Director General Column New Year's Greetings (January 1, 2025)

　Happy new year.
　At the beginning of the year, I would like to say hello to the New Year.
　Last year, we visited the area in various situations and had the opportunity to talk with the residents of the city. At that time, it was a year when everyone was always greeted with a smile and realized the “connection” and “warmness”. For example, in March, the "First Minami Sakura Festival" was held, and for the first time after I arrived, I was able to enjoy the inhabitant of a ward festival with everyone. In addition, throughout the year, I was able to visit events in each district and feel the power of the area again. . Thank you very much.
　This year, we will continue to promote various initiatives in cooperation with local communities, including Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Associations. By actively promoting the appeal of Minami Ward, such as cherry blossoms and shopping streets, we will promote the creation of liveliness in the local community, enhance support for child-rearing without interruption, and create a town where each and every person can live in a familiar area. We will also steadily promote disaster prevention and reduce disaster damage initiatives to protect safe and secure lives, and multicultural coexistence initiatives that capture the characteristics of Minami Ward, which has many foreign nationals and other residents. Furthermore, we aim to realize a decarbonized society together with residents by fostering momentum for the GREEN x EXPO 2027, two years before the event held in March, and working to expand and establish the Pla garbage collection by category starting in April.
　This year, all staff members will do their utmost to aim for Minami Ward, where they can feel the connection and warmth and want to continue living.
　I wish you a good year for all of you.

Kazuyoshi Takazawa, Mayor of Minami Ward