City Hall

 In Japan when you move from one city to another you have to inform both city halls.

Yesterday I decided to get this done with.

The city that we were living in just rebuilt there city hall. It's very new and modern.  The staff are young and very competent. I went with Hannah as I really get lost with all the language needed. 

We went in, filled out the form, waited a minute to hand in the form. Because I have foreign residence status it makes things slightly different to my kids who are Japanese citizens.  Not a big deal, the city hall made a special paper showing my residence status. Took about 15 minutes.

Went to the local city office near where we live, the main city hall is a massive place. It's easy to get lost or end up on the wrong floor. David suggested the local office thinking it would be quicker.

There were very few staff, which wasn't a good sign. We took a number ticket and got called quickly. David explained what we needed to do. The lady looked at my information and said "I'm just a year older than you"  I have no idea where that statement came from, I just said something along the lines of you don't look that old! Made her happy!

It then took one hour to register me as the head of the household here. Plus this old lady kept calling me Oba Chan, grandma!  

Anyway it's done. I have to go a couple more times to sort out my national insurance but that can wait a bit.

Bit of good news.

Christopher got a part time job. It's not great money but better than nothing. He started yesterday. One problem is that he has to walk, about 40 minutes. He said that he's okay to do that!  I hope he can save to get driving lessons.

Also Hannah has another little job. The nursery that she works at is only until April. Once she starts graduate school she won't be able to work mornings!  She's found a job in a cram school. She starts on Saturday, it's just a few days a week, it will help her.

I keep looking at the mountains that we are at the foot off. They are very beautiful and majestic.

part of the mountain range that we live near

This is the Mino Mountain range, the highest point is 222 meters, about 730 feet.  The problem is that most of the old growth trees were cut down during World War 2.  These trees had deep roots and help the  under growth to develop. The roots of these trees helped to prevent landslides. After the war trees were replanted, but they were fast growing trees that don't have to same deep root system. Over the years typhoons, heavy rains and earthquakes have made the mountains unstable. Landslides occur almost every year through out Japan. Where we lived before I didn't worry about landslides or floods, no mountains or rivers nearby! We have a deep stream, concrete lined behind our property and of course the mountains.  I know if it happens it happens but I really hope that we are safe here. I talk to the mountains in the morning, thank them for being there, for there beauty and I ask them not to fall on us!