Ishigaki Photo Diary

Tuesday, April 1 - Beginning of Term Ceremony

  It's the beginning of the Heisei Year 15 Term. There was an address from Mayor Nagateru Ohama, greetings from the new treasurer, Kazuo Tomori, and an introduction and greetings from Tatsuo Oshiro from the Prefectural Police. Various important topics, including city and town mergers and new airport construction, are piling up this term. We must strengthen our will all work together as one!

Wednesday, April 2 - Sakishima Region Youth Baseball Exchange Tournament

  9 teams from Yaeyama and 5 teams from Miyako will participate today and tomorrow. The mayor encouraged the young athletes by saying "All of the exceedingly talented athletes played with all their might from the time they were kids. Good luck to you all."

Do your best, everyone! You are the Nomos, Ichiros, and Matsuis of the Future!

Thursday, April 3 - Bag Cover Presentation Ceremony

  Bag covers for approximately 590 new students were handed to Superintendent Eichu Uchihara from Mayor Nagateru Ohama. It was to express hope for the improvement of the general and traffic safety of the children. Traffic accidents leave nothing but misery. Let's increase everyone's awareness of safety, and strive to have an accident-free town!

Friday, April 4 - Russian Ballet Rehearsal

  Tomorrow and the day after (the 5th and 6th), there will be a Russian Ballet Performance starting at 6:00 p.m. in the large hall of the Community Auditorium. I planned on taking a picture of the rehearsal, but I just missed it, so please make due with a picture of some promotional materials. Entrance is free on both days.

Saturday, April 5 - The First Akahachi Festival

  Yesterday, April 4, the Oyake Akahachi Memorial Service was held in Ohama. Today was the first "test" run of the Akahachi Festival. It was a little chilly for April, but there was a large turnout of Ohama residents.

Sunday, April 6 - 2003 Triathlon Traffic Control Manager and Assistant Manager Meeting

  The Ishigaki Island Triathlon is only one week away. A meeting was held for the volunteer traffic management managers and assistant managers. This year's triathlon will be supported by many volunteers. That enthusiasm should make its way to the participating athletes, as well. This year's tournament looks like it will be an exciting one.

Tuesday, April 8 - The Mayor's "Good Morning Roman Message"

  Once per month, the mayor's "Good Morning Roman Message" on seasonal topics is broadcast live within the city hall from the mayor's office. Today's message was broadcast at 9:00 a.m., and focused on the new term's budget and the Ishigaki Island Triathlon. This time's broadcast was not just voice as before, but utilized the tele-conference system to include video, as well.

Wednesday, April 9 - Triathlon World Cup Athletes Continue to Arrive in Ishigaki

  The day of the 2003 Triathlon World Cup Ishigaki is drawing near. Yesterday, ITU President McDonald arrived on Ishigaki, and the athletes continue to arrive every day. The picture is of the World Cup Athlete Registration Counter which is located outside of the arrival lobby at Ishigaki Airport. It is being staffed by interpretation volunteers.

Thursday, April 10 - Triathlon Media Preparations Are Steadily Proceeding

  Athletes are still arriving in Ishigaki, but Ishigaki City and co-sponsor Okinawa Television have deployed a live broadcast truck near the entrance to the Rito Sanbashi (Remote Island Pier). The athletes' intense battle will be broadcast in 8 languages and over 90 countries on April 20.
  NTT is also planning on providing an internet broadcast.

Friday, April 11 - Yaeyama Region Merger Conference Office Opens

  The opening of the Ishigaki and Yonaguni Merger Conference (optional) was held in the afternoon. As the time limit for the merger draws near, the office must fulfill an extremely large job, and is receiving ideas and hopes from city and town residents. It is expected to improve information disclosure on merits and demerits to the public, and to act as a guide for disputes between city and town residents.

Sunday, April 13 - 2003 ITU World Cup Triathlon Ishigaki and Ishigaki Island Triathlon

  The Triathlon started with the Family Triathlon in 1987, and then from 1996, it overlapped with the World Cup Triathlon. With the strength of the many spectators and volunteers, it became a grand tournament. This year's triathlon also unfolded an exciting battle, which was broadcast across the world. More information on the Triathlon and its results can be found here.

Tuesday, April 15 - Regional Propogandist Duty Orientation

Wednesday, April 16 - City Resident Contact Service Start

Thursday, April 17 - Tama-chan in Ishigaki, too?

  When you walk into the entrance of City Hall, you are greeted by a seal. This is actually a stuffed animal. It is a present from Wakkanai City that was recieved in Heisei year 8 (1995) to commemorate the 10th anniversery of the Friendship City agreement. It's been 7 years since he (she?) came to Ishigaki's hot climate. It seems as if he is already used to living in the south country. He is always here to greet all the city residents.

Friday, April 18 - Triathlon Appreciation Press Conference

Saturday, April 19 - Lazy Cat of the Day

Monday, April 21 - Flowers

Tuesday, April 22 - This is Not a Rummage Sale!

  The thing next to the information counter in the entrance of the City Hall is an exhibit of the inside of a broken-down computer. You usually don't get a chance to see the inside of the computers you use, so you should definately take this opportunity to check it out. Just remember that the back of a monitor is dangerous even if the power is disconnected, so please don't touch it!

Wednesday, April 23 - The 2nd New Airport Completion Master Plan Conference

Thursday, April 24 - Carp Streamer Ceremony

Friday, April 25 - Traditional Performance Arts Evening

Monday, April 28 - Kiosk Terminal

  When you enter the city hall, there is something on the right that you probably aren't used to seeing. This is a kiosk terminal that can be used to access the goverment intranet to reserve and check availability of public facilities. You can use this when the counter is crowded.

Monday, April 30 - Ishigaki Statistics

  The yearly statistics for last year are now available. This makes a great outline of Ishigaki City. We are currently trying to get it uploaded to the city home page. If you have any free time, be sure to check it out. You might discover something different about Ishigaki.