Urasoe City English Newsletter
February 2007

I hope you are all enjoying the lovely spring weather. For the past few days, it's been clear enough to see the mountains in the northern part of the island, and the views of the sun setting behind the Kerama Islands have been spectacular. As you may know, there are lots of flower festivals going on right now, both up north and at Shuri Castle (until 2/25). Enjoy!

You will soon notice that there is a lot of talk about taxes in this issue, but please bear in mind that taxes fund a variety of public services and financial assistance. Particularly if you are raising children or caring for elderly or disabled family members, you are entitled to benefits from the city. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Let me know if there is any way for the city to serve you better.

-Matt

Announcements from City Hall

As many of you may know, the Japanese tax system is changing this year. Don't be alarmed! The vast majority of tax payers will go on paying the same total amount. The only difference is that the income tax will be decreased while the municipal tax is increased. The Japanese word for this is zeigen-ijō (税源移譲), meaning "transferring the source of tax revenue."

What is the purpose of this? At present, Japanese municipalities depend on the government for additional funding beyond what is collected through municipal taxes. As of this year, more money will be collected by individual towns and cities, and used at the discretion of local government. It is hoped that this will increase efficiency and enable municipalities to respond more swiftly and directly to local needs than they could if relying heavily on government subsidies. It also means that the money you pay in taxes will be used to benefit the area where you live.

When exactly will this all take effect? The Municipal tax increase takes effect in June 2007. Salaried employees who have their income tax deducted directly from their paycheck will be taxed at the lower rate as of January 2007. Business owners and others who declare their taxes will pay at the lower rate when they declare in March 2008. Thus some will see a short term savings while others will see a short term loss. It will all even out in the end.

Any other changes? Yes. The temporary tax relief measure (15% tax relief for the city tax, 20% relief for the income tax) that was set up two years ago to compensate for the faltering economy, was reduced by half last year and has now been eliminated. Furthermore, persons over 65 who were tax exempt up until 2 years ago will pay taxes at the full rate next year. (Last year, they paid 1/3 of the standard tax burden and this year they will pay 2/3.)

Conclusion: Because of the elimination of the tax relief measure, everyone will pay more in taxes this year than last. This is NOT because of the restructuring.

By now, many of you have received a notice in the mail informing of you of the amount you must pay in taxes this year. If your employer deducts the tax from your salary, you don't need to do anything. If you are self-employed or for whatever other reason your tax is not deducted, please visit Urasoe City Hall. Bring the tax declaration form (shinkoku-sho 申告書) and your personal seal. Or, if neither your employment nor your tax status has changed since last year, just keep on doing whatever works for you. If you have any questions, please contact me, or visit the City Tax Section (shiminzei-ka 市民税課).

Event Information

Admission to all of the above exhibits is FREE of charge.
The Museum is closed on Mondays (but open on the 12th), and open until 7PM on Friday evenings.

Puppet Theater
February 10 (Saturday) 11AM to 12PM at the Harmony Center 1F
Enjoy a puppet show by the "Puppet Theater la Clarte" from Osaka! The program will include plays called, "The Duck's Cap," and "The Mailbox in the Forest." Children and adults alike will be entertained by the colorful puppets and fun stories.
Admission is FREE, but please pick up a ticket at the counter of the Urasoe City Library in advance.
Contact: The Urasoe City Library (098) 876-4946

Manabi-Festa Urasoe 2007 (Learning Festival)
February 17 (Saturday) and 18 (Sunday) 10AM to 4PM
Urasoe City Hall 1F Lobby and Courtyard, Library, Harmony Center, Social Welfare Center
This annual festival features activities and entertainment for people of all ages. The purpose of the festival is to show that "Learning is Fun!"

Showing of the Okinawan film "Endō no Hana"
February 24 (Saturday) 3 showings: 11:30AM, 2PM and 4:30PM at the Chūō Kōminkan
This film tells the inspirational story of Chōhō Miyara, a musician, teacher and composer from Ishigaki. His music, particularly the song "Endō no Hana," captured the hearts of the Okinawan people.
Admission for adults is ¥800 yen (¥1,000 same day) and ¥500 for children

Yakult Swallows Opening Game
February 25 (Sunday) 1PM at the Urasoe Athletic Park Baseball Field
Baseball fans won't want to miss the opening game between the Yakult Swallows and the Nippon Ham Fighters. Tickets are available at Lawson's, Family Mart, Urasoe City Hall (basement store), Ryūbō, San'ei Machinato Shopping Center, Naha Mainplace and elsewhere.
Tickets are ¥2,000 for infield reserved seats, ¥1,500 for infield non-reserved (¥1,000 for children), ¥1,000 for outfield non-reserved (¥500 for children) Tickets bought on the day of the game are ¥500 more, with the exception of children's outfield seats.