In Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, a project has started to distribute wooden toys to families who have had a new baby. The first distribution started the other day, so I will write an article about it.
But before that, let me give a quick introduction to Tosashimizu city ♪ Even people who don't know much about Kochi prefecture will know the name Tosashimizu. You can find many restaurants outside the prefecture that specialize in fish from Tosashimizu city. It's a city with a thriving fishing industry. Tourism is also thriving, with Cape Ashizuri, the Oceanarium, and whale watching famous. There are also many campsites, so it looks like it'll be especially lively from now on... *
It's the southernmost town in Shikoku! It takes about 3 hours from Kochi city, but you can still enjoy it on a day trip. I can't introduce everything, so please check the official website.
The southernmost city in Shikoku! Tosashimizu City [Tourist Information]
We were first approached by Tosashimizu City Hall at the end of last year. Six months have passed and we have finally started. The first recipients were Mr. and Mrs. T, a family of five. We are so happy to announce the birth of a new life. Congratulations! Since this was our first attempt, we went to their home and handed the product over to them in person.
The section chief of Tosashimizu City Hall distributed the cards with a congratulatory message. (Applause) We couldn't see the baby's expression, but he must have been very happy. 
The product contents are available in two patterns, so you can choose the one you like. This is a toy set that babies can play with shortly after birth. It contains a selection of popular items for infants.
The other is a building block and a changeable chair that can be used until around the age of 3. This is also one of the most popular products from Nakayoshi Library.
In addition, both patterns feature animals that are associated with Tosashimizu city, such as the whale shark and ocean sunfish , as well as this year's zodiac animal, the ox , making them original products exclusive to Tosashimizu city and not available for general sale.
Tosashimizu City has decided to use the " Forestry Environment Donation Tax " that has been paid to local governments since fiscal 2019 to help children understand the importance of forests by familiarizing them with trees from an early age, and to give wooden toys to infants born in April 2021. Until last year, the city also gave wooden rulers, clear files, and other gifts to first-graders.
Some of our products are made using local wood. Kochi Prefecture has particularly good quality cypress and cedar, which can be used to make delicate toys.
We are helping with a project to distribute wooden toys to newborns in Tosashimizu City, Konan City, and Kochi Prefecture, using forestry donation taxes. I don't think many people know that these toys are from Nakayoshi Library until they reach the hands of customers, so I would be happy if this becomes an opportunity for many people in Kochi Prefecture to learn about them. Above all, I hope that babies will enjoy using them and that they will become toys and furniture that promote their growth.
By the way, I missed the news in the evening in Kochi. I talked quite a bit when I was explaining the product to Mr. T, but I wonder how it went. Too bad.