Thursday, October 14, 2025
- 1 Honoring the Light of the Community - Celebrating the Award of Decoration to Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda and the Warm "Spirit of Harmony" of Hokuryu Town
- 2 A warm opening ceremony and bouquet presentation to celebrate the honorable award
- 3 Congratulations on the achievements made together with the community
- 4 Acknowledgment from the award recipient, Hiroyuki Maeda: Gratitude and continuing to work with the community
- 5 Toasts and celebrations
- 6 Three cheers: Hokuryu Town Agricultural Committee Member, Fuminori Kawashima
- 7 commemorative photograph
- 8 Youtube Video
- 9 More Photos
- 10 Related Articles
Honoring the Light of the Community - Celebrating the Award of Decoration to Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda and the Warm "Spirit of Harmony" of Hokuryu Town
A grand celebration for Hiroyuki Maeda (88), who has dedicated many years of his life to the development of the Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, was held on Friday, October 3rd, at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen.
Mr. Maeda served as a town council member for three terms, a total of 12 years, and dedicated himself to promoting town government. He also founded the tourist bus business "Himawari Kanko," which continued to support the local community as a means of transportation for the townspeople. Many townspeople, family members, and friends gathered to heartily honor his brilliant achievements and thank him for his many years of hard work. The venue was filled with warm emotions, reflecting the deep bonds and the spirit of Hokuryu Town, which values its community.
- Founder Representative:Mr. Koji Kawada (Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council and other alumni associations)
- Founder:Yoshinobu Deguchi, Susumu Asano, Naomi Kawashima
reception (desk)
General MC: Kita Seiji
A warm opening ceremony and bouquet presentation to celebrate the honorable award
Amidst thunderous applause, Mr. and Mrs. Hiroyuki Maeda took to the stage in a cheerful mood. The celebration got off to a harmonious start, with the general host, Mr. Seiji Kita, leading the proceedings.
Representative speech from the promoter: Koji Kawada (Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council Alumni Association)
Koji Kawada took the stage on behalf of the organizers, sharing his memories of his time as a council member with Maeda and the important role that Himawari Tourism has played in the local community.
"Thank you very much to everyone for attending today's celebration for Mr. Maeda Hiroyuki receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.
As you all know, Maeda Hiroyuki was elected to the town council in 1987 with the full support of the neighborhood association members at the time, and he devoted himself to promoting the town's administration for three terms, a period of 12 years, until 1999.
Within the town council, he held important positions such as chairman of the council, chairman of the council management committee, chairman of the general affairs committee, and standing committee chairman. I also sat with Hiroyuki Maeda as a council member for eight years. At the time, there were sharp differences of opinion, such as the issue of merging Hekisui Elementary School. I was deeply impressed by the careful attention he paid to maintaining friendship within the council as chairman of the council.
Meanwhile, Hiroyuki Maeda, together with Takeshi Kawashima and others, ran the company for a long period of more than 40 years, from 1973 to 2015. He expanded the company's activities to include car rentals and bus sales, and his achievements are significant and widely recognized.
The number of business opportunities is too numerous to mention, including educational activities such as training trips for various groups, inspection trips, and ski lessons for elementary and junior high schools, as well as wedding tourism trips for local residents and various other events.
At its peak, the company had four buses, and the sight of them racing across the entire prefecture under the banner of Himawari Tourism was a source of great pride and joy for us residents of Hokuryu Town.
I hope that today we will all reflect on the path that Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda has walked and join together in celebrating his award. With this, I conclude my speech as the organizer. Thank you very much."
Presenting a bouquet of flowers in celebration - Love from family and classmates
To express their congratulations, the deceased was presented with bouquets of flowers by his grandchildren and classmates.
Bouquet presentation: Eiryo Maeda, Erika Maeda, Takashi Maeda
A bouquet of flowers presented by classmates
"Another group of classmates of Hiroyuki Maeda, Yasuo Yamamoto, Michi Oba, and Nami Hiramatsu, have prepared bouquets. They would like to present a bouquet to Kazuko, who has supported Hiroyuki up until now, as a token of her support. On behalf of his classmates, I would like to ask Yasuo Yamamoto to please accept this," said Kiyoshi Kita, the emcee. The venue was filled with warm applause.
Congratulations on the achievements made together with the community
Congratulatory message from Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town: As a behind-the-scenes supporter
"I would like to offer my greetings first. It is truly an honor and a great pleasure for me as a local. Today, I had planned to attend the national holiday (celebration party) with Chairman Nakamura, but as the Chairman is on official business, I would like to convey my congratulations alone. The presentation of truly heartwarming bouquets to your grandchildren, friends, relatives, and even your wife has given me a renewed sense of how much you all know about the wonderful lineage that the Maeda family has led up to now.
He received the award in May of this year, and afterwards, he said he would only hold a celebration with his family, but no, that didn't seem to be the case, so the town lent a little help. The preparations were mainly made by the organizers, Kawada-san, Deguchi-san, Sano-san, and Kawashima-san, along with the members of each neighborhood association, and I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to them. Maeda-san and I started out in the assembly at the same time, and we've spent 12 years together, three terms in total, since we were first elected together. He's my best friend and my boss, having spent those 12 years together.
Those were really difficult times. There was also the issue of merging Hekisui Elementary School. With an eye to the future of Hokuryu Town, there was talk of building a ski resort on Mt. Keidai, but we decided that the right answer would be not to build a ski resort, and it was Mr. Maeda who took the lead in this. As the president of the Ski Federation himself, I'm sure there was a part of him that wanted to do something like that, but he advised us that it would not be that way.
When I was elected for my first term together with Mr. Maeda, there were seven new members out of 14, and that was seven if you exclude the chairman, so it was a situation where it seemed like anyone could decide anything. However, Mr. Maeda firmly said, "That won't be the case. In order to provide solid support for the town, let's all seven of us become the 'unsung heroes,'" and he led the seven new members.
Today was a truly beautiful day. Not only was the weather beautiful, but we also had a bumper rice harvest and are now in the midst of a lush, green autumn. The sunflowers have also bloomed beautifully this year, welcoming many tourists.
After a happy and smiling August, and now September, I understand that Maeda-san set today's date once various arrangements had been made and things had settled down. And today is Friday. Until now, most award ceremonies have been held on Saturdays or Sundays, but today's ceremony on Friday will start at 4pm and end at 6pm. I think this means we should continue drinking at the social gathering afterwards (laughs).
As expected, he is a former director of the Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and has always been a hard worker in promoting the promotion of commerce and industry in various areas, even though he is a farmer.
He has contributed to regional development in many areas throughout his life, including agriculture and commerce, but I believe that today's Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays is the result of his 12 years of speaking sound and correct opinions about local autonomy.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to your wife, Kazuko, who supported you throughout your career. Thank you very much. I would like to thank you for visiting us from time to time when we were younger and for the many conversations we had.
Hokuryu Town will continue to change little by little, but we cannot move forward without your support and input in various areas. I would like to ask for your continued support, and at today's celebration, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Maeda family.
And to everyone in attendance, I really hope to continue working with Mr. Maeda to build Hokuryu Town together, so I appreciate your continued support.
I would like to conclude my speech by offering my heartfelt wishes for your continued prosperity. Congratulations on your success today."
Heartwarming congratulatory telegrams
A congratulatory telegram was read from Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura, who was absent due to official duties. The message praised Nakamura's achievements as a council member and the important role that Himawari Tourism has played as a means of transportation for the townspeople.
Chairman Naokazu Nakamura, Hokuryu Town Council
"Congratulatory Remarks: I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda on the honor of receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. I would also like to congratulate all those involved on the successful celebration being held today. Although I was invited to attend, I am very disappointed that my official business trip has prevented me from attending, and for this I apologize.
Mr. Maeda served as a member of the Hokuryu Town Council for three terms, a total of 12 years, from 1987 to 1999, and dedicated himself to the development of Hokuryu Town. During that time, he served as chairman of the Council Management Committee and the Standing Committee on General Affairs. I would like to express my respect and gratitude to him for his many years of achievements, which have led to this award.
In the mid-1960s, skiing became popular in the Hekisui area, and he was involved in the creation of the Hekisui Ski Resort. Around the same time, he and his friends started a rental car company called Hokuryu Kanko, although not as a means of transportation for expeditions. Later, he obtained a commercial license and started Himawari Kanko. During this time, the car was fully utilized by various groups for sightseeing trips, training trips and expeditions, and his energy allowed it to fulfill its important role as transportation for the residents of Hokuryu and others.
In closing, I would like to offer my congratulations and best wishes for Mr. Maeda's continued good health and happiness, as well as for the continued prosperity of the Maeda family.
October 3, 2020, Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura”.
Congratulatory telegram from Mr. Shigeki Maeda
"Congratulations to Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda on receiving this honor. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and pray for your continued good health and success in the future.
Shigeki Maeda, Machida City, Tokyo
Mr. and Mrs. Maeda presented a commemorative gift from the matchmaker
"We would now like to present the commemorative gifts to Ms. Kawashima Eiko and Ms. Kawashima Harumi. The Maeda couple were the matchmakers for the presenters. Thank you very much, Ms. Kawashima Eiko and Ms. Kawashima Harumi. Everyone, please give a big round of applause," said the emcee, Kita Kiyoshi.
It was a moment that reminded us of the warm personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Maeda.
Acknowledgment from the award recipient, Hiroyuki Maeda: Gratitude and continuing to work with the community
Amidst a round of applause, Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda gave a speech of thanks, beginning with words of deep gratitude to the people in the community who supported him as a child growing up in a single-parent household.
"I am deeply moved, but I am worried about whether I will be able to speak. Thank you all so much for taking the time to attend today despite your busy schedules. I am very happy. I would also like to thank Mayor Sasaki for his kind words earlier, which were beyond my words of gratitude.
Now, my father left me when I was six years old, and since then I have been raised in a single-parent household. During that time, I have been helped and supported by my relatives, including my uncles, aunts, and all of you in the village, and I am where I am today. I clearly remember the care I received from your fathers, mothers, grandparents, and all of you in the village. Today, the main characters are all of you from my hometown. Thank you for your attention.
At the time, I was sent to the assembly by a powerful and caring village. Mr. Mori was the first mayor of Hokuryu at the time. I was able to do my best thanks to the guidance of my senior colleagues, many of whom had a lot of experience. This year marks exactly 40 years since then. Most of my senior colleagues are gone, and half of my classmates have passed away. I feel a little lonely, but I would like to continue working hard for a little while longer, so I would like to ask everyone gathered here today for their continued guidance.
This announcement was published in the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper on June 1st. I received phone calls from three people early in the morning. I was so happy. At my age, it's truly gratifying to be approached and receive gifts. That's why we were able to hold such a large and wonderful celebration. Thank you so much to all the organizers. We were able to hold this event thanks to the support of the person in charge and many others. Thank you so much. I would also like to thank Kita Kiyoshi, the emcee, for all your consideration and for making the event a success. Thank you very much.
I had been thinking about saying a lot of things, but I've already forgotten half of it. However, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words of thanks to all of my family members.
"Thank you so much for keeping this curious and selfish old man with you until today. I think I'll try my best to live a little longer from now on, so please forgive my selfishness. Thank you."
My husband and I were born and raised in this town. We are now in our later years. We have somehow managed to get to this point without any serious illnesses. From now on, we will take care of our bodies that hurt all over, and live with the pain, while doing our best to live each and every day happily.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone gathered here today by wishing them good health and happiness. Thank you very much for coming today."
Toasts and celebrations
Toast: Yasunori Watanabe (Hekisui Neighborhood Association 5th Group Leader)
"Hiroyuki and Kazuko, congratulations on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. I would like to express my gratitude for your many years of achievements. Thank you.
40年前になりますか、初めて議会議員に出た時のことを思い出しておりました。ひまわり観光の前身でありました、北竜観光の役員が中心となりまして、古作町内会一丸となりまして、前田さんを支援してまいりました。選挙戦に入った時は、毎日、前田さんのお宅によりまして、また夕方になると、選挙運動だと言って酒盛りをしておりました。懐かしく感じております。上位当選をいたしまして、大変みんなで喜んだことを覚えております。
The Furusaku Rice Center, built by Mr. Maeda and many other predecessors, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Thanks to you, we have had a bumper harvest this year, just like last year, and as you know, rice prices have also soared, making it a dream year for us farmers. I believe this is thanks to our predecessors who have inherited what our predecessors built and passed it on to us. Thank you.
Since our neighborhood associations merged, opportunities for us to gather together like this have decreased significantly. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mr. Maeda and all the other organizers for bringing us together for such a happy occasion. Thank you very much.
We hope that Mr. Maeda will continue to be a guide for us as a local elder.
Now, I would like to propose a toast to celebrate this award.
Let us now propose a toast to Maeda Hiroyuki, his family, and everyone gathered here today for good health and happiness. Cheers!
pleasant conversation
"Thank you very much. Now, we would like to begin our pleasant conversation. Ladies and gentlemen, we have prepared some draft beer for you.
This time, four people who are always grateful to Mr. Maeda will be helping out. If you would like to drink draft beer, please let us know and we will bring it to your table. We hope you will come and enjoy the conversation.
cooking
Three cheers: Hokuryu Town Agricultural Committee Member, Fuminori Kawashima
The celebration concluded with three cheers led by Mr. Fuminori Kawashima. The powerful cheers echoed throughout the venue, wishing for the health of Mr. and Mrs. Maeda, the prosperity of the Maeda family, and happiness for all participants.
"Congratulations to Mr. Maeda on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. In addition to farming, Mr. Maeda has been active as a member of the assembly and as a representative of Himawari Tourism. I believe that his achievements have led to him receiving this award. I think this is extremely fortunate and I am very pleased.
We hope that you will continue to make use of your experience to date and contribute to the development of the region and the town, and we wish you good health.
Now, I would like to shout "Banzai" three times, so please join in.
I wish the Maeda couple continued good health, the Maeda family continued prosperity, and all the happiness of everyone gathered here today. Hooray!
Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Thank you.
Closing Remarks: With Gratitude and Respect
"Today, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Maeda Hiroyuki on receiving the award, and I wish him continued good health and success in the future. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in attendance. With this, we will now close the celebration for Mr. Maeda Hiroyuki on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. Thank you very much," said Kita Kiyoshi, the emcee, announcing the closing of the ceremony.
<Seeing off>
commemorative photograph
We would like to express our heartfelt respect, gratitude, and congratulations to Mr. Hiroyuki Maeda, who has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, for his many years of tireless efforts and great achievements for the people and prosperity of the town.
Congratulations!
Youtube Video
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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...
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◇ ◇ 🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi
Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi 
