Masahito Fujii, Chairman of Commerce and Industry, Hokuryu Town
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Hokuryu Tourism Association
We would like to congratulate the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association on its 50th anniversary and the publication of its commemorative magazine. We would like to express our respect and gratitude to the board members, members, government and related organizations.
Since the establishment of the Hokuryu-cho Tourist Association in 1972 and the inauguration of Mr. Yoshio Komatsu, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as its first chairman, the association has been very active in environmental beautification, tourism development, facility maintenance, the construction of a new trail to the Sandan-no-taki Falls, and the holding of events and other activities, and has also become a vital force in the town.
We have received even greater support since the Sunflower Village was created in 1964. The blue and white dragons created by the Ryutopia Association the previous year have since been active in the village and at events.
Although I had seen it on TV, I was overwhelmed by the dragon dance, which is one of my unforgettable memories. The stores in the village, which started with three stores, have been crowded with tourists since the construction of a new tourist center in 1997, which houses many stores.
In 1999, the name was changed to Sunflower Tourism Association. It became even broader and more significant as a driving force in the revitalization of the region.
We, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have also worked to preserve the nature and landscape by releasing young fish, holding events such as the Sunflower Festival Beer Party by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Club, setting up planters by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women's Club, and planting sunflowers IC by the Construction Industry Association.
We, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will continue to support the Hokuryu-cho Sunflower Tourism Association as much as we can, as we believe that the association will further develop the local economy of Hokuryu-cho with new challenges and creativity.
In closing, I would like to offer my sincere wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of the Sunflower Tourism Association and all those involved, and extend my congratulations.
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