Celebration! Hokuryu Fire Company 110th Anniversary, Commemorative Ceremony and Celebration 2023

Monday, July 3, 2023

On Thursday, June 29, from 4:00 p.m., following the fire drill, the Hokuryu Fire Company's 110th anniversary ceremony and celebration were held at the second-floor main hall of the Hokuryu Community Center.

A total of more than 120 people involved in the firefighting industry, including the members of the group, participated in the grand event.

Hokuryu Fire Company's 110th Anniversary, Commemorative Ceremony and Celebration

Commemorative Ceremony / List of Award Recipients

Moderator: Mirai Ohira

The hostess is Mirai Ohira, one of the female members who joined the fire brigade this year.

The ceremony will continue with Mayor Yutaka Sano's speech, presentation of certificates of appreciation and commendation, congratulatory speeches, a telegram of congratulations, and acknowledgments.

Opening Speech: Mr. Takakatsu Kazuma, Chief of Hokuryu Branch Office, Fukagawa Fire Department, Fukagawa Area Fire Fighting Union

Ceremonial Address: Mr. Yutaka Sano, Mayor of Hokuryu Town

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Company for celebrating its 110th anniversary this year with history and tradition.

It is said that the Hokuryu Fire Company was started in April 1913, when a private fire prevention association was formed by volunteers who collected donations and improved facilities, and we sincerely appreciate and respect the noble spirit of the people of that time.

Since then, the fire department has overcome many difficulties and challenges over time, and has made remarkable progress in strengthening and expanding its firefighting capabilities, culminating in the current organization.

During this period, there have been numerous disasters such as fires and natural disasters. The town's residents have placed their trust and high expectations on the firefighting spirit that has always been at the forefront of firefighting activities to minimize the damage and risk to themselves and others.

This is the result of our predecessors' deep love for their hometown and strong firefighting spirit to protect the lives and property of the town's residents, and is a great tribute to the town's efforts to maintain safety and order for local residents, and we express our deep respect and gratitude to them for continuing this good tradition.

In recent years, due to changes in the environment and social economy, disasters such as fires have become more complex and diverse, and the responsibility of fire companies to protect the lives and property of townspeople has become more and more important.

As the elderly population increases, more and more people are considered vulnerable to disasters. To strengthen our fire prevention system for a safe and secure life, female firefighters joined our fire brigade this year. We look forward to their future activities.

I will continue to work for community development through collaboration between the residents and the government to meet the needs of the local residents.

I hope that the members of the fire brigade will take this opportunity of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the glorious Hokuryu Fire Brigade to carry on the good traditions and further uplift the spirit, and I look forward to your further efforts to promote the safety and security of the town residents and the town of Sunflowers as a bright and pleasant place to live.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my heartfelt wishes for the further development of the Hokuryu Fire Department and for the health and happiness of its employees and members, and I would also like to ask for the deep understanding and cooperation of the citizens of the town in the administration of the fire department.

Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation and Commendation

Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Hokuryu Town

• Past Commander-in-Chief The 9th Commander-in-Chief Mr. Toshiaki Fujii
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Osamu Kato, 10th Head of Mission
• Past Deputy Commander 10th Deputy Commander Naokazu Nakamura, you
• The 15th 1st Division Commander Yasutsugu Takahashi You
• Former 20+ year service members
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Norio Sugimoto, Deputy Commander, 1st Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Fuminobu Kawashima, Deputy Commander, 2nd Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Takashi Ishii, Commander, 1st Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Ms. Naomi Kawashima, Commander, 2nd Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Katsumi Kitajima, Commander, 2nd Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Asao Morishima, Commander, 2nd Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Kazumi Hirabayashi, Commander, 2nd Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Tomohiro Fukase, Commander, 1st Group
• Ex-President of the Supporting Committee
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Ryoji Kikura, President of 1st Division
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Toshiaki Fujii, Chairman of the 1st Group Supporters' Association
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Masakazu Yoshio, Chairman of the 2nd Group
  　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Yuji Kamono, Chairman of the 2nd Division

Commendation by Mayor of Hokuryu Town

• Members with more than 30 years of service Mr. Shigeyuki Nakayama, Commander
  　　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Takashi Ukai, Deputy Commander
  　　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Hiroki Tsunetsugi, Commander of the 1st Division

congratulations

• Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council (read by Mr. Naokazu Nakamura, Vice Chairman)
• Mr. Katsunori Konishi, Director, Sorachi Branch, Hokkaido Fire Fighters Association (Numata Fire Brigade Leader)
• Mr. Tadashi Kimoto, Chief of Fukagawa Police Station, Asahikawa District, Hokkaido Police

Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council (read by Mr. Naokazu Nakamura, Vice Chairman)

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Company on the successful completion of today's fire drill, which commemorated the 110th anniversary of the Hokuryu Fire Company, despite the threat of rain. We also received a letter of appreciation from Mayor Sano. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Chairperson Sasaki was unable to attend the meeting due to various reasons. I have received the Chairman's congratulatory address from him, and I will read it on his behalf.

Congratulatory speech: Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Company on its 110th anniversary.

The Hokuryu Fire Brigade was founded around 1907 as a means of self-defense against fires that could take away one's life and property in an instant.

In April 1972, the Fukagawa District Fire Department was established as a wide-area fire department by the five towns and one city in Kita-Sukochi.

As the Heisei and 2022 eras have passed, the concept of fire protection and fire prevention has shifted to response to unpredictable earthquakes, typhoons, torrential rains, heavy snowfall, and other cataclysmic disasters.

I would like to express my deep respect to all firefighters for their dedication to their daily work with a noble spirit of love for their hometown and a strong sense of responsibility.

I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of this glorious 110th anniversary and hope that you will continue to make further efforts and devotion to protect the peace and order in the lives of local residents and promote the public welfare of society.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the efforts of all related organizations and the cooperation of all town residents for the enhancement of firefighting functions and the improvement of facilities and equipment during this period, which has resulted in the enhancement and development of modernized firefighting services as we know them today. I congratulate you today.

June 29, 2023: Yasuhiro Sasaki, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council.

Mr. Katsunori Konishi, Director, Sorachi Branch, Hokkaido Fire Fighters Association (Numata Fire Brigade Leader)

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Brigade of the Fukagawa District Firefighters Association on this major milestone, the 110th anniversary of its founding.

Since the establishment of the private fire prevention association in 1913, the Hokuryu Fire Brigade, including successive fire brigade leaders, members, and supporters, has faced various difficulties as the environment surrounding fire administration has changed with the changing times, but has gathered its knowledge to overcome many difficulties and to ensure the safety and security of the town residents, I would like to express my deep respect for your efforts to strengthen the fire brigade organization, improve and expand firefighting facilities, spread the fire prevention concept, and improve training skills for the safety and security of the town's residents.

I am confident that today's commemorative exercise, which began with a moderate discipline drill, was followed by a well-coordinated pump operation drill, simultaneous water discharge, and a dignified procession of marchers, was a magnificent display of bravery, and that the town has established a thorough disaster prevention and precautionary system that fully meets the wishes of its citizens and has further deepened their trust in us.

In recent years, natural disasters have become more frequent and severe, with record-breaking snowfalls and torrential rains in many areas, and the expectations placed on us as a fire brigade have become even greater, making our role even more important.

I hope that today's 110th anniversary celebration will be an opportunity for you to continue to train diligently, and I hope that you will continue to work with confidence and pride in the fine traditions of the fire service.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my best wishes for the continued growth of the Hokuryu Fire Company of the Fukagawa District Firefighters Association and the good health and happiness of all those present today.

Mr. Tadashi Kimoto, Chief of Fukagawa Police Station, Asahikawa District, Hokkaido Police

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Company on the 110th anniversary of its founding.

I would like to thank you all for your deep understanding and cooperation in all areas of police administration.

The Hokuryu Fire Brigade, which has a long and illustrious history, has a busy main business, but at the same time, with a deep love for their hometown and a strong sense of responsibility, they have devoted their energies to the completion of their duties to protect the lives and property of residents from fire and disaster, and I would like to express my deep respect for their hard work.

I have just witnessed the marching in ranks and exercises under the leadership of the commanding officer, and I was truly impressed by the high morale and dignified, disciplined and brave attitude of all of you, which made me feel truly dependable and powerful.

In recent years, large-scale natural disasters and accidents have been occurring frequently throughout Japan, and in Hokkaido, disasters and accidents caused by abnormal weather are on the increase.

Here in Hokuryu Town, we have been able to maintain a peaceful life thanks to the dedication of our residents. However, there is concern that the number of activities such as difficult firefighting, emergency rescue, and search and rescue at disaster sites will increase in the future.

I sincerely hope that the Hokuryu Fire Department will continue to maintain a high level of awareness and further improve their skills to live up to the trust and confidence placed in them by the citizens of the town.

We, the police, have the same mission as the Hokuryu Fire Department, and we will make further efforts to create a safe and secure town of Hokuryu in cooperation with all of you.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all the firefighters and firefighting personnel, as well as all those present today, continued good health and happiness.

unveiling of a congratulatory telegram

Read by: Mr. Takakatsu Kazuma, Chief, Hokuryu Branch Office, Fukagawa Fire Department, Fukagawa Area Fire Fighting Union

Congratulatory telegram: Mr. Kenichi Suzuki, Director General, Sorachi Regional Development Bureau

I would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Fire Brigade on celebrating a major milestone, the 110th anniversary of its founding, and on holding a grand commemorative firefighting exercise.

Since the Hokuryu Fire Company was founded in April 1913 by volunteers to form a private fire prevention association, it has supported the safety and security of Hokuryu residents through numerous fires and disasters.

We deeply respect the dedication and efforts over these many years, including those of our predecessors who have succeeded us to this day.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all firefighters for their noble efforts in firefighting activities based on the noble spirit of protecting their own communities, while also holding down their own day jobs. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them for their noble activities.

The Sorachi Regional Promotion Bureau will continue to work closely with you to create a community where residents can live with peace of mind, and we look forward to your continued support and cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my heartfelt wishes for the health of everyone gathered here today and for the continued success of the Hokuryu Fire Company.

Kenichi Suzuki, Director General, Sorachi Regional Development Bureau, June 29, 2023".

Acknowledgement: Mr. Shigeyuki Nakayama, Chairman of the Hokuryu Fire Department 110th Anniversary Commemorative Project Committee and Chief of the Hokuryu Fire Company, Fukagawa District Firefighters Association

It is a great pleasure for the members of the Hokuryu Fire Company to hold the commemorative exercises and ceremony on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Hokuryu Fire Company.

We sincerely appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all concerned.

It was also the 130th anniversary of the first groundbreaking of Hokuryu Town in 1893 by a group of immigrants from Chiba Prefecture.

In the pioneer days, the repeated onslaught of natural disasters and forest fires made the residents keenly aware of the need for a firefighting organization, and the Wa Fire Prevention Association was established more than ten years after the Chiba group settled in the area.

Later, in 1913, the association was reorganized into the private Shinryu Fire Prevention Association, and this year is considered to be the origin of the Hokuryu-i Fire Company.

Over time, the village was transformed into a private firefighting organization, a public firefighting organization, and a fire brigade, and in 1947, after the end of the war, it was shifted to a municipal firefighting organization and the Hokuryu Village Fire Company was organized.

In order to further strengthen the firefighting organization and modernize the firefighting facilities, the Sorachi District Firefighting Association was established in 1972 as a wide-area firefighting organization, and private firefighting facilities have been enhanced in cooperation with related cities and towns.

I would like to express my deepest respect to all the senior firefighters who have tirelessly worked as firefighters with a spirit of love for their hometown throughout the long history of this organization.

On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Hokuryu Fire Department, which has a long tradition of firefighting, we are determined to maintain the Hokuryu firefighting spirit that has been cultivated over many years, to accurately grasp the changes of the times and social transformation, and to respond to the trust of the residents by making further efforts to face disasters.

I would like to thank you all for your continued guidance, encouragement, and support of the Hokuryu Fire Department.

feast

The festive red rice and other sumptuous dishes (Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen) were served, and the members of the "Soba Shokuraku Club Hokuryu (President: Naokazu Nakamura)" served hearty handmade soba (buckwheat noodles).

Opening Speech: Mr. Satoshi Jotosha, Chairman of the Hokuryu Fire Brigade Union

Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy seasonal schedule to attend the 110th Anniversary Celebration of the Hokuryu Fire Company.

I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to all of the recipients of the certificates of appreciation and awards for their long years of service in their respective capacities as community disaster prevention personnel.

In the commemorative exercises, the traditional quality of the discipline and maneuvering drills, which have been handed down for 110 years, was still alive and well, and we could again sense the strong desire for training.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you a fire-free year and wish the Hokuryu Fire Company's further development and the good health of all those present. Thank you for your hard work today.

Toast: Honorary Firefighter Hiroaki Ito

Congratulations to the Hokuryu Fire Company on its 110th anniversary. To those of you who have just received awards and certificates of appreciation, I would like to express my respect and appreciation for your long years of service.

We are also pleased to hear that three female firefighters have joined our fire department, and we look forward to their new activities. We raise a toast to the Hokuryu Fire Department".

Cheers!　With a shout, they drank the celebratory sake in unison.

Peaceful Banquet

Video showing nostalgic firefighting activities: Mr. Hiroyuki Takimoto, 8th Chief of Branch Office

Three cheers for longevity

The closing ceremony was a banzai sansho by Mr. Masatoshi Yamagishi, an honorary firefighter of the Fukagawa District Firefighters Association!

The closing ceremony was a banzai sansho by Mr. Masatoshi Yamagishi, an honorary firefighter of the Fukagawa District Firefighters Association!

I was reminiscing about a part of the past 110 years as I looked at the film," he said.

The year 1913 was the starting point for 110 years. In 1947, we became a municipal fire department.

Looking back, I am grateful that, amidst the great changes that took place in 1969, the fire hall was constructed and the permanent firefighting system was enhanced with an increase in the number of staff.

The other is the introduction of tank cars, which had a very significant effect on the initial fire.

However, after all, the foundation is people. As the recipients of the awards I mentioned earlier, true firefighting activities are possible only when young people's desire to protect their hometowns is connected. I believe that the activities of the supporters' association support this, and that the fire department administration understands these activities.

There were two typhoons in May this year. Sea level rise in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and this year's trend is said to be similar to 2015.

Eight years ago was the year that Nagano and Kumamoto prefectures were hit by heavy flooding. Please do not let your guard down, and I hope that all firefighters will train and be diligent.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the members of the firefighting corps today, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Hokuryu Fire Company continued growth and development, no fires and no disasters, and the good health of all those present today, and to sing a Hail Mary in 110 years.

Hooray for the 110th anniversary of the Hokuryu Fire Company! Hooray! Hooray!

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for the Hokuryu Fire Company, which has a 110-year tradition of protecting the safe and secure lives of Hokuryu residents with a dignified spirit of hometown love and a proud sense of trust and responsibility.

Youtube Video

More Photos

Click here for 243 photos of the Hokuryu Town Fire Company's 110th Anniversary 2023 >>

Related Articles

Hokuryu Town Portal

Celebration! Hokuryu Fire Company's 110th Anniversary and Hokuryu Fire Drill 2023

Monday, July 3, 2023 On Thursday, June 29, from 1:50 p.m., to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Hokuryu Fire Brigade (led by Commander Shigeyuki Nakayama), the Hokuryu Firefighting Performance...

The 71st North Sorachi Firefighting Exercise Held in the Hokuryu-cho Himawari no Sato Parking Lot - Hokuryu-cho Portal (Hokkaido) - The Sunflower Village, the Proudest in Japan

The 71st North Sorachi United Firefighting Drill was held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2048, at the Himawari no Sato parking lot in Hokuryu Town. The event was sponsored by the Kita...

Hokkaido Police Asahikawa Area Headquarters and Hokuryu Town Joint Disaster Security Drill (Evacuation Drill for Heavy Rain, Flood, and Landslide Disasters and Disaster Security Drill) - Hokuryu Town Portal (Hokkaido) / The Sunflower Village, the Proudest in Japan

On Monday, October 30, from 9:30 a.m., the Hokkaido Police Asahikawa Area Headquarters and Hokuryu Town held a joint disaster security drill (evacuation drill for heavy rain, flood, and landslide disasters, and disaster maintenance...

Joint disaster security drill by related organizations (Hokkaido Police Headquarters, Asahikawa District Headquarters, Fukagawa District Firefighting Association, Hokuryu Town and Numata Town) - Portal of Hokuryu Town (Hokkaido), the best sunflower village in Japan

We will bring you the "now" of this vibrant and shining town with a population of 2,100 and an aging population rate of 40%. The town of Hokuryu, where families are as bright and harmonious as sunflowers...

Hokuryu Fire Brigade 100th Anniversary Ceremony and Awards 2013 - Portal of Hokuryu Town (Hokkaido), Japan's No.1 Sunflower Village

We will bring you the "now" of this vibrant and shining town with a population of 2,100 and an aging population rate of 40%. The town of Hokuryu, where families are as bright and harmonious as sunflowers...

Hokuryu Fire Brigade 100th Anniversary Ceremony and Drill 2013 - Portal of Hokuryu Town (Hokkaido), Japan's No.1 Sunflower Village

We will bring you the "now" of this vibrant and shining town with a population of 2,100 and an aging population rate of 40%. The town of Hokuryu, where families are as bright and harmonious as sunflowers...

Welcome to Hokuryu Fire Department

...

◇ Reporting and writing by Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editorial assistance by Noboru Terauchi)