Director General Column New Year's Greetings (January 1, 2024)

　Happy new year.
　At the beginning of the year, I would like to say hello to the New Year.
　Since my arrival in April last year, I have visited many events, such as round-table conferences and festivals in each district. It was a year when everyone was greeted with a smile in every district and realized the warmth of the area. Thank you very much for taking this opportunity.
　Last year was the 80th anniversary of the birth of Minami Ward. We held cherry blossom trees at Makita Park, health and welfare events such as “Ikiiki Fureai Minami Day” and “Minami Ward cultural festival” as commemorative events.
　On December 1st, Minami Ward's birthday, a commemorative ceremony was held at Minami public hall to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the constituency system with many residents.
　In Minami Ward, which is now in its 81st year, we will promote various initiatives in cooperation with local communities, including Neighborhood Association and Neighborhood Associations.
　In addition to holding the Mimi Cherry Blossom Festival, a symbol of Minami Ward, creating a bustling local community through the appeal of Minami Ward, such as cherry blossoms and shopping streets, raising children's lives and raising children's places to stay, we are also working to foster momentum for international horticultural expositions to realize a decarbonized society, disaster prevention, anti-crime program, and other safety and security initiatives to prevent nursing care and support people with disabilities.
　This year, we will continue to make every effort to become a Minami Ward where you can feel connected and warm and want to continue living.
　I wish you a good year for all of you.

Kazuyoshi Takazawa, Mayor of Minami Ward