Oita’s October Agenda: Safety, Energy, and Support

On October 7, Oita Prefecture held a press conference to introduce upcoming regional initiatives, including a disaster preparedness drill, ecological energy events, cancer screening promotion, and comprehensive set of policies to support families and child-rearing.

Welfare Shelter Drill in Nakatsu

On October 15, Oita Prefecture will conduct its first-ever disaster drill focused on opening and operating a welfare evacuation shelter in Nakatsu City. The exercise is designed to train personnel in assisting evacuees who require special support, such as elderly individuals, and to strengthen coordination among welfare shelters.

The prefecture plans to expand this initiative to other municipalities in the future.

Eco-Energy Awareness Events

Oita prefecture introduces two events to promote ecological energy:

- Geothermal Power Symposium:

Featuring a keynote lecture by a geothermal energy expert, a student-led idea contest, and interactive quiz booth.

- Hydrogen Energy Experience:

Participants can sample food cooked using hydrogen-powered appliances, view hydrogen-powered vehicles, and enjoy a science show highlighting hydrogen technology.

Tour de Kyushu 2025 Finale

Oita Prefecture introduces the final stage of Tour de Kyushu 2025, an international cycling race, on October 13. The course runs from Miyazaki to Oita, with the finish line featuring celebratory events such as:

- A live stage featuring Sanrio characters

- BMX stunt performances

- A special talk by Wataru Watanabe, author of the popular cycling-themed manga *Yowamushi Pedal*

Promoting Cancer Screenings

To encourage wider participation in cancer screenings, Oita Prefecture will hold awareness events aimed at achieving a 60% screening rate. Activities include educational quizzes, distribution of informational materials, and on-site health consultations.

Introduce Parenting Support Policies

The governor also introduced a comprehensive set of policies to support families and child-rearing. He asked media outlets to help publicize these initiatives:

- Free childcare fees for second and subsequent children (in 12 cities, all children receive free childcare)

- Free medical care for preschool children; hospitalization costs are also free for elementary, junior high, and high school students

- Partial subsidies for infertility treatment

- Free school lunches at 20 prefectural schools

- Transportation subsidies for prenatal and postnatal checkups

- Universal access to postpartum care and sick-child care facilities across the prefecture, regardless of residence