Monday, September 28, 2020
Following the conclusion of the B&G Hokkaido Block Liaison Lecture Exchange Meeting, which was held the day after the FY2020 Hokkaido B&G Instructor Training Session, in the afternoon, together with B&G Foundation Chairman Sugawara Satoshi, General Affairs Division Chief Nakajima Hiroomi, and Marine Center and Club Division staff Kurihara Himeyuki, Mayor Sano Yutaka, Hokuryu Town Board of Education Superintendent Arima Kazushi, Division Chief Iguchi Junichi, staff member Shimizuno Riki, and community supporters Terauchi Noboru and Ikuko, toured Hokuryu Town and neighboring cities and towns.
Visit to Hokuryu Town and neighboring cities and towns
Mitani district, Hokuryu town
Starting at 2pm, we departed from Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen and travelled to Mashike town, passing through the Mitani area of Hokuryu town, where golden rice stalks sway, and Edaibetsu Tamu.

On the train, we heard a lot about the state of this year's rice harvest, which is being cultivated with the pure waters of Edaibetsu Dam, as well as the relationship and current state of affairs between Mashike Town, Rumoi City, and Hokuryu Town.

Mashike Town
Mashike Town was the hometown of Mayor Sano's mother, so he spoke nostalgically about what Mashike Town was like at the time and his memories of his parents.
Mashike Station
The first place we headed to in Mashike Town was Mashike Station.

Kunimare Sake Brewery
We visited Kunimare Sake Brewery, the northernmost sake brewery in Japan. Mayor Sano explained that Kunimare used sake rice from Hokuryu in the past.

Everyone was delighted as they compared different drinks in the tasting corner (though the driver had to hold back, of course!).
Rumoi City
Cape Golden
Afterwards, we moved to Rumoi City, where we visited Cape Ogon, a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Roadside Station Rumoi
We visited places such as Rumoi Roadside Station, which opened in July this year.

Hokuryu Town
They then took the Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway to Hokuryu Town. Chairman Sugahara was surprised to see the name of the interchange, "Hokuryu Himawari Interchange," which uses the word sunflower in its name in addition to the local area name.
View Hill ~ Sunflower Village
View of the whole town from the observation hill.

Yawara Nursery School designed by Kengo Kuma
After touring the Sunflower Village and other attractions, the group toured the Yawara Nursery School, designed by Kengo Kuma, with Director Yasuhiro Sugiyama as a guide.
Exchange between B&G and Hokuryu Town
After visiting Yawara Nursery School, we returned to Sunflower Park Kitaryu Onsen, took a one-hour break, and then had a social gathering.

"Menu" prepared by Chef Tomokazu Maeda
White plate
・Grilled sea bream with yuzu sauce ・Grilled snow crab ・Tachipon ・Shrimp and sea urchin terrine ・Tuna Nanbanzuke ・Cold chawanmushi ・A set of side dishes
sashimi
・Bluefin tuna ・Salmon ・Sea bream ・Scallop ・Botan shrimp ・Yellowtail
hotpot
・Sunflower pork shabu-shabu (with Kurosengoku dressing)
Western-style plates
・Homemade roast beef ・Hokuryu tomato seafood salad in farci style (with sunflower oil and basil sauce)
Fried food
・Shrimp and Hokuryu vegetable tempura and soy meat fried in sunflower oil
cooked rice
・Oborozuki from Hokuryu
Clear soup
・Kurosengoku udon (with Kurosengoku soybean flour)
Dessert
・Pumpkin pudding tempura with Kurosengoku flakes
・Sunflower melon (red flesh)
Thank you to Chef Tomokazu Maeda of Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen for the wonderful food!!!
Chairman Sugahara visits B&G centers all over Japan, working closely with local people and thoroughly inspecting the region, carrying out important activities that contribute to the development of the region. He shared one unique story after another from his visits, causing waves of laughter...
We had a great time reminiscing about old times, smiling and having a great time deepening our friendship.
At Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen...

The scenery of Hokuryu Town, overflowing with the power of golden rice ears

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we thank the B&G Foundation for its great work in contributing to the healthy development of young people who will lead the next generation through marine recreation that is alive in the blue seas and green land.
Other photos
Related articles and sites
・The 2020 Hokkaido B&G Instructor Training Seminar was held in Hokuryu Town.(September 28, 2020)
・Repair subsidy approved for Hokuryu Town B&G Marine Center, renovation to be carried out after the season(May 1, 2014)
・Junior high school students from Hokuryu Town participated in the B&G Ocean Experience Seminar(October 11, 2011)
・Elementary school students experience life jacket floating for the first time at the 18th Underwater Recreation Tournament @ Hokuryu Town B&G Marine Center(August 4, 2011)
◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
