Monday, May 12, 2025
On May 8th (Thurs), Mayor Sasaki explored the town's attractions. In May, he visited and encouraged the newly appointed principal of Hokuryu Junior High School, Miyoshi Takao, vice principal of Shinryu Elementary School, Kumabayashi Masaru, five members of the local revitalization cooperation team, physical education instructor Shiraishi Aki, librarian Omi Asaka, tourism representative Sakai Yuto, event representative Takatsuki Masayuki, same Arai Tsubasa, and library administrative assistant Watanabe Atsuko.
- 1 1. Physical Education Instructor, Aki Shiraishi (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
- 2 2. Librarian, Asaki Oumi (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
- 3 3. Library Administrative Assistant, Atsuko Watanabe
- 4 4. Yu Kumabayashi, Vice Principal, Shinryu Elementary School
- 5 5. Principal of Hokuryu Junior High School, Takao Miyoshi
- 6 6. Tourism: Masato Sakai (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
- 7 7. Events: Masayuki Takatsuki (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
- 8 8. Events: Tsubasa Niida (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
- 9 Youtube Video
- 10 More Photos
- 11 Related Articles
Community Center: Training room and library
1. Physical Education Instructor, Aki Shiraishi (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
My name is Shiraishi Aki and I am from Hokuryu Town. I started working here as a local revitalization volunteer on May 1st.
I studied at Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education (Kunitachi, Tokyo) and then worked as an instructor in Tokyo for many years. I would like to use that experience to help people in the town become healthy and energetic.
The reason I came to Hokuryu Town was because the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the city center, and the number of jobs was decreasing. As I was approaching the turning point of 50, I felt a strong desire to try something new. I decided to take the plunge and help my hometown.
"I only lived in Hokuryu until I was in junior high school, so I remember everyone in the town getting along well and helping each other out. Nowadays, relationships with people in the city are becoming weaker, but I want to have fun here, interacting with all kinds of people," said Shiraishi with a bright smile.
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
"Although Aki Shiraishi was not a classmate of my daughter or son, I have known her well since she was a child.
I knew that she had played table tennis at a high school in Asahikawa and then studied at Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education. I never expected that she would choose Hokuryu and come back. I immediately decided to hire her.
Shiraishi-san is a very energetic and cheerful person. I am very happy that she came to this town of bright sunflowers and that she wants to give back to the townspeople.
I would like to have them point out and share their various observations based on their experiences living in the city, and use them to help determine the direction of the town.
I have high expectations for you, as you are a perfect fit for the direction Hokuryu Town is aiming for. Please feel free to do what you do and be relaxed. As a leader of the local revitalization cooperation team, I hope you will take the lead and work hard.
His future work will also involve work related to the pool and he will also be attending B&G training, so I am looking forward to it," said Mayor Sasaki.
2. Librarian, Asaki Oumi (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
"My name is Omi Asaka and I have been working as a librarian in Hokuryu Town since April 1st. I am originally from Kitahiroshima City.
I visited Hokuryu Town when I was little and visited the sunflower village. When I visited Hokuryu Town again last fall, I found out that the town was looking for a librarian. After that, through email correspondence and interactions with the townspeople, I felt that it was a town where it would be easy to live, so I chose this town.
"Our future vision is to make the library more accessible to people. One idea is to arrange the lighting to create a cafe-like atmosphere," says Omi.
3. Library Administrative Assistant, Atsuko Watanabe
"I have been working here as an administrative assistant since May of last year. My name is Atsuko Watanabe (42 years old). I am originally from Fukagawa City. I had always wanted to work in a library, but there weren't many openings, so I did a different job. When the recruitment for this town came up, I applied.
"We are discussing with Omi-san, led by the superintendent of education, the future of Hokuryu Town. We hope to create a library that is welcoming to everyone, a bright and comfortable place that both adults and children can enjoy," said Watanabe-san.
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
“Now, there is a plan to reconstruct the board of education, library and museum together in preparation for the opening of a compulsory elementary and junior high school.
We are already in the preparation stages. Even at this stage, we have a strong desire to "listen to the voices of children," and we think it would be best if this could be reflected in the library in particular.
It was under such circumstances that these two people came to visit us. We feel that the children's projects are giving courage and energy to the people of this town. We have high expectations. We will support you as much as we can, so please do not hesitate to offer your suggestions. The head of the school, Superintendent Tanaka, will listen to your suggestions and respond appropriately.
We are currently receiving a proposal to dismantle this entire corner counter and turn it into a corner for interacting with children. We would be happy if someone were willing to take over this fine corner equipment. Is there anyone out there who would like to do so?," said Mayor Sasaki.
Move to Shinryu Elementary School
On this day, an "Open-Air Classroom" was held at the elementary school, where first and second, third and fourth graders experienced traffic rules under the guidance of the Hekisui Police Station of Fukagawa Police Station.
4. Yu Kumabayashi, Vice Principal, Shinryu Elementary School
"I am Kumabayashi Masaru (47 years old), and I have recently taken up my new post as vice principal of Shinryu Elementary School.
I'm originally from Sapporo and lived in Iwamizawa, but I'm currently living in the teacher's housing next to the school.
I play baseball, so I would like to join the Kitaryū Town baseball team. Thank you very much.
This is my first time as vice principal, so I would like to do my best to ensure that the children at Shinryu Elementary School are able to live and work enthusiastically. I look forward to watching the children grow in the future.
Regarding compulsory education schools, up until now, what was taught in elementary school was repeated in junior high school, but at the same time, there were also shortcomings in both. By making it compulsory education schools, we hope that these issues will be resolved and education can be carried out efficiently without waste.
Author of "Another World Life Starting from Moss" by Momopapa (pen name) MF Books
The impetus for the first book I have written came from a colleague who, after I had started working, introduced me to a book in this genre (web-submitted novels).
It was very interesting, and there was a website where I could read it for free online, so I was reading my favorite genre, but then I ran out of things to read. So I thought I'd try writing it myself.
The story I came up with is about a series of various reincarnations due to a mistake made by a god.
As I was thinking about various genres of reincarnation, when I wondered what genre would be beneath plants, "moss" came to mind, so I decided to make "moss" the starting point for the protagonist's reincarnation.
This book has been well received by teachers and families, who say it's amazing. This story is aimed at junior high school students, but I'm still keeping it a secret from the kids at school (laughs)," said Vice Principal Kumabayashi with a bashful look on his face.
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
"I've had the opportunity to talk to him on many occasions, and he's a wonderful person, and an incredible scholar and athlete.
He has a keen eye for the children, and I think he is the perfect vice principal to help build the foundation for their future compulsory education. I am really looking forward to it.
I am also pleased and excited that Vice Principal Kumabayashi is an author," said Mayor Sasaki.
Encouraging Toshio Ishikawa, a janitor at Shinryu Elementary School
Move to Hokuryu Junior High School
5. Principal of Hokuryu Junior High School, Takao Miyoshi
“I am Miyoshi (56 years old), principal of Hokuryu Junior High School, and I am here on April 1st from Uryu Elementary School. I was born in Tsukigata Town and live in Iwamizawa City.
I would like to aim for a school where children can think, "School is fun." I am happy to be assigned to a school famous for its sunflowers. I look forward to working with you all.
Hokuryu Town is a town of sunflowers and hot springs, so I feel it is a very livable town.
There are only 35 students in the student family, but all of them are very diligent. They are able to diligently and diligently participate in various activities every day, such as committee activities and cleaning.
"I really feel that the students are very proud of the sunflowers in this town. I think this feeling will lead them to cherish their hometown," said Principal Miyoshi.
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
"He has been here since April, and we have had the opportunity to talk about a variety of things. We have heard about Principal Miyoshi's thoughts and the town's direction regarding education.
Last week, I also participated in the teacher training. I feel that the teachers are working really hard as they move forward as a junior high school. We are now in the preparation period for the integrated elementary and junior high school, so I look forward to your continued support.
The symbol of welcoming everyone at the annual Sunflower Festival is the "World Sunflower Guide" made up of students from Hokuryu Town School. "I'm happy that the students' warm welcome and hospitality lead us to the sunflower village," said Mayor Sasaki.
Move to Hokuryu Town Hall
6. Tourism: Masato Sakai (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
My name is Yuto Sakai (29 years old). I am originally from Niigata Prefecture. I worked as a local revitalization volunteer in the neighboring town of Chishibetsu for three years.
I am interested in tourism, so I would like to contribute to the promotion of tourism in Hokuryu Town. I think that the sunflowers in Hokuryu Town are an important tourist resource for the Kita Sorachi area, so I wanted to go inside and learn various things about them.
"I've started posting information on Instagram. Cherry blossoms are now blooming all over the town of Hokuryu. I hope to continue learning more about the charms of Hokuryu and sharing them with others," says Sakai.
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
"Mr. Sakai established a network of local revitalization cooperation volunteers in Sorachi and is the representative of that group. I have been interested in him for a long time.
Sakai-san had a strong desire to spread the word about sunflower tourism in Hokuryu, and he was the perfect person for the job, so I was very glad that we were able to make this connection.
"I would like you to spread a wide range of opinions with a strong desire to revitalize tourism, which is what you want most. I would like to see tourism in Hokuryu develop for many years to come. I have high expectations for you," said Mayor Sasaki.
Sorachi de View is a website that provides information about the Sorachi region of Hokkaido, including local food, sightseeing spots, and events recommended by locals....
7. Events: Masayuki Takatsuki (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
"My name is Takatsuki Masayuki. Nice to meet you. I'm from Shinhidaka Town. I studied at Hokkaido Information University in Ebetsu and graduated this year.
I was introduced to this organization through my involvement in the video production for the "Projection Mapping" event in Hokuryu Town, and this led to my being appointed as a member of the local revitalization cooperation team.
My main goal is to use my strengths in social media and event planning to help liven up the town. I look forward to working with you," said Takatsuki.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, the event "Hokuryu Onsen" hosted by Sunflower Park will be held for two days on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th.
Friday, April 11, 2025 On Wednesday, April 9, Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki conducted a search for the charms of Hokuryu Town in April. Table of Contents 1 Ka…
8. Events: Tsubasa Niida (Regional Revitalization Volunteer)
"My name is Tsubasa Arata. I was born and raised in Chitose City. Like Takatsuki, I graduated from Hokkaido Information University this year. I became acquainted with Hokuryu Town through my university seminar activities, and I have been given the opportunity to work here as a local revitalization volunteer.
My goal is to make Hokuryu Town a town that is known throughout the world.
Sister city plan with Lopburi Province, Kingdom of Thailand
One of the grand plans we have for the future is to establish a sister city relationship between Hokuryu Town and Lopburi Province in the Kingdom of Thailand.
One reason is that Lopburi Province in Thailand is the largest sunflower producing area in Thailand (area 1,600 ha), and is a world-famous tourist destination where sunflowers bloom for three months straight from November to January.
Another reason is that I have connections with universities in Thailand.
Hokkaido Information University is implementing an international exchange program with Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) in the Kingdom of Thailand through mutual student exchange. I am participating in this program as an exchange student and have had the opportunity to interact with professors and students at the university.
"Through this connection, I would like to aim to realize international exchange through collaboration between the four parties - Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido Information University, RMUTT, and Lopburi Province - in the form of agricultural technology exchange, intercultural study abroad for children, and the exchange of know-how on sunflower tourism businesses, etc. - and make this my theme over the next three years," said Arai, enthusiastically talking about his grandiose vision.
[Official] Sun Flower Train. Thailand tourism information site provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand Japan Office. Thailand's...
Saturday, July 20, 2024 [Updated: Wednesday, July 31] Today, July 20 (Sat), 10:00, the 38th Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival &...
Encouragement from Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro
"I have been in contact with the two of them for three or four years through events. I have spoken with many students from the College of Information Science.
I had been thinking about how to get these energetic students to come to Hokuryu Town, and so I came up with the idea of having them come as local revitalization volunteers. I proposed this to former university president Jun Nishihira (now president Shigeto Watanabe), who was pleased with the idea, and we got the idea underway.
In reality, they would like to stay in this town and help build it together. However, they also have the ambition to use this place as a career and to soar into bigger and more exciting endeavors, so we would like to support their future endeavors.
Even if you leave Hokuryu Town in three years, we hope that you will not forget that it is your second home, and will continue to promote it and take part in activities here.
I hope that you will utilize your abilities to match your potential with that of the town. I look forward to working with you.
This time, we asked Takatsuki-san to quickly create a "Recruitment poster for architectural engineering positions." Yesterday, we took this poster to Hokkaido University of Science (Sapporo City), and it was very well received!"
Koji Takahashi, a town hall janitor
Finally, everyone was smiling together with the town hall janitor, Mitsuji Takahashi, and the yellow host!!!
Hokuryu town is welcoming five reliable local revitalization cooperation team members, including the newly appointed principal of Hokuryu Junior High School and vice principal of Shinryu Elementary School, and the vibrations of each person's passion are spreading throughout the town!!!
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers for the further development and golden brilliance of Hokuryu Town in the future, where major reforms are planned to create an integrated elementary and junior high school.
Youtube Video
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◇ ◇ Photography, editing and website management: Noboru Terauchi Writer: Ikuko Terauchi
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