2023-12-28 09:03:37
There are only a few days left in 2023. Thank you for reading Joetsu Town Journal once more this year. We will be looking back at the various news that happened in the Joetsu area of Niigata Prefecture over the past year, and will have a talk with anecdotes. Today is the first time.
New coronavirus moves to Category 5
Reporter AThe new coronavirus, which has had a major impact on people’s lives and the economy, was moved to Category 5 in May under the Infectious Disease Control Act. There are no restrictions on movement, people are moving more and more events are happening, and the daily life before the coronavirus pandemic is returning.
Reporter BIn March, before the transition, wearing a mask became an “individual decision.” Initially, the response was divided by government and company, but following the transition, many people were enjoying themselves without masks even in crowded places such as event venues.
Reporter CAt Joetsu City Junior High School’s graduation ceremony, students who had spent their first three years of school amidst the coronavirus pandemic departed without wearing masks and with cheerful faces. It was supposed to be an ordinary sight, but it was moving.
Sanwa Junior High School graduates sang in the chorus at the graduation ceremony.
Reporter AThe hardship of school life during the coronavirus pandemic, with its many restrictions, is immeasurable.
Reporter CI was struck by the words of a graduate student, “I mightn’t have been able to eat my school lunch while having a conversation face to face.” I just hope that you will be able to fly freely in your future life.
Fully revived with festivals and other events
Reporter AMany festivals and other events that had been canceled or scaled back due to the transition to Category 5 were still held as usual, and the words “first time in four years” stood out.
Reporter BAt the Joetsu Festival, the Tamin Odori Nagashi dance from the Takada Gion Festival was revived, and all 19 towns in the Naoetsu area participated in the “Osenmai Offering” at the Naoetsu Gion Festival.
Taminodori nagashi at the Takada Gion Festival held for the first time in four years
Reporter CIt was also the first time in four years that the Self-Defense Forces Parade of the Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party and the Joetsu City 20th Anniversary Celebration Gathering were held in April.
Reporter ARestrictions were lifted at many events, such as the ban on drinking inside the venue at cherry blossom viewing parties and the ban on eating while walking around at the Echigo Kenshin Sake Festival, and the visitors were as excited as if they were free.
Visitors toasting the opening of the Echigo Kenshin SAKE Festival
Reporter BAlthough infectious diseases have not been completely eliminated, I was happy to see smiling faces and enthusiasm at every venue. I’m already looking forward to next year as I think the number of people will return and the place will be even more lively.
A summer of record heat and little rain
Reporter AThis summer was really hot. In August, the average temperature in Takada, Joetsu City exceeded 30 degrees for the first time in recorded history, and there were 24 extremely hot days, the most on record, making extremely hot days no longer rare.
Reporter BIn addition to the heat, the lack of rain was hard. In Takada, there has been no significant rain for 37 days, and the Yashiro River in Myoko City, which is the source of water, has dried up. Agricultural damage was also severe, with cracks in paddy fields, rice plants dying, and decline in the grade of Koshihikari rice, prompting Joetsu and Myoko cities to provide emergency support to farmers.
Yashiro River in Myoko City, where the water level has drastically decreased and the riverbed is exposed (Photo taken on August 10, 2023)
Reporter CEvents were also affected, with the Kenshin Kosai Festival marching procession suddenly being canceled for the first time due to the heat. It was a shame because the role of Kenshin was chosen through public recruitment for the first time in four years, and participants from outside the prefecture were also invited for the first time in four years.
Kasugayama intersection on the Sanroku Line on the day of the Kenshin Kosai Festival, when the cancellation of the marching procession was announced and there were few people.
Reporter AIt is sometimes said that heavy snowfall comes following intense heat, but this winter is forecast to be warm and with little snow. However, there seems to be a possibility of temporary heavy snowfall, so we can’t let our guard down following all.
Niigata Rosai Hospital to be closed
Reporter BNiigata Rosai Hospital’s closure plan was revealed in June. In December, a reorganization plan was announced to close the hospital by the end of 2025 and transfer the medical functions of Niigata Rosai to six hospitals in Joetsu City. Niigata Rosai suffered from a significant decline in functionality, with the number of active beds halved in four years due to a shortage of doctors.
Reporter CThe challenge for the future is whether the transfer of functions, including doctors and nurses, to the reorganized company can be done smoothly. The Joetsu Regional Medical Center Hospital, which is currently reviewing its basic plan for rebuilding, will have a dental and oral surgery department that did not previously exist, and will need to renovate its operating room before Niigata Rosai closes.
Proposed transition of medical functions of Niigata Rosai Hospital (from Joetsu Regional Medical Plan Coordination Council materials)
Reporter AI understand that there should be no gaps in medical care, but isn’t it a waste to renovate old hospitals when building new ones? Is there any other way?
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