[A moving and grateful celebration] Former Hokuryu Town Mayor Yutaka Sano celebrates receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays

Thursday, July 17, 2025

On Saturday, July 12th, a grand celebration was held at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen to celebrate former Hokuryu Town Mayor Yutaka Sano receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. 118 people came to the celebration to honor his many years of contributions to local government, and the venue was filled with a warm atmosphere of emotion and gratitude. We will report on the congratulatory speeches, thank-you speeches, and friendly conversation.

Congratulations! Celebration for Mr. Yutaka Sano receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays

At the spring 2025 awards ceremony, former Kitaryū town mayor Yutaka Sano was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in recognition of his many years of contributions to local government and regional development.

To celebrate this honor, a reception was held on Saturday, July 12th at 3pm at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen. 118 people attended and it was a huge success.

Congratulations! Celebration for Mr. Yutaka Sano receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Congratulations! Celebration for Mr. Yutaka Sano receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Yutaka Sano and his wife Tomoko
Yutaka Sano and his wife Tomoko

What is the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays?

Decorations are awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions to the nation or the public. There are six types of decorations in Japan: the Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum, the Grand Cordon of the Paulownia Flowers, the Order of the Rising Sun, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, the Order of Culture, and the Precious Crown.

  • Order of the Rising Sun:The award is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, focusing on the nature of their meritorious service.
  • Order of the Sacred Treasure:This award is given to those who have achieved outstanding results through many years of public service.

There are six levels of awards: Grand Cordon, Grand Cordon, Medium Cordon, Petite Cordon, Double Cordon and Single Cordon.

The Spring and Autumn Awards are issued twice a year, on April 29th in the spring and November 3rd in the autumn. Recipients are presented with a ceremony by the competent minister (or in some cases, the prefectural governor), and after the award is presented, the recipient, wearing the medal, and accompanied by their spouse, has an audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace.

In the spring of 2025, 3,990 people were awarded the Grand Cordon of the Paulownia Flowers, the Order of the Rising Sun, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure. Of these, 488 people received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. In Hokkaido, 216 people received the award, including 61 who received the Order of the Rising Sun and 155 who received the Order of the Sacred Treasure. (Please refer to the Cabinet Office website.)

Awards and honours

Awards and honours
Awards and honours

Organizer and host of the celebration

  • Founder Representative:Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Yasuhiro Sasaki
  • Founder:Mr. Hitoshi Takebayashi
  • Main MC:Hajime Minami, General Affairs Division Chief, Hokuryu Town Hall
The main moderator was Hajime Nanba, General Affairs Division Chief of Hokuryu Town Hall.
The main moderator was Hajime Nanba, General Affairs Division Chief of Hokuryu Town Hall.

Opening and congratulatory remarks

Couple entrance

Couple included
Couple included
Couple entrance
Couple entrance

Representative speech from the promoter: Mayor of Hokuryu Yasuhiro SasakiMr.

Greetings from the representative of the promoters: Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Yasuyuki Sasaki
Greetings from the representative of the promoters: Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Yasuyuki Sasaki

"We are pleased to hold a celebration for Mr. Yutaka Sano to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays as part of this year's Spring 2025 Decorations. Congratulations to Mr. Yutaka Sano and his wife Tomoko on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

Mr. and Mrs. Sano arrived at the venue early to welcome everyone, and greeted everyone by their first name, not by their surname, making sure to greet everyone warmly. I realized that these actions were a reflection of Mr. Sano's warm life and his way of living.

I'm sure you are all well aware of his career, but he joined the town government in 1970 and has had 54 years of administrative experience since. He then served as deputy mayor, and then as mayor for three terms over 12 years. During that time, he must have worked extremely hard, and although I have only been in office for a little over a year, I can truly feel that. During his 12 years of solid service, he built Hokuryu Town into what it is today.

At the Hokkaido Municipalities Association meeting on July 10th, the current Governor of Hokkaido, Suzuki, offered his congratulations, saying, "Please convey my best wishes to Mr. Sano." Mr. Sano was also congratulated by Mr. Takao Tanano (Mayor of Shiranuka Town and Chairman of the Hokkaido Municipalities Association), who became the Chairman of the National Association of Municipalities. Mr. Tanano said that he was elected as Chairman because "Mr. Yutaka Sano provided solid support as Vice Chairman."

This is the second time in 81 years that a chairman of the National Association of Towns and Villages has been elected from within Hokkaido, since Mayor Kanichi Yoshida of Shizunai Town was elected in 1944. I believe that Hokkaido will be positioned at the center of local government and will play an important role. I believe this is also the result of Mr. Sano's hard work for Hokkaido.

I have always heard that there are things that Mr. Sano has not been able to accomplish in his 12 years as mayor. I fully acknowledge that there are areas that were not completed, such as the public transportation system and the management status of Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen. I would like to ask Mr. Sano for guidance based on his various experiences.

Recently, the national government has provided a large grant for Regional Revitalization 2.0, encouraging Hokuryu Town to develop a strong town despite its small size. I believe this is also thanks to the administrative work that Mr. Sano has built up over the years.

Today's celebration has been prepared by staff who have received guidance from Mr. Sano. We are aware that there may have been various mistakes, but we ask for your understanding in this celebration. Congratulations to Mr. Yutaka Sano on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays today!

We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Sano for his many years of achievements!
We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Sano for his many years of achievements!

bouquet presentation

We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Sano for his many years of achievements!

Presented by:Grandchildren Sakuma Yoshida and Taishiro Sano

Grandson presents bouquet
Grandson presents bouquet
Return gift
Return gift

Congratulatory speech: Mr. Naoichi Nakamura, Chairman of the Hokuriku Town Council

Congratulatory speech: Mr. Naoichi Nakamura, Chairman of the Hokuriku Town Council
Congratulatory speech: Mr. Naoichi Nakamura, Chairman of the Hokuriku Town Council

"I am extremely pleased and congratulated the former Hokuryu Town Mayor, Yutaka Sano, for receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for his contributions to local government in the spring of 2025. His many years of achievements have been recognized.

Mr. Sano joined the town hall immediately after graduating from high school in 1970 and worked in public service for 34 years, serving as deputy mayor in 2004 and the first deputy mayor in 2007 following an amendment to the Local Autonomy Act, during which he dedicated his time to the town of Hokuryu. In 2012, he ran for mayor of Hokuryu and, despite various obstacles, was successfully elected and began serving as mayor. He served as mayor for three terms, a total of 12 years. In total, he worked at Hokuryu Town Hall for an astonishing 54 years, starting from his time as an employee, working hard to develop the town and make it a pleasant place to live.

During that time, he served in countless roles, including as chairman of the Sorachi Town and Village Association, vice-chairman of the Hokkaido Town and Village Association, and director of the Hokkaido Land Improvement Association. For his efforts, he received awards for his achievements from various organizations.

Mr. Sano was an athlete, having played baseball since elementary school, and practicing every day in high school with the goal of going to Koshien. After entering public service, he was actively involved in the town hall team and various other organizations. After retiring from public service, he has been active as an officer of the Himawari Voluntary Association and the Park Golf Association. He has served as representative of Ryusenji Temple for many years, and since last year has been deputy representative chief, playing important roles in various areas, for which we would like to express our respect.

In closing, I would like to offer my best wishes for continued prosperity and success for Mr. and Mrs. Sano and the Sano family, and I would also like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to all those in attendance today for good health and happiness."

I wish the Sano family continued prosperity and success!
I wish the Sano family continued prosperity and success!

Presentation of commemorative gifts

Presented by:Keiko Banda, General Affairs Division, Hokuryu Town Hall, Assistant Section Chief

Recipient's thank you speech: Yutaka Sano

Acknowledgements: Yutaka Sano
Acknowledgements: Yutaka Sano

"It is a very hot day today, but I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for attending and holding such a grand celebration. I am also extremely honored to have received the gracious words of Mayor Sasaki and Council Chairman Nakamura.

I am both nervous and overwhelmed to receive the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays at the Spring 2025 Decorations Conferrals. I believe this is the fruit of your continued support and cooperation, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Since I began working at Hokuryu Town Hall in 1970, I have been able to work healthily for 54 long years without any major illnesses, and I would like to express my gratitude to the many townspeople, my superiors, and all the staff members.

When I joined the town hall, I was first assigned to the Agriculture Policy Section of the Industry Division, the year when rice production was adjusted due to the rice paddy reduction policy. I am the son of a fishmonger and knew nothing about agriculture. I remember desperately trying to memorize the names of the producers, the locations of the rice paddies, and the houses of the farmers based on the agricultural group accounting code that had the producers' names on it. I think there were about 500 farm households. The population was about 4,700.

These experiences proved to be extremely valuable in my later work at the town office, as they allowed me to forge closer ties with local producers. During my time as a forestry officer, I was able to grasp the overall picture of Hokuryu Town's land, including the owners and locations of national and town forests, and the types of trees. I am very grateful and happy to have had the opportunity to learn about the connections between rice paddies and farmers, mountains and trees, and the people of the town through my work.

After that, I worked for the Board of Education as the Director of Physical Education for six years, at the same time as the opening of the Kaizen Center Gymnasium. It was a time when, under the motto of "Sports in Life," I worked hard with the townspeople on sports to create a healthy and bright town. I also worked on the construction of Sunflower Park as the Finance Section Chief.

I was appointed deputy mayor and vice mayor in 2004, and was elected mayor in 2012, finishing my three-term, 12-year term last year. I owe it all to the many townspeople and staff members who have allowed me to be involved in such major projects throughout the years. I would like to express my gratitude once again.

The award was presented to me by Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki at the Hotel New Otani Sapporo on May 9th. On May 20th, I had an audience with the Emperor at the Homeiden Hall of the Imperial Palace. During the audience, I happened to be in the center of the front row among many other recipients, and the Emperor thanked me by saying, "Thank you for all your hard work in completing your various duties. Please take good care of yourself from now on," and I was deeply moved. Not everyone can experience this, so I was truly overwhelmed.

It was only thanks to the cooperation of my seniors, colleagues, and the townspeople that I was able to receive this award. I would like to express my deepest gratitude. I am 74 years old, and I would like to do my best to contribute to society, however small my contribution may be, so that I do not bring shame to this medal. I would like to thank you all for your continued support, cooperation, and guidance. Thank you very much for today!

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support and cooperation!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support and cooperation!

unveiling of a congratulatory telegram

Member of the House of Representatives, Shinjiro Koizumi

I am delighted to hear that you have received this honorable award. Congratulations.
We hope you will continue to take care of yourself and appreciate your continued guidance and support.

Governor of Hokkaido, Naomichi Suzuki

We would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
We would like to congratulate Mr. Sano on this award, as we are sure it will be a source of great joy and deep emotion not only to his family who have supported him, but also to the many people involved in local government, related organizations, and people in the community.
We hope that you will continue to be in good health and that you will use your outstanding insight and wealth of experience to provide special support for the development of Hokkaido.
Congratulations on this occasion.

Mr. Nian Xinshi, Director of the Sapporo Branch of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan

Dear Sir/Madam, I hope that you are in good health and well-being as the new greenery blooms. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support in promoting friendship between Taiwan and Japan.
I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to you on receiving the Gold Rays with Rosette in the Spring of 2025. I believe this is the result of your many years of hard work and contributions.
We would also like to express our gratitude to former Mayor Sano for his visit to Taiwan to promote local products and for his efforts in promoting economic exchanges between Hokkaido and Taiwan.
First of all, I would like to express my congratulations in writing, although it is a small token of my gratitude, and ask for your continued support.

To everyone who sent congratulatory telegrams

  • Members of the House of Representatives: Hiroki Michishita and Hiroshi Kamiya
  • Member of the House of Representatives Masato Nishikawa and Member of the House of Councillors Masao Miyazaki
  • Members of the House of Councillors Satsuki Katayama and Muneo Suzuki
  • Senator Tsuyoshi Iwamoto and Senator Kanehiko Shindo
  • Senator Takeshi Hasegawa and Senator Harumi Takahashi
  • Senator Toshimi Funahashi and Senator Eri Tokunaga
  • Member of the House of Councillors, Ms. Seiko Hashimoto, Former Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Koichi Watanabe
  • Mr. Takahiro Asano, Member of the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly, and Mr. Shinichi Hamasaka, Vice Governor of Hokkaido
  • Vice Governor of Hokkaido, Mr. Tsuyoshi Mitsuhashi, Vice Governor of Hokkaido, Mr. Takayuki Kano
  • Toshiaki Nakajima, Superintendent of the Hokkaido Board of Education
  • Mr. Eiji Tsuno, Director of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau
  • Mr. Kenji Motoyama, Deputy Director of the Sapporo Development and Construction Department, Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau
  • Mr. Masayuki Kunii, Chairman of the Hokkaido Agriculture Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Terukazu Odawara, Chairman of the Hokkaido Agricultural Public Corporation
  • Mr. Hideyasu Miyamoto, Vice Chairman of the Hokkaido Agricultural Public Corporation
  • Mr. Hiroshi Kikuchi, Chairman of the Hokkaido Land Improvement Association
  • Mr. Hiroshi Kikuchi, Head of the Sorachi Branch of the Hokkaido Land Improvement Association
  • Mr. Takafumi Kashiwagi, Representative Director and Vice Chairman of the Hokuren Agricultural Cooperative Association
  • Mr. Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Representative Director and Vice Chairman of the Hokuren Agricultural Cooperative Association
  • Kaoru Kitamura, Chairman of the Fukagawa Shinryu Land Improvement District
  • Mr. Takao Tanano, Chairman of the Hokkaido Town and Village Association
  • Mayor of Eniwa City, Mr. Yutaka Harada, Mayor of Iwamizawa City, Mr. Satoshi Matsuno
  • Mayor of Bibai City, Mr. Tsuneo Sakurai, Mayor of Fukagawa City, Mr. Masayuki Tanaka
  • Mayor of Kuriyama Town, Mr. Manabu Sasaki, Mayor of Nanporo Town, Mr. Teiji Osaki
  • Mayor of Naganuma Town, Mr. Yoshihiko Saito, Mayor of Shinshinotsu Village, Mr. Takashi Ishiba
  • Mayor of Chipubetsu Town, Mr. Nobuhito Shibuya, Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki
  • Mr. Yuji Horii, President and CEO of The Hokkaido Shimbun Press
  • Mr. Naoyuki Urahara, Chairman and Director of the Hokkaido Land Improvement Design and Technology Association
  • Misako Adachi, Asahikawa Branch Manager, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
  • Mr. Takamori Okada, Branch Manager of Kita-Sorachi Shinkin Bank
  • Hideo Konishi, Katsuhiro Murakami, Hiroyuki Honke, Masanori Yoshida, Yosuke Yoshida

feast

cooking

The dinner included assorted sashimi, chirashi sushi, hors d'oeuvres, beef steak, grilled fish, and sunflower watermelon for dessert.

Assorted Sashimi
Assorted Sashimi
Chirashi sushi
Chirashi sushi
hors d'oeuvre
hors d'oeuvre
Beef steak
Beef steak
stir-fried shrimp in chili sauce
stir-fried shrimp in chili sauce
Fish grill
Fish grill
Dessert: Sunflower watermelon
Dessert: Sunflower watermelon

Toast: Honorary resident of Hokuryu Town, Ryoji Kikura

Toast: Mr. Ryoji Kikura, Honorary Citizen of Hokuryu Town
Toast: Mr. Ryoji Kikura, Honorary Citizen of Hokuryu Town

"Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sano on receiving this award. I imagine it must have been difficult for you to support Tomoko and Mr. Sano behind the scenes while they have stayed healthy and active. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you.

When Mr. Nagashima passed away, he left behind the words, "Memories are better than records." I have been taken care of by the mayors since Mr. Mori, but Mr. Yutaka Sano is one who remains in my memory. Whenever Mr. Sano greeted various meetings, he would always say, "Hokuryu Town is a town that has made the sun its ally. We will cherish the sunflowers and what our predecessors have built with great effort." These are words that are difficult to come out unless you have that kind of feeling.

I would especially like to express my gratitude to Mr. Sano for valuing the "Producer-Consumer Partnership: A Bridge of Life" and the "Consumer-Producer Partnership: A Bond of Life" while showing gratitude to his predecessors. Together with the representative directors of each district, Mayor Sano traveled from eastern Hokkaido, where dairy farming and field crops are the norm, to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyushu, Okinawa, and Taiwan to convey the value of Hokuryu. I believe this is the most important element for me as mayor.

Mayor Morimoto is remembered for having served as mayor for seven terms over 28 years. Secondly, he built the dam in Hokuryu Town at the request of Goto Sanohachi and Matsuwara Sakuzo. Secondly, he abandoned plans to develop a ski resort. If this plan had gone ahead at the time, Hokuryu Town would not exist today. Thirdly, 36 years ago, the agricultural cooperative, agricultural committee, Hokuryu Town, and land improvement district came together and Mayor Morimoto himself declared Hokuryu Town "a town that declares safe food production to protect the lives and health of its citizens." No other town in the country has made such a declaration.

Mr. Sano always had a strong desire to convey the spirit of these ancestors and the pride of Hokuryu to as many people as possible. I have been taught the words of Mr. Goto Mitsuohachi hundreds of times: "In important positions, do not seek status, honor, or money." I am sure that Mr. Sano will remain in my memory forever as a true leader. Mr. Sano is still young, so I would like him to convey this feeling to as many townspeople as possible.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sano! Cheers!!!" said Mr. Kikura.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sano Yutaka! Cheers!!!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sano Yutaka! Cheers!!!

The celebration

The venue was filled with a friendly atmosphere throughout the event, with participants smiling and engaging in lively conversation as they wholeheartedly congratulated Mr. Sano on receiving the award.

A very successful banquet
A very successful banquet
Harmonious atmosphere
Harmonious atmosphere
Peacefully
Peacefully
A smile spreads
A smile spreads
The conversation was lively
The conversation was lively
In the midst of a calm exchange...
In the midst of a calm exchange...
Smiles abound...
Smiles abound...
With gratitude!
With gratitude!
The family gathered together...
The family gathered together...
All the town hall staff
All the town hall staff

Three cheers: Junichi Fukase, Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District

Three cheers: Junichi Fukase, Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District
Three cheers: Junichi Fukase, Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District

"Mayor Sano always called me 'Jun-chan, Jun-chan' and I was very grateful for his kindness. I thought I was the only one who was special, but after hearing Mayor Sasaki's words earlier, I heard that he calls everyone by their first names, and I felt a little disappointed (laughs).

What would make us happiest is for Mr. Sano to be able to do what he likes and enjoy the rest of his life. We really want him to enjoy himself, and we hope his wife will enjoy doing all sorts of things as well.

I would like to conclude the event with three cheers: "Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!", praying for the continued prosperity of the Sano family and happiness for all those in attendance.

Three Hail Marys!
Three Hail Marys!
Enjoy life!
Enjoy life!

Farewell and closing

At the end of the celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Sano saw each participant off and expressed their gratitude to them.

With much gratitude...
With much gratitude...
Farewell greetings
Farewell greetings
With all my heart...
With all my heart...

This is an honorable medal bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor in recognition of his many years of outstanding achievements and contributions!
With boundless respect, gratitude and prayers, we congratulate Yutaka and Tomoko Sano on receiving the glorious and honorable Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

Commemorative gifts
Commemorative gifts
Commemorative photo of family
Commemorative photo of family
We would like to congratulate you on receiving this award!
We would like to congratulate you on receiving this award!

Yutaka Sano - History

Date of birth: April 1951

academic background

March 31, 1970 Graduated from Numata High School in Hokkaido

Elected office history

  • February 22, 2012 to February 21, 2016 Mayor of Hokuryu Town
  • February 22, 2016 - February 21, 2020 Mayor of Hokuryu Town
  • February 22, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Mayor of Hokuryu Town

Civil service career

  • April 1, 1970: Started working at Hokuryu Town Hall
  • April 1, 1970 - March 31, 1974 Hokuryu Town Industry Division, Agriculture Policy Section
  • April 1, 1974 - March 31, 1977 Hokuryu Town Construction Division, Forestry Section
  • April 1, 1977 - April 10, 1983 Social Education Section, Hokuryu Town Board of Education
  • April 11, 1983 - April 30, 1987 Chief of Agriculture, Industry Division, Hokuryu Town
  • May 1, 1987 - March 31, 1992 Chief of the Finance Section and Chief of the Traffic Safety Section of the General Affairs Division of Hokuryu Town
  • April 1, 1992 to September 30, 1996 Chief of General Affairs and Taxation Division, Hokuryu Town
  • October 1, 1996 to March 31, 1998 Assistant Director of Planning Division and Planning Section Chief, Hokuryu Town
  • April 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999 Assistant Director of the Planning and Finance Division, Hokuryu Town
  • July 1, 1999 - March 31, 2001 Head of Planning and Finance Division, Hokuryu Town
  • April 1, 2001 - June 30, 2003 Head of Agriculture Policy Division, Hokuryu Town
  • July 1, 2003 - February 28, 2004 Hokuryu Town Industry Section Chief
  • March 1, 2004 - March 31, 2007 Hokuryu Town Deputy Mayor
  • April 1, 2007 - February 28, 2008 Deputy Mayor of Hokuryu Town
  • March 1, 2008 - December 15, 2011 Deputy Mayor of Hokuryu Town

Organizational History

  • August 26, 2015 - February 21, 2024 Member of the Kita Sorachi Health, Medical and Welfare Area Cooperation Promotion Council
  • February 22, 2012 - February 21, 2024 Member of the Ishikari River Flood Control Promotion Association
  • February 22, 2012 - March 31, 2020 Member of Fukagawa District Fire Union Assembly
  • April 1, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Deputy Manager of Fukagawa District Fire Union
  • February 22, 2012 - March 31, 2019 Kita Sorachi Health Center Association Member
  • April 1, 2019 - February 21, 2024 Vice President of the Kita Sorachi Health Center Association
  • February 22, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Kitasorachi Sanitation Facilities Association Member
  • February 22, 2012 - February 21, 2020 Deputy Director of Kitasorachi Water Supply Corporation
  • March 19, 2013 - February 21, 2024 Vice President of the Kita Sorachi Area School Lunch Association
  • March 22, 2018 - June 16, 2019 Audit Committee Member, Kitasorachi Regional Development Council
  • June 17, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Representative of the Chairman of the Northern Sorachi Area Promotion Council
  • February 22, 2012 to February 21, 2024 Member of the Sorachi Education Center Association Council
  • February 22, 2012 to February 21, 2024 Vice-president of the Chu-Kita Sorachi Waste Management Regional Association
  • June 14, 2019 to October 13, 2020 Auditor of the Sorachi Regional Branch of the Hokkaido National Health Insurance Association
  • May 11, 2012 to June 6, 2019 Auditor of the Sorachi Regional Branch of the Hokkaido National Health Insurance Association
  • June 7, 2019 - October 13, 2020 Vice-chairman of the Sorachi Regional Branch of the Hokkaido National Health Insurance Association
  • October 14, 2020 - February 21, 2024 Head of the Sorachi Regional Branch of the Hokkaido National Health Insurance Association
  • June 21, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Director of the Hokkaido National Health Insurance Association
  • January 17, 2018 - February 21, 2020 Councilor of the Hokkaido Flood Control and Sabo Coast Project Promotion Alliance
  • June 1, 2015 - February 21, 2020 Director, Hokkaido Water Source Forest Afforestation Council
  • May 30, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Chairman of the Hokkaido Water Source Forestry Council
  • February 26, 2021 - February 21, 2020 Deputy Branch Manager, Sorachi Branch, Hokkaido Federation of Land Improvement Business Associations
  • June 30, 2022 - February 21, 2024 Hokkaido Land Improvement Association Hokkaido Japanese Direct Payment Promotion Council Officer
  • March 24, 2021 - February 21, 2020 Director of Hokkaido Land Improvement Business Association Federation
  • June 17, 2021 - February 21, 2020 Standing Deliberation Committee Member of the Hokkaido Agricultural Council, General Incorporated Association
  • June 17, 2021 - February 21, 2020 Director of Hokkaido Agricultural Council, General Incorporated Association
  • July 1, 2020 - February 21, 2024 Member of the Hokkaido Agricultural Public Corporation's Human Resource Development Committee
  • September 7, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Member of Hokkaido Agricultural Corporation Executive Compensation Council
  • June 25, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Director of Hokkaido Agricultural Corporation
  • June 30, 2019 - February 23, 2021 Director of the Sorachi Regional Comprehensive Development Association
  • February 24, 2021 - February 21, 2024 Vice Chairman of the Sorachi Regional Comprehensive Development Association
  • May 12, 2019 to August 21, 2020 Auditor of the Sorachi Town and Village Council
  • August 22, 2020 - February 8, 2024 Chairman of the Sorachi Town and Village Association
  • May 22, 2019 - January 31, 2020 Audit Committee Member of the Hokkaido Municipal Fund Association
  • July 26, 2020 - January 31, 2020 Hokkaido Municipality Notes Fund Management Committee, Fund Cooperative
  • May 22, 2019 - January 31, 2022 Member of the Hokkaido Municipal Fund Association Council
  • December 14, 2020 - November 30, 2022 Council Member of the Hokkaido Municipal Employee Welfare Association
  • October 8, 2020 - November 30, 2022 Hokkaido Municipal Employees Mutual Aid Association Short-term Welfare and Welfare Business Management Committee
  • October 8, 2020 - November 30, 2020 Hokkaido Municipal Employees Mutual Aid Association Member
  • August 22, 2020 - February 21, 2024 Member of the Hokkaido Municipal General Affairs Association Council
  • June 12, 2023 - February 21, 2024 Audit Committee Member of the Hokkaido Municipal General Affairs Association
  • August 22, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Director of Hokkaido Administration Association
  • February 26, 2014 - February 21, 2020 Director, Hokkaido National Land Survey Promotion Council
  • May 27, 2019 - September 14, 2020 Council Member, Hokkaido Municipal Development Foundation
  • September 15, 2020 - February 21, 2024 Director of the Hokkaido Municipal Development Foundation
  • May 23, 2020 - September 28, 2020 Member of Hokkaido Town and Village Association Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Standing Committee
  • April 22, 2021 - May 30, 2020 Vice-chairman of Hokkaido Town and Village Association Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Standing Committee
  • April 1, 2022 - February 21, 2024 Hokkaido Town and Village Association Town and Village Burden Committee Member
  • May 10, 2020 - February 21, 2020 Director of Hokkaido Town and Village Association
  • September 29, 2020 - April 22, 2022 Vice Chairman of the Hokkaido Town and Village Association
  • May 31, 2023 - February 21, 2024 Vice Chairman of the Hokkaido Town and Village Association

reward and punishment

  • January 28, 1981: National Association of Towns and Villages Award for Meritorious Contributions to Local Government (Mayor of Town and Village)
  • March 28, 2024: Hokkaido Land Improvement Association Special Achievement Award
  • May 17, 2024 Hokuryu Town General Town Merit Award
  • December 17, 2024 Hokkaido Social Contribution Award (Municipal Merit Award)

Youtube Video

More Photos

Related Articles

Related to Yutaka Sano

Hokuryu Town Portal

Hokuryu-cho is a happy town full of smiles and energy, where people "share the joy of...

Awards

Hokuryu Town Portal

On June 20, 2025 (Friday), a celebration was held for former Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Moriaki Tanaka (88 years old), who was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. A long-time local...

Hokuryu Town Portal

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Mr. Nobuo Murai was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in recognition of his many years of service to local government and regional development....

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Toshihiro Nakamura (age 88), former Hokuryu Town Councilor, has received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for the Elderly as of February 1, 2019, and...

On November 19, 2018, the recipients of the Fall Medal of Honor for 2018 were selected and issued as of November 3, 2018. In relation to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 170...

Sunflower Village in Hokuryu-cho, Hokkaido, a superb view of Japan. A sightseeing spot in Hokkaido. Please come and see it. Rice sommelier raves about "Oborozuki...

We will bring you the "now" of this vibrant and shining town with a population of 2,100 and an aging population rate of 40%. The town of Hokuryu, where families are as bright and harmonious as sunflowers...

◇ ◇ Photography, editing and website management: Noboru Terauchi Writer: Ikuko Terauchi

en_USEN