TOKYO City Information

This page shows material that was broadcast on Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “TOKYO City Information” radio program.
(Inter FM 76.1 MHz)
Saturday 10:30-10:33 a.m., (Rebroadcast) Sunday 10:30-10:33 a.m.

February 11 Broadcast

On this week's Tokyo City Information, we have an announcement about a sports charity event: Kizuna Walk and Run Tokyo "For the Children," followed by information on free consultation services for foreign residents.

On Sunday, March 11, exactly a year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, a sports charity event will take place in Odaiba. Children from the disaster areas will be invited to the capital to take part in sports training events and exchanges with athletes and participants from Tokyo. A portion of the fees to take part in this event will go toward sports activities in the disaster-affected regions. Other financial support will come from a charity auction and a Tohoku produce fair taking place on March 11. The organizers are now looking for people to take part in the day’s events, so invite your friends and family to join you at Kizuna Walk and Run Tokyo “For the Children”! The event starts at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, at Shiokaze Park and Aqua City Odaiba on the Tokyo waterfront. Sign up to take part in the walking or running events, or one of the seminars in baseball, soccer, rugby, and other sports. The walking will be open to participants signing up on the day of the event. For information check the official website at kizunawalk.jp/

The Hachioji International Association will be offering free Professional consultation services for foreign residents on Sunday, February 19th. Consultation will be available on issues like visa status, international marriage or divorce, mental treatment, education, child care, pension, social insurance and health insurance. Interpreters speaking English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian and Thai will be present. Free childcare service is also available and privacy and confidentiality will be strictly observed. The consultation services will be available on Sunday, February 19th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the 5th floor of Hachioji Create Hall. To get there, take the JR Line to Hachioji station. Or you can take the Keio Line to Keio Hachioji station. It’s a 4 minute walk from both stations. For more information call Hachioji International Association at 042-642-7091.

February 4 Broadcast

This week on Tokyo City Information, we begin with an announcement about influenza followed by information about a radiation-related symposium The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has issued an official warning about the spread of the flu. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep yourself safe from this illness. Here’s what you can do to stay healthy:
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Keep the humidity high in your rooms—aim for at least 40%—and let in fresh air often.
• Maintain a regular schedule in your daily life and get plenty of rest.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink lots of fluids.
• Avoid crowded places whenever possible.
• Talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine.
• Be aware of changes in your health. In particular, senior citizens and people already fighting illness should speak with a doctor ahead of time so things will go smoothly if they need to seek care later. If you have a cough, be aware of the proper etiquette.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with facial tissue and turn away from others.
If you feel there’s a chance you may have influenza, see a doctor right away.

Next is an announcement about a radiation-related symposium. Almost a year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake caused the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Many people today are still concerned about the effects of radiation on the environment and their health. On Sunday, March 18th, a symposium will take place to discuss the radiation levels in Tokyo. It will also include an exchange of views on issues like ways we will need to live with radiation into the future and measures the government is taking. The three-hour symposium will begin at 2:00 in the afternoon, at the large auditorium on the fifth floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1. To take part, you’ll need to apply via the website, return postcard, or fax. Check the website of the Tokyo Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health for information on how to sign up. The symposium is free to attend, but you need to sign up by Monday, February 20th. If response is strong the seats will be handed out by lottery, and you’ll hear whether you can attend by Friday, March 2nd. This symposium and the registration process are in Japanese only. There will be a nursing room for parents with infants, but no daycare staffs are on duty at the symposium hall.

January 28 Broadcast

On this week’s Tokyo City Information, we have an announcement on measures to help people who can't make it home after a major earthquake, followed by information on a special train that takes you to enjoy soba noodles at Mt. Takao

The Great East Japan Earthquake in March last year cause serious crowding at train stations and on roads in and around Tokyo. A major quake striking the capital directly could lead to even more dangerous situations, with large fires and collapsed structures to deal with. When a big quake hits, it is best not to rush to head home right away. If you're at work, remain there until you're sure it's safe to begin moving around the city. Employers should stockpile three days' worth of food and water for their workers so they can stay put after the big one. It's also wise to plan multiple ways to contact your family in advance. Some ideas are the emergency 117 telephone message service and social networking services. Once you know everyone is safe, you can stay put with your mind at ease. People who are far from home for school or work should take the time now to learn what they'll need to prepare and learn to be ready in time of disaster.

The Takao area has historically been home to many soba restaurants thanks to its plentiful freshwater springs. Now 19 restaurants near Mt. Takao are running their popular "Winter Soba at Mt. Takao" campaign once again this year. Pick up one of the campaign maps with attached coupons at any station on the Keio or Inokashira Line. This will give you a discount on any soba or udon dish served at the restaurants marked on the map. There will also be a special express train running from Ojima Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line through to Takaosanguchi on the Keio Line. The "Mt. Takao Winter Soba Liner" will run on Saturday, February 4th, leaving Ojima at 9:40 in the morning, departing Shinsen Shinjuku Station at 10:06, and arriving at the Takaosanguchi terminal at 11:08. Between Kitano and Takao Stations on the Keio Takao Line, conductors will hand out tickets you can exchange for a commemorative pair of reusable chopsticks, which could come in handy as you tour the soba restaurants. No reservations are needed for this train.

January 21 Broadcast

Beginning on February 1st, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will join the national and municipal authorities in taking the 2012 Economic Census. This survey is carried out on all the enterprises and business establishments in Japan to gauge the nation’s economic strength. Respondents are asked to provide basic information like the location of their establishment and number of employees, as well as figures like their sales revenue and expenses. There are two ways to take part in the Economic Census: census takers carrying official IDs can visit places of business to distribute and collect the questionnaire forms, or the forms can be filled out and sent by postal mail to the national authorities. If you’re a business proprietor, you must fill out the census. Results will only be used for statistical purposes. Please be ready to cooperate once you get your form.

Right now the Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome is hosting its popular annual exhibition of orchids. The 2012 show features around 50 specimens of some 30 types of orchid, including rare pure-stock and hybrid flowers from the collections of Dogashima Orchid Resort in Izu. The exhibition runs through Sunday, February 5th. On the weekend of January 28th and 29th, there will also be a special sale of potted orchids, including popular and rare strains of the flowers. The orchid show is open every day except Mondays, from 9:30 to 5:00. The Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome is a 15-minute walk from Shin-Kiba Station on the JR Keiyo and Rinkai Lines or the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. Admission is just 250 yen for adults, 120 yen for seniors.