The 17th B&G National Summit 2025 will be held and Hokuryu Town will be recognized as a Special A Evaluation Center for the 10th consecutive year!

Monday, January 27, 2025

On Wednesday, January 22nd, the 17th B&G National Summit was held at Bellesalle Tokyo Nihonbashi (Chuo-ku, Tokyo). The theme of the 17th B&G National Summit was "Public Facilities from Micro and Macro Perspectives," and the summit featured a special keynote speech by Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, case study presentations by local government leaders, and the presentation of the Excellent Center Award.

Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki and Superintendent of Education Yoshiki Tanaka from Kitaryū Town attended the ceremony and were recognized as a special A rating center for the 10th consecutive year.

The 17th B&G National Summit

B&G Foundation

The B&G Foundation (to be renamed on April 1, 2023) was established in 1973 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Motorboat Racing Law, and is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year. The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation whose activities are to promote the healthy development of young people and to revitalize and create local communities.

A total of 800 people, including 273 mayors from 360 local governments across the country, participated.

The 17th B&G National Summit was attended by approximately 800 people, including 273 mayors, 24 deputy mayors, and 196 superintendents of education from 45 prefectures and 360 local governments across the country, as well as guests and local government officials.

32 local governments from Hokkaido participated

From Hokkaido, 32 municipalities have participated: Sunagawa City, Obira Town, Akkeshi Town, Kenbuchi Town, Taiki Town, Takasu Town, Shari Town, Aibetsu Town, Enbetsu Town, Shinshinotsu Village, Ozora Town,Hokuryu TownThe following towns attended the meeting (in the order listed in the handout): Esashi Town, Shimokawa Town, Higashikagura Town, Nayoro City, Shakotan Town, Wassamu Town, Ashibetsu City, Oshamanbe Town, Kamifurano Town, Higashikawa Town, Biei Town, Ishikari City, Urausu Town, Chichibubetsu Town, Numata Town, Iwamizawa City, Tomamae Town, Takikawa City, Furubira Town, and Muroran City.

Hokuryu Town receives Special A rating for 10 consecutive years

This time, two centers received the Special A rating for 20 consecutive years, and 21 centers received the Special A rating for 10 consecutive years. In Hokkaido, five centers have received the Special A rating for 10 consecutive years, and our town, B&G Marine Center, was awarded the Excellent Marine Center prize.

The main purpose of this marine center evaluation is to grasp the management and operation aspects of each facility, revitalize activities, and serve as an indicator for the support activities carried out by the B&G Foundation. Six-level evaluations are conducted from Special A, which is the highest level, to E (based on a criteria table, which quantitatively checks the number of users, event status, facility maintenance, etc.).

Proceedings

The meeting was chaired by B&G Foundation staff members Mei Katase from the Disaster Prevention Promotion Division, Regional Revitalization Department, and Mai Ogawa from the Children's Support Division, Regional Revitalization Department.

Part 1

Opening remarks from the organizer: Chairman of the B&G Foundation, Yasuyoshi Maeda (Mayor of Takikawa City, Hokkaido)

B&G Foundation Chairman Yasuyoshi Maeda expressed his gratitude to all involved and said, "We intend to work together with local governments to find solutions to diversifying social problems, and for the further development of the region, we intend to work with all our might to promote a wider range of projects than ever before, based on the principles of 'healthy development of young people' and 'regional revitalization and regional creation.'"

Introduction of Guests

Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa, Managing Director of the Nippon Foundation, Junpei Sasakawa, Managing Director of the Nippon Foundation, Hideo Sato, Executive Director of the Nippon Foundation, Yuki Kishi, Councillor of the B&G Foundation (actress and painter), Mari Company Inc. CEO, Mari Tanigawa, Director of the B&G Foundation, Shinsuke Sano (Guest Editorial Writer of the Sankei Shimbun), Genichi Kobayashi, Facility Improvement Committee of the B&G Foundation (representative of Kobayashi Architecture Institute), Chairman of the B&G Foundation, Kokichi Maeda (Mayor of Takikawa City, Hokkaido), Chairman of the B&G Foundation, Satoshi Sugawara, Managing Director of the B&G Foundation, Tomoaki Asahida, Managing Director of the B&G Foundation, Masato Iwai, Managing Director of the B&G Foundation

Introduction:
Project to set up disaster prevention bases and build mutual support systems in the event of a disaster

1. About B&G Foundation Mutual Support:
Randai Fujie, Disaster Prevention Promotion Division, Regional Revitalization Department, B&G Foundation

• Expand to 69 locations nationwide by 2024
• Disaster prevention support overview, equipment owned by disaster prevention bases (hydraulic excavators, slide dumps, rescue boats, etc.)
• Introducing examples of use during the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rain disasters

2. Damage situation in Hirakawa Town, Aomori Prefecture:
Mr. Takamasa Susuda, Superintendent of Education, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture

Record snowfall caused a heavy snow disaster in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Heavy machinery was deployed through the "Establishment of a Disaster Prevention Base and Establishment of a Mutual Support System in the Event of a Disaster" project through the B&G Foundation, and heavy machinery and operators were dispatched from both Oga City, Akita Prefecture and Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture to carry out snow removal work at public facilities such as schools and meeting halls.

Special Keynote Speech "Is Japan's Future in Danger?"
Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa

Profile of Chairman Yohei Sasakawa

• Born January 8, 1939 (Showa 14), 86 years old
• Chairman of the Nippon Foundation: 2005 (July 2005 to present)
• Honorary Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation: July 2016 -
• WHO (World Health Organization) Leprosy Elimination Ambassador: May 2001 -
• Japanese Government Leprosy Human Rights Awareness Ambassador: September 2007 -
• Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar: February 2013 -
• Spring 2024 Decorations: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun and Person of Cultural Merit: Issued on April 29, 2019

Chairman Sasakawa Yohei is highly regarded for his many years of hard work and activities in a wide range of fields, including serving as Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation that supports projects in the fields of welfare, education, and international cooperation, as well as serving as a WHO (World Health Organization) Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination.

On the day of the event, all participants were given a signed copy of Chairman Sasakawa Yohei's book, "To Our Beloved Homeland II" (Sankei Shimbun Publications).

Special Keynote Speech and Overview

1. A humorous self-introduction and thoughts on the lecture

The lecture began with a humorous self-introduction by Chairman Sasakawa. He shared an episode from his own marriage and explained that he is not good at persuading people. However, he also expressed his gratitude to Chairman Maeda and President Sugahara, who have supported the activities of the B&G Foundation for many years, and explained why he accepted this lecture.

2. Establishment of the B&G Foundation and a vision ahead of its time

The lecture began in earnest with a congratulatory speech for the 52nd anniversary of the B&G Foundation. It was explained that the starting point of the B&G Foundation was advice that Ryoichi Sasakawa received in Germany when the foundation was first established, that "the importance of sports facilities that emphasize the local community" was the starting point of the B&G Foundation. At the time, local governments were finding it difficult to secure budgets, but he appealed for the need for facilities that looked to the future, and it was a moving story of how this led to the development of the foundation today.

3. Changing times and international situation

The era has changed from "Meiji is a distant memory" to "Showa is a distant memory." As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Showa era, the world situation is also changing dramatically. He expressed a sense of crisis while citing specific examples of the emergence of President Trump, climate change due to global warming, and the international situation surrounding Japan. In particular, he made a very important point about the impact that changes in the marine environment will have on Japan's food culture.

4. Japan's peace and independence, and the shift from "public opinion" to "public opinion"

Why is Japan at peace? Referring to the preamble of the Japanese Constitution, Chairman Sasakawa pointed out the dangers of national security that relies on the good faith of other countries. He then sounded a warning about Japan's current situation, listing elements necessary for a truly independent nation, such as an independent constitution, a national army, an anti-espionage law, cyber measures, and weapons manufacturing capabilities.

The key keyword that emerged here was the word "public opinion." In postwar Japan, the kanji character "yoron" fell out of use, so the word "seron" became more common. However, Chairman Sasakawa explained that "public opinion" is the sentiment of the people, while "public opinion" is the opinion of leaders with an eye to the future. He stressed that in order to break through the current situation, we need "public opinion" with leadership, not the sentiment of the people.

5. The power of leadership and public opinion to open up the future

Finally, Chairman Sasakawa cited historical figures such as Uesugi Yozan, Saito Takao, and Kobayashi Torasaburo to demonstrate how strong determination and action for one's country will pave the way to the future. He emphasized the importance of forming "public opinion" and acting without being content with the status quo and without fear of being disliked at times. Finally, he expressed his respect for the continuity of the B&G Foundation and concluded by saying that the Nippon Foundation would like to actively support it if there is anything it can do to help.

Through this lecture, we were reminded of the importance of not being content with the status quo, but rather of acting with an eye to the future. Chairman Sasakawa's passionate message resonated deeply in our hearts and will become a great source of power that will greatly change the way we act from tomorrow onwards.

Full text of the speech: "Sasakawa Yohei Blog"

Yohei Sasakawa Blog (Chairman of the Nippon Foundation)

"B&G Foundation 17th National Summit Lecture" - 800 participants -

"B&G Foundation 17th National Summit Lecture" - 800 participants - B&G Foundation is a Blue Sea and Green Land…

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Part 2

• chairman :Mayor Shiho Ishiyama of Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
• Vice-chairman:Mayor Yasuhiko Sato of Nankan Town, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Vice-chairman:Mayor Toshiro Maruyama of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture

Case Study 1: Micro Perspective
The state of public facilities from the perspective of people with disabilities - Case study of special facility development and the use of a next-generation boathouse: Mayor Ishiyama Takataka, Kami Town, Miyagi Prefecture

With the support of the foundation from 2019 to 2021, the Nakaniida Marine Center in Kami-machi has been reborn as a "hub where everyone can enjoy themselves together." The entire facility has been made barrier-free, with ramps without steps, wheelchair-accessible shower rooms, and multi-purpose toilets. With the establishment of a new office, full-time staff are now available, creating an environment where people with disabilities can use the facility with peace of mind.

Case Study 2: Macro Perspective
A case study of the use of special pool facilities based on the Taiki Town Comprehensive Plan: Mayor Yutaka Kurokawa of Taiki Town, Hokkaido

In fiscal year 2023 (Reiwa 5), the Taiki Town Marine Center will use a foundation grant to replace the roofed pool with an indoor heated pool adjacent to the elementary school. The pool's heat source uses a wood biomass boiler. In addition to a 25m pool (4 lanes), a pool for younger students, and a toddler pool, the center will also install facilities such as a heating room, barrier-free toilets, a viewing zone, security cameras, and an earthquake backflow prevention device.

Requests from the B&G National Leaders Association:
Training and Utilization of Instructors: Chairman of the B&G National Instructor Association, Sukenao Kudo (Mayor of Nanbu Town, Aomori Prefecture)

• Request for dispatch of center instructor training course for 2025
• Activities at regional leadership meetings (B&G leaders' wide-ranging activities)
• Promoting the 3Ks to leaders: "Training dispatch," "Understanding activities," and "Communicating"

Report from the 21st B&G National Superintendents Conference:
Chairperson of the B&G National Superintendent of Education Conference, Noriko Yoneda (Superintendent of Education, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture)

• The 21st B&G National Superintendents of Education Conference was held on Friday, November 22, 2024, with a total of 295 participants, including 222 superintendents from 238 municipalities in 45 prefectures.
• Keynote speech: "Creating a new form of local club activities: Akihisa Shirota, Representative Director of Mirai Chizu General Incorporated Association"
• Other case presentations
• 21st National Conference of Superintendents of Education Recommendations: Creating an environment that allows for diverse activities

B&G Friendship Project Interim Report
Progress report on the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Project in 2024: Tomoaki Asahida, Executive Director, B&G Foundation

• Target municipalities: Anamizu Town, Shika Town, Nanao City Total amount of support: 23,773,501 yen
• Executive Director: Explanation of the current situation of the Disaster Area Marine Center:
  Offering marine sports experiences, providing play areas and experiential activities for children, providing shopping support for temporary housing complexes, donating beverages to child welfare facilities, providing hand care service support by visiting elderly care facilities, and providing support for the Obon festival for bereaved families of the earthquake disaster.

Report on the current state of reconstruction in Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture
Junko Oma, Superintendent of Education, Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture

• Current situation of temporary housing ・Online hybrid classes (3rd year junior high school students)
• Nursery school and elementary school students spend time together, eat school lunches using relief supplies, and cooperate with each other to lead a school life.
• With the completion of the temporary elementary school building, classes resumed after an eight-month hiatus
• Children go to school with smiles on their faces
• Thanks to the B&G Foundation's detailed support, children are replacing their sad memories of the earthquake with happy ones.
• Your courage and energy have given me the strength to do my best. Thank you!

Call for Applications! Information on next year's Foundation Grant Programs
Nana Wakabayashi, Marine Center Club Section, Business Division

• Special support project for heat stroke prevention: Installation of first aid stations around the Marine Center pool (limited to 15 locations in FY2025)
• Installation of "B&G Collection Boxes (garbage boxes for beached garbage)"
• Information about the Marine Club

Introduction of trainees dispatched by local governments

• Seconded from Aibetsu Town, Hokkaido → Assigned to the Business Department, Marine Center and Club Division: Mitsuteru Hirotomi
• Seconded from Nagi Town, Okayama Prefecture → Assigned to the Business Department, Marine Center and Club Division: Kazuhiro Kayama
• Seconded from Amagi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture → Assigned to the Planning and Public Relations Division of the Planning Department: Hideko Matsuoka
• Planning and planning of a disaster relief project: "Visiting elderly care facilities for hand care":
  The event was planned with the aim of refreshing the mind and body, and led to improved mental health.

Part 3

Award: Special A Evaluation Center for 10 consecutive years

*Because there were so many winners at the 10th consecutive Special A Evaluation Center Awards, they were introduced by video, and a representative received the award on stage.

Hokuryu Town Award

All 21 municipalities awarded

1. B&G Marine Center, Obira Town, Hokkaido…Mayor Seki Tsuguo
2. B&G Marine Center, Enbetsu Town, Hokkaido………Mayor Masato Kunibe
3. B&G Marine Center, Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido...Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki
4. B&G Marine Center, Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido…Mayor Hagiwara
5. B&G Marine Center, Kamifurano Town, Hokkaido...Mayor Shigeru Saito
6. B&G Marine Center, Onoe, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture...Mayor Tadayuki Nagao
7. B&G Marine Center, Taneichi, Hirono-cho, Iwate Prefecture...Mayor Masayoshi Okamoto
8. B&G Marine Center, Nishime, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. Mayor Takanobu Minato
9. B&G Marine Center, Yoshimi Town, Saitama Prefecture...Mayor Yoshio Miyazaki
10. B&G Marine Center, Aikata, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture…..Mayor Yaichi Nakahara
11. B&G Marine Center, Niitsu, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture…Mayor Yaichi Nakahara
12. B&G Marine Center, Ogi, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture…Mayor Ryugo Watanabe
13. B&G Marine Center, Yao, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture…Mayor Hirohisa Fujii
14. B&G Marine Center, Maruoka, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture…..Mayor Yoshitaka Ikeda
15. B&G Marine Center, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture...Mayor Hitoshi Oguri
16. B&G Marine Center, Tomika Town, Gifu Prefecture...Mayor Keita Watanabe
17. B&G Marine Center, Toda, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture…Mayor Shuichi Yorishige
18. B&G Marine Center, Kosakai, Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture...Mayor Yukio Takemoto
19. B&G Marine Center, Taga Town, Shiga Prefecture...Mayor Kubo Hisayoshi
20. B&G Marine Center, Asakura, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture…..Mayor Shigeki Tokunaga
21. B&G Marine Center, Otomo Town, Fukuoka Prefecture...Mayor Joji Nagahara

Center that has received Special A rating for 20 consecutive years

1. B&G Marine Center, Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture....Mayor Ono
2. B&G Marine Center, Misato, Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture....Mayor Ikuo Nakamura

National Summit Joint Declaration

Creating a facility that everyone can use, not just one that people will want to use: Let's understand the needs of the local community surrounding the Marine Center and add value to make it an even more attractive facility!

Closing remarks by Yuki Kishi, Trustee of the B&G Foundation

Councillor Yuki Kishi stated that she was inspired by the Nationwide Summit and was impressed by the case studies from Kami Town, Miyagi Prefecture and Taiki Town, Hokkaido. She also emphasized the importance of flexible thinking in utilizing the Marine Center.

With boundless love, gratitude and prayers for the great achievements of the B&G Foundation, which operates with a broad perspective under the concept of "creating a future filled with wonderful scenes where children's eyes sparkle, young people talk about big dreams, and older people spend their days with gentle smiles," and leads Japan's future with bright and energetic vibrations.

Youtube Video

More Photos

Photos (325 photos) from the 17th B&G National Summit 2025 are available here >>

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