Hoping Every Day is a Safe Day
Towada City Safe Community

Appendix to Application for re-designation
to be a member of the Safe Community Network
Report for Safe Community Network Members

Towada City, Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council

Safe Community Towada

Contents
Programs for Acquiring Safe Community Re-certification ..............................................................................4
Chapter 1 Towada City's Safety Community..................................................................................................51.

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................52.

Overview of Towada City .......................................................................................................................6[1]

Location and Features .........................................................................................................................6[2]

Land use ..............................................................................................................................................6[3]

Climate ................................................................................................................................................6[4]

Population and Households .................................................................................................................7[5]

Demographic statistics ........................................................................................................................7[6]

Distribution of population ...................................................................................................................8[7]

Population by industry ........................................................................................................................9[8]

Urban Functions ................................................................................................................................ 10[9]Tourism Promotion............................................................................................................................ 10

3.

Status of Towada City Safe Community Activities ............................................................................... 11[1]

Programs for Safe Community designation ...................................................................................... 11[2]

Programs for Safe Community Re-designation ................................................................................ 12[3]

Collaboration agreement with Aomori University of Health and Welfare ........................................ 14[4]"Agreement on Exchange of Safety and Security Information, etc." entered into with Towada Police
Department ........................................................................................................................................ 14[5]

Programs for Safe and Security City Planning.................................................................................. 14[6]

Inspection by Safe Community ....................................................................................................... 15

Chapter 2 State of Deaths by Injury and Injuries in Towada City ................................................................ 16
1.

State of Deaths by Injury ....................................................................................................................... 16[1]

Cause of Death Including Illness ...................................................................................................... 16[2]

Cause of Death by Injury According To Age Group ......................................................................... 17[3]

Number of Deaths by Accident or Suicide, etc. ................................................................................ 18[4]

Number of Deaths from Accidents Compared To National and Aomori Prefecture Numbers ......... 20[5]

Number of Deaths by Suicide Compared To National and Aomori Prefecture Numbers ................. 23

2.

State of Injuries in Towada City ............................................................................................................ 28[1]

Injuries Based on Emergency Transport and Medical Institution Consultation Data ....................... 28[2]State of Injury among Children at High Risk of Injury .....................................................................31[3]

State of Injury among Senior Citizens at High Risk of Injury .......................................................... 37[4]

Injuries at Workplace ........................................................................................................................ 39[5]

Injuries from Traffic Accidents ......................................................................................................... 41[6]

Injuries from Self harm ..................................................................................................................... 43[7]

Injury by Disaster (fire) ..................................................................................................................... 44[8]

Injuries from Sports and Leisure ....................................................................................................... 45
1

Safe Community Towada[9]State of Violence and Abuse.............................................................................................................. 47[10] State of Crime Occurrence ................................................................................................................ 49
Chapter 3 Programs Based on Seven Indicators ........................................................................................... 50
Indicator 1[1]

An infrastructure based on partnership and collaborations, governedby an inter-sectoral group that is responsible for safety promotion in their community ........ 50

Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council ........................................................................... 50

Indicator 2Long-term, Sustainable Programs Covering Both Genders and All Ages, Environments,
and Situations .......................................................................................................................... 53[1]

Preventive Activities in Towada City ................................................................................................ 53[2]

Main Prevention Activities ................................................................................................................ 54

Indicator 3

Programs That Target High-risk Groups and Environments, and Programs That Promote
Safety for Vulnerable Groups .................................................................................................61[1]

High-risk Groups and Environments in Towada City ....................................................................... 61[2]

Activities for High-risk Groups and Environments .......................................................................... 61

Indicator 4

Programs Based on Available Evidence.................................................................................. 69[1]

Eight Priority Issues in Towada City ................................................................................................. 69[2]

Programs for Priority Issues .............................................................................................................. 69

Indicator 5

Programs That Documents the Frequency and Causes of Injuries ......................................... 70[1]

Composition and Role of Towada City Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee............... 70[2]

General Image of Injury Surveillance Data....................................................................................... 70[3]

Data Comprising Injury Surveillance................................................................................................ 71[4]

Plans To Collect Various Data ........................................................................................................... 72

Indicator 6

Evaluation Measures To Assess Policies, Programs, Processes and the Effects of Change ... 73[1]

Management of Safe Community Program Progress ........................................................................ 73[2]

Program Indicators, Measurement and Evaluation for Each Priority Issue ...................................... 74[3]

Evaluation through Safe Community activities ..............................................................................103

Indicator 7

Ongoing Participation in National and International Safe Communities Networks ............. 104[1]Long-range Prospects ...................................................................................................................... 104[2]

Tours Received (as of March 31, 2013) .......................................................................................... 104

Chapter 4 Long-range prospects for Towada City's Safe Community Activities ....................................... 105[1]

Positioning of Towada City's General Plan ..................................................................................... 105[2]Long-range Prospects ...................................................................................................................... 1062

Safe Community Towada

Reference material[1]

Assess policy programs and future plans[2]

Name list of Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council (As of Oct. 1, 2014)[3]

Name list of Towada City Safe Community Exploratory Committee (As of Oct. 1, 2014)[4]

Name list of Towada City Safe Community Priority Task Forces (As of Oct. 1, 2014)[5]

Name list of Towada City Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee (As of Oct. 1, 2014)[6]

Name list of Towada City Safe Community Promotion Organization Secretariat (As of Oct. 1, 2014)3

Safe Community Towada

Programs for Acquiring Safe Community Re-certification
Towada City, newly formed through mergers in January 2005, has defined our future city image as the"City of emotion and creation - Ideal city where people shine, nature glistens and city's features standout". We have promoted the creation of an "Energetic Towada City" overflowing with energy and appeal.
We have aimed to create a safe and secure city based on the philosophy of "Safe Community", which
proclaims that accidents and injuries are not a spontaneous result but rather something that can beprevented. The city administration has collaborated with various agencies, groups and the citizens toachieve this safe and secure city.
The city has been impressed by these citizens' activities and the ideology of "Safe Communities", and has
incorporated them into our city policies. The administration and citizens worked hand in hand, and in2009 became the second Safe Community in Japan designated by the WHO Safe Community
Collaborating Centre.
Even after designation, our activities have grown each year under the slogan "Hoping Every Day is a SafeDay".
Although our activities have been carried out through repeated trial and error, they have progressed
through safe promotion activities that effectively utilize injury data, injury prevention activities positively
carried out by our citizen volunteers, and exchanges with Safe Community designated municipalities inJapan and overseas. We have also seen a constant effect as seen in a decrease in traffic accidents anddecrease in suicides, etc.
We will continue our efforts to realize a "Towada City, where you can experience a rich life", "Towada
City - the hometown where children and grandchildren want to live", and "Towada City - where you canlive safely without worry". As we strengthen ties between citizens and administration, we remain proud
and responsible of our Safe City designation, and will continue to develop safe and secure city planning.

October, 2014

Hisashi Oyamada,
Mayor, Towada City
Chair, Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council

4

Safe Community Towada

Chapter 1 Towada City's Safety Community
1.

Introduction

In August 2009, Towada City became 159th city in the world and2nd city in Japan to receive Safe Community designation. We
promoted the Safe Community program because we have long
been a town that promotes substantial health activities, and manyof our citizens have a high awareness of volunteerism. We haveample human resources in various fields including medicine andwelfare.
Our Safe Community activities started in October 2005 with astudy group organized by the Health and Welfare Departments.
Over time, general residents and supporters became involved,
and the foundation of our Safe Community was built with thecooperation of these people.
The participants' hopes for a safe community increased withthese study groups, and in 2007 it was officially decided to aim
for Safe Community designation.
A key point of Towada City's Safe Community is that activities
started with citizen participation.
In 2007, study group participants started up the "Towada Safe
Community Citizens" (currently, Towada Safe Community
Promotion Committee). From before designation until presentday, the committee has led the Safe Community activities withthe slogan "Hoping Every Day is a Safe Day". Members still
participate as part of the Towada City Safe Community
Promotion Organization.
In 2012, we designated August as the "Towada City Protect Life
Action Month", to commemorate the month that we received
Safe Community designation. The "Safe and Secure City
Planning General Action Meeting" is held each year as a core
activity to prevent suicides and prevent deaths from accidents.
At the Children's Conference held in 2014 for the first time, many children presented exhibits on preventing
deaths from traffic accidents. These exhibits reminded citizens from children to the elderly that they are partof the Safe Community designated city, and increased awareness that they should all work to prevent tragic
traffic accident deaths.
With the approach that "accidents and injuries can be prevented", Towada City has collaborated with our
citizen volunteers as well as people from various fields and occupations including government, health,
medicine, welfare, education and private companies. We are diligently continuing our activities as a Safe
Community designated city with a common goal to create a safe and secure city.

5Safe Community Towada

2.

Overview of Towada City

[1] Location and Features
Towada City is located in the central southeast of Aomori
Prefecture, which is at the very north of Honshu Island. The
governorate area is rather large at 725.67 km2.
The mystic Lake Towada and the Oirase Keiryu (mountainstream) stream with a kaleidoscopic flow are highlights of the
Towada-Hachimantai National Park in the skirts of the majestic
Mt. Hakkoda. Known as some of Japanese premiere tourist
spots, this area is visited by many from Japan and overseas.
The center of the city was developed about 160 years ago
following the development plans drawn by Tsuto Nitobe,
grandfather of Dr. Inazo Nitobe author of "Bushido" and the
new city plan drawn by his son Jujiro Nitobe. The neatly zoned
nature-rich streets are called the roots of Japan's modern urban
planning.
The manmade Inougawa River irrigates the rice paddies andfields, creating one of the prefecture's prosperous agriculturalareas. In recent years, Towada City has developed into a central
area that supports the prefecture's southern region's medicine,
welfare and economy, etc.

Towada City

●Aomori●TokyoFukuoka●●Osaka[2] Land use
When classified by use, 56% of our city's land is mountains and forest, and 3% is residential land.
Table 1-1

Towada City Land Usage Area (as of January 1, 2013)
Source: Fixed assets summary report (Tax Affairs Section)

Total area
Class

Rice paddy

Field

Residential

Mountains and forest

Farm/plains

Hybrid land

Others2725.67 km

290.68 km2

29.90 km2

19.88 km2

409.65 km

227.59 km2

7.73 km140.24 km2

-

13%

4%

3%

56%

4%

1%

19%

[3] Climate
Towada City is situated in the relatively gently Pacific coast climate however, the average temperature drops
below freezing between December and February, and the city is covered with snow.
The Old Towada-ko town area in the western part of the city is designated by the country as a special heavy
snowfall area.
Table 1-2

Towada City Temperature, Wind Speeds and Rainfall (2012)
Source: Fire Department data

Class

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Average temp. (C)

-3.1

-3.1

1.2

7.4

13.6

16.1

20.3

24.5

22.5

13.8

6.4

-0.9

Rainfall (mm)

14.5

34

106.5

42.5

86.5

55.5

135.5

87

74.5

82.5

107.5

36

6

Safe Community Towada[4] Population and Households
As of 2013, Towada City's population was 64,694 down 1,727 from 2009. The under-64 population is declining
in all age groups, but the over-65 age population is increasing. The rate of aging in 2013 was 26.8% indicatingthat the community is aging.
Table 1-3

Transition of Towada City Population by Age Group
Source: Basic Resident Register (as of Sept. 30)

Class

Total number

Age 0-4

Age 5-14

Age 15-64

65 and older

FY2013 (1)64,694 persons

2,259 persons

3.5%

5,754 persons

8.9%

39,364 persons

60.8%

17,317 persons

26.8%

FY2009 (2)66,421 persons

2,381 persons

3.6%

6,538 persons

9.8%

41,647 persons

62.7%

15,855 persons

23.9%(1)-(2)-1,727 persons-122 persons-0.1%-784 persons-0.9%-2,283 persons-1.9%

1,462 persons

2.9%

In 2013, there were a total of 27,095 households. The rate of single person senior-citizen households was
14.2%, and the rate of married senior-citizen households was 8.9%.
The total number of households increased by 394 over 2009, but the rate of single person and married seniorcitizen households is increasing.
Table 1-4

Transition of Towada City Households
Source: Senior citizen survey

Total number ofhouseholds

Class

Rate of single-person
senior citizen households

Rate of married senior citizen
households

FY2013 (1)27,095 households

14.2%

8.9%

FY2009 (2)26.701 households

12.2%

7.8%

394 households

2.2%

1.1%

(1)-(2)[5] Demographic Statistics
When comparing the number of births and the number of deaths, and the number of people transferring in andtransferring out, the numbers are declining each year indicating that our population is declining.
Table 1-5

Transition of Demographic Statistics
Source: Basic Resident Register

Natural changeClass

BirthsSocial change
Increment/
decrement (1)DeathsTransfer inTransfer out

Increment/
decrement (2)(1)+(2)FY2013

450

741

-291

1,764

2,014

-250

-541

FY2012

440

795

-355

2,068

2,177

-109

-464

FY2011

428

781

-353

1,902

1,954

-52

-405

FY2010

480

702

-222

1,999

2,048

-49

-271

FY2009

494

677

-183

2,086

2,432

-346

-529

7

Safe Community Towada[6] Distribution of Population
The 2013 population distribution indicates that the population is high in the over-60 age group for both men
and women.
Since the under-50 population is low, the decreasing birthrate and aging population will continue to advance.
100 and older

FemaleMale

PeopleFig. 1-1

PeopleTowada City Population distribution by age group (FY2013)
Source: Basic Resident Register (as of September 30)

8

Safe Community Towada[7] Population by Industry
The labor population by industry has been on the decline since 2000.
Looking at the composition ratio by industry for 2010, the primary industries, which are Towada City's key
industries account for 11.3%, secondary industries account for 21.2% and tertiary industries account for 67.5%.
PeopleFig. 1-2

2005

2000

1995

2010

Transition of Towada City's labor population by industry (1995-2010)
Source: National consensus

Table 1-6

Towada City's Labor Population by Industry and Composition Rate (1995-2010)
Source: National consensus
1995

Class

Primary industry

2000

2005

2010

Labor
population(people)Composition
ratio

Labor
population(people)Composition
ratio

Labor
population(people)Composition
ratio

Labor
population(people)Composition
ratio

5,760

16.0%

5,133

14.2%

4,740

13.7%

3,657

11.3%

Farming

5,515

15.3%

4,919

13.6%

4,553

13.1%

3,430

10.6%

Forestry, hunting

227

0.6%

203

0.6%

168

0.5%

210

0.6%

Fishery, aquaculture

18

0.1%

11

0.0%

19

0.1%

17

0.1%
21.2%

Secondary industry

9,888

27.5%

9,919

27.4%

8,467

24.4%

6,898

Mining

52

0.2%

15

0.0%

17

0.1%

9

0.0%

Construction

4,864

13.5%

5,023

13.9%

4,414

12.7%

3,543

10.9%

Manufacturing

4,972

13.8%

4,881

13.5%

4,036

11.6%

3,346

10.3%

20,347

56.5%

21,111

58.4%

21,49761.9%

21,891

67.5%

Wholesale, retail, food service

6,950

19.3%

6,681

18.5%

7,683

22.1%

6,722

20.7%

Finance, insurance

779

2.2%

731

2.0%

671

1.9%

571

1.8%

Real estate

141

0.4%

116

0.3%

154

0.4%

336

1.0%

Shipping, communications

1,643

4.6%

1,610

4.4%

1,303

3.8%

1,279

3.9%

Tertiary industry

Electricity/gas/heat supply, waterworks

166

0.5%

177

0.5%

160

0.5%

151

0.5%

Service industry

9,518

26.4%

10,61529.4%

10,265

29.6%

9,205

28.4%

Public service (not classified elsewhere)

1,133

3.1%

1,147

3.2%

1,232

3.5%

1,199

3.7%

Non-classifiable industry
Total

17

0.0%

34

0.1%

29

0.1%

2,428

7.5%

35,995100.0%

36,163100.0%

34,704100.0%

32,446100.0%* None-classifiable industries are included in the tertiary industries.

9Safe Community Towada[8] Urban Functions
Towada City's medical institutions include five hospitals, 40 clinics and 29 dental clinics.
Table 1-7

Number of Medical Intuitions and Sickbeds in Towada City (2011)
Source: Aomori Prefecture Annual Health Statistics
Hospital

Number of
facilities

Total number ofsickbeds

5

ClinicNumber of
Number of mental
contagious disease
sickbeds
sickbeds

1,008

(559)

Number of
regular sickbeds(4)

Number of
facilities(445)

Dental clinic

Total number ofsickbeds

Number of facilities

188

29

40

Towada City's welfare and educational institutions include 31 nursery schools, 4 kindergartens, 17 elementary
schools, 10 junior high schools, 4 high schools, 1 vocational school and 1 university.
Table 1-8

Towada City's Welfare and Educational Institutions (2013)
Source: School Survey

Class

Nursery school

Educational institution
Number of pupils/students

Elementary
schoolKindergarten

Junior highschoolSenior highschoolVocational
schoolUniversity

31

4

17

10

4

1

1

1,861 people

325 people

3,325 people

2,054 people

824 people

51 people

1,761 people[9] Tourism Promotion
Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream) streams are highlights of the Towada-Hachimantai
National Park, and are known as one of Japan's premiere sightseeing areas. Many people visit from both inJapan and overseas.
The Towada City Art Center is located at Kanchogai-dori Street, which has been selected as one of Japan's top
100 scenic roads. The entire street has been transformed into an art museum where various pieces of modern
art are displayed.
A variety of events are held each season throughout the city, including the Towada City Spring Festival,
Autumn Festival and the Lake Towada Winter Stories Festival. The local youth have energetically promoted
the city with local gourmet "Towada Bara-yaki."
Table 1-9

Number of Visitors to Towada City

Source: 2012 Aomori Prefecture Visitor Statistics(Aomori Prefecture Tourism and International Affairs Strategy Bureau)"
Number of foreign overnight visitors is for 2013 (City Planning Support Section data)
Number of visitors
Class
2,846,000 people

Visitors from within
prefecture

Visitors from outside
prefecture

2,482,000 people

364,000 people

10

Daytrip visitors

2,468,000 people

Overnight visitors

378,000 people

Foreign overnight
visitors
14,306 peopleSafe Community Towada

3.

Status of Towada City Safe Community Activities[1] Programs for Safe Community Designation
Month/year

OutlineMay 2004

Kamitosan Health Department started promoting philosophy of Safe
Communities.

July 2004

Workshop (1) was held after citizens showed interest in safety promotion at
various study groups and lectures held by Kamitosan Health Department,
etc.

Aug. 2005

Director of Kamitosan Health Department explained the Safe Community
program to the mayor

June 2006

Towada City was chosen as a model city for the General Project to PromoteChild Injury Prevention in Aomori Prefecture. Neighborhood Watch for (1) Safe Community workshop
Children groups were formed in the Minami, Dounai, Chitose and Hooku.

July 2006

Members of the Association of the Study of Security Science study group
participated in an inspection tour of Taiwanese Safe Communities (Neihu,
Dungshr) (2).

Oct. 2006

The Japan Public Health Association introduced Towada City's Safe
Community in their "Public Health Information" publication.

Jan. 2007

 A civil forum, “Efforts to prevent child injury―toward regional
development by safe and secure community creation―aiming at Safe
Community realization” was held.
 The “Towada Safe Community Citizens”, the volunteer group, wasformally established.

April 2007

The mayor formally announced city's intention to acquire Safe
Community designation.

Aug. 2007

The Towada Safe Community Exploratory Committee administrative
organization was established.

Sept. 2007

March 2008

(2) Visit to Taiwan

 Representatives participated in the 1st Conference of the JapaneseSociety of Safety Promotion and its workshop. Members of Towada Safe
Community Citizens participated as the conference organizers.
 Professor Leif Svanström visited Towada City to pay a courtesy call on
the mayor and give a lecture. (3)(3) Visit by Prof. Leif Svanström
The Safe Community Project Team, a cross-sectional organization chairedby the mayor was established.

2008 to 2012

Aomori Prefecture issued project subsidies for the Safe Community
Promotion Project. (for five years)

April 2008

A study of household survey on injuries was conducted to comprehend
injuries among citizens. (4)May 2008

Working groups for eight Safe Community areas were established.

June 2008

Survey of Household Injuries was conducted with a total of 140 inspectors.
(4) Study of household survey on injuries(600 households visited; collection rate 78.4%)

July 2008

Dr. Nam-Soo Park from the Asian Safe Community Collaborating Support
Centre visited Towada City. (5)Aug. 2008

Collaboration agreement entered with Aomori University of Health andWelfare.

Oct. 2008

 Participated in 2nd Japan Safe Community Conference.
 Participated in 17th Safe Community International Conference (New
Zealand)Jan. 2009

Briefing on survey of household injuries held at Towada City andRokunohe-machi.

March 2009

Safety Community on-site review

Aug. 2009

Safe Community designation received. Sponsored Japan Safe Promotion
Academic Conference.

11(5) Visit by Dr. Nam-Soo Park

Safe Community Towada[2] Programs for Safe Community Re-designation
Month/year

OutlineSept. 2009

Participated in the 4th Asian Regional Conference on Safe Communities(Thailand)
Renamed the Towada Safe Community Citizens to the Towada Safe
Community Promotion Committee

Feb. 2010

Opened "Pharmacy for the Soul" at six pharmacies and drugstores in the city asa measure to prevent suicides (6)March 2010

Participated in the 19th Safe Community International Conference (Suwon,
South Korea)

April 2010

 Transferred the Safe Community related duties from the Health Promotion
Section to the Living Environment Section, and assigned specialists for
newly established Safe Community Promotion Section
 Started trial collection of emergency transport data from Fire Department
Headquarters

May 2010

 Started Safe Community study groups for city employees (target: all
employees)
 Started Safe Community delivery lectures

Aug. 2010 Held Safe Community discussions with governor of Aomori Prefecture(Total Genki Talk with governor)
 Safe Community Towada Promotion Committee members participated in
Towada City Municipal Basic Ordinance Citizens' Exploratory Committee

Oct. 2010

 Started trial collection of injury data from local surgery and orthopedics
departments
 Participated in Citizen Security and Safety Festa 2010 in Atsugi (Atsugi
City, Kanagawa Prefecture) Kitazono Elementary School district was designated as an Aomori
Prefecture Safety and Security Model Project. Community's safety activities
were supported.

Dec. 2010

Safe Community Suicide Prevention City Hall Liaison Committee establishedMarch 2011

 Safety and Security Mail Distribution System established Entered "Agreement for exchange of safety and security information, etc."with Towada Police Department (7)April 2011

 Support Center for Great East Japan Earthquake victims, etc., established at
Safe Community Promotion Section.
 Collection of injury data from Fire Department and local surgery andorthopedics departments started
 "Survey of Health and Living" conducted by the Nihon Fukushi University,
Center for Well-being and Society (Target: 5,000 senior citizens withoutcertification of needed long-term care; response rate: 65%)

June 2011

Hinode, Higashi-koine, Mukai-kirita neighborhood associations designated for
Safe and Secure City Planning model districts. Voluntary accident and injury
prevention activities were supported (8)Sept. 2011

 Held briefing on survey of household injuries for medical institutions andFire Department Headquarters, etc.
 Held Towada Safe and Secure City Planning seminar Participated as panelist in Aomori Prefecture Suicide Prevention Forum

Oct. 2011

Participated in Safe Community Summit in Toshima (Toshima, Tokyo) (9)Nov. 2011

 Participated in the 6th Asian Regional Conference on Safe Communities(Toshima, Tokyo)
 Participated in the National SC Promotion Municipality Network
Conference Participated in the 5th Japan Safe Promotion Academic Conference (Ikeda
City, Osaka)Jan. 2012

Observed local review of Sakae Ward, Yokohama

Feb. 2012

Participated in Kameoka City, Kyoto Safe Community re-certification
ceremony

12(6) Active listener service started at
pharmacies and drugstores(7) Entered Agreement for exchange ofsafety and security information, etc.

(8) Environment of hazardous areas
improved(9) Participated in SC Summit in ToshimaSafe Community Towada

May 2012

Set every August as "Towada City Protect Life Action Month", to recognize
SC certificationuly 2012

Takisawa Choju Club, Taya Senior Citizens Club, Yoneda Elementary School
PTA designated as Child and Senior Citizen Safe and Secure Environment
Planning Model District, and activities to create environment to prevent
accidents and injuries supported

Aug. 2012

Towada City Protect Life Action Month general action meeting held to alert
people to prevent deaths from suicide and injuries (10)Sept. 2012

Participated in the 9th Japan Citizen's Safety Academic Conference (Komoro
City, Nagano)Oct. 2012

Towada City's Safe Community was introduced in the Japan Public Health
Association publication "Public Health Information" (11)March 2013

Towada City Municipal Basic Ordinance "Safe and Secure City Planning
through Cooperation" enacted

April 2013

Safe Community supervisor set in City Planning Support Section (formerly,
Living Environment Section)

June 2013

Towada City Injury Surveillance Committee established (12)July 2013

 Japan Institute of Safe Communities started support for safe communities Participated in JISC seminar (Kyoto)

Aug. 2013

 "Report on results of medical consultations for injuries, etc." was submitted
to related medical institutions collecting injury data Designated as Aomori Prefecture Safe and Secure Cooperation Activity
Implementation Project. Sanbongi Elementary School, Minami Elementary
School and Higashi Elementary School Districts' activities as a Safety andSecurity Cooperation Activity Model District were supported (13)Oct. 2013

Participated in Sakae Ward, Yokohama Safe Community Certification
ceremonyNov. 2013

 Participated in Safe Community Overseas Inspection Tour (Taiwan)
 Participated in the Matsubara City, Osaka Safe Community Certification
ceremony Consented to National SC Promotion Municipality Network Conference"Agreement on mutual support in time of disaster" Participated in the Japan Safe Promotion Academic Conference (Tsukuba
City, Ibaragi)

Dec. 2013

Participated in Kurume City, Fukuoka Safe Community Certification
ceremony

Feb. 2014

Participated in Kameoka City's Re-certification One-year Anniversary Project"Citizen Safety and Security Forum in Kameoka 2014"

May 2014

Safe Community preliminary inspection

July 2014

Designated as Aomori Prefecture Safe and Secure Cooperation Activity
Implementation Project. Kitazono Elementary School, Chitose Elementary
School and Hooku Elementary School Districts' activities as a Safety andSecurity Cooperation Activity Model District were supported

13(10) Protect Life Action Month general action
meeting(11) Safe Community introduced nation-wide(12) Injury Surveillance Committee
established(13) Model district activities

Safe Community Towada[3] Collaboration Agreement with Aomori University of Health and Welfare
In August 2008, Towada City entered into a support agreement with the Aomori University of Health andWelfare to promote the Safe Community program.
The university analyzes our injury surveys and participates as a member of the Safe Community Promotion
Organization, thus forming an important relation with our city.

[4] "Agreement on Exchange of Safety and Security Information, etc." Entered into with
Towada Police Department
In March 2011, an "Agreement on Exchange of Safety and Security Information, etc." was entered into with
Towada Police Department.
This agreement aims to create a community in which citizens can live safety and without worry. Information
on safety shall be provided, and activities for crime prevention, traffic safety and disaster prevention will beheld in collaboration.

[5] Programs for Safe and Security City Planning
In 2011, Towada City selected three neighborhood associations as Safe
Community Safety and Security Model Districts, and has supported theiractivities.
These activities have given the neighborhood associations a chance toreview their district and plan collaboration with new districts.
In 2012, groups that carry out independent activities for Children andSenior Citizen Safety were supported.
Model districts
Model district, etc.
Mukai-kirita
neighborhood association
Higashi-koine choneighborhood association

Prevention of traffic accidents with signs

Main activities

 Posting of signs calling for caution to prevent falling into irrigation
ditches, and installation of safety fences Snow removal along school routes during winter Posting of signs calling for caution at intersections with many
traffic accidents (1) Distribution of reflective materials to children and senior citizens

 Organization of system to support watching of senior citizens(calling movement)
Hinode-cho neighborhood
association
 Promotion of residential smoke detector installation in all homes in
the community
Yoneda Elementary
School PTA

 Posting of signs to calling for caution at hazardous places in the

Inspection of community environment

community

Taya Senior Citizens Club  Distribution of reflective materials to children and senior citizens
 Installation of residential smoke detectors in senior citizens' homes
Takizawa Choju ClubIn 2013 and 2014, Towada City was designated by the Aomori Prefecture
Safety and Safety Cooperation Activity Implementation Project.
Community activities in elementary school districts designated as Safety
and Security Cooperation Activity Model districts are supported.
Identification of hazardous spots withenvironment inspection

Model school districtClass

2013 Model school district2014 Model school district

1

Sanbongi Elementary School district

Chitose Elementary School district

2

Minami Elementary School district

Kitazono Elementary School district

3

Higashi Elementary School district

Hooku Elementary School district

14

Safe Community Towada[6] Inspection by Safe Community
In preparation for Safe Community re-certification in 2015, Towada City
invited authorized Safe Community experts to review the state of our
Safe Community activities.
The experts were Dr. Lu Pai of Taiwan, Dr. Joon Pil Cho of South Korea
and the Japan Institute for Safe Communities' Director Yoko Shiraishi
and Deputy-Director Hisato Imai.
The main venue was the City Hall Conference Rooms. Six of the eight
Safe Community task forces, made presentations on their activities andthe transition of data for injury surveillance, suicide prevention andsenior citizen safety, etc. The experts gave guidance and advice on thedata analysis and activities, etc.
The experts also visited a nursery school's fire prevention club andelementary school's patrol group activities, and confirmed safetymeasure activities implemented by facilities and the community.

Presentation by Task ForceSchedule of preliminary review
Schedule

Details

Venue, etc.

● Experts arrive from Koga City, Shiga Prefecture

Arrive at
JR Hachinohe Station

Q&A with experts● Greetings
May 24(Sat.)

Afternoon ● Explanation of general overview
Fujiya Hotel● Explanation of SC Towada Promotion Committee● Explanation of preliminary review schedule● Explanation of injury surveillance

Conference rooms● Tour of Arcade Flag

Shopping arcade

Morning(1) Introduction of activities by nurseryschool's fire prevention club

● Explanation of Suicide Prevention Task Force 1
May 25(Sun)

Afternoon ● Explanation of Child Safety Task Force

Conference rooms● Explanation of Violence and Abuse Task Force
Evening● Reception Party(Organizer: SC Towada Promotion Council)

Fujiya Hotel● Explanation of Disaster Prevention Task Force

Conference rooms● Tour of nursery school fire prevention club (1)Maruku Nursery School● Explanation of Senior Citizen Safety Task ForceComprehensive Support
CenterMorning● Tour of Yukko Iki-iki Exchange Project

May 26(Mon)
Afternoon● Tour of elementary school patrol group activities(2)(2) Elementary school patrol activities

Sanbongi Elementary School● Explanation of Traffic Accident Prevention Task
Force

Conference rooms● Review by Experts (3)May 26(Tue)● Experts depart for Chichibu City, Saitama
Prefecture

Depart from JR
Shichinohe-Towada Station

15(3) Review by experts

Safe Community Towada

Chapter 2 State of Deaths by Injury and Injuries in Towada City
1

State of Deaths by Injury[1] Cause of Death Including Illness
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 3,620 deaths, or 724 deaths per year. Of these deaths, 154 deaths werecaused by injuries sustained in accidents accounting for 4.3%, and 119 were by suicide accounting for 3.3%.
Table 2-1

Order of Cause of Deaths (2008 to 2012)
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)Population is calculated based on Basic Resident Register dated September 30.

Class

Cause of death－

Total number

1st

Number of deaths(1)

Annual average

Death rate(1)/5 years

Per 100,000 people

Composition ratio

3,620 peoples

724.0 peoples

1095.2 peoples－

Malignant growths

966 peoples

193.2 peoples

292.2 peoples

26.7%

2nd

Heart disease (excluding high bloodpressure)

635 peoples

127.0 peoples

192.1 peoples

17.5%

3rd

Cerebrovascular disease

453 peoples

90.6 peoples

137.0 peoples

12.5%

4th

Pneumonia

439 peoples

87.8 peoples

132.8 peoples

12.1%

5th

Old age

158 peoples

31.6 peoples

47.8 peoples

4.4%

6th

Accident(suffocation, falling(over/down),
traffic accident, etc.)

154 peoples

30.8 peoples

46.6 peoples

4.3%

7th

Suicide119 peoples

23.8 peoples

36.0 peoples

3.3%

8th

Other respiratory ailment

106 peoples

21.2 peoples

32.1 peoples

2.9%

9th

Kidney failure

91 peoples

18.2 peoples

27.5 peoples

2.5%

10th

Liver disease

46 peoples

9.2 peoples

13.9 peoples

1.3%

16

Safe Community Towada[2] Cause of Death by Injury According To Age GroupFor the cause of death by injury according to age group, suicides are highest in a wide range from ages 15 to
79. Unintentional suffocation is high in ages 80 and higher.
Table 2-2

Order of Cause of Death by Injury According To Age Group (2008 to 2012)
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)Class

Total number(people)

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Age 0

1

Other accident

－

－

－

－

Age 1-4

1

Falling (over/down)

－

－

－

－

Age 5-9

－

－

－

－

－

－

Age 10-14

1

Traffic accident

－

－

－

－

Age 15-19

3

SuicideExposure to smoke/fire－－Age 20-24

3Suicide－－－Age 25-29

6SuicideFalling (over/down), other accident－－

Age 30-34

6SuicideFalling (over/down), other accident－－

Age 35-39

11

SuicideOther external cause

－

－

－

Age 40-44

13

SuicideOther accident

Traffic accident－－

Age 45-49

23

SuicideTraffic accident, Falling (over/down), drowning, exposure to smoke/fire,poisoning by toxic substance, other accident, murder

Age 50-54

11

SuicideTraffic accident, other accident

Age 55-59

12

SuicideTraffic accident, Falling (over/down), exposure to smoke/fireAge 60-6434

SuicideOther accident

Age 65-69

33

SuicideDrowning

Age 70-74

26

SuicideAge 75-7930

SuicideAge 80-84

31

Unintentional suffocation

Age 85-89

29

Unintentional suffocation

Falling (over/down), other external cause

Traffic accident, suicide

Age 90-94

13

Unintentional suffocation

Suicide, other external cause

Falling (over/down), other accident

Age 95-99

4

Age 100 and
older

1

－

Unintentional suffocation, Falling(over/down), exposure to smoke/fire

Unintentional suffocation, Falling (over/down), exposure tosmoke/fireOther accident

Unintentionalsuffocation, murder,
other external cause

Drowning, other accident

Falling (over/down)

Unintentionalsuffocation

Unintentional suffocation, other accident

Drowning

Falling (over/down)

Traffic accident

Drowning

SuicideTraffic accident

Other accident

Unintentional suffocation, Falling (over/down), suicide, other external cause
Other external cause

－

－

17

－

－
－

Safe Community Towada[3] Number of Deaths by Accident or Suicide, etc.
The number of deaths by accident reached 154 persons between 2008 and 2012. The main cause wassuffocation with 38 deaths. 36 persons died from other accidents.
Looking at the transition of death by accident, it is apparent that the numbers increase by age.
There were 119 deaths by suicide between 2008 and 2012. Looking at the transition in number of deaths bysuicide, the number dropped from 29 in 2010 to 16 in 2012.
Table 2-3

Transition in Number of Deaths by Accident or Suicide, etc. (2008 to 2012)

Class

Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

Unit: people

FY2008

Total/five year
Annual average

FY2009FY2010FY2011FY2012

Total

Accident

29

28

33

31

33

154

30.8

Unintentional suffocation

4

5

6

13

10

38

7.6

Traffic accident

7

4

1

4

4

20

4.0

Falling (over/down)

6

4

3

5

6

24

4.8

Unintentional drowning

3

5

7

3

3

21

4.2

Exposure to smoke/fire

3

2

2

1

2

10

2.0

1

3

1

5

1.0

Poisoning by toxic
substance
Other accident

6

7

11

4

8

36

7.2

Suicide

26

26

29

22

16

119

23.8

1

2

3

0.6

2

4

4

6

16

3.2

56

67

59

55

292

58.4

MurderOther external cause
Total

55

Accident

PeopleSuicideMurderOther external cause

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-1

Transition of number of deaths by accident or suicide, etc. (2008 to 2012)
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)18

Safe Community Towada

Looking at the numbers by men and women, the number of deaths by accident, suicide and murder is higher
for men.
Looking by age group, the number of deaths by accident is high in ages 65 and older. Suffocation at 92.1%
and drowning at 90.5% are especially high.
Suicides tend to be higher in ages 20 to 64.
Table 2-4 Number of Deaths by Accident or Suicide According To Gender and Age Group(2008 to 2012)
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)
Cause of deathTotal(people)GenderMale

Age group

FemaleAccident

154

66.9%

33.1%

Suffocation

38

68.4%

31.6%

Traffic accident

20

65.0%

35.0%

Falling (over/down)

24

62.5%

37.5%

Drowning

21

66.7%

33.3%

Exposure to smoke/fire

10

40.0%

60.0%

Poisoning by toxic substance

5

80.0%

20.0%

Other accident

36

75.0%

25.0%

Suicide

119

74.8%

25.2%

Murder3

100.0%

Other external cause

16

37.5%

62.5%

19

Age 0-4
1.3%

Age 5-19

Age 20-64

65 and older

1.3%

25.3%

72.1%

7.9%

92.1%

35.0%

60.0%

25.0%

70.8%

9.5%

90.5%

50.0%

40.0%

40.0%

60.0%

38.9%

58.3%

64.7%

33.6%

33.3%

66.7%

12.5%

87.5%

5.0%
4.2%

10.0%

2.8%
1.7%

Safe Community Towada[4] Number of Deaths from Accidents Compared To National and Aomori Prefecture
Numbers
Looking at the number of deaths from accidents per 100,000 people during 2008 and 2012, the Towada City
numbers are high compared to national and Aomori Prefectural numbers. The number of deaths is on the rise.
National

PeopleAomori Prefecture

Towada City

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-2

Transition of number of deaths by accidents per 100,000 people
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)State of Unintentional suffocation
Of Unintentional deaths during 2008 and 2012, the number of deaths by suffocation is high among men.
In 2012, five women died of suffocation, indicating that this cause is on the rise for both men and women.

Fig. 2-3

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

PeopleAge

PeopleTransition of number of deaths by Unintentional suffocation and state per age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)20

Safe Community Towada

State of traffic accidents
Of Unintentional deaths during 2008 and 2012, the number of deaths by traffic accidents is declining amongmen.
Since 2009, there have been female causalities, all in ages 80 and higher.

Fig. 2-4

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

PeopleAge

PeopleTransition of number of deaths by traffic accidents and state per age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)State of Falling (over/down) accidents
Of Unintentional deaths during 2008 and 2012, the number of deaths by falling (over/down) is high amongmen. Among women deaths, the number is higher mainly in ages 70 and higher.
PeopleFig. 2-5

PeopleTransition of number of deaths by Unintentional Falling (over/down) and state per age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)21

Safe Community Towada

State of drowning accidents
Of unintentional deaths during 2008 and 2012, there are drowning deaths each year, with numbers especiallyhigh in ages 65 and older.

Fig. 2-6

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

PeopleAge

PeopleTransition of number of deaths by Unintentional drowning and state per age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)State of Unintentional exposure to smoke and fireOf unintentional deaths during 2008 and 2012, there are one or two deaths by exposure to smoke and fire eachyear among a wide age range.

Fig. 2-7

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

Age

PeopleAge

PeopleTransition of number of deaths by Unintentional exposure to smoke/fire and state per age
group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

22

Safe Community Towada[5] Number of Deaths by Suicide Compared To National and Aomori Prefecture Numbers
Looking at the number of deaths by suicide per 100,000 people during 2008 and 2012, the Towada City
numbers are were increasing during 2008 to 2010, but since then have been on a decline.
However, the number of deaths by suicide is high compared to national and Aomori Prefecture numbers.
PeopleNational

Aomori Prefecture

Towada City

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-8

Transition of number of deaths by suicide per 100,000 people
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

23

Safe Community Towada

Looking at the number of male deaths by suicide in Towada City, the number dropped from 19 deaths in 2008
to 8 deaths in 2012 for ages 20 to 64.
In ages 65 and older, the number of deaths increased from 3 deaths in 2008 to 9 deaths in 2011, but dropped
to 3 deaths in 2012.
PeopleSafe Community designation

There are no deaths by suicide in ages 0 to 9.

Fig. 2-9Transition by age group of male deaths by suicide in Towada City
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

The percent of male deaths by suicide in Towada City in the city population, when looked by age group, hasdeclined in the age 20 to 64 age group from 0.10% in 2008 to 0.04% in 2012.
In ages 65 and older, the percentage increased from 0.05% in 2008 to 0.14% in 2011, but decreased to 0.04%
in 2012.

Age 10-19
Age 20 - 64
Age 65 and older

The population is calculated based on the Basic Resident Register (as of September 30)

Fig. 2-10

Population ratio of male deaths by suicide in Towada City by age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)24

Safe Community Towada

Looking at the number of female deaths by suicide in Towada City, the number varies between 3 and 6 deaths
during 2009 and 2012 for ages 20 to 64.
In ages 65 and older, the number of deaths decreased from 5 deaths in 2008 to 1 death in 2012.
PeopleSafe Community designation

There are no deaths by suicide in ages 0 to 9.

Fig. 2-11

Transition by age group of female deaths by suicide in Towada City
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

The percent of female deaths by suicide in Towada City in the city population, when looked by age group, hasbeen on the increase since 2009 in the age 20 to 64 age group.
Conversely, in the 65 and older age group, the percentage decreased slightly from 0.05% in 2009 to 0.11% in
2012.

Age 20 - 64
Age 65 and older

The population is calculated based on the Basic Resident Register (as of September 30)

Fig. 2-12

Population ratio of female deaths by suicide in Towada City by age group
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)25

Safe Community Towada

Information on suicide victims between 2009 and 2013, including the presence of a co-habitant, cause andmotive of suicide, was compared with national and Aomori Prefecture. Information was based on data fromthe Cabinet Office.
87.3% of male suicide victims in Towada City had a co-habitant, and 85.4% of female suicide victims had aco-habitant. The rates for both men and women were higher than national and Aomori Prefecture rates.
For cause and motive, health problems accounted for 29.2% of male suicide victims in Towada City, which ishigher than Aomori Prefecture rates. Financial and life problems accounted for 23.9% suicides, which was
also higher than Aomori Prefecture and national rates.
Health problems accounted for 43.1% of female suicide victims in Towada City, higher than Aomori Prefecture
rates. Home problems accounted for 15.5%, which is higher than Aomori Prefecture and national rates.
Table 2-5 Presence of Co-habitant with Suicide Victim Compared To National and
Aomori Prefecture Rates (2009 to 2013)
Source: Basic data on suicides by region (Cabinet Office)Class

Number of suicide victims

Towada City
Male

Unknown

87.3%

12.7%

－

n=1,449

77.7%

22.0%

0.3%

n=103,517

67.4%

30.7%

1.9%

Towada City

n=41

85.4%

14.6%

－

Aomori Prefecture

n=566

84.1%

15.5%

0.4%

n=45,302

77.2%

22.2%

0.7%

National

National

Table 2-6

No cohabitantn=79

Aomori Prefecture

FemaleCo-habitant present

Cause and Motive of Suicide Compared To National and Aomori Prefecture (2009 to 2013)
Source: Basic data on suicides by region (Cabinet Office)* Up to three causes and motives are listed, so the numbers do not match the number of suicide victims.
Number ofsuicide victims

Healthproblems

Financial/life problems

Home
problems

Work
problems

Relationshipproblems

SchoolOthersUnknown

Total

n=113

29.2%

23.9%

13.3%

2.7%

2.7%

0.9%

0.9%

26.5%

100.0%

n=1,835

22.8%

22.7%

9.4%

5.8%

1.9%

0.5%

2.7%

34.2%

100.0%

n=133,758

31.7%

21.3%

10.0%

8.3%

2.4%

1.1%

4.1%

21.2%

100.0%

Towada City

n=58

43.1%

5.2%

15.5%

3.4%

1.7%

0.0%

5.2%

25.9%

100.0%

Aomori Prefecture

n=680

40.9%

5.7%

10.9%

2.6%

1.3%

0.9%

2.9%

34.7%

100.0%

n=57,747

53.4%

5.5%

13.3%

2.4%

3.5%

0.8%

3.9%

17.2%

100.0%

Class
Towada City
Male

Aomori Prefecture
National

FemaleNational

26

Safe Community Towada

Regarding the main cause of health problems in suicide victim nationwide, physical ailments is highest formen and women ages 50 and higher. Mental disease, such as depression, is high in all age groups after age 20.
Age 80 and higher
Age 70 -79
Age 60 -69
Age 50 -59
Age 40 -49
Age 30 -39
Age 20 -29
Up to 19
PeopleFig. 2-13(Reference) Cause of health problems in male suicide victims nationwide
Source: Summary of suicides in 2013 (Cabinet Office)Age 80 and higher
Age 70 -79
Age 60 -69
Age 50 -59
Age 40 -49
Age 30 -39
Age 20 -29
Up to 19
PeopleFig. 2-14(Reference) Cause of health problems in female suicide victims nationwide
Source: Summary of suicides in 2013 (Cabinet Office)Hardships such as debt are a main cause of financial and life problems in male suicide victims nationwide.
Age 80 and higher
Age 70 -79
Age 60 -69
Age 50 -59
Age 40 -49
Age 30 -39
Age 20 -29
Up to 19
PeopleFig. 2-15(Reference) Cause of financial and life problems in male suicide victims nationwide
Source: Summary of suicides in 2013 (Cabinet Office)27

Safe Community Towada

2.

State of Injuries in Towada City

[1] Injuries Based on Emergency Transport and Medical Institution Consultation Data
Towada City used emergency transport data received from the Fire Department since 2011 as the main sourceof injury data to understand the state of citizens' injuries and accidents. In addition, consultation data fromlocal surgery and orthopedics departments was used when available.
Between 2011 and 2013, 5003 people were injured. The rate of injury is 2.6% of the city population.
While many of the injured were in their 60s, the percent of injuries was high in ages 0 to 24 and in ages 70 andolder.

Rate of injuries 2.6%

State of injuries n=5,003
Age unknown

Age groups withhigh rate of
injuryPeopleFig. 2-16

Number of injured person by age group and rate of injury (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

[Calculating the rate of injury between 2011 and 2013]
a: Number of injured persons 5,003 (1,303 people in emergency transport data, 3,700 people in medical
institution consultation data)b: City population 195,778 (from 2011 to 2013 Basic Resident register, as of Sept. 30)

28

Safe Community Towada

The state of accident types by age group is shown in Table 2-7.
In ages 0 to 4 having a high rate of injury, the rate of general injuries is high at 95.0%. In ages 5 to 9, the rateof general injuries is high at 77.1%.
In ages 10 to 14, general injuries and injuries from sports and games each account for 42.7% of all injuries. Inages 15 to 19, injuries from sports and games are high at 52.3%.
In ages 20 to 24, general injuries count for 32.7% of all injuries, and injuries from traffic accidents and fromsports and games each count for 27.0% of all injuries. The rate of traffic accidents is higher than other age
groups.
The rate of general injuries is high at 69.3% for ages 60 to 69, and in ages 70 and higher, the rate of general
injuries is even higher at 80.9%.
Water-related accidents also occur in ages 70 and higher.
Table 2-7

Number of Injuries by Age Group and Types of Accidents (2011 to 2103)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Number of
injured persons

GeneralinjuryTraffic
accident

Sports/games

Age 0-4

381

95.0%

4.7%

Age 5-9

266

77.1%

11.7%

10.9%

Age 10-14

337

42.7%

13.6%

42.7%

Age 15-19

258

24.4%

18.2%

52.3%

2.7%

0.8%

0.4%

1.2%

Age 20-24

226

32.7%

27.0%

27.0%

8.0%

4.0%

0.4%

0.9%

Age 25-59

1,373

55.9%

18.1%

4.4%

14.3%

3.6%

2.2%

1.2%

0.1%

Age 60-69

707

69.3%

15.6%

0.8%

7.5%

2.4%

3.4%

0.7%

0.3%

Age 70 and
older

1,295

80.9%

12.2%

0.3%

1.5%

1.5%

2.5%

0.4%

0.3%

Unknown

160

74.4%

7.5%

10.6%

5.0%

Total

5,003

65.4%

14.6%

9.1%

6.1%

0.7%

0.1%

Work

Attempted
suicideFarming
work

Assault

Fire

Waterrelated

Others

0.3%
0.4%
0.9%

0.2%

0.2%

2.5%
1.9%

* General injuries include Falling (over/down), contact and burns, etc., that can occur in daily life.

29

0.2%

1.9%

0.1%

Safe Community Towada

Looking at the place of injury for each accident type, most general injuries occur in the home (indoors) at
40.7%, followed by 19.8% occurring at home (outdoors).
67.0% of suicide attempts take place at home (indoors), and 45.7% of assaults occur at home (indoors).
Table 2-8

Place of Occurrence and Type of Accident (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Number of
injured persons

Home(indoors)

Sidewalk,road

General injury

3,273

40.7%

7.7%

19.8%

5.3%

Traffic accident

730

92.7%

3.3%

0.7%

Sports/games

456

1.3%

1.1%

47.4%

46.7%

Industrial accident

303

0.3%

1.7%

4.3%

1.7%

0.7%

Attempted suicide

97

67.0%

3.1%

15.5%

Farming work

94

Assault

35

45.7%

Fire

7

57.1%

Water-related

2

Others6100.0%

5,003

28.5%

Class

Total

Home
School,(outdoors) public facility

Sportsfacility

WorkplaceFarm,
farmlandBusiness,
service facility

Lodging,
spa facility

Others

0.4%

0.7%

0.9%

3.1%

0.9%

20.6%

67.3%

4.6%

2.1%

9.6%

1.1%

8.6%

5.7%

2.9%

1.6%

0.2%

3.3%

0.7%

18.8%

1.0%

11.3%

84.0%

5.7%

28.6%

1.6%

5.3%
14.3%

17.1%

14.3%
100.0%

18.9%

14.3%

8.1%

30

4.6%

4.6%

2.5%

2.4%

0.6%

15.6%

Safe Community Towada[2] State of Injury among Children at High Risk of Injury1) Ages 0 to 4 (preschool)
In ages 0 to 4 having a high rate of injury (Fig. 2-16, page 28), 62.2% of injuries occur in the home (indoors)
followed by 7.1% in the home (outdoors). Serious to moderate injuries requiring hospitalization have also
occurred.
Table 2-9

Place of Injury Occurrence and Degree of Injury in Ages 0 to 4 (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data
Serious(people)Class
Home (indoors)

Moderate(people)1

Minor(people)5

Unknown(people)

230

Total
1

Rate

237

62.2%

Home (outdoors)

27

27

7.1%

School, public facility

24

24

6.3%

21

5.5%

Sidewalk, road1

19

Business, service facility

1

8

9

2.4%

Residence other than own home (indoors)

8

8

2.1%

Lodging, spa facility

5

5

1.3%

Sports facility

3

3

0.8%

Residence other than own home
(outdoors)

2

2

0.5%

Others, unknown

44

1

45

11.8%

370

3

381

100.0%

Total

1

7

1

The degree of injury is categorized by the initial medical consultation, etc.
SeriousModerate
Minor

Estimated hospitalization for three or more weeks
Estimated hospitalization for two days or more
Only medical examination

Looking at place of injury in the home (indoors), living room injuries are highest (53.2%) in ages 0 to 4,
followed by injuries in the kitchen (13.9%).
Table 2-10

Place of Injury in the Home (Indoors) for Ages 0 to 4 (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Living room

KitchenStairsBedroom Bathroom

Front
entrance

Hallway

ToiletOthers

Total

14.0%

100.0%

16.9%

100.0%

9.1%

100.0%

Age 0

n=43

53.5%

18.6%

4.7%

7.0%

2.3%

Age 1

n=71

57.7%

9.9%

5.6%

2.8%

4.2%

1.4%

1.4%

Age 2

n=55

47.3%

10.9%

7.3%

7.3%

10.9%

3.6%

1.8%

Age 3

n=40

52.5%

15.0%

5.0%

7.5%

5.0%

5.0%

10.0%

100.0%

Age 4

n=28

53.6%

21.4%

7.1%

3.6%

14.3%

100.0%

Total

n=237

53.2%

13.9%

5.9%

13.1%

100.0%

5.1%

31

5.1%

2.5%

0.8%

1.8%

0.4%

Safe Community Towada

When looking at the place of injury in the home (indoors), falls were highest (30.2%), followed by burns(25.6%) at age 0.
In ages 1 to 3, there were many falling injuries. Injuries by falling, contact or collision increased with the age.
In ages 4, injuries from contact and collision were highest (32.1%), followed by burns, lacerations and stabs(17.9%).
At age 1, there were also injuries caused by suffocation and drowning, both which could lead to Unintentional
death of infants and toddlers.
Table 2-11

Cause of Injury at Home (Indoors) for Ages 0 to 4 (2011 to 2103)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Falling
down

Falling
overContact,
collision

Burn

Laceration,stab

Age 0 n=43

30.2%

9.3%

14.0%

25.6%

2.3%

11.6%

2.3%

Age 1 n=71

19.7%

23.9%

15.5%

16.9%

9.9%

8.5%

2.8%

Age 2 n=55

18.2%

25.5%

18.2%

9.1%

12.7%

7.3%

1.8%

Age 3 n=40

20.0%

27.5%

20.0%

7.5%

7.5%

5.0%

Age 4 n=28

10.7%

3.6%

32.1%

17.9%

17.9%

10.7%

3.6%

Total n=237

20.3%

19.8%

18.6%

15.2%

9.7%

8.4%

2.1%

Unintention
Pinching,
al digestion compression

Suffocation

Insectsting, bite

Drowning

2.3%
1.4%

0.4%

Others

Total

2.3%

100.0%

1.4%

0.4%

100.0%

0.4%

7.3%

100.0%

12.5%

100.0%

3.6%

100.0%

4.6%

100.0%

2) Ages 5 to 14
General injuries are the most common accounting for 59.4% of injuries, followed by sports and games injuries(27.8%) and traffic accidents (12.1%). Serious to moderate injuries requiring hospitalization have also
occurred.
Table 2-12

Place of Injury Occurrence and Degree of Injury in Ages 5 to 14 (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Serious(people)Moderate(people)Minor(people)Unknown(people)Total(people)Rate

General injury

11

345

1

357

59.4%

Sports/games

67

160

1

167

27.8%

9

63

73

12.1%

Assault

3

3

0.5%

Farming work

1

1

0.2%

601

100.0%

Traffic accident

Total

1

1

26

32

572

2

Safe Community Towada

Looking by age group, the rate of general injuries that is the most common type of accident decreases withage, but injuries from sports, games and traffic accidents increases.
Table 2-13

Rate of Accident Type in Ages 5 to 14 by Age Group (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

General injury

Sports/games

Traffic accident

Assault

Farming work

Age 5

n=55

90.9%

3.6%

5.5%

Age 6

n=40

92.5%

2.5%

5.0%

Age 7

n=64

81.3%

7.8%

9.4%

Age 8

n=59

64.4%

13.6%

22.0%

Age 9

n=48

62.5%

22.9%

14.6%

Age 10

n=56

58.9%

28.6%

10.7%

1.8%

Age 11

n=60

48.3%

35.0%

15.0%

1.7%

Age 12

n=76

40.8%

46.1%

13.2%

Age 13

n=76

40.8%

44.7%

13.2%

Age 14

n=67

38.8%

50.7%

10.4%

Total

n=601

59.4%

27.8%

12.1%

1.6%

1.3%

0.5%

0.2%

The most common type of general injury is falls accounting for 46.0% for 5-year olds and 40.5% for 6-year
olds. Falls are also high at 39.4% for 10-year olds and 37.9% for 11-year olds.
Many injuries from contact or collision occurred in 9-year olds.
Table 2-14

Cause of General Injuries in Ages 5 to 14 by Age Group (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Falling

Contact,
collision

Insect sting, bite

Laceration, stab

Falling

Burn

Pinching,
compression

Unintention
al digestion

Others

2.2%

0.8%

5.0%

2.0%

8.0%

Total n=357

32.5%

22.7%

12.9%

10.1%

7.8%

5.9%

Age 5 n=50

46.0%

14.0%

6.0%

8.0%

8.0%

8.0%

Age 6 n=37

40.5%

21.6%

5.4%

2.7%

2.7%

8.1%

8.1%

Age 7 n=52

34.6%

25.0%

9.6%

9.6%

9.6%

3.8%

1.9%

Age 8 n=38

18.4%

21.1%

31.6%

15.8%

7.9%

Age 9 n=30

20.0%

36.7%

16.7%

6.7%

10.0%

3.3%

3.3%

Age 10 n=33

39.4%

21.2%

6.1%

9.1%

6.1%

9.1%

3.0%

6.1%

Age 11 n=29

37.9%

17.2%

10.3%

10.3%

6.9%

10.3%

3.4%

3.4%

Age 12 n=31

25.8%

25.8%

16.1%

12.9%

9.7%

3.2%

3.2%

3.2%

Age 13 n=31

29.0%

22.6%

19.4%

9.7%

9.7%

9.7%

Age 14 n=26

23.1%

26.9%

11.5%

19.2%

7.7%

3.8%

33

10.8%
1.9%

3.8%
5.3%

3.3%

7.7%

Safe Community Towada

Looking at place of injury, 35.3% occurred at schools or public facilities, followed by 16.3% on roads or
sidewalks, and 16.0% at home (indoors).
Table 2-15

Types of Accidents and Place of Occurrence for Ages 5 to 14 (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

GeneralinjurySports/games

Traffic
accident

Assault

School, public facility

98

112

1

Sidewalk, road

28

2

68

Home (indoors)95

Sports facility

850Home (outdoors)

43

3

Business, service facility

7

Residence other than own home (outdoors)

Farming
work

Rate

212

35.3%

98

16.3%

1

96

16.0%

1

59

9.8%

2

48

8.0%

1

8

1.3%

4

4

0.7%

Residence other than own home (indoors)

5

5

0.8%

Lodging, spa facility

2

2

0.3%

Farm, farmland

1

2

0.3%

Factory, construction site

2

2

0.3%

Others

64

65

10.8%

601

35.4%

Total

1

Total

1

1

357

168

34

73

3

1

Safe Community Towada

3) Injuries occurring at elementary schools
In 2012, 146 cases of injuries occurred at elementary schools. The occurrence of injuries among pupils was
4.20%.

Number of injured pupils

Cases

Rate of injured pupils

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-17

Number of injuries and rate of injury at elementary schools

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)

53% of injuries occurred during recess, followed by 25% occurring during class (physical education).
The main injuries were fractures, contusions and bruises, all of which occurred most during recess.
PeopleClass
OthersCommute 2%
3%

FractureContusion/bruise

Schoolevent
Special 7%

activities
10%

SprainDislocation
Broken toothClass
Physical
education
25%

Recesstime
53%

Ligament damage/tearBruiseLaceration
Abrasion
Scalding, burn
Cut
Other illness

Fig. 2-18

State and details of injuries at elementary schools (2012)

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)

35

Safe Community Towada

4) Injuries occurring at junior high schools
In 2012, 197 cases of injuries occurred at junior high schools. The rate of injuries among students was 10.76%.
Rate of injured pupils

Number of injured pupils

Cases

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-19

Number of injuries and rate of injury at junior high schools

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)

52% of injuries occurred during after-school programs (club activities, etc.), followed by 24% occurring duringclass (physical education).
Fractures were most common, with most injuries occurring during after-school programs (club activities, etc.).
PeopleSpecialSchool activities
event
2%
4%
Commute6%

FractureContusion/bruise
SprainRecess
time
12%
Class
Physical
education
24%

After-school
program(club
activities,
etc.)
52%

Ligament damage/tear
Dislocation
Laceration
Cut
Broken tooth
Other injuries
Other illness

Fig. 2-20

State and details of injuries at junior high schools (2012)

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)

36

Safe Community Towada[3] State of Injury among Senior Citizens at High Risk of Injury
Looking at the state of injury among senior citizens by type of accident, 79.3% are general injuries. The rateof injury increases with age after age 65.
Table 2-16

Type of Accident among Senior Citizens by Age Group (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Number of
injured persons

GeneralinjuryTraffic
accident

Farmingwork

Industrial
accident

Selfinflicted

Age 65-69

302

72.5%

14.6%

2.6%

5.6%

2.6%

1.3%

Age 70-74

315

74.0%

16.8%

3.2%

3.5%

1.3%

0.6%

Age 75-79

368

74.2%

16.8%

3.3%

2.2%

1.6%

0.3%

0.8%

0.3%

Age 80-84

335

84.5%

9.9%

2.1%

0.3%

1.8%

0.3%

0.6%

0.6%

Age 85-89

185

90.8%

4.9%

1.6%

Age 90-94

92

98.9%

1.1%

Total

1,597

79.3%

12.6%

Class

Sports/games

Assault
0.3%

Waterrelated

Fire
0.3%
0.3%

1.6%

2.5%

2.3%

1.7%

0.5%

0.4%

Others

0.3%

0.3%
0.5%

0.5%

0.5%

0.1%

0.2%

The main cause of general injuries sustained by senior citizens is falling(over/down) (66.9%). The rate of
injury increases with age after age 65.

Table 2-17

Cause of Typical Injury among Senior Citizens (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Number of
injured persons

FallingInsect(over/down) sting, bite

Laceration,
stabContact,
collisionSuffocation

Burn

Unintentio
Pinching,
nalcompression
digestion

Age 65-69

219

53.4%

17.8%

12.3%

8.2%

1.4%

2.7%

0.9%

0.5%

Age 70-74

233

56.7%

16.3%

10.3%

7.3%

2.1%

2.6%

0.9%

1.7%

Age 75-79

273

68.9%

9.2%

7.3%

2.6%

2.9%

2.9%

1.1%

0.7%

Age 80-84

283

72.8%

6.7%

7.4%

2.8%

2.5%

2.5%

1.4%

0.4%

Age 85-89

168

75.0%

4.8%

4.2%

5.4%

3.6%

0.6%

1.2%

Age 90 and
older

91

85.7%

3.3%

2.2%

Total

1,267

66.9%

4.9%

2.4%

10.2%

7.8%

37

2.2%

Drowning

Poisoning

Others

0.5%

2.3%

0.4%

1.7%
0.4%

0.4%

4.0%
3.2%
5.4%

1.1%

1.1%

1.1%

1.1%

0.7%

0.2%

5.5%
0.2%

3.4%

Safe Community Towada

When looking at the cause of injury by place, 45.1% of falls (over and down) that account for the main cause
of injuries that occurred in the home, followed by 21.3% that occurred outside the home.
Table 2-18

Place of Typical Injury among Senior Citizens (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Number of
injured persons

Home
indoorsHome
outdoors

Sidewalk,road

Residence otherthan own home
(indoors)

Business,
servicefacility

Farm,
farmlandResidence otherthan own home
(outdoors)

Lodging,
spa facility

Falls(over/down)

847

45.1%

21.3%

11.1%

4.7%

4.6%

1.1%

1.4%

0.9%

Insect sting, bite

129

10.9%

31.8%

3.1%

3.1%

3.1%

3.9%

0.8%

Laceration, stab

99

40.4%

38.4%

3.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

Contact, collision

62

40.3%

32.3%

4.8%

1.6%

4.8%

16.1%

Suffocation

31

67.7%

19.4%

9.7%

0.0%

3.2%

Burn

28

67.9%

3.6%

3.6%

3.6%

3.6%

10.7%

Unintentional
digestion

14

64.3%

7.1%

21.4%

Pinching, compression

9

22.2%

44.4%

Drowning

3

66.7%

Poisoning

2

Others

43

Total

1,267

Class

3.6%

3.6%

School,publicfacility

Workplace

Othes

0.2%

8.5%

1.1%

43.4%
1.0%

11.1%

7.1%
11.1%

11.1%

11.1%

33.3%
50.0%

50.0%

76.7%

7.0%

2.3%

2.3%

43.2%

22.8%

3.6%

1.5%

7.7%

4.7%

1.7%

1.2%

0.7%

2.3%

9.3%

0.3%

12.5%

267 senior citizens (excluding 115 persons with unknown data) were injured by falls in the home. 29.4% ofserious injuries occurred in the hallway, followed by 23.5% injuries occurring each in the bedroom and Front
entrance.
26.8% of moderate injuries occurred in the Front entrance, followed by 24.4% in the bedroom.

Table 2-19

Place of Senior Citizen Falls(over/down) in the Home (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Excluding 115 people for which degree and place of injury are unknown.
Class

Number of
injured persons

Bedroom

Livingroom

Front
entrance

Hallway

Kitchen

Serious

17

23.5%

11.8%

23.5%

29.4%

5.9%

Moderate

41

24.4%

7.3%

26.8%

7.3%

9.8%

17.1%

4.9%

2.4%

Minor

209

21.1%

23.9%

13.4%

10.0%

11.0%

6.7%

8.1%

5.7%

Total

267

21.7%

20.6%

16.1%

10.9%

10.5%

7.9%

7.5%

4.9%

The degree of injury is categorized by the initial medical consultation, etc.
SeriousModerate
Minor

Estimated hospitalization for three or more weeks
Estimated hospitalization for two days or more
Only medical examination

38

ToiletStairsBathroom

5.9%

Safe Community Towada[4] Injuries at Workplace
1) Industrial accidents
The number of industrial accidents, requiring four or more days of absence from work as stipulated by the
Labor Standards Stipulation Office regulating Towada City, have been increasing each year. Even in our city,
the number of incidents has increased from 63 in 2009 to 77 in 2013.
Cases

Within theadministration region

Towada City

Rate of Towada City within the region

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-25

State of industrial accidents within Towada Labor Standards Stipulation Office

The administration region covers Towada City, Misawa City, Kamikita-gun (Excluding Yokohama-cho and Rokkasho-mura)
Source: Report on worker death, injury or illness (Four or more days absence) (Towada Labor Standards Stipulation Office)Looking at types of industries with industrial accidents, manufacturing and commerce each account for 18%
of accidents, followed by construction (15%).
Livestock, fisheries
4%

Agriculture andforestry2%
Others9%

Cleaning andslaughterhouse
4%

Manufacturing
18%

Communication
6%
Commerce
18%

Shipping andtransportation
7%
Hospitality andentertainment
8%Construction
15%

Health and sanitation
9%

Fig. 2-26

Accidents by industry in Towada City (2009 to 2013) n= 326

Source: Report on worker death, injury or illness (Four or more days absence) (Towada Labor Standards Stipulation Office)39

Safe Community Towada

The main cause industrial accident injuries is falling (26.7%) followed by crashing and dropping (23.9%).

Falling over
Falling down
Pinching, entanglement
Reactionary motion, unnatural movement
Traffic accident
Cut, scrape
Collision
Flying, dropping
Stabbing
Contact with very hot or cold item
Collapse
Stepping through floor
Contact with harmful substanceRupture others
Other illness

Fig. 2-27

Cause of industrial accident injuries in Towada City (2009 to 2013) n=326

Source: Report on worker death, injury or illness (Four or more days absence) (Towada Labor Standards Stipulation Office)2) Injuries during farming
The number of persons engaged in farming, our city's key industry, has been declining each year. The farming
population is aging, and work is being carried out by fewer persons.
Most of the persons injured during farming work are over 60 years old. The main causes are cuts, stabs andinsect stings and bites, with each accounting for 30% of all injuries.

Age unknown
Pinching,
compression
6%

Traffic accident
1%

Falling over7%

Laceration, stab
30%

Falling down
9%
Contact,
collision
11%

Fig. 2-28

Insect sting, bite
30%

Number of persons injured during framing and details of injuries (2011 to 2013) n=94
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data40

Safe Community Towada[5] Injuries from Traffic Accidents
Of the traffic accidents that occurred in Towada City, those resulting in injury or death dropped from 377 in2009 to 298 in 2013.
However, many accidents are occurring in our city when comparing the number of accidents resulting in injury
or death in Towada City and Aomori Prefecture per 10,000 people.
Cases

Cases

Number of accidents resulting in injury or
death per Towada City population of
10,000
Number of accidents resulting in injury or
death per Aomori Prefecture populationof 10,000
Number of accidents resulting in injury or
death in Towada City

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-29 Number of accidents resulting in injury or death, and number of Towada City and Aomori
Prefecture accidents resulting in injury or death Towada City and Aomori Prefecture per
10,000 persons
Source: State of traffic in Towada Police Office Jurisdiction (Towada Police Department)

Of the traffic death accidents occurring in the city between 2009 and 2013, eight deaths involved pedestrians
ages 65 or older, accounting for 75.0% of all accidents.
Accidents occurring while riding bicycle accounted for 66.7% of accidents among ages 20 to 44, and accidents
while riding motorcycle or tractor accounted for 100% of accidents among ages 45 and 64.
Table 2-20

Mortality from Traffic Accident by Age Group (2009 to 2013) n=14
Source: State of traffic in Towada Police Office Jurisdiction (Towada Police Department)Class

Age 19 and younger

Age 20-44

While walking (n=8)

12.5%

While driving automobile (n=3)

66.7%

Age 45-64
12.5%

75.0%
33.3%

While driving motorcycle (n=2)

100.0%

While operating tractor (n=1)

100.0%

41

65 and older

Safe Community Towada

When the number of accidents resulting in injury or death occurring within the Towada Police Office
Jurisdiction between 2011 and 2013 are viewed by type of road, 45.4% occur at intersections and 39.6% occur
at basic road sections (others).
Table 2-21

State of Accidents by Road Type (2011 to 2013) n=1,072 cases
Source: State of traffic in Towada Police Office Jurisdiction (Towada Police Department)Intersection

Class

Near intersection

Basic road section(curve)

5.5%

5.0%

45.4%

Basic road section(others)

Bridge0.6%

Others

39.6%

3.8%

Between 2011 and 2013, 730 persons were transported by ambulance or received medical attention at a medical
institution for injuries resulting from a traffic accident. The number of persons injured while riding a car was
381, of which 27.3% were between age 30 and 49, and 23.9% were 65 or older.
30.5% of persons 65 or older account for persons injured while riding a bicycle, and 26.2% of persons ages 20
to 29 account for persons injured while riding a motorcycle. 41.5% of persons age 65 or older account for
persons injured while walking.
Table 2-22

State of being Injured by Traffic Accidents by Age (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Number of
injured persons

Age 0-19

Age 20-29

Age 30-49

Age 50-64

65 and older

Unknown

While riding automobile

381

12.9%

15.2%

27.3%

19.9%

23.9%

0.8%

While riding bicycle

220

33.6%

6.8%

7.7%

17.7%

30.5%

3.6%

While riding motorcycle

61

3.3%

26.2%

19.7%

19.7%

31.1%

While walking

53

30.2%

3.8%

3.8%

20.8%

41.5%

Others, unknown

15

6.7%

20.0%

46.7%

20.0%

6.7%

Total

730

19.5%

18.9%

19.9%

27.7%

1.6%

12.5%

Looking at the situation when injured in a traffic accident, in 76.4% of automobile accidents, the other party
was a motorcycle. 61.8% of bicycle accidents were independent accidents. In 54.1% of motorcycle accidents,
the other party was an automobile, and in 86.8% of pedestrian accidents, the other party was an automobile.

Table 2-23

State of being Injured by Traffic Accidents by Agent(2011 to 2013)

Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data
Class

Number of
injured persons

Other party
Automobile

While driving automobile

381

76.4%

While riding bicycle

220

32.7%

While driving motorcycle

61

54.1%

While walking

53

86.8%

Others, unknown

15

33.3%

Total

730

61.2%

BicycleIndependent

Others, unknown

Motorcycle

1.8%

20.7%

2.9%

61.8%

3.6%

45.9%
7.5%

1.1%

42

3.8%

0.3%

1.9%
6.7%

60.0%

33.4%

4.0%

Safe Community Towada[6] Injuries from Self harm
42 men were transported by ambulance (including dead on arrival) from self-inflected injuries between 2011
and 2013. The most cases occurred in the home (indoors).
55.0% of self-inflicted injuries in the home (indoors) were the result of hanging or strangulation, and 22.7%
were the result of poisoning.
Table 2-24

Place and Method of Self harm by Men (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport data

Class

Number of
injured persons

Hanging or
strangulation

Home (indoors)

22

50.0%

Home (outdoors)

11

54.5%

Sidewalk, road

2

50.0%

Sports facility

1100.0%

Briquette, etc.

Wrist cutting,
etc.

22.7%

4.5%

13.6%

9.1%

27.3%

9.1%

Poisoning

Unknown
9.1%

50.0%

Business, service facility

1

Others

5

40.0%

20.0%

42

50.0%

16.7%

Total

Jumping100.0%
11.9%

11.9%

20.0%

20.0%

2.4%

7.1%

53 women were transported by ambulance (including dead on arrival) from self-inflected injuries between
2011 and 2013. The most cases occurred in the home (indoors).
41.9% of self-inflicted injuries in the home (indoors) were the result of poisoning, 32.6% by wrist cutting, etc.,
and 23.3% by suicide by hanging or strangulation.
Table 2-25

Place and Method of Self-harm Injuries by Women (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport data

Class

Number of
injured persons

Home (indoors)

43

Home (outdoors)
Residential facility otherthan own home (indoors)

Hanging or
strangulation

Poisoning

Briquette, etc.

Wrist cutting,
etc.

23.3%

41.9%

2.3%

32.6%

4

25.0%

25.0%

3

33.3%

1

100.0%

Sports facility

1100.0%

Total

2

50.0%

55

23.6%

Unknown

25.0%

66.7%

Sidewalk, road
Others25.0%

Jumping

50.0%
38.2%

43

1.8%

30.9%

1.8%

3.6%

Safe Community Towada[7] Injury by Disaster (fire)
When comparing the number of fires per 10,000 people in Towada City and Aomori Prefecture, our city's
numbers are higher except in 2013. The main cause is building fires.
Cases

Cases

Others
VehicleForest and fields
Buildings
Towada City fire occurrence rate per
10,000 people
Aomori Prefecture fire occurrence
rate per 10,000 people

Safe Community designation

Fig. 2-30

Number of fires per 10,000 people in Towada City and Aomori Prefecture and cause of fire
Source: State of fires (Towada City Regional Office Association, Fire Department Headquarters)

The number of persons injured in building fires is declining, but there are fatalities each year.
Table 2-26

Transition of Deaths from Building Fires in Towada City

Source: State of fires (Towada City Regional Office Association, Fire Department Headquarters)

Class

FY2009FY2010FY2011FY2012FY2013

Deaths12

2

3

Injuries

6

4

1

3

Total

7

6

3

6

44

Total
1

9
14

1

23

Safe Community Towada[8] Injuries from Sports and Leisure1) Injuries from sports or games
456 persons were injured while participating in sports or games between 2011 and 2013. Contusions andbruises (32.5%) accounted for the most injuries, followed by fractures (25.0%).
By age group, 279 of those injured were in their 10s, and 69 were in their 20s.
Table 2-27

Persons Injured during Sports or Games by Age Group (2011 to 2013)
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Number of
injured persons

Contusion/bruiseFracture

SprainLigament
damage/tearLaceration,
abrasion

Age 5-9

29

34.5%

27.6%

13.8%

3.4%

13.8%

10s

279

37.6%

21.9%

15.8%

4.7%

4.3%

2.9%

20s

69

24.6%

31.9%

10.1%

2.9%

5.8%

14.5%

30s

32

18.8%

28.1%

9.4%

6.3%

3.1%

3.1%

40s

13

38.5%

7.7%

7.7%

50s

7

28.6%

14.3%

60s and older

10

30.0%

30.0%

20.0%

Age unknown

17

11.8%

47.1%

11.8%

17.6%

Total

456

32.5%

25.0%

13.6%

5.0%

Dislocation

14.3%

Achilles tendon
ruptureCut,abrasion

Others

3.4%

3.4%

3.6%

9.0%

4.3%

5.8%

18.8%

6.3%

6.3%

30.8%

7.7%

7.7%

0.4%

28.6%

14.3%

20.0%
11.8%
4.6%

4.4%

3.3%

3.7%

7.9%

47.4% of injuries during sports or games occurred at a school or public facility, and 46.7% occurred at a sports
facility.
Table 2-27

Occurrence Place of Persons Injured during Sports or Games
Source: Emergency transport and medical institution consultation data

Class

Number of injured
persons

School, public
facilityAge 5-9

29

62.1%

10s

279

20s

Sports facility

Sidewalk, road

Others, unknown

31.0%

3.4%

3.4%

62.7%

33.3%

0.7%

3.2%

69

8.7%

78.3%

2.9%

10.1%

30s

32

3.1%

93.8%

40s

13

15.4%

84.6%

50s

7

28.6%

42.9%

60s and older

10

Age unknown

17

70.6%

17.6%

Total

456

47.4%

46.7%

3.1%

14.3%

14.3%

100.0%

45

11.8%
1.3%

4.6%

Safe Community Towada

2) Injuries during winter sports
Between 2008 and 2012, 63 people were injured at the town's only ski resort. On average, 13 people were
injured in a season.
Most of those injured were between age 20 and 64 who were skiing or snow boarding. The number of persons
injured while skiing is declining, but the number of those injured while snowboarding is increasing.
Table 2-29

State of Injuries at Lake Towada Onsen Ski Resort (2008 to 2012)
Source: Lake Towada Onsen Ski Resort dataClass

FY2008FY2009FY2010FY2011FY201219 歳以下4

4

62

Age 20-64

9

7

11

11

65 and older

1

Total

14

11

17

13

46

Cause of injury

Total

Ski

Snowboard

16

14

2

7

45

8

37

1

2

2

8

63

24

39

Safe Community Towada

3) Mountain accidents
Every year between 2009 and 2013, there were mountain accidents within the Towada Police Office
Jurisdiction. 59.1% of these cases involved people from out of town. Most popular purpose for entering themountains is to gather mountain vegetables, followed by hiking.
Table 2-30

Number of Mountain Accidents within Towada Police Office Jurisdiction
Source: Aomori Prefecture Mountain Accident Prevention Task Force, Towada Branch dataClass

FY2009FY2010FY2011FY2012FY2013Rate

Citizens

6

3

2

5

2

40.9%

Non-citizen

7

9

4

2

4

59.1%

Total

13

12

6

7

6

100.0%

Table 2-31 Purpose of Mountain Accident Victim's Entry into Mountain in Towada Police
Office Jurisdiction (2009-2013)
Source: Aomori Prefecture Mountain Accident Prevention Task Force, Towada Branch data
Class

Mountain vegetable
gathering

Citizens

15

1Out-of-towner

16

8

1

1

Total

31

9

1

1

Discovered outsideof prefecture2%

Not discovered
2%

Hiking

PhotographTourism

Others2

2

The age of victims spanned from 20 to 89, with most in their 60s or older.
7% of victims died, and 55% were rescued.

Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age

Death
7%

Came down on own
34%

Men

Rescue55%

FemalePeopleFig. 2-31

Age of victims and state of rescue within Towada Police Office Jurisdiction(2009-2013) n=44
Source: Aomori Prefecture Mountain Accident Prevention Task Force, Towada Branch data47

Safe Community Towada[9] State of Violence and Abuse
The number of cases of abuse to children between 0 and 18 (hereafter, children) indicate the number ofconsultations received by Shichinohe Child Services since 2011. The number of cases of abuse to children has
exceeded 40 since 2012.
A Disabled Person Abuse Prevention Center was established in City Hall in October 2012, and the number ofreported cases of abuse against disabled persons has increased since 2012.
Looking at the number of cases per population of 10,000 by target, it is apparent that the number of cases ofabuse toward children and the senior citizens has increased since 2011.

Cases■ children ■ seniorFig. 2-32■ disabled

Percent of children

PeoplePercent of senior citizens

Transition of number of abuse cases and percentage per 10,000 by target
Source: Welfare Section, Shichinohe Child services, Comprehensive Support Center data

The number of consultations regarding violence against women dropped from 31 cases received in 2010 to 7
cases in 2013. The rate declined to 3.9 persons per 10,000 people in 2013.
Cases

PeopleFig. 2-33 Transition of number of cases regarding violence against women andpercentage per 10,000 people
Source: Welfare Section data48

Safe Community Towada[10] State of Crime Occurrence
In 2013, 468 crimes occurred in the Towada Police Office Jurisdiction. There were six incidents resulting ininjury, which is 1% of the total.

Causes of crime in 2013 n=468
Vehicle theft
Vehicle load theft
Vehicle theft
15%

Vending machine theft
Breaking and entering
Others41%

Purse snatching

Breaking andentering
10%

Shoplifting
Property damage
InjuryInjury1%

Others

Vehicle load
theft
9%

Property
damage10%

Shoplifting
14%

Assault, blackmail, forcible indecency, fraud, etc., are included in others.

Fig. 2-34

Number of crimes in Towada Police Office Jurisdiction
Source: Towada Police Department data49

Safe Community Towada

Chapter 3 Programs Based on Seven Indicators
Indicator 1: An infrastructure based on Partnership and Collaborations,
Governed by an cross-sectorial Group That is Responsible for
Safety Promotion in Their Community[1] Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council
The "Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council"
comprised of representatives from administration andcitizen groups, etc., the "Towada City Safe Community
Exploratory Committee" an organization in the city hall,and the "Towada City Safe Community Priority Task
Forces", organizations to focus on eight priority challenges
have been set to establish an organization to promote Safe
Community activities through collaboration of intersectorial groups.

Citizen groups
Medicalinstitutions

City Council
Privatecompanies

Educational
institutions

Administration

In addition, the "Towada City Injury SurveillanceCommittee" comprised of university professors andpersons engaged in the medical profession, etc., has been
established to set methods of investigating injuries,
identify challenges and review evaluation methods, etc.
Persons from various fields collaborate to promote
preventive measures based on the Safe Community
Implementation Plan.

Safe and Secure city
planning throughpartnership andcollaboration

Fire
Department

Schools,
universities

Volunteers

PoliceHealthDepartment(2) Towada City Safe Community Exploratory Committee(city hall in house organization)(3) Towada City Safe Community Priority Task Forces
1

Suicide prevention

5Child Safety

2

Traffic Accident prevention

6

Work place Safety

3

Safety at disaster7

Leisure and Sports Safety

4

Senior Safety

8

Violence and Abuse Prevention

Development of injury prevention activities based on
Safe Community Implementation Plan

50

(4) Towada City Safe Community Injury SurveillanceCommittee

Japan Institute of Safe Communities(1) Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council

Safe Community Towada

1) Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council
In 2007, the Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council
was established as the parent organization for promoting our city's
Safe Community activities. The council has 34 members from awide range of organizations and groups engaged in safe and securecity planning, and is chaired by the mayor.
The Council has continued to hold meetings even after receiving
SC designation in 2009. The state of deaths from injuries andpromotion of the Safe Community program, etc., has been
discussed.

Councilconstitution

Role

Mayor of Towada City, director of Towada District Medical Association, director of Towada City Central
Hospital, chief of Towada Police Department, chairman of the Towada Chamber of Commerce, dean of Kitasato
University School of Veterinary Medicine, chair of Towada Safe Community Citizens, chair of Towada Board of
Education, chair of Joint Neighborhood Association, director of Kamikita Regional Administrative Office, chair of
Citizen's Council for Youth Development Association, chair of Towada City Council, president of Towada Dental
Association, chair of NPO Towada Association for International Relations, chair of Social Welfare Council, chairof Towada Labor Standards Inspection Office, director of Kamitosan Health Department, chair of Towada Traffic
Safety Association, director general of Towada Social Welfare Council, manager of Towada City Regional Office
Association Fire Department Headquarters, executive director of Towada Oirase Agricultural Cooperative
Association, chair of Towada City Women's Association, superintendent of Towada Board of Education, controller
Towada Parent-Teacher Association Federation, director of Aomori Prefecture Association of Pharmacists, chair of
Towada Federation of Senior Citizen Clubs, manager of Towada City General Affairs Department, manager ofTowada Department of Strategy and Finance, manager of Towada City Department of Citizen's Affairs, manager
of Towada City Department of Health and Welfare, manager of Towada City Department of Health and Welfare,manager of Towada City Department of Construction, manager of Towada City Department of Tourism andCommerce, manager of Towada City Department of Agriculture and Forestry, superintendent of Towada City
Board of Education Secretariat● Duties related to drafting Safe Community Implementation Plan
● Duties related to promotion of safe and secure city planning2) Towada City Safe Community Exploratory Committee (city hall organization)
The Towada City Safe Community Exploratory Committee wasestablished to support effective Safe Community activities by the
Safe Community Promotion Council and Priority Task Forces.
The committee is comprised of 17 managers of departments in thecity hall, and is chaired by the manager of the Department the
Citizen's Affair, the department controlling Safe Community
activities.

Role● Enacting draft of Safe Community Implementation Plan
● Deliberating matters related to promotion of Safe Community Implementation Plan

51

Safe Community Towada

3) Towada City Safe Community Priority Task Forces
Eight Priority Task Forces, comprised of community groups andadministrative agencies, etc., have been set to review the details
and activities of injury prevention programs being conducted forpriority challenges regarding injury, etc.

Task force composition as of October 1, 2014
RegionSuicideprevention

Traffic accident
prevention

Communitygroup

9 peoples

6 peoples

Administrative
agency3 peoples

4 peoples

Role

Disasterprevention

ElderlysafetyChildsafetyWorksafetySafety during
leisureViolence andabuse

6 peoples

6 peoples

3 peoples

4 peoples

7 peoples

4 peoples

2 peoples

3 peoples

4 peoples

4 peoples

2 peoples

5 peoples● Exchange information on injury prevention programs● Matters related to prevention program activities based on Safe Community Implementation Plan

4) Towada City Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee
Towada City Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee wasestablished in 2013 to investigate and record injuries, etc., andreview methods to evaluate activities. This council is thefoundation of creating the injury surveillance organization.
Members include specialists from the Aomori University of
Health and Welfare, with whom a support agreement is entered topromote Safe Community, as well as medical and health related
administration specialists, etc.
Council composition (six members) as of October 1, 2014
Persons involved with clerical duties for
emergency medicine

1 people Director of Towada City Central Hospital

Health related administrative agency
employee

1 people Director of Kamitosan Health Department

CouncilFire defense related administrative agency
constitution
employee
Experts with relative knowledge andexperience

1 peopleManager of Towada City Regional Office Association Fire
Department Headquarters

Professor from Tsukuba University Faculty of Medicine
Professor from Aomori University of Health and Welfare,
3 peoples
Department of Nutrition
Representative from Towada Safe Community Citizens● Matters related to methods of investigating and recording injuries, etc.
Role

● Matters related to identifying challenges regarding injuries, etc., and evaluation of prevention measures● Matters related to using results of investigations on injuries, etc.

52

Safe Community Towada

Indicator 2: Long-term, Sustainable Programs Covering Both Genders and All
Ages, Environments, and Situations[1] Preventive Activities in Towada City
The city works with various agencies and citizen groups to carry out activities to improve safety and prevent
injuries.
These activities are targeted for almost all genders, ages and environments.
The main activities carried out for each age group in environments (1) to (9) are listed in Table 3-1. The top
line indicates the number of projects for preventing accidents and injuries. The alphabet characters indicate
representative activities that are introduced on the following pages.
Table 3-1

Prevention Activities in Towada City (as of October 1, 2014)
Age group

Class
ChildrenAge 0 to 14

Youth
Age 15 to 24

Adult
Age 25 to 64

Senior citizens
65 and older

No. of projects

2

4

4

22

Target

A･B･C

C

C

C･D･E

No. of projects

42

TargetF･G

G1) Home2) Nursery school,
schools

No. of projects

10

10

3

Target

G･H･I

G･H･I

G･H･I

3) Workplace(1)
Accidents

No. of projects

3

3

3

3

TargetJ

J

K

K

No. of projects

16

14

15

17

Target

L･M･N･O

M･N･O

N･O

N･O･P

No. of projects

2

2

3

4

Target

Q･R

Q･R

Q･R

Q･R

No. of projects

2

13

21

16

Target

S

S･T

S･T

S･T

No. of projects

17

16

16

10

Target

U･V･W

U･V･W

W

W

No. of projects

16

23

23

28

Target

X･Y･Z

X･Y･Z

X･Y･Z

X･Y･Z

4) Leisure and sports

5) Traffic

6) Public place, etc.

1) Suicide(2)
Intentionalcauses2) Violence and
abuse

(3)
Disaster* Each project is basically intended for both genders.

53Safe Community Towada[2] Main Prevention Activities(1) Activities to prevent accidents
1) Home
A: Home visit and instruction to homes with 1-month old infant
Target, etc.

Parents of newborn infants

PurposePrevention of accidents during infancy

Overview of activity

Visit parents of newborns, and prevent accidents that can occur in the home.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 427 persons were visited in FY2013

Organizer, participants

City Health Center, Medical Association, Towada City Central Hospital

B: Accident prevention training for parents of infants/toddlers
Target, etc.

Parents of infants and toddlers

Purpose

Educate parents on prevention of accidents in the home, and traffic safety

Overview of activity

Hold seminars for parents of infants and toddlers at the 4-month, 1.6-year, and 3.6-year checkups, andincrease awareness on preventing accidents in the home and traffic safety.
[Achievements]
FY2013 4-month checkup 421 people (96.7%), 1.6-year checkup 427 people (95.0%), 3.6-year
checkup 505 people (97.6%)

Organizer, participants

City Health Center, Medical Association, Dentists Association, Dentists Association, volunteers

C: Hands-on training for prevention of fire disasters
Target, etc.

All citizens

PurposePrevention of residential fires

Overview of activity

Hands-on training for extinguishing fires, etc., are carried out to instruct citizens on fire prevention andteach the procedures for extinguishing fires when a fire occurs. This activity aims to prevent deaths fromresidential fires, etc., and increase awareness on life-saving.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 31 sessions with 2,325 participants were held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Towada Fire Department, elementary and junior high schools, nursery schools, kindergartens, various
private groups

D: Safety class for senior citizens living alone
Target, etc.

Senior citizens

PurposeCavity exercise training program to prevent accidents caused by mis-swallowing

Overview of activity

Activity is aimed for senior citizens who are not using care-giving insurance. Participants are educated on
training methods to improve living functions and prevent death by suffocation, and to support an
improvement in overall mental and health condition.
[Achievements]
Community Iki Iki Class 328 sessions with 3,936 participants were held in FY2013
Yukko de Iki Iki Project 607 sessions with 610 participants were held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

City Hall Senior Citizen Nursing Section, Home Care Support Center, neighborhood associations

54

Safe Community Towada

E: Senior citizen safety mimamori cooperation group activities
Target, etc.

Senior citizens

PurposeEnsuring of senior citizen safety

Overview of activity

A notification system was organized by interested groups and business, etc., to create a mimamori
network. This network provides appropriate and swift response to senior citizen's emergencies, such as
prevention of solitary deaths.
[Achievements]
Conducted from FY2012, 68 groups were registered as of FY2013

Organizer, participants

Neighborhood associations, welfare officers, health supporters, postal companies, newspaper delivery
companies, electricity/gas/ waterworks, delivery service, city hall senior citizen safety concerned section

2) Nursery school sand schools
F: Prevention of injuries at nursery schools with Near Miss Conference
Target, etc.

Nursery school pupils

PurposePrevention of injuries at nursery schools

Overview of activity

Incidents observed by employees during school hours are confirmed and linked to prevention of accidents
in the nursery school.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 20 employees participated in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Nursery schools

G: AED life-saving training seminar
Target, etc.

All citizens

PurposeIncrease awareness on life saving

Overview of activity

AED life-saving seminars are held in schools, workplaces and public halls, etc., to increase citizens'awareness on life saving by improving the increase life-saving rate with swift responses.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 89 sessions held with 1,718 participants held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Towada Fire Department, schools, nursery schools, kindergartens, care-giving facilities, Police
Department, businesses

3) Workplace
H: Labor safety and health meeting
Target, etc.

Workers

PurposePrevention of workplace accidents

Overview of activity

To prevent accidents and injuries at the workplace, caution is promoted by collecting slogans on safety
and health, and with seminars on industrial accidents.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 1 session with 600 participants was held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Kamikita Labor Standards Association, Labor Standards Inspection Office

55

Safe Community Towada

I: Seminars to prevent farming accidents
Target, etc.

Persons engaged in farming

PurposePrevention of accidents during farm work

Overview of activity

Provide instruction on safety awareness during farm work and safe use of farming equipment at farms,
and prevent accidents during farm work.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 2 sessions with 69 participants were held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Agriculture cooperative

4) Leisure and sports
J: Safety management during sports
Target, etc.

Elementary, junior high and senior high students

PurposePrevention of injury during sports and games

Overview of activity

Targets to bring attention during sports, to increase instructor's awareness on safety management, and toprevent injuries during sports and games.
[Achievements]
FY2011 Posters posted in local elementary, junior high and senior high schools
FY2013 One survey of instructors in 45 groups was conducted

Organizer, participantsSports association, youth spots groups, elementary and junior high schools, city hall sports concerned
section

K: Fire Department drills for water accidents at Lake Towada
Target, etc.

Tourists visiting Lake Towada

Purpose

Life-saving for water-related accidents

Overview of activity

To respond to water-related accidents at Lake Towada or Oirase River, cooperation with involved agencies
is confirmed, and swift response is planned.
[Achievements]
Held annually; Training conducted between May and November
In 2013, a comprehensive drill was held in collaboration with the Lake Towada excursion boats anddisaster prevention helicopters.

Organizer, participants

Towada Kanko Kisen, Co., Ltd., Towada Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd., Fire Department, voluntary fire corps,
Aomori Prefecture, Towada Tourism Promotion Section5) Traffic
L: Program to post stop marks in school routes
Target, etc.

Elementary school pupils

PurposePrevention of traffic accidents involving elementary school students at intersections

Overview of activity

A stop mark is posted at intersections along school routes in the city to make intersections move visible
and prevent traffic accidents involving elementary school students.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 200 sheets were posted in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Mother's Association for Traffic Safety, neighborhood associations

56

Safe Community Towada

M: Free bicycle inspections at traffic safety classes
Target, etc.

Elementary, junior high and senior high students

PurposeIncreasing awareness of traffic safety and preventing bicycle accidents caused by faulty bicycles

Overview of activity

Traffic safety classes are held at local schools to teach the students traffic manners and increase theirawareness of traffic safety. Bicycles are inspected at the same time to prevent bicycle accidents caused byfaulty bicycles.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 67 inspection sessions were held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Traffic Safety Association, Board of Education, elementary, junior high and senior high schools, Mother's
Association of Traffic Safety, Bicycle Union, Police Department

N: Sidewalk snow removal volunteer project
Target, etc.

All citizens

PurposePrevention of traffic accidents during winterOverview of activity

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and children commuting to school during the winter, neighborhood
associations, etc., borrow compact snow ploughs from the city or prefecture and remove snow from the
sidewalks.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 24 groups cleared 35.7 km in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Neighborhood associations, crime prevention associations, Mother's Association for Traffic Safety, Traffic
Safety Association, City's Civil Engineering Section

O: Activities to prevent traffic accidents by promoting caution with flags, etc.
Target, etc.

All citizens

PurposePrevention of traffic accidents

Overview of activity

Flags to promote caution are presented or lent to neighborhood associations where traffic accident, etc.,
hazards are present. Prevention of traffic accidents is aimed for.
[Achievements]
Held from FY2011
In FY2013, 16 neighborhood associations participated during summer vacation, 11 neighborhood
associations participated during winter vacation

Organizer, participants

Neighborhood associations, Police Department, City’s Civil Engineering Section

P: Activities to promote use of reflectors
Target, etc.

Senior citizens

PurposePrevent traffic accidents at night

Overview of activity

Senior citizens living in areas with high rates of traffic accidents are visited and presented with reflectors.
Use of these are encouraged to prevent traffic accidents involving senior citizens walking at night.
[Achievements]
Held annually; 1,289 homes were visited were FY2013

Organizer, participants

Mother's Association for Traffic Safety, Traffic Safety Association, Police Department, neighborhood
associations, senior citizen clubs, City Planning Support Section

57

Safe Community Towada

6) Public place, etc.
Q: Inspection of park equipment, etc.
Target, etc.

Parks, playgrounds

PurposePrevention of accidents caused by playground equipment

Overview of activity

Playground equipment installed at parks and playgrounds are periodically inspected and systematically
repaired to prevent accidents caused by such equipment.
[Achievements]
Performed annually; 1 to 3 inspections/month carried out by person in charge in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Nursery schools, elementary and junior high schools, Board of Education, City Hall Urban Development
and Building Section

R: Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream) Walkway tree safety inspection
Target, etc.

Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream)

PurposePrevention of accidents during park strolls

Overview of activity

Accidents during park strolls are prevented by inspecting the area for dead trees and branches, etc., which
could fall and affect the Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream) trails.
[Achievements]
Performed annually; FY2013 1 inspection conducted

Organizer, participants

Ministry of Environment Towada Nature Conservation Official Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries Sanpachi Kamikita Forest Control Bureau, National Parks Foundation Towada Branch, Lake
Towada National Park Association, Aomori Prefecture, City Hall Tourism Promotion Section(2) Preventive activities for intentional causes
1) Suicide prevention activities
S: Listening salon "Kokoro no Hiroba (communication salon) Lupinas"
Target, etc.

All citizens

Purpose

Suicide prevention

Overview of activity

Citizen groups and citizens trained in listening hold a listening salon to help create a healthy mental
health. Visitors can have private consultations or talk with others at this salon.
[Achievements]
Held every fiscal year since 2009; 24 sessions were held with 58 persons held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Volunteers from the Residential Nurse Tomoshibi Kai, Kokoro no Kai, Mental Health Welfare Volunteer
Koma no Kai and Anemone, health specialists

T: Free consultations for debts and mental health
Target, etc.

Adults, senior citizens

Purpose

Suicide prevention

Overview of activity

Lawyers, scribers, mental health welfare specialists and health specialists, etc., form a team to provide
comprehensive support for paying off debts, mental care and rebuilding life.
[Achievements]
Held from FY2011; 7 sessions with 15 participants were held in FY2013

Organizer, participants

Lawyers, scribers, mental health welfare specialists and health specialists

58

Safe Community Towada

2) Activities for prevention of violence and abuse
U: Child abuse prevention network
Target, etc.

Children and students age 18 or younger

PurposePrevention of abuse

Overview of activity

The Committee for the Promotion of Measures for Aid-requiring Children was established. Discussions
and information exchanges were held with related agencies to set measures for preventing child abuse.
The committee aims to watch and support aid-requiring children, and to provide quick identification andresponse to child abuse.
[Achievements]
In FY2013, 12 staff conferences, 10 meetings to review individual cases, and six target cases werehandledOrganizer, participants

Welfare Office, Child Services, Health Department, Police Department, Medical Association, schools,
nursery schools, kindergartens, welfare officers, Social Welfare Council, City Hall's Welfare Section

V: JUMP team activities for youth crime prevention
Target, etc.

Elementary and junior high students

PurposePrevention of delinquency, elimination of bullying

Overview of activity

As activities to prevent delinquency and eliminate bullying both in and out of school, friends andcommunity members promote youth delinquency prevention and increase general awareness.
[Achievements]
In FY2013, six schools had Little JUMP teams, and 10 schools had JUMP teams

Organizer, participantsElementary and junior high schools, neighborhood associations, Police Department

W: Consultation services by counselors
Target, etc.

Children and students under age 18, women, senior citizens

PurposePrevention of abuse, and resolution of problems women face

Overview of activity

A consultation service for abuse, parenting and problems women face has been opened to provide swift
response. Support by women and home/child consultants is available, and counselors are assigned to local
elementary and junior high schools.
[Achievements]
In FY2012, counseling about aid-requiring children: 93, counseling about women: 70,
counseling about city education: 29

Organizer, participants

Welfare Office, welfare officers, Social Welfare Council, Long-term Care Insurance businesses, medical
institutions, schools, City Hall's Welfare Section

59Safe Community Towada(3) Disaster prevention activities
X: Towada City general disaster prevention drills and Voluntary Disaster prevention drills
Target, etc.

All citizens

PurposePrevention of accident damage

Overview of activity

The prefecture, city, Fire Department, Self Defense Forces, related business, etc., cooperate and carry out
hands-on drills at parks, schools, and rivers in preparation for large-scale disasters. Voluntary fire corps
and neighborhood associations also carry out voluntary disaster drills in preparation for disaster damage.
[Achievements]
In FY2013, the Towada City General Disaster Prevention Drill was held with 500 participants
Voluntary disaster prevention drills were held 15 times with 437 participants

Organizer, participants

Self Defense Forces, Aomori Prefecture, Fire Department, voluntary fire corps, Fire Equipment
Maintenance Association, Police Department, gas/electricity/water suppliers, Red Cross volunteer groups,
schools, disaster prevention groups, City Hall's related sections

Y: Disaster prevention maps and disaster prevention hazard map
Target, etc.

All citizens, each neighborhood association

PurposePrevention of accident damage

Overview of activity

A disaster prevention map was prepared to prepare for disasters and inform people of evacuation centers.
A hazard map for flooding and landslide damage, etc., was prepared to inform people of hazardous areas
and evacuation centers, and to prepare for emergencies such as disaster response.
[Achievements]
In FY2013, disaster prevention maps were distributed to 27,000 households
Landslide damage hazard maps were distributed to 115 neighborhood associations

Organizer, participants

Neighborhood associations, Fire Department, City Hall's General Affairs Section

Z: Provision of disaster information with Komaran e-mail (E-mail information provision system)
Target, etc.

All citizens

Purpose

Provision of information in emergencies

Overview of activity

Emergency information on disasters and crime prevention, etc., is distrusted using cellular phones andpersonal computers.
[Achievements]
As of March 31, 2014 2,057 persons were registered

Organizer, participants

Neighborhood associations, Fire Department, City Hall’s General Affairs Section60Safe Community Towada

Indicator 3: Programs that target high-risk groups and environments, andprograms that promote safety for vulnerable groups.
[1] High-risk Groups and Environments in Towada City
Towada City has designated the groups and environments at a high risk as follows. The background of thedesignation and measures taken are introduced in this section.
Class

Description

Group

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Foreign nationals (residents and foreign tourists)
Children and senior citizens who are being abused
People with disabilities
People contemplating suicide
HikersEnvironment

(6)
(7)

City intersections with many traffic accidents
Roads around Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream)[2] Activities for High-risk Groups and Environments
1) Foreign nationals (residents and foreign tourists) Table 3-2 Number of Registered Foreign Nationals(1) Background of high-risk designation
As of March 31, 2014, there were 189 registeredforeign nationals living in our City.
Many are from Asian countries with Koreansaccounting for 35%, followed by Filipinos (22%) andChinese (21%).
The number of foreign tourists has been increasing
every year. Between 2009 and 2013, nine foreign
nationals were transported by ambulance in our City.
However, it is difficult to ascertain the situation of
injuries by foreign residents and tourists in the city, andcharacteristic tendencies of injuries have not been
identified. Due to differences in language and customs,
it is difficult to accurately convey information toforeign nationals in the event of disasters andemergencies. This group has been set as a high-risk
group as there is a possibility that such persons will be
put at risk.
Various programs have been implemented so that
foreign nationals can received the same services andliving information, etc., regarding safety and security
as available to Japanese.

Class

No. of registeredpersons

FY2014

Male

Female189 peoples

54 peoples

135 peoples

FY2013215 peoples

53 peoples

162 peoples

FY2012219 peoples

56 peoples

163 peoples

FY2011228 peoples

61 peoples

167 peoples

Source: Basic Resident Register (as of March 31)

D.P.R
Korea Canada
2%
3%
USA
5%
Thailand
6%

Other
6%

Korea
35%
China
21%

Phillippine
22%

Fig. 3-1 Registered foreign nationals bycountry
Source: Basic Resident Register (as of March 31)

Table 3-3

Number of Foreign Tourists Transported by Ambulance
Source: Fire Department data

Class
Foreign tourist

FY20093 peoples

FY2010FY2011None

2 peoples

61

FY2012
2 peoples

FY20132 peoples

Total
9 peoplesSafe Community Towada(2) Programs for foreign nationals
Distribution of Disaster Prevention Points(Organizer: Fire Defense Headquarters)
A pamphlet introducing actions to take in the event of anearthquake or fire and information on emergency preparations ishanded out to foreign nationals that have moved to our city and toforeign tourists.
Publication of Towada City Multi-Language Citizen Information
Magazine (Organizer: Towada City)
The city works together with the Towada Association forInternational Relations to publish the periodic multi-language
citizen information magazine "Harmony".
Information on safety and security, such as actions to take in theevent of a disaster and evacuation centers, is provided in English,
Chinese and Korean. We hope the information will help foreign
residents to respond appropriately and swiftly in the event of an
injury or disaster.

2) Children and senior citizens who are being abused(1) Background of high-risk designation
There are cases where abuse victims cannot talk about their situation, and they tend to keep such abuse tothemselves. This group has been set as a high-risk group because it is difficult for children and senior citizens
abuse victims to escape on their own, and it is difficult for a third party to understand the situation.
(1)-1 State of children who are being abused
Since 2010, the number of consolations regarding children being abused has increased by 10 or more cases ayear. The main abuser is the birth mother (50%) followed by the birth father (36.0%).
Table 3-4

Number of Consultations Regarding Child Abuse and Main Abuser
Source: Towada City Women’s Consultation Center data

Unit: cases

Main abuser

Class

Number of
consultations

FY201314

FY201215

7FY201114

4FY201016

6FY2009

5

1

2

1

Total

64

18

3

34

1

8

100.0%

28.1%

4.7%

53.1%

1.6%

12.5%

Proportion

Father other thanbirth father

Birth father

1

Mother other thanbirth motherBirth mother
9

5

7

1

8

1

9

62

Total

1
1

Safe Community Towada

Physical abuse was the most common, with 43 cases. In terms of age group, abuse was highest from age 0 toelementary school age children.
Table 3-5

Type of Abuse toward Children
Unit: case

Source: Towada City Women’s Consultation Center dataClass

Physical abuse

Sexual abuse

Psychological abuse

Neglect

Total

Ratio

Age 0 to less than 3

11

1

2

14

21.9%

Age 3 to preschool

12

3

3

18

28.1%

Elementary school

12

4

4

23

35.9%

Junior high school

7

1

8

12.5%

High school, etc.

1

1

1.6%

64

100.0%

Total

3

43

3

8

10

(1)-2 State of senior citizens who are being abused
Between 2009 and 2013, there were 49 cases of violence or abuse toward senior citizens, with abuse toward
women highest at 89.8%. The abuser was a son in 47.6% of the cases, followed by a husband in 21.4% of thecases.
Table 3-6

Number of Cases of Abuse Toward Senior Citizen and Abuser
Unit: case

Source: Senior Citizen Welfare Section data (There may be multiple abusers.)
Class

Number ofhandled cases

FY20138FY2012

9Abuse victim
Male

AbuserFemaleHusband

1

Wife

Son

Daughter

Other

8

1

5

1

1

8

2

4

2

3

FY2011

9

1

8

1

4

1

3

FY2010

16

1

15

4

8

3

1

FY2009

7

2

5

2

1

3

Total

49

5

44

9

1

20

6

8

Ratio

－

10.2%

89.8%

21.4%

2.4%

47.6%

14.3%

19.0%

1

The most common type of abuse was physical abuse (46%) followed by psychological abuse (29%).
The number of victims tends to increase with age, raising concerns that the number of cases of abuse may
increase as the population ages.
Table 3-7

Types of Senior Citizen Abuse n=49 (FY2009 to 2013)
Source: Senior Citizen Welfare Section data

Physical abuse

Psychological abuse
46%

Table 3-8

Abandonment or neglect
in caregiving

Financial abuse

29%

17%

8%

Abused Senior Citizens by Age Group (FY2009 to 2013)
Source: Senior Citizen Welfare Section data

Age 65 to 74
12 persons

Age 75 to 79

Age 80 to 84

12 persons

63

11 persons

Age 85 and older
14 persons

Safe Community Towada(2)-1 Programs for children who are being abused
A. Child Abuse Prevention Network (Organizer: Towada City Task for Children Requiring Protection)
A Child Abuse Prevention Network has been established in cooperation with administration, Police
Department, Medical Association and schools, etc. This network aims to identify and protect children becauseof abuse or neglect due to parent's disinterest, etc. Support is also provided for the parents and specific pregnant
women.
In FY2013, individual case reviews were held for six reviews, and an effort was made to stop and resolve childabuse.
The Task Force is comprised of the Director Committee, Staff Committee and Individual Case Committee.
Each committee acts appropriately according to each case of abuse. The main functions are listed below.
Director Committee
Staff Committee... Review the system for supporting children requiring protection, etc.
... Comprehensively grasp state of and support for children requiring protection, etc.
Confirm main supervising agency, study and review assistance policy
Individual Case Committee ... Judge the degree of risk and degree of emergency for current cases of abuse, etc.
Grasp situation of child requiring protection, etc., confirm problem points
Table 3-9 Number of Towada City Task for Children Requiring Protection Meetings, and Number ofCases Handled by Individual Case Committee
Source: Welfare Section data
Achievements in
FY2009Class

Achievements in
FY2010

Achievements in
FY2011

Achievements in
FY2012

Achievements in
FY2013

Director Meeting

1 time1 time1 time1 time1 timeStaff Meeting

3 times

5 times

12 times

12 times

12 times

Individual Case
Meeting

10 times
Target cases: 9 cases

16 times
Target cases: 10 cases

14 times
Target cases: 12 cases

10 times
Target cases: 15 cases

8 timesTarget cases: 6 cases

B. Home visit checks to prevent abuse of infants (Organizer: Towada City)
This activity is carried out in partnership with obstetricians and child welfare officers. A checklist is usedduring home visits to give guidance to new mothers on preventing abuse caused by child-care anxieties.
Table 3-10

Number of Visits To Homes with Newborns
Source: Health Promotion Section data

Achievements in
FY2009

Achievements in
FY2010

Achievements in
FY2011

Achievements in
FY2012

293 cases

459 cases

396 cases

397 cases

Achievements in
FY2013427 cases(2)-2 Programs for senior citizens who are being abused
A. Senior citizen abuse prevention consultations and support (Organizer: Towada City)
With the Towada City Comprehensive Support Center as the base, the Police Department, doctors, care-giving
service operators, and welfare officers, etc., work together to quickly identify and respond to senior citizens
who are victims of violence or abuse.
Table 3-11

Number of Abused Senior Citizens
Source: Towada City Comprehensive Support Center data

Achievements in
FY2009

Achievements in
FY2010

Achievements in
FY2011

Achievements in
FY2012

Achievements in
FY20137 cases

16 cases

9 cases

9 cases

8 cases64

Safe Community Towada

3) People with disabilities(1) Background of high-risk designation
As of March 31, 2014, there were 2,657 persons with disabilities in Towada City. Looking at the type of
disability, 1,455 persons were physically disabled, accounting for 54.8% of all disabilities.
By class of disability, 1,068 persons were designated as Class 1, the most severe class of disability accounting
for 40.2% of all disabilities.
Persons with disabilities have been positioned as a high-risk group because they could be subject to harm if
response is delayed in an emergency such as a disaster. Appropriate measures are being implemented.
Table 3-12 Number of Persons Issued a Physically Disabled Person's Handbook (as of March 31, 2014)
Source: Welfare Section data
Class

Visual and hearing
impairment

Hearing equilibrium
function

161 persons

183 persons

Table 3-13

SpeechPhysicaldisability

Internal
dysfunction

17 persons

1,455 persons

841 persons

Total
2,657 persons

Number of Handbooks Issued by Physical Disability Class (as of March 31, 2014)
Source: Welfare Section data

Class

Visual and hearing
impairment

Hearing equilibrium
function

Class 165 persons

6 personsClass 230 persons

47 persons

Class 313 persons

Class 412 persons

Class 522 persons

1 personPhysicaldisability

Internal
dysfunction

Total

411 persons

586 persons

1,068 persons

40.2%

1 person372 persons

6 persons456 persons

17.2%

34 persons

10 persons

212 persons

87 persons

356 persons

13.4%

20 persons

6 persons330 persons

162 persons

530 persons

19.9%

113 persons

4.3%

Speech90 persons

Class 619 persons

75 persons

134 persons

5.0%

Total

161 persons

183 persons

17 persons

1,455 persons

841 persons

2,657 persons

100.0%

Ratio

6.1%

6.9%

0.6%

54.8%

31.7%

100.0%-* Class 1 (severe)

40 persons

Proportion

Class 6 (minor)

As of March 31, 2014, there were 525 mentally disabled persons in our city. 211 persons had severe disabilities,
and 314 had minor disabilities.
Table 3-14 Number of Persons Issued a Mentally Disabled Person's Handbook (as of March 31, 2014)
Source: Welfare Section data
Severe mental disorderClass

Minor mental disorder

Disabled child

Disabled adult

Total (1)25 persons

186 persons

211 persons

Disabled child

Disabled adult

Total (2)Total
(1) + (3)72 persons

242 persons

314 persons

525 persons

As of March 31, 2014, there were 542 psychologically disabled persons in Towada City. 183 persons had
severe disabilities.
Table 3-15

Number of Persons with Psychological Disability (as of March 31, 2014)
Source: Welfare Section data
Class

* Class 1 (severe)

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3183 peoples

274 peoples

85 peoples

Class 3 (minor)

65

Total
542 peoples

Safe Community Towada(2) Programs for disabled persons
A. Disaster time assistance requiring person support program
A directory of disabled persons and senior citizens, etc., who cannot evacuate on their own in the event of adisaster has been prepared. The neighborhood associations and community supporters in the area confirm thesafety of such persons and help with evacuations.
B. Establishment of Towada City Disabled Person Support Council
A council comprised of medical and disability welfare related business operators and welfare officers has been
set to comprehensively support the daily life and social life of disabled persons.
C. Establishment of welfare evacuation centers
Twenty businesses operating social welfare facilities, etc., and the city have entered into an agreement to secure
welfare evacuation centers. Evacuation centers are prepared for disabled persons and senior citizens, etc., who
require physical care or communication support in the event of a disaster. (38 facilities as of October 1, 20140
4) People contemplating of suicide(1) Background of high-risk designation
Persons who are contemplating suicide or who have attempted suicide are at risk of repeating the action. Thus,
they have been designated as a high-risk group, and preventive measures, etc., have been implemented.
(2) Programs for persons contemplating suicide
Partnership with specialized medicine for early treatment
When a person is taken to the hospital by ambulance, the emergency response doctors introduce the patient to
the Mental Health Department during the treatment. With the patient's consent, treatment is carried out together
with the Mental Health Department.
5) Hikers(1) Background of high-risk designation
The area to the west of our city is mountainous, with the South Hakkoda mountain range and a sonma that
encloses Lake Towada, etc. Many people from both in and out of Towada City enter the mountains to pick
mountain vegetables and to climb the mountains, etc.
Between 2009 and 2013, there were 44 mountain accidents in the Towada Police Department district. Of those,
55% could not get down the mountain on their own and had to be rescued. There have also been cases wherethe victim died or was never found. Thus, hikers have been designated as a high-risk group. (Page 47, Fig. 231)
(2) Programs for hikers
Mountain accident prevention activities (Organizer: Aomori Prefecture Mountain Accident Prevention
Activity Task Force)
The Towada Police Department, municipalities, Alpine Society and tourism operators collaborate to publicize
information on mountain accidents during mountain vegetable picking, mountain climbing or skiing, etc.
Posters calling for caution are posted and patrols, etc., are conducted to prevent hiker accidents.

66

Safe Community Towada

6) City intersections with many traffic accidents(1) Background of high-risk designation
There are intersections in the city where traffic accidents resulting in injury or death occur. Between 2008 and2010, intersections with many traffic accidents were designated as a high risk.
Table 3-16

Frequent Traffic Accidents
Source: Towada Police Department data

Intersections with frequent traffic accidents

Situation from 2008 to 2009

Measures

East side of former Higashino Housing
Complex

7 cases of crossing collisions, 1 casewhile crossing road, 3 cases of rear-end
collisions

Signs posted on utility poles from 2012
Color pavement is scheduled for 2014

Inaou Bridge

4 cases of collision between rightturning vehicle and straight travelingvehicle, 4 cases rear-end collisions

Higashi Juniban-cho (in front of Sanko Bolt) 8 cases of crossing collisions
Higashi Sanban-cho (near Setoyama Park)

Signs posted on utility poles from 2012
Color pavement is scheduled for 2014

8 cases of crossing collisions(2) Programs for intersections with frequent traffic accidents
Call for vehicle driver attention
Posters showing intersections with frequent accidents were posted at public facilities and gas stands, etc., toinform drivers of places of caution. In addition, color pavement and signs on utility poles were used to alert
vehicle drivers to stop once and prevent traffic accidents.

Before coloring

After coloring67

 To prevent traffic accidents caused bydriver's failure to look at traffic signs,
the roads were paved with color
pavement to call for attention.
In 2009 before the pavement wascolored, there were 6 accidents
resulting in injury or death
In 2011 after the pavement wascolored, only 6 accidents resulting ininjury or death occurredSafe Community Towada

7) Roads around Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream)(1) Background of high-risk designation
Tourists to Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream), etc., drive their cars and motorcycles on Rt.
394, which connects Towada City to Aomori City.
This road has some sharp curves and sleep inclines, and if a traffic accident occurs, it takes time for emergency
services to arrive. In both 2012 and 2013, there was a fatal motorcycle accident. The same situation could
occur on the roads around Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu (mountain stream), so this area has been positioned
as a high-risk environment.
(2) Programs for preventing traffic accidents on roads around Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu(mountain stream)
Cautions to motorcycle riders
Information on road conditions is provided to motorcycle riders traveling in the mountainous area. Riders arealerted and reminded to drive safely.

 QR code is provided for weather
information and other warnings
currently being broadcast in theprefecture.
 Road information indicating
curves and inclinations isprovided.

68Safe Community Towada

Indicator 4: Programs Based on Available Evidence[1] Eight Priority Issues in Towada City
In Towada City, priority issues have been identified from the analysis of accident and injury data. These issues
have been set as a priority in our Safe Community programs, and following eight task forces have been
established to implement preventive measures.
Table 3-17

Priority Issues in Towada City

Issue

Area

 In deaths caused by injury, suicide is the highest in most age groups. (Page 17: Table 2-2)
 Towada City has more deaths by suicide per 100,000 persons compared to national and Aomori
Prefecture levels. (Page 23: Fig. 2-8)

(1) Suicide prevention

 The death rate of senior citizens from accidents is high. (Page 19: Table 2-4)
 The rate of injury is high among senior citizens. The main cause is injury from falling (over and down) (2) Elderly safety
during daily life. (Page 28: Fig. 2-16, Page 38: Fig. 2-18)
 Towada City has more accidents resulting in injury or death per 100,000 persons compared to Aomori
Prefecture levels. (Page 41: Fig. 2-29)
 75.0% of fatal traffic accidents while walking involve senior citizens.(Page 41: Table 2-20)
 During the winter, snow makes it difficult to ensure the availability of sidewalks. (Page 6: Table 1-2)

(3) Traffic accident
prevention

 The population is aging each year, fueling insecurities regarding disasters. (Page 7: Table 1-3)
 Each year, there are deaths from building fires. (Page 44: Fig. 2-26)(4) Disaster prevention

 The rate of injury in the age 0 to 4 range is high. Most injuries are occurring at home (indoors).
(Page 29: Fig. 2-7, Page 31: Table 2-10).
 53% of injuries during elementary school management hours occurred during recess.
(Page 35: Fig. 2-18)(5) Child safety

 Labor accidents occur in various fields including manufacturing, business and construction, etc. (Page39: Fig. 2-26)
 Many farming accidents involve persons age 60 or older. (Page 40: Fig. 2-28)(6) Work safety

Consultations regarding child or senior citizen abuse are received. (Page 48: Fig. 2-32)(7) Violence and abuse
prevention

 Injuries are occurring during leisure activities involving sports. (Page 45: Fig. 2-27)
 Towada City has a tourist area, so it is necessary to provide safety measures for tourists.
(Page 10: Table 1-9)

(8) Safety during
leisure(sports, tourism)[2] Programs for Priority Issues
Towada City has set cross-sectoral task forces for the eight task forces. Information is shared on various issues,and prevention activities are developed. The programs of each task force are explained from page 74.

69

Safe Community Towada

Indicator 5: Programs That Documents the Frequency and Causes of Injuries[1] Composition and Role of Towada City Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee
The Towada Safe Community Injury Surveillance Committee has been established as an injury surveillance toinvestigate and record injuries, etc., and review how to evaluate programs.
This Council is related to Indicators 4, 5 and 6, and its members include specialists from medical or healthrelated administration, and experts with relative knowledge and experience such as university professors. The
composition of council members is shown on page 52.

[2] General Image of Injury Surveillance Data
The council grasps the situation from death by injury to experiences of close calls by age group. Details of thedata are provided on the following pages in alphabetic classification.
Infants, preschoolers, children(Age 0 to 14)

Youth and adults(Age 15 to 64)

B. Police statistics (number of deaths by traffic accidents, number of suicides)
C. Emergency transport data (number of injured persons)D. Fire Department annual data (number of deaths by fire)
I. Medical institution consultation data (number of injured persons)F. Labor accident statistics (number of
injuries from industrial accidents)

G. Records on elementary school and junior highschool disaster mutual aid payments (Number of
injured pupils and students)

Minor

Moderate

SeriousDeath

A. Demographic statistics (number of deaths by injury)

Close-call experience

L. Survey on safe management of youth sports teams
M. Confirmation survey on farming safety
N. Survey on safety measures forcompanies and businesses, etc.
H. Healthy Towada 21 survey
J. Survey on safe and secure city planning
K. Awareness survey for parents of infants and toddlers
E. Data on consultations for violence and abuse, etc.

70

Senior citizens(Age 65 and older)Safe Community Towada[3] Data Comprising Injury Surveillance
Towada City uses existing data from administrative agencies, and also collects data from seven local surgery
and orthopedics departments with the cooperation of the Medical Association.
Data is also collected with surveys, etc., and used to comprise the injury surveillance data.
1) Existing data from administrative agencies
Class

Data

SourceTargetPriority issue

Recording freq.

A

Demographic statistics

Ministry of HealthAll citizens

All issues

Every 3 years

B

Police statistics

Police Department

All citizens

All issues

Every year

C

Emergency transport data

Fire Defense
headquarters

All citizens

All issues

Every year

D
E
F

G

H

Fire Department annual data

Fire Defense
headquarters

All citizens

Disasterprevention

Every year

Data on consultations for violence andabuse, etc.

City Hall

Minors, women,
senior citizens

Violence andabuse

Every year

Labor accident statistics

Labor Standards
Inspection OfficeWorkers

Work safety

Every year

Records on elementary school andjunior high school disaster mutual aid
payments

Board of Education

Elementary andjunior high studentsChild safety

Every year

Healthy Towada 21 survey

City HallAll citizens

Suicideprevention

Every year

Priority issue

Recording freq.

All issues

Every year

Priority issue

Recording freq.

2) Medical institution consult data
Class
I

Data
Medical institution consult data

SourceTargetSurgery and orthopedics
All citizens
departments

3) Data from various surveys
Class

Data

SourceTargetJ

Survey on safe and secure city planning

City HallAll citizens

All issues

From 2013

K

Awareness survey for parents of infants andtoddlers

City Hall

Parents of infants andtoddlers

Child safety

From 2014

L

Survey on safe management of youth sports
teams

City Hall

Representatives ofyouth sports teams

Leisure activities

From 2014

M

Confirmation survey on farming safety

City Hall

FamersWork safety

From 2014

Survey on safety measures for companies
and businesses, etc.

Labor Standards
Stipulation Office

Companies andbusinesses

Suicideprevention
Work safety

From 2014

N

71

Safe Community Towada[4] Plans To Collect Various Data
Plans for long-term and continuous recording and collection of injury data are shown below. Details ofinvestigations are reviewed and surveys are conducted as necessary.
● indicates data collection interval
Class

Data

A

Demographic statistics

B

Police statistics

C

Emergency transport data

DFire Department annual data

E

2009

2010

2011

2012

●
●

2013

2014

●

●

2015
2016
2017
(planed) (planed) (planed)
●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Data on consultations forviolence and abuse, etc.

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

F

Labor accident statistics

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

G

Records on elementary schooland junior high school disastermutual aid payments

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

H

Healthy Towada 21 survey

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

I

Medical institution consult data

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

J

Survey on safe and secure city
planning

●

●

●

●

●

K

Awareness survey for parents ofinfants and toddlers

●

●

●

L

Survey on safe management ofyouth sports teams

●

●

●

M

Confirmation survey on farming
safety●●●N

Survey on safety measures forcompanies and businesses, etc.

●

●

●

●

72

Safe Community Towada

Indicator 6: Evaluation Measures To Assess Policies, Programs, Processes andthe Effects of Change[1] Management of Safe Community Program Progress
Towada City uses the Plan, Do, Check and Action cycle to promote continuous Safe Community activities
based on the injury surveillance data.

(4)
Programimplementation[Do][Action 4]

Japan Institute of Safe Communities[Action 5](3)
Program plan
[Plan](5)
Activity
evaluation(6)
Short-term
evaluation[Check1](2)
Identificationof challenges(1)
Safetydiagnosis(8)Long-term
evaluation[Check3]

External
evaluation

Injury data

Secretariat(7)
Mid-term
evaluation[Check2]

Priority Task Forces(City Planning Support Section)

Injury Surveillance

Safe Community Promotion Council

Safe Community Exploratory
Committee(Cit hall organi ation)(9) Evaluation of general Safe Community activities [Check 4](10) Decision of direction of Safe Community activity

Community
Fig. 3-2

System diagram of Safe Community program progress management73Safe Community Towada[2] Program Indicators, Measurement and Evaluation for Each Priority Issue
In Towada City, programs being carried out for priority challenges are evaluated with a short-term, mid-termand long-term perspective. This section introduces the main assessments at this stage.
1)-1 Suicide prevention measures
Program nameMental Health Creation

Challenge

The rate of male suicides is high (Page 19, Table 2-4)
Many people planning suicide suffer from psychological ailments such as depression(Page 27, Fig. 2-13, Fig. 2-14)

Goal

Increase the number of people who know the symptoms and measures for depression
Hold community health classes and distribute pamphlets to educate the community about
depression.
[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]All citizens[Activity]

Use existing "Community Health Class" program[Personnel]

Health supporters, health promotion volunteers, super drugstores, Health Center,etc.

Achievements andfuture plans

Achievements
2009

Number of Community
Health Classes held
Participants

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

10 sessions
351 peoples

6 sessions
327 peoples

14 sessions
400 peoples

17 sessions
468 peoples

Continuing

New

Continue●Distribute pamphlets at super drug store

Task Force involvement●Distribute pamphlets at libraries, bookstores (increase)
11 sessions

12 sessions

22,800
pamphlets

21,500
pamphlets

Continuing(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Number of people who know the symptoms ofand measures for depression[Measurement]
Healthy Towada 21 survey(Table 3-18)(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator]
Number of people using Kokoro Consultation
service[Measurement]
Health Center survey (Table 3-19)[Indicator]
Number of deaths by suicide[Measurement]
Cabinet Office “Metropolitan Police
Department suicide statistics” (Table 3-20)(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation

74

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
Of the 676 people who responded to the Healthy Towada 21 survey conducted by the city in 2013, 35.3%
responded that they "knew the symptoms of and measures for depression".
Table 3-18

Percentage of People Who Knew the Symptoms of and Measures for Depression n=676
Source: FY2013 Healthy Towada 21 Survey (Health Promotion Section)
Know

Class

Don’t know
35.3%

64.7%

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
Use of the "Kokoro Health(Mental Health) Consultations" service provided by the Health Center has lead toan increase in clients.
Table 3-19

State of Kokoro Health(Mental Health) Consultations Service
Source: Towada City Health Center survey

The number of clients has been tabulated separately for men and women since 2010. In 2013, the gender of one client was
unknown, the total of men and women does not match.
Unit: people
Class

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Male clients

－

33

45

48

57

Female clients

－

60

71

54

105

Total

91

93

116

102

*163

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
The number of male suicide victims decreased from 16 in 2009 to 10 in 2013.
The number of female suicide victims decreased from 11 in 2009 to 4 in 2011, but increased to 10 in 2013.
Table 3-20

Number of Suicide Victims in Towada City

Source: Metropolitan Police Department suicide statistics (Cabinet Office)
Class

2009

2010

2011

2012

Unit: people
2013

Male suicide victims

16

19

21

12

10

Female suicide victims

11

11

4

5

10

Total

27

30

25

17

20

75

Safe Community Towada

1)-2 Suicide prevention measures
Program nameSupport for persons suffering from mental disorders

Challenge

The rate of suicides by persons in their prime is high

GoalOpen a listening salon where persons can easily seek advice
Listening salon is held on 2nd and 4th Saturday[Source of funds] Listening volunteer groups、Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Citizens[Activity]

Training of listening volunteers[Personnel]

Listening volunteer groups, City Health Center
Achievements

Achievements andfuture plans

2009

2010

Number of listening
salon sessions
Total number of clients

Trial

Salon
opened

6 sessions
10 peoples

23 sessions
39 peoples

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation

Plan (scheduled)

2011

2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue
24 sessions
40 peoples

24 sessions
73 peoples● Salon proposed by Task Force member and opened● Participation as listening volunteers[Indicator]
Recognition of listening salon "Kokoro no
Hiroba (communication salon) Lupinas"

24 sessions
58 peoples● Promotion of Lupinas[Measurement]
1) Business survey (Table 3-21)
2) Citizen survey

1) Recognition by companies and businesses
2) Recognition by citizens[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of clients to listening salon "Kokoro no Survey of listening salon "Kokoro no Hiroba
Hiroba (communication salon) Lupinas"(communication salon) Lupinas" organizers(Table 3-22)

Listening salon "Kokoro no Hiroba(communication salon) Lupinas"
Hours : Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 10:00 to
13:30
Place : Kinro Seinen Home76

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term, mid-term)
14% of the companies that responded to the "Survey on safety measures for companies and businesses, etc."
conducted by the city in 2014 said they knew about the listening salon "Lupinas".
The city citizens will be surveyed at a later date.
Table 3-21

Recognition of Listening Salon "Lupinas" n=154

Source: Survey on safety measures for companies and businesses, etc.
(City Planning Support Section)
Know

Class

Don’t know
14%

86%

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
Since first opening in 2008, the total number of clients has been increasing, and the salon is being used as aplace where people can easily seek advice.
Table 3-22

Number of Listening Salon "Lupinas" Clients (Total number)
Source: Lupinas Organizer survey

The number of clients has been tabulated separately for men and women since 2010
Class

2009

2010

Unit: people

2011

2012

2013

Male clients

－

6

24

56

35

Female clients

－

33

16

17

23

Total

10

39

40

73

58

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (suicide prevention)
From the seminars on listening organized by the city, some of the participants established a volunteer group andstarted activities in collaboration with the administration. The Task Force members worked as leaders and together
with the volunteer group opened the listening salon "Kokoro no Hiroba (communication salon) Lupinas". This
program has continued for more than three months, and has become a foundation for suicide prevention measures.
● Future directions
Looking back at the project, we realized that measures for men in their prime are weak. We will work with theLabor Safety Task Force to review mental health care available at companies and businesses, and put an effort tostrengthen measures for workers.

77

Safe Community Towada2)-1 Safety Measures for Senior Citizens
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Oral cavity exercise training program
The number of deaths by Unintentional "choking" is high (Page 19, Table 2-4)
Reduce the number of accidents caused by "choking"
Prevent choking deaths through oral cavity exercises and training to improve life functions[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Senior citizens[Activity]

Utilize existing "Yukko de Iki Iki Yukko de Iki Iki Exchange Program[Personnel]

In-Home Nursing Support Center, Towada City, etc.
Achievements

Achievements andfuture plans
Number of Yukko de Iki Iki
Exchange Program sessions
Participants

Task Force involvement

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

600 sessions
624 peoples

564 sessions
624 peoples

597 sessions
641 peoples

603 sessions
611 peoples

607 sessions
610 peoples● Call out to participants(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Number of participants[Measurement]
Comprehensive Support Center survey(Table 3-23)(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator]
Percentage of people whose oral cavity haschanged[Measurement]
Survey of Yukko de Iki Iki Exchange Program
participants (Table 3-24)(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of persons transported by ambulance for Emergency transport data (Table 3-25)
choking78

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
The number of Yukko de Iki Iki Exchange Program participants is declining.
Table 3-23

Number of Yukko de Iki Iki Exchange Program Participants
Source: City Comprehensive Support Center

Class

2009

Participants

2010

2011

2012

2013

624 peoples

624 peoples

641 peoples

611 peoples

610 peoples(Total 18,732 peoples)(Total 16,835 peoples)(Total 17,601 peoples)(17,041 peoples)(Total 17,000 peoples)

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
About 40% of the persons who responded to the survey of Yukko de Iki Iki Program participants conducted in2012 said that their oral cavity had changed.
Table 3-24

Changes from Oral Cavity Exercises

n=611

Source: FY2012 Yukko de Iki Iki Exchange Program Participant survey(City Comprehensive Support Center)
Secretion of saliva increased

20%

Don't choke as often

14%

Dentures fit better

3%

Others6%

No change

57%

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
The number of senior citizens transported by ambulance for choking has increased. However, there have been
deaths and persons with serious to moderate injury requiring hospitalization.
Table 3-25

Number of 65 and Older Persons Transported by Ambulance Because of Choking
Source: Emergency transport data
Class

2011

2012

Unit: people
2013

Death

4

3

2

Serious143Moderate

2

4

2

Minor

1

1

Unknown

2

Total

10

12

The degree of injury is categorized by the initial medical consultation, etc.
Serious : Estimated hospitalization for three or more weeks
Moderate : Estimated hospitalization for two days or more
Minor
: Only medical examination

79

7

Safe Community Towada2)-2 Safety Measures for Senior Citizens
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Improvement of home environment
There are many injuries from falling(over and down) (Page 37, Table 2-17)
Reduce injuries caused by falling(over and down) in the home
Call for improvement of home environment required to prevent falling[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

Achievements andfuture plans
Community Iki Iki Class
Number of sessions
Total number of participants[Target]Community Iki Iki Class participants[Activity]

Utilize existing Community Iki Iki Class programs[Personnel]

Safe Community Towada Promotion Group, In-home Care Support Center, etc.
Achievements

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

Continue
295 sessions

272 sessions

324 sessions

324 sessions

328 sessions

3,785 peoples

3,260 peoples

3,993 peoples

3,865 peoples

3,936 peoples● Preparation of home safety map
Task Force involvement

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Utilize check sheet● Request cooperation from In-home Care Support Center(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
1) Number of participants who think they can
prevent falling over in the class2) Number of participants who are making aneffort to not place objects on the floor(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of participants who are improving their In-home Care Support Center survey
home environment (barrier free)(Table 3-27)[Indicator]
1) Number of participants seeking medical(Long-term)
diagnosis because of falling over at home
Changes in state or situation
2) Medical costs for injuries

80[Measurement]
In-home Care Support Center survey(Table 3-26)[Measurement]
1) In-home Care Support Center survey2) National health Insurance and medical costs
for late-stage elderly peopleSafe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
In a random survey conducted by seven in-home care support centers in 2014,of the 99 Community Iki Iki
Class participants, 90% thought they could prevent falling over in the home.
81% responded that they were making an effort to not place objects on the floor.
Table 3-26

Recognition of Community Iki Iki Class Participants

n=99

Source: Random survey by seven in-home care support centers in 2014

Class

Participants who thought
they could prevent falling over at home
Yes

n=99

Participants making an effort
to not place objects on the floor

No
90%

Yes
10%

No
81%

19%

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
In a random survey conducted by seven in-home care support centers in 2014, of the 99 Community Iki Iki
Class participants, 42% responded that they had taken barrier free measures in the home by adding handrails
and eliminating steps, etc.
A check sheet showing where persons can easily falling over in the home will be prepared to promote thenecessity of barrier free measures.
Table 3-27

Actions of Community Iki Iki Class Participants

n=99

Source: Random Survey by Seven In-home Care Support Centers in 2014
Class

Measures taken

n=99

Measures not taken
42%

81

58%

Safe Community Towada2)-3 Safety Measures for Senior Citizens
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Senior Citizen Safety Mimamori Network
The number of elderly husband-wife households and elderly single-person households is increasing(Page 7, Table 1-4)
Create a mimamori network to prevent solitary deaths of senior citizens and to be prepared for
emergencies. Lead to early discovery and early reporting.
Increase awareness of Senior Citizen Safety Mimamori Network[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Neighborhood associations and private corporations, etc.

[Activity][Personnel]

Neighborhood association, postal companies, newspaper delivery companies,
Towada City, etc.
Achievements

Achievements and future plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

Number of registeredmimamori supporters

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

New

Continue

Registeredgroups66 groups● Promotion of policy

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Percentage of people aware of mimamori
support policy[Indicator](Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions Number of registered mimamori supporters(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of cases reported by registeredmimamori supporters

82[Measurement]
Citizen survey[Measurement]
City Hall data (Table 3-28)[Measurement]
City Hall data

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)This is a new program, so we will conduct surveys to understand the effectEvaluation of program performance (mid-term)
As of the end of December 2013, 66 groups were registered. We aim to register 150 groups by the end of
March 2015.
Table 3-28

Number of registered Senior Citizen Safety Mimamori Supporter Groups
Source: Senior citizen survey

Class
No. of registered groups

No. of groups registered in
December 2013
66 groups→

Target No. of registered groups
by end of March 2015→

150 groups

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (senior citizen safety)
Collaboration with administration and the community has been established for measures for senior citizens. The
number of places where programs are held has increased, and program content has become substantial over theyears. However, we realized that direct approaches for preventing mis-swallowing are weak because there are few
male participants.
Participants from care-prevention businesses have indicated that maintenance and improvement of oral cavity
functions has been observed. We have also heard that singing exercises to improve muscle strength and generalincrease in activity have been effective.
● Future directions
Data to show an improvement in physical functions was not collected, so from 2014, data to show the effect ofthe programs will be collected from new participants.
The rate of aging in Towada City is continuing to increase. We will work to grasp the situation of senior citizens
with dementia, and to develop new programs. Energetic senior citizens with a low-risk will be positioned as"Energetic Seniors (provisional name)", and we will support them as they participate in society and find a
purpose in life.

83Safe Community Towada3)-1 Traffic Accident Prevention Measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Promotion of reflector use
The number of fatal accidents among pedestrians is high, and is particularly high in the age 65 anolder group (Page 41, Table 2-20)
Reduce the number fatal accidents among pedestrians
Visit homes to promote caution and distribute reflectors.
[Source of funds]

Details, etc.

Association of Mothers for Traffic Safety, neighborhood associations, Police
Department, Towada City

[Target]Senior citizens[Activity]

Utilize existing "Senior Citizen Home Visit" program[Personnel]

Association of Mothers for Traffic Safety, neighborhood associations, Police
Department, Towada City, etc.
Achievements

Achievements and future plans
Senior Citizen Home
Visit program

2009

2010

Plan (scheduled)

2011

2012

2013

ExpandNumber of homes visited
505 homes

722 homes

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue

1,013 homes

1,175 homes

1,289 homes● Promote caution and distribute reflectors● Attach reflectors to shoes●Select area to distribute materials based on where senior citizen accidents
occur

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Persons who want reflectors
Persons who have reflectors[Measurement]
Citizen Survey regarding Towada City Safe andSecure City Planning (Table 3-29) (Table 3-30)[Indicator]
Number of pedestrians injured in traffic
accident[Measurement]
Emergency transport data (Table 3-31)

 Call for caution against traffic
accidents through home visits Attaching reflectors

84

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term, mid-term)
In the citizen survey of persons visiting the Public Hall Festival, conducted by the city in 2013, of the 150
respondents age 60 or older 57% responded that they have reflectors.
Of the 47 who responded that they don't have reflectors, 68% said they wanted reflectors, indicating that they
were aware of the effect of reflectors. Thus, we will inform people on where they can purchase reflectors.
This survey will be conducted every year, and will be targeted at people age 65 and older from the next survey.
Table 3-29

Number of Persons Age 60 and Older Who Have Reflectors
Source: 2012 Citizen Survey regarding Towada City Safe and Secure City Planning(City Planning Support Section)

Class

Persons with reflectors

Reflector possession(n=150)

Table 3-30

Persons without reflectors
57%

43%

Awareness of Persons Age 60 and Older Who Do Not Have Reflectors

Source: 2012 Citizen Survey regarding Towada City Safe and Secure City Planning (City Planning Support Section)
Class

Want reflectors

Persons who don't have reflectors(n=47)

Don't want reflectors
68%

32%

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
In 2013, four people age 65 and older were transported by ambulance for traffic accidents they were involvedin while walking.
Table 3-31 Number of Persons Age 65 or Older Transported by Ambulance for Injuries Sustained in
Traffic Accident While Walking
Source: Emergency transport data
Class
Number of injured persons

2011

2012

4 peoples
Of which, 1 death

10 peoples
Of which, 1 death

85

2013
4 peoples
Of which, no deaths

Safe Community Towada

3)-2 Traffic Accident Prevention Measures
Program nameIntersection accident countermeasure program

Challenge

45.4% of traffic accidents occur at intersections (Page 41, Table 2-21)

Goal

Reduce the number of traffic accidents involving automobiles at intersections
Take traffic accident prevention measures at intersections with frequent accidents resulting in injury
or death[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Intersections with high rates of accidents resulting in injury or death[Activity]

Use City Road Maintenance Project[Personnel]

Police Department, Traffic Safety Association, neighborhood associations,
Towada City, etc.

Achievements andfuture plans

Achievements
2009

City Road
Maintenance Project
Number of places withcolor pavement
Ads on utility poles

2010

Plan (scheduled)

2011

2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

10 places
1 places

1 places
7 places

7 places

7 places

2 places
4 places● Understanding of intersections with high rates ofaccidents resulting in injury or death

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Number of intersections with high rates ofaccidents resulting in injury or death[Measurement]
Towada Police Department data

(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator]
Number of designated intersections withcountermeasures[Measurement]
City Hall data

(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of traffic accidents at designatedintersections[Measurement]
Towada Police Department data (Table 3-32)

Evaluation of program performance (short-term, mid-term, long-term)
In 2008, there were 18 accidents resulting in injury or death at 11 intersections with a high rate of accidents.
In 2010, ten intersections were treated with color pavement, and in 2011, one intersection was treated. As aresult, the number of accidents resulting in injury or death dropped to five cases.
Table 3-32
Source: Number of accidents resulting in injury or death at color-paved intersections(Towada Police Department data)
Class
Number of accidents resulting
in injury or death

2009

2010

18 cases

7 cases86

2011
12 cases2012
5 casesSafe Community Towada3)-3 Traffic Accident Prevention Measures
Program nameSidewalk snow removal volunteer project

Challenge

During the winter, snow makes it difficult to ensure sidewalk space (Page 6, Table 1-2)

Goal

Ensure a safe sidewalk for pedestrians and students commuting to school during winterNeighborhood associations, etc., remove snow from sidewalks and school routes in the community[Source of funds] Neighborhood associations, Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Pedestrians[Activity]

Removal of snow from sidewalks[Personnel]

Neighborhood associations, Towada City, etc.
Achievements

Achievements and future plans
Number of registered snow
removal volunteers
Registered groups
Distance cleared

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

20 groups
27.4 km18 groups
27.6 km20 groups
29.0 km22 groups
32.7 km24 groups
35.7 km● Call out for snow removal volunteers[Indicator]
Number of registered snow removal volunteer
groups[Measurement]
City Hall data

[Indicator]
Distance cleared[Measurement]
City Hall data (Table 3-33)

Evaluation of program performance (short-term, mid-term, long-term)
The number of registered groups has increased each year, leading to a longer distance of cleared sidewalks.
Table 3-3 Number of Registered Snow Removal Volunteer Groups and Sidewalk DistanceSource: Civil Engineering Section
Class

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Number of groups

20 groups

18 groups

20 groups

22 groups

24 groups

Sidewalk distance

27.4 km27.6 km29.0 km32.7 km

35.7 km

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (traffic accident prevention)
The rate of accident resulting in injury or death was the worst in the prefecture in 2009, but improved to fourth worst
in 2014, indicating that the awareness of all citizens to prevent traffic accidents has increased.
The Task Force worked to confirm statistics and data, and to share information, allowing interested agencies andgroups to exchange information and collaborate. We were able to review existing projects.
● Future directions
By reviewing projects and activities, we see that various measures were taken since our certification in 2008.
However, there are few measures oriented towards adults, and we recognized the need to implement measures toprevent bicycle accidents involving senior citizens. We will continue to collaborate with related agencies, andwill increase new groups and organizations as we increase our range of activities.

87Safe Community Towada4)-1 Disaster Prevention measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Promotion of residential smoke detectors
There are deaths from residential fires each year (Page 44, Table 2-26)
Reduce the number of deaths from residential fires
Call for the installation of residential smoke detectors[Source of funds] Fire Department headquarters

Details, etc.

[Target]All citizens[Activity]

Utilize existing "Fire Department Headquarters Seminars (Delivery Classes)"[Personnel]

Fire Department headquarters, Women’s Fire Prevention Club, neighborhood
associations, City Hall, etc.
Achievements

Achievements andfuture plans
Number of seminars(delivery classes) held
Participants

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions

2009

2010

Plan (scheduled)

2011

2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue

Expand
7 sessions
170 peoples

9 sessions
186 peoples

2 sessions
75 peoples

7 sessions
184 peoples●Distribute pamphlets on the installation,
maintenance and management, of smoke detectors,
etc., to neighborhood association chairs at theGeneral Meeting of the Federation of
Neighborhood Associations

7 sessions
184 peoples

Continue●Promote the maintenance andcontrol of residential smoke
detectors[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of installed residential smoke detectors Fire Department headquarters data (Fig. 3-19)[Indicator](Long-term)
Changes in state or situation Number of deaths from residential fires

88[Measurement]
Fire Department headquarters data (Fig. 3-20)

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term, mid-term)%

Nationwide

Towada area

The installation rate of residential smoke detectors isincreasing yearly.
However, the rate is still low compared to national
levels.

Fig. 3-3 Transition of residential smoke detector
installation rate
Source: Fire Department data
* The surveyed district differs each year, so there are some years
where the residential smoke detector installation rate has dropped.

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
There are still deaths from residential fires.
PeopleInjured

Death

Fig. 3-4 Transition of deaths from residential firesin Towada City
Source: Fire Department headquarters data

89

Safe Community Towada

4)-2 Disaster Prevention measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Disaster awareness enhancement program
Preparation of senior citizens and disabled persons in the event of a fire are a concern
Increase awareness for preparing for disasters, etc.
Aim to increase “self-help” and “cooperation” in preparation for disasters[Source of funds] Fire Defense headquarters

Details, etc.

[Target]All citizens[Activity]

Voluntary disaster drills by voluntary disaster prevention groups andneighborhood associations[Personnel]

Fire Department headquarters, women’s fire prevention club, neighborhood
associations, Towada City
Achievements

Achievements and future plans
Voluntary disasterprevention drills
Number of sessions
Participants

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

17 sessions
641 peoples

2 sessions
105 peoples

5 sessions
136 peoples

16 sessions
307 peoples

15 sessions
437 peoples●Call for drill participants

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of persons participating in evacuation
drills and fire extinguishing drills[Measurement]
Fire Department headquarters data (Table 3-34)[Indicator][Measurement](Self-help) Rate of persons who have worked to Citizen survey (Table 3-35)
improve their environment in preparation fordisasters[Indicator](Cooperation) Number of persons participatingin evacuation drills and fire extinguishing drills
in preparation for disasters

90[Measurement]
Citizen survey (Table 3-36)

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
The number of persons participating in evacuation and fire drills is increasing. Participants have increased
since the Great Tohoku Earthquake in 2011.
Table 3-34

Evacuation Drill, Fire Drill Achievements
Source: Fire Department headquarters data

Class

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Participants

1,615 peoples

1,595 peoples

1,552 peoples

1,730 peoples

2,325 peoples

Number of sessions

21 sessions

19 sessions

29 sessions

24 sessions

31 sessions

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term, long-term)
Table 3-35 Preparation for Disasters(Multiple answers possible) n=318
Source: Citizen's Survey at the 2013 Public Hall Festival(City Planning Support Section)Class

Self-help

Cooperation

Item

Ratio

Residential smoke detector installed

54.7%

Fire extinguisher, bucket prepared

44.7%

Furniture, etc., fixed or reinforced

41.5%

Food stock (3 day’s worth)

35.2%

Evacuation path, evacuation site confirmed

24.2%

Building earthquake resistance diagnosed, building
and walls reinforced

15.7%

Registered to city safety and security mail14.5%

Participation in evacuation drills and fire
extinguishing drills

11.3%

Discussion with neighbors about each person's role inevent of disaster8.5%

Of the 318 people who responded to the Citizen's
Survey at the 2013 Public Hall Festival, only
54.7% said they had installed a smoke detector,
one of the "Self-help" items that was assessed.
The other preparations were also low.
For the participation in evacuation drills and fire
drills under "Cooperation", a long-term
assessment, only 11.3% responded that they
participated. This indicates that cooperation
between communities is low.

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (traffic accident prevention)
Since the installation of residential smoke detectors was made mandatory in 2008, we have focused in promoting the
installation of these detectors. Community residents from volunteer fire corps and neighborhood associations, etc.,
helped to install the detectors at homes of senior citizens.
● Future directions
In addition to promoting installation of smoke detectors, it is necessary to call for the maintenance andmanagement of the units.
Based on citizen's surveys, we found that citizen’s awareness on self-help and cooperation for preparing fordisasters was low.
The same people tended to participate in the evacuation drills and fire drills, so we must call out for participationby all ages from children to senior citizens. We must also study the cooperation between welfare evacuation
centers and the community.
When looking at the safety of citizens and tourists from the perspective of disaster prevention, we find that the
programs extend over various sectors. We will continue to promote collaboration between related Task Forces
and interested agencies, and increase our range of activity.

91Safe Community Towada5)-1 Child Safety Measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Program to educate parents of infants/toddlers
The rate of infant/toddler injury at home (indoors) is high (page 31, Table 2-9)
Reduce infant and toddler injury by alerting their parents to pay attention to injuries
Parents of infants and toddlers are alerted to pay attention to accidents in the home such asaccidental ingestion and choking, etc.
[Source of funds]

Details, etc.

Towada City

[Target]Parents of infants/toddlers[Activity]

Use existing Health Center "Infant/Toddler Checkup" program[Personnel]

Health Center, nursery schools, etc.
Achievements

Achievements andfuture plans
Toddler/infant checkup
4-month checkup rate
3.6-year checkup

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue
96.8%
97.7%

99.8%
97.0%

98.8%
95.4%

96.7%
96.5%

96.7%
97.6%

● During infant/toddler checkup, call for use ofsafety fences at stairways

Task Force involvement

Expand● Introduction of proper use of childseat (only FY2011)● Survey of parents of infants/toddlers● Have nursery schools alert
parents to take caution(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Number of health checkup participants[Measurement]
City Hall data (Table 3-36)(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator]
Rate of persons implementing safety measuresin the home

[Measurement]
Survey of parents using nursery school services(Table 3-37)(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of age 0 to 4 children injured at home

[Measurement]
Emergency transport data

92

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
Every year, the 4-month infant and 3.6-year toddler health checkup rate exceeds 90%. Parents of infants andtoddlers are alerted to pay attention to accidents in the home such as accidental ingestion and choking, etc.
Table 3-36

Situation of 4-month Infant and 3.6-year Toddler Health Checkups
Source: Health Promotion Section dataClass
4-month infant
checkup

3.6-year toddler
checkup

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

No. of children
checked409 peoples

492 peoples

423 peoples

459 peoples

421 peoples

Checkup rate

96.8%

99.8%

98.8%

96.7%

96.7%

No. of children
checked476 peoples

499 peoples

502 peoples

429 peoples

505 peoples

Checkup rate

97.7%

97.0%

95.4%

96.5%

97.6%

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
Looking at the rate of persons who have implemented safety measures in the home, 80.5% have taken measures
to prevent mis-swallowing, but the number of people who have taken measures to prevent falling and who areusing safety fences at stairways, etc. is still low.
Table 3-37 Rate of Persons Implementing Safety Measures in the Home (Survey of parents using 22
authorized nursery schools in the city)
Source: Awareness survey for parents of infants and toddlers (City Planning Support Section)
2013(number of respondents)

Investigation item

2007

Rate of people who empty bathtub

50.5% (708 peoples)

40.4%

Rate of people using safety fence at stairway

29.0% (507 peoples)

23.1%

Rate of people using safety fence around heating appliance41.5% (725 peoples)

57.7%

Rate of people using cushion tape on table corners, etc., to as protection
against falls

29.1% (733 peoples)－

Rate of people implementing measures to prevent accidental ingestion

80.5% (732 peoples)－

Rate of people using child seat

96.3% (735 peoples)－93Safe Community Towada

5)-2 Child Safety Measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Safety countermeasure program for elementary school
53% of injuries occurring during elementary school management occur during recess(Page 35, Fig. 2-18)
Reduce the number of injuries sustained during recess, and reduce the total number of injuries at theschoolLimit use of gymnasium, call for attention through Student Council[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Elementary school students[Activity]

Call for attention at elementary school[Personnel]

Elementary school, Board of Education
Achievements

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Achievements and future plans
Continue

ExpandTask Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation● Have Task Force prepare checklist to distribute tostudents and encourage awareness[Indicator]
Number of students who take care at school[Measurement]
Survey of student safety awareness[Indicator]
Number of students injured during recess[Measurement]
Board of Education survey

94

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
In 2013, 78 elementary school students were injured during recess.
Table 3-38

Transition of the number of injured students during recess

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)
Class
Number of injured students
Rate of injuries

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

89 peoples

83 peoples

90 peoples

73 peoples

78 peoples

2.26%

2.17%

2.36%

2.00%

2.25%

Evaluation of program performance (long-term)
Since 2012, the number of children injured during elementary school management has been less than 150
students, indicating a general decline in injuries.
Table 3-39

Number of Children Injured during Elementary School Management

Source: Payments made by the Japan Sports Promotion Center disaster mutual fund (Towada City Board of Education)
Class

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Number of injured students

172 peoples

161 peoples

205 peoples

148 peoples

146 peoples

Rate of injuries

4.36%

4.21%

5.37%

4.05%

4.20%

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (child safety)
Through our survey of parents with infants and toddlers, we realized that in addition to calling for caution, it isimportant to create a system that leads to actions for improving the home environment.
The staff from 22 nursery schools actively asked parents to complete the awareness survey of parents with infants
and toddlers. A total of 1,362 parents were surveyed, and the response rate was high at 65.9%. We were able to create
a new system of cooperation.
● Future directions
We will continue to use survey results and cooperate with health checkup sites as well as nursery schools andkindergartens to carry out programs to prevent accidents in the home.
We will also analyze the situation of injuries sustained by children during elementary school management again,
and study a program the children themselves can implement to prevent injuries.

95

Safe Community Towada6)-1 Labor Safety Measures
Program name

Prevention of farming accidents

Challenge

Injuries occur during farming work (Page 40, Fig. 2-28)

Goal

Prevention accidents while using farming equipment
Implement safety measures for farming, and learn methods of safely operating farming equipment
to prevent accidents while using farming equipment[Source of funds] JA

Details, etc.

[Target]Persons involved with farming[Activity]

Use existing "Seminar for prevention of farming accidents"[Personnel]

JA, farming equipment makers, Aomori Prefecture, Towada City
Achievements

Achievements and future plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

Number of on-site seminars
Participants2014 to 2018 (5 years)
Continue

3 sessions
95 peoples

1 sessions
90 peoples

1 sessions
2 sessions
46 peoples 105 peoples

2 sessions
69 peoples

ExpandTask Force involvement● Survey to confirm farming safety● Introduce first-aid training at seminars(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Rate of people who implement pre-work safetymeasures(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions[Indicator]
Rate of people who implement safety measures
for farming equipment(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of injuries at farms[Measurement]
Farming Safety Confirmation Survey(Table 3-40) (Table 3-41)[Measurement]
Medical institution consultation data,
emergency transport data

96

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
79.6% of the respondents said that they tell their family, etc., of what and where they will be farming. 65.4%
said they had cell phone so they could contact someone in the event of an emergency.
40.6% said they knew first aid in case of an emergency.
Table 3-40

Rate of People Implementing Safety Measures Before Farming Work n=549
Source: 2014 Faming Safety Confirmation Survey (Farming and Livestock Section)
Investigation item

Rate

Persons who inform family of work details and work place

79.6%

Persons who carry cell phone so they can contact someone in event of emergency

65.4%

Persons who know first aid in case of emergency

40.6%

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
More than 70% of people responded that they properly attach the machine or equipment's safety devices orprotective covers while they work, and turn the engine off when stepping away from the machine or removing
things stuck in the machine.
Table 3-41

People Implementing Safety Measures for Farming Equipment n=549
Source: 2014 Faming Safety Confirmation Survey (Farming and Livestock Section)
Investigation item

Implementation rate

Persons who properly attach the machine or equipment's safety devices or protective covers

72.5%

Persons who turn the engine off when stepping away from the machine or removing things stuck inthe machine

79.6%

97

Safe Community Towada

6)-2 Labor Safety Measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Prevention of falling(over/down) accidents at workplace
The main causes of injury at the workplace are falling, crashing and dropping (Page 40, Fig. 2-27)
Reduce injuries caused by industrial accidents
Inform workers that the main causes of injuries at the workplace are falling, crashing and dropping[Source of funds] Kamikita Labor Standards Association

Details, etc.

[Target]Workers[Activity]

Use existing "Industrial Safety and Health Seminars"[Personnel]

Kamikita Labor Standards Association, Labor Standards Inspection Office
Achievements

Achievements and future plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

Number of Industrial Safety
and Health Seminars
Participants2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue
650 peoples

600 peoples

650 peoples

650 peoples

600 peoples

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Rate of people who understand that there aremany falls (over and down)(Mid-term)[Indicator]
Changes in behavior and actions Rate of people calling for caution every day(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator]
Number of industrial accidents[Measurement]
Survey of Industrial Safety and Health Seminar
participants[Measurement]
Report on worker death, injury or illness

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (work safety)
Task Force members collaborated to conduct a survey of companies on measures for worker's mental health, etc.
This gave us hints for future activities, and showed us the necessity for collaboration with other task forces.
By reviewing previous programs, we confirmed that companies and businesses are implementing various programs
for worker safety.
On the other hand, we found that injuries during farming work are occurring over a wide range of ages. In our surveyof persons engaged with farming, we found that few people knew first-aid.
● Future directions
We will collaborate with the Fire Department headquarters to carry out fire-aid seminars and increase safetymeasures.

98Safe Community Towada

7) Violence and abuse prevention measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Marble Ribbon program
There are cases of abuse among children and senior citizens (Page 48, Fig. 2-32)
Inform the community of consultation services for violence and abuse, and the obligation to reportsuch cases
Increase awareness of the Marble Ribbon program[Source of funds] Citizen groups, Towada City
[Target]Details, etc.

All citizens[Activity][Personnel]

CAP Warashikko, Safe Community Towada Promotion Group, Towada
Network for Women and Men, Towada City Childcare Research Group, Humanrights advocates, City Hall
Achievements

Achievements and future plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

2014 to 2018 (5 years)● Publish special articles on DV and abuse
prevention written by citizen editors in city gazette●Distribute leaflets on bullying and abuse

New
Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge● Distribute ribbons[Indicator]
Rate of persons who easily consulted childcare
support agency for concerns about parenting[Measurement][Indicator]
1) Rate of people who know the meaning of the 1) Citizen survey
Orange Ribbon
2) Citizen survey2) Rate of people who know the meaning of the
Purple Ribbon[Indicator]
1) Rate of people who know that reports on
abuse, even if only suspicions, are accepted
2) Rate of people who know that measures aretaken to hide the identity of people who(Mid-term)
report abuse
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Measurement]
City Hall data (Fig. 3-5)

[Measurement]
Citizen survey (Table 3-42)[Indicator]
Rate of people who consult or report abuse
when they find an infant/toddler or seniorcitizen who might be an abuse victim[Measurement]
Citizen survey[Indicator]
As a reasons for not consulting or reporting:1) Rate of people who did not know where to
consult or report2) Rate of people who said they didn't want to
get involved[Measurement]
Citizen survey

99

Safe Community Towada

Evaluation of program performance (short-term)
Many people responded that they can easily consult with a spouse or relative such as a grandparent, etc., aboutchildcare worries, and few use the Parenting Support Center or City Health Center.

SpouseFamily (i.e, grandparents, parents)
FriendChildcare worker
Hospital/regular doctor
School teacher
Kindergarten teacher
Health Department
Parenting Support Center
City Health Center
Neighbor
Welfare officer, child welfare officer
City Hall Parenting service
Health supporter
Babysitter

Rate of use is low

Fig. 3-5 Person you can easily consult with on parenting problems Parents with preschoolers (n=821)
Parents with elementary school children (n=317)
Source: Investigation of Needs for Enactment of Towada City Child and Parenting Support Program(Welfare Section)

Evaluation of program performance (mid-term)
In response to the question, "Do you know that you can report suspected child abuse?", about 20% responded
that they didn't.
About 50% responded no to the question "Do you know that the reporter is not identified?"
Table 3-42
Source: Investigation of Needs for Enactment of Towada City Child and Parenting Support Program (Welfare Section)
Do you know that you can reportsuspected child abuse?

Class

Know

Don’t know

Do you know that the reporter is not
identified?
Know

Don’t know

Parents of preschoolers

n=821

75.6%

21.3%

50.1%

49.9%

Parents of elementary school children

n=317

77.3%

18.4%

43.0%

52.6%

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (child safety)
A network of administrative agencies, such as City Hall and the Police Department is formed, but collaboration withactive citizen groups was insufficient. By introducing Safe Community, we have established collaboration with suchcitizen groups.
Groups that were working individually now have a "place" to gather, and information on measures for preventing
violence and abuse can be shared.
● Future directions
We identified that citizen's lack knowledge on the matter and that measures are lacking for senior citizens anddisabled people. We will collaborate with other task forces, and review an organization that will lead to early
identification and early reporting.
We will work to improve the programs through citizen surveys and awareness surveys.

100

Safe Community Towada8)-1 Leisure activity safety measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

AED life-saving training seminar
It is necessary to organize life-saving seminars that anyone can participate in so they are preparedfor emergency that could occur during leisure activities (Page 45, 2-27)
Increase the number of AED life-saving training seminar participants
Learn how to use an AED and CPR techniques[Source of funds] Fire Department headquarters

Details, etc.

[Target]All citizens[Activity]

Use existing "AED life-saving training seminar"[Personnel]

Youth sports groups, Sports Association, welfare officers, neighborhood
associations, Fire Department headquarters, etc.
Achievements

Achievements and future plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

2013

AED life-saving seminar
Number of sessions
Number of participants2014 to 2018 (5 years)

Continue
79 sessions
1,732 peoples

107 sessions
2,686 peoples

97 sessions
2,328 peoples

86 sessions
1,781 peoples

89 sessions
1,718 peoples● Call for seminar participation

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior and actions(Long-term)
Changes in state or situation[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of people interested in taking life-saving Citizen survey
seminar[Indicator]
Number of people taking life-saving seminar[Measurement]
Fire Department headquarters data

[Indicator][Measurement]
Number of people who took life-saving seminar Citizen survey
in last three years

101Safe Community Towada

8)-2 Leisure activity safety measures
Program name
Challenge
Goal

Cautions for motorcycle riders
There are motorcycle accidents when riding for fun (Page 41, Table 2-20)
Decrease the number of fatal motorcycle accidents
Caution motorcycle riders driving through the mountains[Source of funds] Towada City

Details, etc.

[Target]Motorcycle riders[Activity][Personnel]

Michi-no-eki (roadside station )Towada, Foundation to Revitalize Towada City
Hometown, Towada City, etc.
Achievements

Achievements andfuture plans

2009

2010

2011

Plan (scheduled)
2012

Places with road information
posted20132014 to 2018 (5 years)
New

7 places

10 places

10 places● Survey motorcycle riders● Install signs at michi-no-eki(roadside station), etc.

Task Force involvement(Short-term)
Changes in recognition andknowledge[Indicator]
Motorcycle riders who saw signs(Mid-term)
Changes in behavior andactions[Indicator]
Motorcycle riders who remember to drive safely[Indicator](Long-term)
Changes in state or situation Number of accidents in the mountains[Measurement]
Survey of motorcycle riders[Measurement]
Emergency transport data

Issues identified and changed through Safe Community Activities (leisure activity safety)
There is little data on injuries occurring during leisure activities, but there is a wide range of activities that requiresafety measures.
After receiving advice from the inspections during the preliminary inspection, we collaborated with the Traffic
Accident Prevention Task Force and started programs for safety of motorcycle traveling in the mountains.
We also cooperated with the Fire Department headquarters to establish a new safety measure for tourists. A"Emergency Card" was introduced for foreign overnighters.
● Future directions
Tourists will be surveyed to improve further safety.

102

Safe Community Towada[3] Evaluation through Safe Community activities
Looking at the injury death rate in Towada City, we see that the rates have been increasing each year.

Fig. 3-6

Situation of injury death rate per 100,000 people
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

When comparing the situation of deaths from accident, suicide or death, etc., in our city for four years from2005 and four years from 2009, there is an increase of 18 people.
The main cause of the increase is eight deaths from water-related accidents, 13 deaths from other accidents,
and 11 deaths from other causes.
As the rate of aging increases each year, there are concerns that deaths from choking, falling (over/down) will
increase.
On the other hand, deaths from traffic accidents dropped by 17, and deaths by suicide dropped by seven.
Table 3-43

Transition of Deaths from Accidents and Suicide, etc. (2005 to 2012)
Source: Demographic statistics (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)Total for 2005 to 2008
(1)

Total for 2009 to 2012
(2)

113

125

12

Choking31

34

3

Traffic accident

30

13

-17

Falling (over/down)

15

18

3

Water-related accidents

10

18

8

Exposure to smoke and fire

6

7

1

Class
Accidents(1) – (2)Poisoning by toxic substance

4

5

1

Other accident

17

30

13

Suicide

100

93

-7

Murder1

3

2

Other external cause
Total (peoples)

103

5

16

11

219

237

18

Safe Community Towada

Indicator 7: Ongoing Participation in National and International Safe
Communities Networks
As a Safe Community certified city, Towada City has participated in Safe Community network activities inJapan and overseas, and we are applying advanced cases of injury prevention programs, etc., into our safe andsecure city planning.
We are also working to develop Safe Community activities in Japan by actively receiving tours.
As a member of the Safe Community network, we will continue to relay our programs while exchanging
information with other cities.

[1] State of participation in national and international networks
As of October 1, 2014
Class

Participation in national and international networks

2006

Visited Safe Community in Taiwan (Neihu District, Taipei City; Taichung City)

2007

Participated in the Japanese Society of Safety Promotion establishment ceremony and seminar

2008

Participated in the 17th Safe Community International Conference (New Zealand)2009

Sponsored the International Symposium, Japan Safe Promotion Academic Conference (Towada City)
Participated in the 4th Asian Regional Conference on Safe Communities (Thailand)

2010

Participated in 19th Safe Community International Conference (South Korea)
Attended Citizen Security and Safety Festa in Atsugi (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

2011

Participated in National SC Promotion Municipality Network Conference (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Participated in Safe Community Summit in Toshima (Toshima, Tokyo)
Participated in the 6th Asian Regional Conference on Safe Communities (Toshima, Tokyo)
Participated in the 5th Japan Safe Promotion Academic Conference (Ikeda City, Osaka)

2012

Participated in Sakae Ward, Yokohama Safe Community Certification ceremony
Participated in Kameoka City, Kyoto Safe Community re-certification ceremony
Participated in the 9th Japan Citizen's Safety Academic Conference (Komoro City, Nagano)2013

Participated in JISC seminar (Kyoto)
Participated in Safe Community Overseas Inspection Tour (Taiwan)
Participated in Sakae Ward, Yokohama Safe Community Certification ceremony
Participated in the Japan Safe Promotion Academic Conference (Tsukuba City, Ibaragi)
Participated in the Matsubara City, Osaka Safe Community Certification ceremony
Participated in the National SC Promotion Municipality Network Conference "Agreement on mutual supportin time of disaster"Participated in Kurume City, Fukuoka Safe Community Certification ceremony[2] Site visti acceptance (as of March 31, 2013)
Class

Number of tours received(case)

Number of participants(people)

2009

13

50

2010

28

146

2011

22

137

2012

16

106

2013

10

47

Total

89

682

104

Safe Community Towada

Chapter 4 Long-range prospects for Towada City's Safe Community
Activities[1] Positioning of Towada City's General Plan
In the Towada City's priority general plan, our future city image is defined as, "City of emotion andcreation - Ideal city where people shine, nature glistens and city's features stand out". To realize this,we have positioned promotion of Safe Community activities in the 1st stage enforcement plan startingfrom 2007, the 2nd stage enforcement plan from 2011, and the 3rd stage enforcement plan from 2014.
As long-term programs, we are developing Health Promotion Activities to support health creation by
reinforcing our health, medical and welfare systems, and Safety Promotion Activities to prevent accidents andinjuries to ensure safety in our citizens' lives. We will verify the effect and evaluation of our programs, andaim to acquire Safe Community Certification every five years.

Towada City General Plan (2007 to 2016)

Future city image

Basic goal

City of emotion and creation- Ideal city where people shine, nature glistens and city's features stand out -“City of daily emotion and creation” for supporting safety and security● Solid healthcare and medicine
Direction of policy● Solid welfare
development● Ensuring daily safety● 1st stage enforcement plan (2007 to 2010)[Project item] Creating a safe and secure city by preventing injury "Promoting Safe
Community"● 2nd stage enforcement plan (2011 to 2013)
Enforcement plan
[Project item] Creating a safe and secure city by preventing injury "Promoting Safe
Community"● 3rd stage enforcement plan (2014 to 2016)[Project item] Projects to promote Safe Community

105Safe Community Towada[2] Long-range Prospects
In April 2013, Towada City enacted the "Towada City Planning Basic Ordinance", setting forth the basic ideas
and rules related to city planning. Following this ordinance, the citizens, city council and administration arecollaborating to realize "City Planning through Cooperation" to promote the creation of a safe and secure city.
We will continue to work together with our citizens, etc. to create a safe and secure city. We will use our Safe
Community re-certification in 2015 as an opportunity to continue our Safe Community activities and increase
the quality of life in our city.
Promotion of general plan and long-range Safe Community activities.
2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Recertified

Certified2020
2nd recertification

Towada City Safe and Secure City Planning OrdinanceTowada City Planning Basic Ordinance● 1st term Towada City General Plan Basic Concept, Basic Plan (2007 to 2018)[Future city image] City of emotion and creation - Ideal city where people shine,
nature glistens and city's features stand out[Basic goal]
City of daily emotion and creation for supporting safety andsecurity[Direction of policy development] Ensuring daily safety●1st stage enforcement plan(2007 to 2010)[Project item]
Creating a safe and securecity by preventing injury
Projects to promote Safe
Community●2nd stage enforcement plan(2011 to 2013)[Project item]
Creating a safe and securecity by preventing injury
Projects to promote Safe
Community● 2nd stage Towada City General
Plan
Enactment of basic concept andbasic plan
From 2017● Enactment of enforcement
plan (From 2017)●3rd stage enforcement plan(2014 to 2016)[Project item]
Projects to promote Safe
Community● Direction of Safe Community● Direction of Safe Community○ Establishment of organization to promote activities
through cooperation with groups such as neighborhood
associations○ Establishment of organization to promote activities
through cooperation with citizens, such as volunteers○ Creation and enforcement of scientific and sustainable
programs○ Establishment of organization to promote○ Establishment of effective evaluation system○ Establishment of system to use data to improve

programs

activities through cooperation with neighborhood
associations and citizen groups, etc.
○ Creation and enforcement of scientific andsustainable programs○ Establishment of effective evaluation system○ Establishment of system to use data to improve
programs○ Establishment of regional task force system○ Establishment of regional task force system● Long-term targets of Safe Community
Collaborate with citizens, etc., to establish a safe and secure city and improve the quality of life.

106

Safe Community Towada

Towada City Safe Community Re-certification Application
Report for Safe Community Network Members
October 2014
Issued by : Towada City and Towada City Safe Community Promotion Council
Edited by : Towada City Citizen's Section City Planning Support Section
Address : 6-1, Nishi-juniban-cho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-8615
Phone No. : 0176-51-6777
Fax No. : 0176-22-6299
URL: http://www.city.towada.lg.jp/