The richness of life is found in the smiles of friends. Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association, an autumn journey that connects hearts

Wednesday, October 16, 2025

The richness of life is found in the smiles of friends. Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association, an autumn journey that connects hearts

On Tuesday, October 7th, under a clear autumn sky, a one-day study trip sponsored by the Hokuryu Town Himawari Longevity Association Federation was held. On this eagerly awaited day, 62 members of Genki Hatsuratsu participated, boarding two buses and heading to Yuttarikan in Obira Town.

The trip was supported by the always cheerful and energetic Secretary General of the Social Welfare Council, Michihito Nakamura, and three staff members from the cheerful Genki Girls group. Their presence made the trip many times more enjoyable. We are truly grateful for their thoughtfulness and the smiles that liven up the atmosphere.

Let's set off with a smile on our faces!

The buses boarded in front of the Senior Citizens' Welfare Center and the Community Center. From the moment the bus departed, the crowds were filled with smiles as they reunited for the first time in a long time and exchanged stories. The beautiful views of the windmills of the Ororon Line visible from the bus windows and Mount Rishiri-Fuji floating faintly in the distance further lifted everyone's spirits.

Thank you to the driver of the Yuttarikan!

Everyone boarding from the community center.

On the bus, everyone was smiling and chatting away!!!

Boarding confirmation! Thank you!

Looking out at the windmills of the Ororon Line...

Rishiri Fuji floating faintly in the distance...

Arrival at Kodaira Town "Yuttarikan"

The approximately 40-minute journey passed by in a flash as we were engrossed in pleasant conversation, and we arrived at our destination, Yuttarikan.

Greetings from Kazuo Shibasaki, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association: Proud of receiving the 2025 National Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs Activity Award

The banquet hall was divided into two due to the number of participants, but everyone was united in spirit. The training kicked off with a heartwarming speech from Kazuo Shibasaki, chairman of the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association.

“Today we are taking part in a training trip, one of the events of the Hokuryu Town Himawari Longevity Association Federation, which you have all been looking forward to. I am very pleased to see you all looking so healthy and energetic.

Thank you very much for your continued enthusiastic participation in the events of the Himawari Longevity Association.

A total of 62 people participated in today's event. We apologize for the fact that due to venue restrictions, the event had to be split into two locations. We hope you understand that we were unable to have everyone join the banquet together.

As we approach the end of the bountiful autumn, we have reached an age where we must watch over our children and grandchildren with warm hearts. With this in mind, I wish each of you good health, good spirits, and success in your endeavors.

I would like to inform everyone that our Hokuryu Town Himawari Longevity Association was recommended by the Hokkaido Senior Citizens Club Association and will be holding a club in early September.2020 National Federation of Elderly Clubs/Activity AwardI received the news of the award.

I believe that the reason our club was able to win the Activity Award among many other senior citizens' clubs is because, as a town of sunflowers, we have been highly praised for our many proactive activities over the years, such as regularly weeding the Sunflower Village and volunteering as a guide at the Sunflower Festival.

I would like to express my gratitude to all my predecessors and seniors. I would like to continue to work hard to further develop our activities.

We ask for your cooperation in various ways. Health is the most important factor in carrying out our activities. Please take good care of your health and spend each day in good health.

I hope that you will all have a fun and harmonious time together today.
The party will start at 12 o'clock. Until then, please spend your time relaxing and sweating in the hot springs. Thank you very much."

📚 The National Federation of Senior Citizens Clubs' newsletter "Zenroren" is available here >>

Relaxed and leisurely

Before the banquet begins, you can relax in the spacious hot springs, browse the souvenir shop, or simply enjoy your time as you like.

Relax in the lobby overlooking the ocean...

Choose souvenirs from the Kodaira specialty direct delivery corner.

Octopus rice seasoning from Obira Town.

Obira Town's mascot, Obimaru, is also welcome!

A heartfelt feast and lots of smiles

The long-awaited party is finally about to begin.
The table is lined with a variety of heartfelt dishes, including a gorgeous boat-shaped platter of sashimi, stir-fried meat and vegetables, freshly fried tempura, rare fried monkfish, and Obira Town's specialty octopus rice. Conversation will flow even more as you sip on delicious drinks.

Drink corner.

A variety of gorgeous dishes

Sashimi boat platter.

Stir-fried meat and vegetables.

Various tempura (shrimp, squid, maitake mushroom, pumpkin).

Fried monkfish.

Octopus rice.

Cheesecake.

A super exciting bingo game!

The party was in full swing and the bingo game began! One after another, participants won gorgeous prizes made in Obira Town! Everyone had happy smiles on their faces.

The venue was divided into two, so the numbers were communicated via internal phone lines, and if two people got the same bingo, they played rock-paper-scissors over the phone! The winner was ranked higher and received the prizes in order.

The venue was filled with cheers and big smiles as gorgeous prizes made in Obira Town were handed out one after another. Everyone received prizes such as hamburger steaks and octopus rice mix, and shared in the joy.

A group photo before boarding the bus on the way back!

The fun time passed quickly, and it was time for the party to come to an end. Everyone boarded the bus with lots of souvenirs and smiles of satisfaction. The dinosaur sculpture in the garden also seemed reluctant to see everyone off.

Rumoi Roadside Station and Rushin Fureai Park

The rest stop along the way is the Rumoi Rushin Fureai Park Roadside Station.

Rumoi city travel card.

Hokkaiyanshu's dishes include "Scallop rice," "Generous squid rice," "Yakitori," and "Kamaboko."

There are so many delicious things!!!

This study trip once again taught me the wonderful thing about energetic elderly people supporting each other and deepening their relationships.

These warm connections that exist in our everyday lives are nothing special, and they are the very foundation of a peaceful and prosperous society. In your shining smiles, I see the light of the future that the world should aim for.

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we wish the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association Training Trip a wonderful and relaxing experience, filled with smiles and joy as the beautiful scenery soothed the soul, delicious local cuisine was enjoyed, and luxurious souvenirs brought joyful smiles to the faces of the participants.

YouTube videos

Other photos

Photos (150 photos) from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association Training Trip 2025 are here >>

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🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi