN Exchange

Promotion Division by email or

FAX. Include postal code, name,

telephone or FAX number or email

address, and name of course.

Address: 3-1 Minamikawara-

machi,Sakai-ku, Sakai 590-0078

TEL: 072-222-7343

FAX: 072-228-7900

E-mail: ako@city.sakai.lg.jp

Festive Carp and Armor

Decorations

Date: April 19th (Wed) ~ June 5th (Mon)

Time: 10:00 ~ 17:00 (last entrance 16:30)

Admissions:

General: 100 yen (Seigakuin)

200 yen (Yamaguchi Resi-

dence)

Combination: 250 yen

* Children under middle school lvl,

those 65 years of age and older and

those with disabilities are free

Seigakuin and Yamaguchi Residence will

exhibit festive samurai armors that have

been handed down for generations. Ya-

maguchi Residence will also be decorated

by a big carp streamer that is hand-

painted by a craft master designated by

Osaka prefecture There will also be a hand-painting carp

experience on May 7th (Sun).

Hand-painting Carp Workshop

Date: May 7th (Sun)

Time: 10:30～, 13:00～

Capacity: first 6 persons

Closed: April 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Cost: 1,000 yen

Application: Call or FAX to Yamaguchi

Residence (TEL/FAX) 072-224-1155

Application Starts: May 3rd , 10:00

Nearest Station:

Seigakuin: Takasujinja Station (Hankai

Line) or Shichido Station (Nankai Line)

Yamaguchi Residence: Ayanocho Sta-

tion (Hankai Line)

No car parking is available. Please use

public transportation

Tour of Japan May 21st (Sun)~

28th (Sun)

Sakai Stage: May 21st (Sun) 13:35 ~

This year will mark the 20th time

the tour has been held. At the Sakai

stage, cyclists will ride along a

course around Daisen Park which

is close to the Nintoku-tenno-ryo

Kofun, Japan’s largest ancient

tomb and a part of aspiring World

Heritage Site.

The 5th International Women’s Sumo

Invitation Championship, Sakai

Date: April 16th(Sun)

Time: 10:00 ~

Venue: Ohama Park Sumo Sta-

dium Cost: Free

Nearest Sta.: 10min walk from

Sakai Sta. (Nankai Line)

Page 5 April/May 2017

April/May 2017

Fixed Property, City Planning

and Light Vehicle Taxes

May will be the start of the 1st ap-

pointed time for payment for the

fixed property (固定資産税 Ko-

teishisan-zei), city planning (都市

計画税 Toshikeikaku-zei) and light

vehicle (軽自動車税 Keijidosha-

zei) taxes . Wednesday, May 31st,

is the deadline.

To pay please go to the nearest

banking facility, post office, con-

venience store, or at any ward city

tax office. You can also pay

through an ATM with Pay-easy

function, internet banking and mo-

bile banking. Please make sure to

pay before the deadline.

For those that use the automatic

transfer, payment will automatical-

ly be deducted on Wednesday,

May 31st, please check your bank

balance before the deadline

Ningen dock (人間ドック)

Medical Check-Up Course

National Health Insurance (国民健康

保険 Kokumin Kenkohoken) carries

out a one-day comprehensive medical

examination course aiming for early

detection of diseases for insured per-

sons. 70% subsidy of medical exami-

nation fee once a year.

Target:

●Those who are insured by National

Health Insurance and at the age be-

tween 30 and 74 as of the application

date and examination date.

●Those who have fully paid insurance

premiums for FY2015 or FY2016 as of

the application date.

Please directly apply at a handling

medical institution 2 weeks or more

prior to consultation request date.

Self-payment amount: 30% of medi-

cal examination fee

Men: 12,360 yen

Women: 12,660 yen (13,290 yen if

you add a breast exam)

For details please refer to Health

Insurance and Pension Division at

your ward office or Sakai Interna-

tional Plaza Life advice service.

Semboku New Town

Housing Monthly Assistance

Young married couple and families

with small children are eligible for

financial assistance up to ¥20,000

towards the portion of rent above

¥50,000 for max. 5yrs.

The first enrollment period for

FY2017: May 1st ~ May 31st

(excluding weekends and public holi-

days). Households who have moved

into the Semboku New Town area

from outside and finished the resi-

dent’s registration by April 1st, 2017

can apply. Keep in mind there are

certain restrictions on the types of

households and housing eligible for

assistance.

For more details on conditions and

restrictions, please see information

pamphlets available at the City Hall

Administrative Information Centre

and ward office Administrative Infor-

mation Corners, or see the Sakai City

Homepage (in Japanese).

New Town Region Revitalization

Office: (TEL) 072-228-7530

City Notices & Campaigns

School Expense Subsidies: Apply between April 14th ~ 28th (excluding weekends & holidays)

Total household income eligible for the subsidy

● 2 Person households – 1.83 million yen or less

● 3 person households – 2.38 million yen or less

● 4 person households – 2.63 million yen or less

● 5 person households – 3.03 million yen or less

A declaration of income must be made before applications can be assessed. In June, families who moved into Sakai after the

2nd of January this year must present a taxation certificate from their previous local government (課税証明書kazei sho-

meisho) for the 2017 fiscal year showing their 2016 income. Households that fall into the following categories are eligible for the subsidy.

1. Those receiving Public Assistance (生活保護 Seikatsuhogo) and/or Child-Rearing Allowance (児童扶養手当 Jidofuyo Teate)

2. Those working as casual workers and registered at HelloWork

3. Those whose Public Assistance has been suspended or discontinued (excluding instances where suspension or discontinuance

has been caused by a change in the household make up)

4. Those who are exempted from—or subject to reduced— residence, individual enterprise or fixed property tax (市民税 Shimin-

zei, 個人事業税 Kojin Jigyo-zei, 固定資産税 Koteishisan-zei)

5. Those who are exempted from National Pension (国民年金 Kokumin Nenkin) contributions

6. Those who are exempted from—or subject to reduced— National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 Kokumin Kenkohoken) fees

7. Those who have received loans from the Living Welfare Fund (生活福祉資金 Seikatsu Fukushi-shikin)

Apply either at the school your child is enrolled at or bring your name seal (印鑑 inkan) and documentation for your bank account

to your local ward office’s application area. Those who fall into categories 2 or 4 – 7 above will need to bring the relevant doc-

umentation also.

Applications can still be made after this period at your local ward office’s Planning and General Affairs Division up until the end

of February 2018; however in that instance, subsidies will be calculated from month you apply. Please note that the school ex-

pense subsidy does not roll over automatically and must be reapplied for each year.

More detailed information will be delivered through schools at the start of April and will be available in English, Chinese,

Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Tagalog brochures upon request to your child’s school.

City Life provides non-

Japanese residents and visi-

tors with information about

daily life and events in Sa-

kai.

Published by the Interna-

tional Division, Sakai City

Government, 3-1 Mina-

mikawara-machi, Sakai-ku,

Sakai, Osaka 590-0078

(TEL)072-222-7343

(FAX)072-228-7900

This issue was compiled by

Erika Lowdermilk, Coordi-

nator of International Rela-

tions. Published on the 1st of

every second month.

Pick up your next copy of

City Life from the 6th floor

of Sakai City Hall or from:

Ward Offices

Libraries

Sakai City Museum

Public health centres

Public gyms

Cultural halls

Foreigners living in Sakai

are eligible for free deliv-

ery. Please email us with

your name and address.

If you would like to give

feedback or contribute

something to City Life

(event information, hints for

living in Japan, recipes etc.)

please contact Erika at:

kokusai@city.sakai.lg.jp

Readers can now sign up to

be sent the link to each new

City Life as it becomes

available online. Use the

QR Code above or the link

on the City Life homepage

to go to the registration

website—the registration

process is all in Japanese

but there is an English

guide on the page.

http://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/

Page 6

Free Life Advice for Foreigners

at Sakai International Plaza

Japanese and English

Mon–Wed, Fri

①9:00～12:00

②13:00～16:00

Other languages available

Monday: Chinese ②, Portuguese ②,

Spanish②

Tuesday: Korean ①

Wednesday: Chinese ②

Friday: Chinese ①, Portuguese ①,

Spanish ② TEL 072-228-7499 FAX 072-340-1091

You can use this service for any inquires about

any of the articles in this newsletter.

Eliminate Street Smoking and

Littering

A city ordinance has been established to de-

crease street smoking and littering through-

out the city. Areas such as Sakaihigashi Sta-

tion square, both east and west squares of

Sakai Station, Oshoji street, prohibited smok-

ing areas around city hall, etc., a 1,000 yen

fine will be placed for those caught smoking

and littering.

In addition, the areas around Sakaihigashi

Station west side exit, Mikunigaoka and

Nakamozu Station are designated special

campaign zone to promote smoking manners

as well as help eliminate street smoking and

littering.

Those who want to support (by putting up

posters, handing out fliers, participating in

campaigns, etc.) can inquire at the:

Public Sanitation Division.

Storing Water in Case of Disaster

It’s important to store drinkable water for

at least 7 days in case of a disaster. One

person drinks about 3 liters of water for

one day. It is necessary to save water in

case of a large earthquake that could result

in water pipes being damaged, causing

filthy or sewage water not being properly

disposed.

If this happens, it is recommended that you

refrain from using the water from the pipes.

By simply refraining from the use of water

other than the toilet, you can reduce the

sewage up to about 70%.

Parking ban-zones for bicycles and

mini bikes

Each railway station in Sakai city (except for

the Hankai Line) is designated as a parking ban

zone. Bicycles and mini bikes left in the zone

will be removed. In addition, we will collect

the removal & storage

fee for the return of the

removed bike and mini

bike. Please use the

parking lot to park a

bicycle and mini-bike. April/May Consultations

Consultations on naturalizations and immigra-

tions with an administrative procedure special-

ists are available for discussing the status of or

changes to applications.

April 19th & May 19th, 14:00 ~ 17:00

Three slots available

Reservations are necessary. For those that re-

quire an interpreter must apply at least 10 days

before the date of the consultation. You can

also request for an interpreter for other ser-

vices (more info at City Life homepage)

Apply at Sakai International Plaza

TEL: 072-228-7499

Emergency Numbers

119: fire or medical emergency (available in

English, Chinese, Korea, Spanish, and Portu-

guese)

110 : accident or require police

Ambulances are free to use however, they are

only for emergencies and must not be used for

minor illnesses or injuries

How to make emergency calls using public

phone boxes:

1. Pick up receiver

2. Press the red button (緊急用通報ボタン)

3. Dial 119 or 110