The Akashi Newsletter (Koho Akashi) is a newsletter published by Akashi City. It releases on the 1st and the 15th of each month. There are many announcements in each issue of the Akashi Newsletter. We have selected five of the most important or useful announcements and translated them into English.
Announcements in the October 1st Issue
In October, There Will be Fall Festivals All Over Akashi
In Japan, the fall festival is when people express their gratitude for the year’s harvest. You can see different traditional displays such as futon daiko, mikoshi, and lion dances. Everyone in the area is extremely excited for the upcoming fall festivals. Please go and visit one close to your house!
•Futon Daiko: This is a kind of festival float, or dashi. It features a bunch of massive futons piled up on its roof (which is where the name comes from) and drummers playing the taiko drum (or daiko). People carry this float around the festival as it gives energy and enthusiasm to everyone around it.
•Dashi: These are festival floats that vary in design across different parts of Japan. The gods of the mountains are believed to descend and go into these floats. It is all right for people to ride them as well.
•Mikoshi: This is a special kind of portable shrine that is used during festivals. The gods are believed to ride in them. People are not allowed to ride in them.
•Lion Dance: This dance is done to drive away all sorts of evil things and bring fortune. People dance while wearing a massive costume that looks like the head of a lion.
Schedule for Fall Festivals:
In October, 34 shrines all over Akashi will be holding festivals. Over 20 of those shrines will feature the traditional “futon daiko.” The shrines that will have a futon daiko and the times when you can see them are listed below.
④ Iwaya Shrine: On the 7th from 2:00 pm, and the 8th from 9:00 am.
⑤ Izanami Shrine: On the 15th from 10:00 am.
⑦ Oji Shrine: On the 14th from 11:00 am, and the 15th from 9:50 am.
⑧ Hayashi Shrine: On the 15th from 9:00 am and in the afternoon (time not yet decided).
⑪ Toba Hachiman Shrine: On the 7th from 7:00 pm, and the 8th from 6:00 pm.
⑭ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Shoin): On the 8th from noon, they will go to Okubo Hachimangu Shrine.
⑯ ⑰ Sumiyoshi Shrine, Otoshi Shrine (Okubo-cho): On the 14th from 7:00 pm, and the 15th from 1:00 pm.
⑱ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Taniyagi): On the 7th from 1:10 pm, and the 8th from 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
⑲ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Yagi): On the 8th from 10:00 am, 2:45 pm, and 5:00 pm.
⑳ Okubo Hachimangu Shrine: On the 7th from 7:00 pm, and the 8th from noon.
㉑ Soken Shrine (Nishiwaki): On the 7th from 6:00 pm.
㉓ Otoshi Shrine (Higashiei) ㉔ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Nishiei) ㉕ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Higashijima): On the 14th, all three of them will be in front of the Eigashima Market from 6:00 pm. On the 15th, ㉓ From 4:30 pm, ㉔ From 11:00 am, ㉕ From 1:30 pm.
㉖ Sumiyoshi Shrine (Nakao): On the 29th from 11:00 am. ㉗ Kanagasaki Shrine: On the 8th, from 1:00 pm.
㉛ Shimizu Shrine: On the 14th from 8:00 am, and the 15th from 2:30 pm.
㉜ Soken Shrine (Shimizu Shinden): On the 7th from 10:00 am, and on the 8th (time not yet decided).
㉞ Mikuriya Shrine: On the 22nd from 10:00 am.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact the Public Relations Division. Their phone number is 078-918-5001. Their fax number is 078-918-5101.
Come and See Chrysanthemums in Akashi Park
Chrysanthemums are a popular flower in Japan, as well as the city flower of Akashi. They bloom in the fall, and each year there is an exhibition in Akashi Park where you can come and see them at their most beautiful. This year, the exhibition will be from October 21st until November 12th. It is free to join.
There will be large chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums, and bonsai on display. The chrysanthemums that the people of Akashi (as well as neighboring areas) have raised them with love and dedication will be lined up in a large and beautiful display.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact the “Flowers and Greenery Educational Garden.” Their phone number is 078-924-6111. Their fax number is 078-924-6121.
If You Are 65 Years of Age or Older, You Can Get an Influenza Vaccination for Free
For a limited time, people living in Akashi who are aged 65 years or older can get a free influenza vaccination. Please make a reservation at the medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, etc.) that have been designated by Akashi City. The time period where you can get a free vaccination is from October 1st, 2023 until January 31st, 2024. You will need to bring some proof of your age (a health insurance card, for example).
There are many different medical facilities designated by Akashi City. First, please check at the hospitals or clinics that you typically use and see if they will allow you to make a reservation for an influenza vaccination. If you can’t find any facilities that will allow you to make a reservation, then please call the Public Health and Disease Prevention Department. Their phone number is 078-918-5668.
If you live in Akashi City, are between the ages of 60 and 64, and suffer from some serious disease or medical condition, then please consult with your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you may also be able to get the influenza vaccination for free.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact the Public Health and Disease Prevention Department. Their phone number is 078-918-5668. Their fax number is 078-918-5584.
You Can Now Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine
Starting from September 20th, 2023, you can get the new Coronavirus vaccine. This is a vaccine created for the “Omicron XBB1.5” Covid variant.
(1) Who Can Receive the New Vaccine
If the following three things all apply to you, then you are eligible to receive the new vaccine:
① You are 12 years old or older.
② You have already received at least two Coronavirus vaccinations.
③ It has been three months or more since you received your last Coronavirus vaccination.
(2) The Vaccination Ticket to Receive the New Vaccine
For anyone who has received a Coronavirus vaccination from May 8th to September 19th of this year, Akashi City will send out a new vaccination ticket (a ticket with 接種券, “vaccination ticket” written on it). The new ticket will be orange in color.
For anyone else, you can use the light purple vaccination ticket that Akashi City sent you from April to July of this year.
(3) How to Make a Reservation
From September 11th, you can make a reservation for the new Coronavirus vaccine. By checking the following site, you can see the methods to make a reservation, as well as the hospitals and clinics where you can get the vaccine.
The following phone numbers are for Coronavirus information in Akashi:
• If you want to make a reservation to be vaccinated, please call 0120-227-710.
• If you want to consult about Coronavirus-related issues, please call 0120-712-160.
• Either of these are available to call from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
• If you’re unable to talk over the telephone, please send a fax to 0120-655-695.
Please check the following QR code for the latest information:
