The Seven Guidelines for Living in Ikeda

A small town in Fukui prefecture, Ikeda town, which is suffering from depopulation, has published a document named "The Seven Guidelines for Living in Ikeda" for newcomers, and its contents have generated a debate nationwide. 
Here is the English translation.

"The Seven Guidelines for Living in Ikeda"

Preamble:
We would like to welcome those who will move to Ikeda Town with appreciation for the local culture and people. However, we also feel uneasy about those who might move to Ikeda Town without knowing anything about the local culture and atmosphere. To prevent regrets, misunderstandings, and trouble between new residents and local residents, we have established "The Seven Rules of Living in Ikeda Town" to provide understanding and conditions for continuing to live in Ikeda Town.
Thank you for your understanding.

Article 1: Be aware of being a member of the community and a citizen of Ikeda Town.

• Although Ikeda Town has a small population, we aim for a safe and prosperous community based on mutual support in 33 hamlets.

Article 2: Be aware of that participation and involvement in local events are essential, as well as the presence of difficulties that do not exist in the city, and cooperation.

• The preservation of the scenery and living environment of Ikeda Town and the preservation of culture such as festivals are supported by joint work and unique activities in each community. Please participate and cooperate to protect the living environment.

• Mowers are essential, and you can improve your skills by repeatedly using them. If you feel "troubled" or "bored" by this, living in Ikeda Town is difficult.

Article 3: Understand that the community is a small community and has many traditions of mutual support.

• The foundation of life is the community, and it has supported life through various events and gatherings over the years.

Article 4: Do not impose your own values and avoid imposing valuse from city life on the town people.

• Living in the community is a life of close daily life with neighbors, and there are rules and systems that are not seen in the city, but they are what have been established while adjusting with everyone. Please do not bring values based on city life just because it is different from city life.

Article 5: Be aware of the presence of intrusive behavior that make you feel that your privacy has been violated, and the attention and nosy attitude of people.

• Regardless of regions, when a newcomer enters a community, it is natural to feel insecure and thus to want to know things like "What kind of person, what is s/he doing, why Ikeda Town", etc.

• Although it may seem like interference or intrusion, please understand it as an expression of affection for joining and becoming a member.

Article 6: Please adopt a positive attitude towards enjoying strong human relationships in the village and community.

• As a unique feature of the peaceful Ikeda Town, enjoy conversations with your neighbors and various encounters.

Article 7: Please be aware that nature can sometimes become a threat. Especially during heavy snow, it can have a great impact on daily life, so please make an effort to help each other with your neighbors.

• In Ikeda Town, since the 2004 heavy rain disaster in Fukui, efforts have been made including appointing a disaster prevention captain and improve regional disaster prevention capabilities.

• Additionally, there is a saying in Ikeda Town: "Do not fight with the snow, only grudges will remain when spring comes". Please make an effort to cooperate and help each other during heavy snow.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation towards the enrichment of a prosperous community.

Original version (Japanese):
https://www.town.ikeda.fukui.jp/pick/pickjukyo/p002780_d/fil/nanakajou.pdf

Translation disclaimer

The official version of the Documentation is in Japanese. The translation above is not intended to be a definitive or accurate representation of the original text. In case of any discrepancy or conflict, the original text in its original language shall take precedence.
The translation is done to the best of the author's abilities and may contain errors, inaccuracies, or misinterpretations. The translation is not legally binding and is for informational purposes only. Use of the translated text is at your own risk.