Kazuno hosts welfare events and governor site visit

In Kazuno, Akita Prefecture, various welfare-themed activities and inspections took place to promote community support and address regional challenges.

The annual “Oideyo, Fukushi no Mori” event was held at the Comosse complex in Hanawa. The event featured 22 booths, including demonstrations of sign language, braille, and wheelchair use. Local volunteer groups used the platform to raise awareness about animal welfare issues, such as irresponsible feeding and the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) method for stray cats. Additionally, the Japanese Red Cross Society demonstrated how to prepare simple food during disasters to maintain psychological well-being.

Separately, Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki visited the “Hanawa Ai no” special nursing home for the elderly as part of the “Governor’s Genba Caravan” initiative. During the visit, Suzuki engaged in discussions with staff from the social welfare corporation Aiseikai to exchange views on facility cooperation and methods to reduce the physical burden on care workers, including the use of mobility assistance equipment.