Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro visits Hokuryu Town [November 2024] New chef Hoshino Masao encourages the hard work of Vietnamese trainees from Hokuko Construction Co., Ltd.!

Friday, November 8, 2024

We spoke with Hoshino Masao (age 55), who was hired as an employee of Hokuriku Promotion Corporation Ltd. (chef at Sunflower Park Hokuriku Onsen) on Friday, November 1st, along with Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro and Hokuriku Promotion Corporation Ltd. Managing Director Takahashi Toshimasa.

Masao Hoshino (55 years old, Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen)

Masao Hoshino's story

"I'm Hoshino Masao, from Imoseushi Town.

I used to work at a day spa, and when I joined the Sorachi Onsen Network, I met the former manager of this spa, who introduced me to Hokuryu Onsen.

Hokuryu Onsen also has lodging facilities, so I'm learning a lot. In the future, I'd like to learn various things and do my best to be able to serve food that makes customers say, "It's delicious!"

We would like to incorporate dishes using Hokuryu Town's local specialties, as well as sweets that can only be found here, such as Hokuryu Town's sasa dango and Kurosengoku cream puffs, into the menu.

"On my days off, I like to relax and watch movies and YouTube videos. I like to watch travel and tourism sites on YouTube and feel like I'm traveling," Hoshino-san explained in a polite manner.

Mayor Sasaki's speech

"Mr. Hoshino started working here on November 1st, but when I met him previously, I was impressed by his calm and gentle personality. I hope he will continue to demonstrate his talents at Hokuryu Onsen.

We hope that as many townspeople as possible will get to know Hoshino and that he will be able to offer hot spring cuisine from a new perspective.

Please feel free to express your various thoughts and feelings. Managing Director Takahashi will listen to them and we hope that this will become a new Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen.

"At the banquet the other day, we served food that had never been seen before, and it was well received by everyone. The food was a 'staff meal set' (grilled beef tongue, etc.) packed for takeout. It was very innovative and delicious," said Mayor Sasaki.

Comment from Managing Director Toshimasa Takahashi

"We were connected with Mr. Hoshino when we were looking for a chef for our inn. He came to inspect the place several times, and ultimately chose this hot spring.

When I asked Hoshino-san how he felt, he said, "It's fun!" I hope he will be able to bring out his own style in the future. The staff in the kitchen seem to get along well with each other, so I think that's the best thing.

Up until now, the onsen chef has been handling everything on his own, so the food was prepared under extremely tight schedules. With the addition of Mr. Hoshino, the two of us have been able to relax a little, which I think is reflected in the deliciousness of the food.

"I feel that it's these little touches and the sincerity of the little touches that are expressed in the food. Hoshino-san is a really nice person, so I feel lucky to have him here," said Managing Director Takahashi.

A female employee's idea: Christmas tree stuffed toys

Small, cute stuffed animals and toys are displayed as ornaments on the Christmas tree in front of the restaurant at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen!

The idea was conceived by a female employee at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen. She displayed stuffed animals that had been lying around her home.

"Feel free to take home the stuffed animals and toys. ♥" it says!!!

Encouraging Vietnamese trainees from Hokko Construction Co., Ltd.

Moving from Hokuryu Onsen, Mayor Sasaki visited the work site of Vietnamese trainees undergoing technical internship at Hokko Construction Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Masahito Fujii) to offer encouragement.

That day, three trainees from Vietnam who were in their first, second and sixth years of technical training were working on irrigation canal construction.

Mayor Sasaki: "Do you understand Japanese?"

• "Yes, I understand!" answered the sixth-year trainee.
• "Are you okay with the cold?" "Yes, it's cold!"
• "How about some food?" "I can eat it!"

Mayor Sasaki kindly said, "It's going to snow and get cold from now on, so please be careful not to get hurt and do your best!"

The next day, Thursday, November 7th, the first snow fell in Hokuryu Town, making it a cold day.

With boundless love, gratitude and prayers for the delicious food, sprinkled with the magical spices of sincere hospitality and careful dedication, and for the great efforts of the Vietnamese trainees working in Hokuryu Town...

Youtube Video

More Photos

Photos (235 photos) of Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro's Hokuryu Town Inspection 2024 are here >>

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