Published by Minato City

03-5472-3710CITY INFORMATION SERVICE

E-mail: info@minato.call-center.jp

Minato Call

No 362 April 2017Published monthly by: Minato City Tokyo Tel: 03-3578-2111 Edited by: Public Relations Subsection, Office of the Mayor, Minato City Hall, 1-5-25, Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8511Tel: 03-3578-2992, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fax: 03-3578-2034 E-mail: kuminkoho@city.minato.tokyo.jp Web: www.city.minato.tokyo.jp Circulation: 10,000 copies

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 and subway 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 or Minato Monthly by e-mail at kuminkoho@city.minato.tokyo.jp. Please write "Minato Monthly" in the subject line.

Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park, 1-4 chome, Shibakoen

SPRING NATIONALTRAFFIC SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign is on April 6-15. Promoting awareness of safe driving and traffic rules for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike is the key to reducing traffic accidents.

National Traffic Safety Campaign The National Traffic Safety Campaign slogan this season is “Drive with care in the city and on the road.” With children beginning school in spring, it's time to teach the importance of follow-ing and understanding traffic rules. Senior residents, on the other hand, are involved in more than half of all fatal traffic incidents. The National Traffic Safety Campaign's goal is to increase awareness about protecting the area's children and senior citizens.

Campaign Activities • Prevent traffic accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Enforce the five basic public cycling rules:

1. Pedal along the carriageway. Pedaling on sidewalks is exceptional. As bicycles are con-sidered light vehicles under Japan’s Road Traffic Law, cyclists are required to pass through carriageways.

2. Ride on the left side of the road.

3. Pedestrians always have the priority on sidewalks. Cyclists must go slowly. In case cyclists interfere with pedestrians, they must stop and take the carriageway side.

4. The following acts are prohibited: a) Riding a bike while drinking alcohol b) Riding with a passenger, except a child in a child-seatc) Cycling in parallel

d) Riding a bicycle without lights after darke) Using a cell phone, smart phone, or holding an umbrella while cycling

5. Children under the age of 12 and under should wear safety helmets when on the bicycle. Obey all traffic lights and follow all traffic signs and rules. Continually check safety condi-tions when riding.

• Enforce seat belt fastening and proper use of child seats Make sure all passengers have their seatbelts on and that all children are seated in child seats according to their age.

• Elimination of drunk drivingNever drive under the influence of alcohol. If you drink, ask someone who hasn't been drink-ing to drive you or order taxi services. Not only drivers under the influence, but also those who serve alcohol or lend a car to a drunk driver, as well as passengers riding in a car driven by a drunk driver, can be subject to severe penalties.

• Prevention of two-wheel vehicle accidents Bicycles are considered vehicles according to Japanese traffic laws — do not ride on the side-walk. Use reflective stickers on your bicycle and always turn on your lights at night. When riding, never wear earphones or use your smartphone. If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Do not speed. Slow down before entering curved roads or blind corners.

Note: There are many steep an uphill roads in Minato City. When descending a road, please slow down. All cyclists, whether young or adults, should know the dangers of speeding on the road and be familiar with road regulations. To secure your safety and this of other people on the road, please obey all rules.

Supervising Section: Traffic Affairs SubsectionInquiries: Atago Police Station, Tel: 03-3437-0110, Mita Police Station, Tel: 03-3454-0110, Takanawa Police Station: Tel: 03-3440-0110, Azabu Police Station, Tel: 03-3479-0110, Akasa-ka Police Station, Tel: 03-3475-0110, Tokyo Wangan Police Station, Tel: 03-3570-0110

License tag

Registration tag

2 Minato Monthly April 2017

BOOK APPRECIATION

Children’s Reading Week

Reading books is an indispensable activity for children to enrich their vocabulary and imagination. Aiming to deepen children's understanding and interest in reading, in 2001 the Japanese government enacted the Law Regarding Promotion of Children's Reading Activities and this law designates April 23 as Children's Reading Day. Minato City libraries hold a variety of reading-related events during this week.

Note: All events are free and no reservations are required. Programs may change without notice.

April 23 is the Children’s Reading Day and April 23 to May 12 is Children’s Reading Week. So come and part in free Minato City library events. This year’s slogan is “Small books, Big world.”

ASSISTANCE

Minato City provides material support, such as school supplies and school lunch fee assistance, for students up to junior high school age who are unable to attend school due to financial difficulties.

Eligibility: Minato City residents who receive welfare benefits and/or child-rearing allowance, or whose total income for the past fiscal year meets the eligibility requirements for school expense subsidy as of April 1, 2013.

Application: Mail or bring the application form to the School Administration Support Subsection located on the 7th floor of Minato City Hall by April 18.

Note: To apply for this support, please obtain all related documents, including instruction guidelines, specified application forms and submission envelopes at the student’s local school in Minato city. For students attending public schools outside of Minato City, please call the phone number below.

Inquiry: School Administration Support Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2731

Support for Students in Need

Date & Time Place Program4/22, 2 p.m. Akasaka I Want to Eat Cabbage

4/22, 2:30 p.m. Azabu The Old Man Who Got Rid of his Lump

4/23, 11 a.m. Takanawa A Green Ladder

4/25, 11 a.m. Takanawa Annex My Dress

4/26, 10:30 a.m. Konan Who Mooed?

4/27, 10:30 a.m. Mita Staying in the Forest

4/29, 2 p.m. AkasakaTeddy Bear’s Stay-night, Good Night, the Bear *Children and their guardians

4/29, 3 p.m. Minato One Inch Boy

5/10, 2:30 p.m. KonanQuiet, Here Is Animals’ Library*Children and their guardians

5/11, 10:30 a.m. Takanawa Round and Rolling

Date & Time Place Program4/21 to 5/17 Every library Exhibition of Kazuhiko Toyota’s Works

4/23 to 5/12 Takanawa Let’s do quiz! You may win a prize.

4/23 to 5/12 Takanawa Annex Participate in a lottery and win books

4/30, 2 p.m. TakanawaWe are library explorers!Eligibility: First 10 children and their guardians.

4/30, 2:30 p.m. AzabuCraft class and storytellingEligibility: First 30 children aged four to six graders. Pre-schoolers must be accompanied by guardians.

4/30, 3 to 4 p.m. Mita Craft Class, Hold koinobori, First 20 people

5/7, 2 to 2:40 p.m. Azabu Where The Wild Things Are Movie for children and their guardians

5/13, 2 to 4 p.m. MitaLet's Play With Momo, storytelling by Kazuhiko Toyota First 70 people. For reservations, visit or call Mita Library from 4/11.

Storytelling

Events

Inquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

ANIMAL CONTROL

Registration & Rabies Vaccinations for DogsRabies is an infectious disease that causes more than 50,000 deaths every year. Under Japan’s Rabies Prevention Act, all pet dogs must be quarantined and all dog owners are re-quired to annually vaccinate their dogs against rabies.

To prevent a rabies outbreak and protect the health of humans and animals, dog owners are required to register their dogs at the city hall, obtain a dog license plate, and keep a rabies vac-cination proof certificate at all times. Put the license and vaccination tags on your dog's collar. Dog owners who fail to follow the regulations may be subjected to penalties of up to ¥200,000. Licence tag fee: ¥3,000.

Vaccination Schedule Please visit any of the following vaccination sites on the specified days. A postal notification has been sent to all dog owners who have already registered their pets. Rabies vaccinations cost ¥3,100. Additional ¥550 is required for a vaccination tag.

Note:• Fill out the notification that has been sent and bring it to the vaccination site.• Please bring exact payment: ¥3,100 for the rabies shot and ¥550 for the vaccination tag.

• If your dog has received a combined vaccine within one month, it cannot be vaccinated against rabies.

• If you have concerns about your dog's health condition, consult your veterinarian before receiving the vaccination.• Dogs must be accompanied by someone who can control them.• Bring necessary items to clean up after your dog.• No parking is available.

If unable to attendYour dog still needs to be vaccinated at an animal clinic. Please complete the procedures accordingly and present a vaccination certificate issued by the veterinarian at the Health and Welfare Section of any Regional City Office.

To dog ownersThe city receives many complaints about dog owners' manners. Please observe proper man-ners so that everyone can enjoy their community.

On your walks, bring an absorbent pad for pets, water and plastic bag to hold your dog's drop-pings. Use the pad to absorb anything wet, then rinse the spot with water. Take your dog's droppings home and flush it down the toilet after removing any stones and leaves.

Keep your dog's lead short when outside. For extendable leads, keep the lead locked and short.

Inquiries: Life Hygiene Counseling Subsection, Tel: 03-6400-0043

Date Time Location/Address

April 24 10 to 11 a.m. Takanawa Park, 3-18-18 Takanawa

Cancelled in case of rain

2 to 3 p.m. Shiba Park, 4-8-4 Shibakoen

April 25 10 to 11 a.m. The Second outdoor playground of Seinan

Elementary School, 4-19-18 Minami-aoyama

2 to 3 p.m. Kamezuka Park, 4-16-20 Mita

April 26 10 to 11 a.m. Kogai Park, 3-12-1 Nishi-azabu

2 to 3 p.m. Takahashi Korekiyo Memorial Park, 7-3-39 Akasaka

April 27 10 to 11 a.m. Shirokane Park, 3-1-16 Shirokane

2 to 3 p.m. Shibaura Chuo Park B Dog-run, 1-2-28 Konan

April 28 10 to 11 a.m. Shin-Hiroo Park, 4-5-1 Azabu-juban

Rain or shine2 to 3 p.m. Minato Public Health Center, 1-4-10 Mita

If you’re looking for free meeting rooms for group activities or community interchanges, the International Communication Space in Kita-aoyama is the ideal place. To use the facility, you need to register your group in advance. Groups using the space must be nonprofit and consist of at least five members. More than half of the members must reside, work or attend a school in Minato City. Once registered, you’re free to reserve the room as below. There is no charge for using the facility. Some equipment requires booking in advance.

Meeting room 1: Can fit up to 50 people. Includes tables, chairs, a whiteboard, a projector and a screen

Meeting room 2: Can fit up to 25 people. Includes tables, chairs, a whiteboard, a TV set, a DVD player and a VCR

*Some equipment requires booking in advance.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION SPACE

COMMUNITY

Gaien H

igashi-dori

Aoyama-Itchome Station

Police Box

Kita-aoyama1-chome

Apartments-maebus stop

Toei Kita-aoyama 1-chome

Apartments

Aoyama Junior High School

InternationalCommunication

Space

Akasaka-mitsuke

Roppongi

Shinanomachi

Shibuya

Place: Toei Kita-aoyama 1-chome Apt. No. 3, 1-6-3-B1 Kita-aoyama

Hours of use: Weekdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed: Sundays, holidays, and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3

Access: A five minute walk from the Aoyama 1-chome station bus stop on the Akasaka route and the Aoyama route on the Chii Bus.

Inquiries: For group registration: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2308For room reservation and status: MIA, Tel: 03-6440-0233

April 2017 Minato Monthly 3

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

SCHEDULE FOR APRIL

Minato City Events

Appointment for HIV Tests –Tel: 03-6400-0081

*The result is announced two weeks after the check-up at the Minato Public Health Center

Other Examinations

SCHEDULE FOR APRIL

Minato Public Health Center

Eligibility Examination date Result announcement Location

City residents aged between 30 and 39 born

in May

*Limited to 70 people daily

Check in time: 8:45 - 10:30 a.m. Check in: 1 - 2 p.m.

Minato Public Health CenterMay 10 June 14

May 24 June 28

HIV/STD Test* Open to all 4/20, 5/11, 5/25 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Minato Public Health Center

Date Time Program Place/Capacity/Application

2 2 to 5 p.m.

Time For Discovering Cambodia International exchange and dancingFee: ¥2,000, adults, ¥1,000, first to ninth grade students, free for pre-schoolersInquiries: Global Community Planning Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2046Royal Embassy of Cambodia: 03-5412-8521

Akasaka Civic Center, 4-18-13 Akasaka

2211 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tokyo International School Cherry Blossom Fair Enjoy international food, a bazaar and book sales, art activities and games for children, live entertainment, raffle and auction, at our charity event

Tokyo International School, 2-13-6 Minami-azabu Tel: 03-5484-1160 URL: www.tokyois.com

Library Events - Movies *Doors open 30 min. before the starting time

2 2 p.m.Modern kyogen play, Hanako and Shinonkyoku - 2000/2002, Japan, 82 min.

Azabu/30

6 1 p.m. Fascinated by Oze - 2011/2012, Japan, 100 min. Minato/90

8 2 p.m. Notorious - 1946, U.S. 101 min. Konan/45

9 2 p.m. Walking in Edo with an Old Map - 2007, Japan, 58 min. Mita/60

11 1 p.m. Orient Express - 1974, England, 128 min. Minato/90

12 2 p.m.Onita's Hat, A Rice Ball, and Princess Bush Warbler - 2008, Japan, 110 min.

Takanawa Annex/50

13 NoonDiscovery Channel, Mystery of the Space - 2006, U.S. 45 min.

Mita/60

14 6:30 p.m. World Heritage, France - 2010, Japan, 45 min. Akasaka/30

15 2 p.m. Tragedy at the Hunting Ground - 1978, Russia, 103 min. Akasaka/35

19 1 p.m. Ms. Koume - 2007, Japan, 78 min. Minato/90

21 2 p.m. Once Upon a Honeymoon - 1942, U.S. 115 min. Takanawa/40

23 2 p.m. Stagecoach - 1939, U.S., 96 min. Mita/60

25 1 p.m. Toda Brothers - 1950, Japan, 112min. Minato/90

28 6 p.m. Double Suicide Yoigoshin - 1984, Japan, 86 min. Azabu/30

29 2 p.m. Morning Glory - 1933, U.S., 74 min. Konan/45

Library Events - Others9 2:30 p.m. Story Time in English Azabu

12 3 p.m. Spring Concert Azabu/30

14 2 p.m.Origami Class: Make a samurai helmet and iris. Limited to Junior High School students and over.

Takanawa/First 10 people

22 2 p.m. Concert: Baroque Music with lute and cello. Mita/60

Library Events - Storytelling4/8 Minato 11 a.m. 4/8 Mita 11 a.m. 4/8 Takanawa 2 p.m. 4/8 Minato 3 p.m. 4/12 Konan 2:30 p.m. 4/12 Akasaka 3 p.m. 4/13 Takanawa 10:30 a.m. 4/15 Minato 11 a.m. 4/15 Minato 3 p.m. 4/16 Azabu 2:30 p.m. 4/27 Minato 10 a.m.

Note: Takanawa Library will temporary close on May 8, October 9, and November 13.

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

811:30 a.m. to noon

Japanese Conversation Partner: This program is for foreign people who are looking for opportunities to speak Japannese.* Basic Japanese required.

MIA/ Call or send an email to MIA

15Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Let's Chat in Japanese: Enjoy chatting in Japanese with other participants. No reservation required.

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

152 to 3:30 p.m.

Let's Rediscover Japan: Dr. Giovanni Monte will talk about "Good Future: Only If We Protect The Elderly." Fee: ¥500 or ¥200 with student ID.

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

2210 a.m. to noon

Coffee Morning: Welcome to Japan Having difficulties finding the information you need? We can help you. Coffee will be served.

MIA/ Call or send an email to MIA

Kissport Events & Announcement Tel: 03-5770-6837 Fax: 03-5770-6884, Email: fureai-info@kissport.or jp, Web: http://www.kissport.or.jp

6/16 6:30 p.m.

Kabuki Class for Foreign People Capacity: 10 people by draw. Admission: ¥3,300 for Minato City residents and employees and ¥1,300 for students Inquiries in English: 03-5413-7552

The Large Theatre, National Theatre of Japan Call 03-5413-7552 for reserva-tions by 4/21

6/23 7 p.m.

Noh Class for Foreign People Capacity: 10 people by draw. Admission: ¥2,800 for Minato City residents and employees and ¥1,100 for students Inquiries in English: 03-5413-7552

National Noh Theatre Call 03-5413-7552 for reserva-tions by 4/21

bHEALTH & BEAUTY CARE

Minato City Resident Health Checkup: All residents are eligible to undergo a physical examination, urine analysis, chest X-ray, blood pressure check and blood test. Depending on the age, certain residents can undergo an electrocardiogram examination.

Additional checkup: Female recipients of the Minato City resident health checkup aged 30 or 35 years old or those who have not had a similar medical checkup in the past five years are eligible for osteoporosis examinations.

Eligibility: Registered Minato City residents

Minato Health Service Center: 1-4-10 Mita, Tel: 03-6400-0083

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

look on the Himawari English language web site. Himawari also provides emergency medical translation services.

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

Note: You need to apply and make an appointment in advance. Inquiries and appointment: Minato Public Health Center, Tel: 03-6400-0083 For inquires in English, contact Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

Care Subsidy for Cancer Treatment Patients Minato City offers subsidies for beauty and appearance care for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Subsidized goods: Wigs, breast-prastheses and mastectomy bras

Eligibility: Minato City residents who are diagnosed with cancer and are under cancer treatment

Subsidy amount: The lower total of either up to ¥30,000 or 70% of total amount of related purchases. The sum can be used one time per every eligible resident.

Application: Please send the filled out application form to Health Promotion Section of Minato Public Health Center at 1-4-10 Mita, along with the following documents:

1) Receipt of the purchase dated after April 1, 2017 and documents that show the resident is under cancer treatment, such as a medical certificate and medicine notebook. 2) ID documentsApplication forms will be available for download from June.

Supervising Subsection: Health Service Subsection

Eligibility Date Time Location

Stomach & colon cancer

Residents aged 35 or older Capacity: 20 people

Any weekday in May

8:30 -9:30 a.m

Kokoro to Karada no Genki Plaza 3-6-5 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku

OsteoporosisIndividuals receiving osteoporosis treat-ment are not eligible for this test

Minato City residents aged 20 and over who have not received this examination in the past 5 years. Capacity 20 people

5/10, 5/242 - 2:45

p.m.Minato Public Health Center

Checkup and consultation for babies/infants

Eligible residents will be informed by mail- 4 months old: Born in January, 2017- 18 months old: Born in October, 2015- 3 years old: Born in April, 2014

Application and inquiries: Tel: 03-6400-0084

Birthday dental checkup

Babies aged 1 and 2 who are born in May 5/12

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Minato Public Health Center

Minato VoiceTime: 6:26 to 6:29 a.m. and 5:56 to 5:59 p.m., 3 min. program

Monday & Thursday: EnglishTuesday: Japanese

Wednesday: ChineseFriday: Korean

April 3-7: Spring National Traffic Campaign, Support for students in need

April 10-14: Rabies vaccinations for dogs, Care subsidy for cancer treatment patients

April 17-21: Children's Reading Week, Noh and Kabuki classes for foreign people

April 22-30: Disaster prevention email service, International Communication Space

Inquiries: Public Relations Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2041

INTERFM 89.7 MHZ

4 Minato Monthly April 2017

POPULATION

Population Of Minato City As Of March 1, 2017Total: 250,193 Japanese Residents: 230,925 Male: 107,616 Female: 123,309 Registered Foreign Residents: 19,268 Male: 10,160 Female: 9,108

Minato City Through Ukiyo-eUkiyo-e, commonly referred to in English as “woodblock prints of the floating world,” was a popular form of printed art in Japan during the Edo period, from roughly the 17th to 19th centuries. Usually, ukiyo-e art depicted scenes fro m the everyday life of Japanese people at the time, with a particular focus on fashion, entertainment and pleasure. In this series, we would like to share some sights from the area of the current Minato City as it was depicted through ukiyo-e at the time.

Ichibe Izumiya, a traditional Edo-period publisher based in present day Shiba Shinmei area, was originally known for publishing religious and academic documents. However, the place turned from an ordinary publisher to a historical ukiyo-e seller, when its fourth generation owner first introduced the works of the then unknown ukiyo-e painter Toyokuni Utagawa in 1794. Toyokuni’s work is now regarded as one of the most popular ukiyo-e paintings of all time. The story of Ichibe Izumiya therefore is this of two men from Minato city who changed the history of ukiyo-e.

The above ukiyo-e paintings are owned by the Minato Local History Museum

CULTURE

Chushingura Taisetsu (Toyokuni Utagawa, approx. 1800 to 1803)

Pictures of Actors on the Stage: Koraiya (Toyokuni Utagawa, 1794)

Application forms for Temporary Welfare Benefits (Economic Measure) have been sent to to eligible residents on March 13. The application is due by July 14, 2017.

Application method: Fill in the form and attach all required documents such as personal identification documents and bank account information. You can send the documents via postal mail using the attached envelope or bring them directly to the nearest Regional City Office.

Application period: Until July 14 at Shiba Regional City Office, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Until May 19 for all other Regional City Offices.

Inquiries: Temporary Welfare Benefit Subsection, Tel: 03-3578-2846

Temporary Welfare Benefits (Economic Measure)

CHANNEL 11

Program Time Program Summary

With Our Residents – Feel Your MINATO –

Bilingual. 20 min.

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

Introduction of Minato International Association

Minato InformationDo you know Minato Call?

Minato-ku Koho Topics

Topics in Minato City 30 min.

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

Public AnnouncementDelivery of important announcements, new information, or events in Minato City. 1-10: Omnibus of 70th Anniversary programs11-20: Introducing 2017’s budget21-30: Minato Town Forum

You can also see the programs broadcast on this channel on the Minato City Web or YouTube. The video/DVDs can also be rented at the Office of the Mayor, each regional city office and public library. Videos/DVDs of programs broadcast from April, 2016 to last month are available.Note: Programs may change without notice. Inquiries: J:COM Tel: 0120-914-000

Minato Public TV Program GuideJ:COM Minato-Shinjuku APRIL SCHEDULE

Minato City sells recycled bikes in good condition that are reclaimed and repaired.

Date & Time: April 9, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.The drawing will start at 10:30 a.m.

Place: Minato Recycling and Management Office Working Contact, 3-9-6 Moto-azabu

Number of bikes: About 15. Minato City residents have priority

Price: Approximately ¥9,000

Inquiries: Minato Call, Tel: 03-5472-3710

RECYCLE

RecycledBike Sales

RESIDENT SUPPORT

Japanese Language ClassesMinato International Association offers basic Japanese classes for foreign nationals.

Step 1Eligibility: Complete beginners of Japanese languageSchedule: 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. on every Saturday between April 8 and July 1, no class on May 13 Place: Space C of Mita NN Hall, 4-1-23 ShibaTuition: ¥9,000 for MIA members and ¥10,000 for non-members, material fees includ-ed

Step 2Eligibility: Japanese learners who are capable of conducting simple greetings, conver-sation and can read/write hiragana or those who have completed Step 1. A pre-test is required.Schedule: Saturday Class: 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. between April 8 and July 1, no class on April 29; Wednesday Class: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. between April 12 and July 5, no class on May 3 Place: Assembly room 1 of MIA Tuition: ¥9,500 for MIA members and ¥12,000 for non-members, material fees includ-ed

Note: Please specify whether you're applying for the Wednesday or Saturday class when registering.

Step 3Eligibility: Japanese learners who are capable of conducting simple conversations and can read/write hiragana and katakana, or those who have completed Step 2. A pre-test is required. Schedule: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on every Saturday between April 8 and July 1, no class on April 29 Place: Assembly room 1 of MIATuition: ¥9,500 for MIA members and ¥12,000 for non-members, material fees includ-ed

Note: Two teachers will take turn to teach each class. Minato City will provide subsidies up to 50 percent of the fee for those who live, work or study in Minato City. Each class is limited to 20 people.

Application/inquiries: MIA, Tel: 03-6440-0233, email: office@minato-intl-assn.gr.jp

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

SOCIAL MEDIA

INFORMATION ON TWITTER & FACEBOOKWhenever applicable, Minato City will send out information regarding disasters and emergency countermeasures in English, Chinese and Korean through the city’s offi-cial Twitter and Facebook accounts. Please utilize this service for your convenience.

@minato_city.en facebook.com/city.minato.en

Toy HospitalRepairs done free of charge. Cost of new parts not included.

Where: Children's HallTime: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Date & Place: 4/3 Shirokanedai 4/14 Konan 4/18 Azabu 4/20 Takanawa 4/22 Shibaura