The 2023 Sorachi Block Women's Workshop for Members of the Sorachi Block Commerce and Industry Associations (hosted by the Hokkaido Sorachi Prefectural Federation of Commerce and Industry Women's Clubs) was grandly held in Hokuryu Town! Lecture by Terauchi: 13 years of information transmission in Hokuryu-cho

Today's Content

Self-Introduction

Self-introduction (added later for additional information)

• Both husband and wife were born in 1956 (Showa 31). When Noboru was in the third grade of elementary school, his father moved from Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture to Fuchu City, Tokyo due to his work in the Air Self-Defense Forces. When Ikuko was in the sixth grade of elementary school, she moved from Kokura City, Fukuoka Prefecture to Fuchu City, Tokyo. They became classmates in the second grade at Fuchu Fifth Junior High School.
• After Noboru enters Tokyo Metropolitan Kunitoshi High School and Ikuko enters Tokyo Junshin Girls' High School, Noboru confesses his love for Ikuko but is rejected.
• During his fourth year at Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine, Noboru embarked on a long-distance voyage training course aboard the sailing ship Nippon Maru, which he sailed to Hawaii on. When the ship departed from Harumi Pier in Tokyo, he asked a group of close friends from his junior high school days if they wanted to come and see the sailing ship. One of the friends, Ikuko, who was a student at Seisen Women's University at the time, decided to visit.
• In 1979 (Showa 54), Noboru started working for Sanko Kisen Co., Ltd., and while working as a navigator on international routes, he nurtured love through correspondence that reached ports in over 20 countries. He married at the age of 26, and was assigned to work on land at the same time. They had one son and one daughter.
• On August 13, 1985, when he was 29 years old, he read in the morning paper that Sanko Kisen, which he was about to go to work, had filed for bankruptcy with 600 billion yen of debt, the largest debt since the war. When he arrived at the office, the office was filled with a storm of commotion. After that, he changed jobs several times.
• At the age of 36 (1992), Noboru joined The Nippon Foundation as a mid-career hire. He has served as head of the Welfare Section, Public Relations Section, Public Relations Department, Information Management Department, and Corporate Planning Department.
• On August 1, 1996, after taking up the position of Public Relations Manager in April, he was given a special mission to open the Nippon Foundation website with the goal of "disclosing all information on the support we have received so that people can understand the support we have given." He conveyed that the reaction within the Foundation as to "why make it public" was that the concept of "not now, but will be understood in the future" was replaced by the concept of "people will understand now."
• In 1998, Chairman Yohei Sasakawa gave the company a special mission: "The Nippon Foundation will go out into the field to solve social problems. To that end, digitize all operations as much as possible." A company-wide project team was formed, a contract was signed with TIS, and the project progressed. In terms of small details, the company abolished prepayment procedures for business trips and introduced a corporate credit card, helping to improve the convenience of staff business trips to the field.
• On April 1, 2000, the "System NIPPON" was launched, which is an electronic version of all the operations of the Foundation (including accounting for 70 billion yen per year, online application acceptance, grant application acceptance, compilation, review, decision-making, accounting, remittance, business report documentation, annual payments, business reports, financial statements, business reports, approval processing, business trip processing, etc., and Foundation groupware (Google)).
• In 2005, we launched CANPAN, an internet site for public interest organizations to "disseminate information, sympathize, and support," aiming to become the Yahoo of public interest organizations. We also launched the Nippon Foundation Library (digitized project results, decision projects, and organization information search). Furthermore, we aimed to make intellectual property supported by Nippon Foundation a shared asset for the entire world.
• In 2009, he was asked if he was absent from a meeting that lasted from morning to evening, and he frequently experienced strange behavior, such as missing his destination on the train and then missing it again when he returned. After visiting the psychiatric department of a hospital in Tokyo, he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia of the Alzheimer's type at the age of 52.
  　
• Ikuko, at the age of 50, underwent a left total hip replacement surgery on her left hip joint, which had been injured since her college days. In the same year, wishing to participate in society, she took a job with the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (NFAC) at their main office as a disabled person. She became interested in agriculture and became certified as a Veg-Ful Meister.
  　
• Due to Noboru's illness, he and Ikuko quit their jobs at the age of 53 in 2010, sold their apartment, and moved to Hokuryu Town. In 2011, he opened the Hokuryu Town Portal, which is still being updated.
  　
• Blog (CANPAN) from the Tokyo period:Noboru Terauchi, ,Ikuko Terauchi

2. the meaning and importance of information dissemination

• Empathy with the sincere way of life of the townspeople → Disseminate the joy of the townspeople → Share the joy of Hokuryu Town with people all over the world

About the Hokuryu Portal

• The entire site is managed by a husband and wife team. Wife Ikuko is in charge of text, design, and photo selection, while husband Noboru is in charge of photography, web design, and editing.
• Aiming to shed light on the town as it really is and to provide information on the landscape, agriculture, businesses, and activities of the town's residents from all perspectives, and to update the information on a daily basis in a timely manner.
• Over the past 14 years, the company has published more than 12,000 articles. More than 2 million visitors and 8 million pages read.

4. Vigorous and energetic activities of Hokuryu Town residents

1. Promoting the town throughout Japan and abroad:Visiting Hokkaido, Osaka, Chiba, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Taiwan (Taipei and Taichung), and other prefectures throughout Japan to promote the town's attractions and specialties.
2. Town activities that bring the town together, cooperate with each other, and thrive:Sunflower Village mowing (town resident volunteers), Hokuryu Sunflower IC maintenance, Wa Neighborhood Association mowing and trash pickup activities, Sapporo Autumn Fest exhibit (specialty product sales)
3. Vibrant and energetic! Activities filled with senior power:Hokuryu-cho Sunflower University, Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Olympic Games
4. Enjoy and maintain good health through sports:Hekisui Mini Volleyball Club, Park Friend Cup Park Golf Tournament
5. Continue to hold events for children to enjoy:Wanpaku Summer Festival, Yukinko Festival, Hokuryu Kendama Festival, Makuryu Shrine Autumn Festival Fair
6. Activities that bring smiles and laughter to the faces of mothers and young people:Hokuryu Marche, shimenawa making experience

• An article about a visit to JA Kino Hapio (Otofuke-cho) for rice sales promotion activities.Click here to read the feature article >>)
• An article about a visit to the former village of Honno (now Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture), home of the Hokuryu-cho pioneer immigrant group led by Shoichiro Yoshiue, in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the opening of the town.
  Through this interview, I could feel the deep gratitude to our ancestors and the great pioneer spirit that has been passed down from the present to the future.Click here to read the feature article >>)

• The article was written about the "Agri-Fighter North Dragon" hero show held at the Sunplaza Habikigaoka supermarket in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture, to promote rice sales (Japanese only).Click here to read the feature article >>)
• JA Okinawa Farmers Market Itoman "Umanchu Market" (Itoman City) held the "Hokkaido Fair".Click here to read the feature article >>(See Section 2.1.2.).
  This event was made possible by the "bridge between Hokkaido and Okinawa" by Dr. Mizue Takai, a total food coordinator.Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Participation of Hokuryu Town in the Green Coop Coalition and Rice Production Area Council (Fukuoka City) 2016 (Click here to read the feature article >>)
• Participation in the 24th Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF 2016, Taiwan), Beilong Town, 2016 (Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Received the 46th Japan Agricultural Award Grand Prize at Tokyo's NHK Hall.
  The Hokuryu Sunflower Rice Production Cooperative obtained the JAS standard for agricultural products for the publication of production information in 2006 (Heisei 18). It is the first and only paddy rice collective organization in Japan to acquire this certification. The Grand Prize was awarded to the cooperative in recognition of its efforts to ensure traceability, which enables consumers to check production information on paddy rice.Click here to read the feature article >>)
• Yuh Mao Ya" in Taichung, Taiwan, is a large high-end food supermarket selling mainly Japanese food products. The company declared (in 2012) that its food and refrigerated/frozen foods are "free of harmful additives," and under its basic strategy of "providing customers with safety, security, health, and nature," it mainly handles additive-free ingredients, with Japanese foods making up approximately 80% of its total merchandise (see the table below).Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Sunflower Rice East Hokkaido User Courtesy Visit 3 days/2 nights: 1,007 km 2019 (Japanese only)Click here to read the feature article >>)
• In July 2023, "The 19th All Right! Nippon Grand Prize Award Ceremony and Gathering of the 18th and 17th Awardees" will be held in Shinagawa in July 2023 (represented by Mr. Moshi Yoro).
  Since the awards ceremony could not be held due to Corona, the "Awards Gathering" was held this year, bringing together the three years of awards, and about 35 award-winning groups and 70 people, including related parties, gathered.
  All right! Nippon Grand Prize aims to "All right" the whole country by promoting the exchange of "people, goods, and information" between urban and rural areas.
  In 2021, we were the only company from Hokkaido to receive the "Lifestyle Award," which was highly praised for the inspiring way we interact with local residents and integrate into the community, and for the great energy we inspire in people in similar circumstances.Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Mowing and thinning of the Sunflower Village by the residents of Hokuryu Town 2023 With deep affection and sincerity 2023 (Click here to read the feature article >>)
• Volunteer activities since the opening of the Hokuryu Sunflower IC jointly conducted by the Fukagawa Road Office of the Sapporo Development and Construction Department, the Hokuryu Town Office, and the Hokuryu Construction Industry Association 2020 (Click here to read the feature article >>)

• 2023 "Road Cleaning (Garbage Pickup)" by Wa Neighborhood Association Senior Citizens Club: Vigorous Senior Citizens Clean Up the Town! (The senior citizens are very energetic and clean up the town!Click here to read the feature article >>)
• Sapporo Autumn Fest 2022, Hokuryu Town: Delivering New "Sunflower Rice" (Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Ryu-machi Himawari University "Floor Curling Experience" A fun time filled with smiles and laughter 2020 (Japanese only)Click here to read the feature article >>)
• 50th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Olympics (Hokuryu Town Board of Education) The smiling, energetic power of the town's seniors will shine brightly in 2021 (Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Smiles spread and laughter echoes in the "Hekisui Mini Volleyball Club," where men and women of all ages gather to enjoy themselves in Hokuryu Town 2019 (Japanese only)Click here to read the feature article >>)
• The 5th Park Friend Cup Park Golf Tournament (Sunflower Park Golf Course, Hokuryu Town): 122 golfers from all over the province gathered to play golf, with the oldest player at 93 years old in good spirits!　The year 2023Click here to read the feature article >>)

• The 24th Wanpaku Summer Festival 2021 -Let's play energetically and blow away the corona and the heat! ~ (Click here to read the feature article >>)
• The 36th YUUKINKO Festival 2023 (In front of the Hokuryu-cho Community Center) Everyone played in the snow as much as they could! (In front of Hokuryu Community Center)Click here to read the feature article >>)

• The 3rd Hokuryu Kendama Festival (Hokuryu Kendama Club): Polishing and encouraging each other's skills to further improve and leap forward.Click here to read the feature article >>)
• 2023 Autumn Festival at Shinryu-jinja Shrine - Fair held! Children's smiling faces will make you smile! (The children's smiles will be so happy!)Click here to read the feature article >>)

• Hokuryu Marché 2022 was held! A wonderful marché of handmade creators from Hokuryu Town and beyond! (The market is held in the town of Hokuryu, a city in the southwest of Tokyo.Click here to read the feature article >>)
• Shime-nawa making workshop, smiles and laughter echo in harmony (Hokuryu Town straw craft group "Nukura") 2022 (Japanese only)Click here to read the feature article >>)

5. 8 cases are introduced from many examples of Hokuryu Town being introduced via mass media (Hokuryu Town Portal images were adopted).

Video Introduction: "The Colors of Hokuryu Town" and "The Four Seasons of Hokuryu Town

Video "Colorful Colors of Hokuryu Town" 2014

Video "Four Seasons in Hokuryu Town" 2020

7. Summary of the day

For us, information dissemination means "joyful empathy!
By shining a light on Hokuryu Town as it is, we can share with each other the charms and joys that exist today, and feel the joys of others as our own.

For us, information dissemination means "joyful empathy.

Nowadays, the world is seeing media broadcasts from various countries that Japan is a truly developed country. They are praising "a culture that practices compassion and harmony."

Hokuryu-cho is one of the embodiments of the splendor of Japan. I will continue to transmit that joy to the best of my ability by chewing on the charms and joys of Hokuryu-cho.

With heartfelt thanks to all of you

We knew nothing about Hokkaido, but we were fortunate to have a chance to live in Hokuryu Town, and we moved to Hokuryu Town in 2010. 13 years have passed since then.
As soon as I set foot in Hokuryu Town, I was touched by the great nature of Hokuryu Town in Hokkaido, felt the warmth and kindness of many townspeople, and was continuously impressed by everything I saw and heard that was new and fresh.

Every day is an exciting and thrilling "search for treasures in Hokuryu Town. When we shine the light of information dissemination on the town as it is, the things we take for granted that we have never paid attention to before start shining brightly and strangely.
It was like a magical light power, a great and inspiring light that spread and sparkled around the world on the airwaves of the Internet with enormous power and speed in the blink of an eye.

There is good and bad in the world equally.
If you focus on and tune in to complaints and other people's misfortunes, your own mind will surely be dragged down by the low vibrations, and your heart will become heavy and depressed. Therefore, if you continue to make an effort to direct your attention toward what soothes your heart (good things) by shining the magic light on them, you will naturally begin to smile and your heart will lighten and become brighter. That is exactly what "treasure hunting" is all about.

We are here today thanks to the people of Hokuryu who warmly and gently watch over us. Words cannot express how grateful we are. Thank you very much!
We will walk slowly through the remainder of our lives, hand in hand, as a couple, with a firm sense of gratitude in our hearts for our debt to all of you. And as long as our minds and bodies can move, we will cherish every moment and do our best to continue our "search for treasures in Hokuryu-cho" with all our hearts.

With boundless love, gratitude and prayers to the town of Hokuryu, which is full of magical, sparkling, energetic and bright light power.

🌻 Followed by an exchange >>