A new series introducing the brilliant residents of Hokuryu Town, "Around the Sunflowers," has started on note!

Friday, November 14, 2025

"Around the Sunflowers" launches! A story of the passion of the shining people of Hokuryu Town

Another heartwarming story has been opened in Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido.

A new series, "Around the Sunflowers," has started on note, spotlighting the "shining people" who are lively and active in this town and illuminate the world around them with their passion.

The thoughts behind the project

"Around the Sunflowers" - Like sunflowers that bloom towards the sun, this town is home to many wonderful people who act with integrity and determination.

This wonderful project was launched by the Hokuryu Town Future Strategy Division. We interviewed Junko Wada, who previously co-created ideas with the townspeople to improve child-rearing in Hokuryu at the town's "Mama & Papa Cafe" workshop.

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Part 1: Kayoko Tanimoto – The ring of “radio calisthenics” resonates in a sports town

The guest for the first commemorative episode was Kayoko Tanimoto, who is working to make radio calisthenics a part of life in the town of Hokuryu, a town known for its sports.

Radio calisthenics is something that everyone knows, but continuing to do it and gathering together to do it goes beyond simply promoting health; it creates an important community space where people can meet and talk to each other. Tanimoto's drive spreads energy and smiles throughout the town, truly putting into practice the "spirit of harmony" of Hokuryu.

Part 2: Tomomi Takeshita – The colorful “Nanduti” blooming in a town of sunflowers

Our second guest is Satomi Takeshita, an artist of the traditional South American Paraguayan craft "Ñanduti."

"Nyanduti" means "spider's web" in the local language, and is a breathtakingly delicate and beautiful lace weave. Takeshita uses this traditional technique to create works with the motif of sunflowers, the symbol of Hokuryu Town.

The new sunflowers are born from a thread of love for one's hometown and respect for the culture of a distant land. They seem to symbolize the "compassion" spirit of Hokuryu Town, which embraces and harmonizes diverse cultures.

The "people's story" of Hokuryu Town continues

This "Around the Sunflowers" series will continue to tell the stories of the people who are rooted in the land of Hokuryu Town and bloom in their own unique colors.

We tend to be drawn to big events and visible results, but what truly enriches a town is the heart of each individual, who thinks of others and cherishes and nurtures the things they love in their daily lives.

This series quietly but powerfully conveys that the kind of "compassionate society" we should strive for can be found right here in Hokuryu Town.

Please visit the note "Around the Sunflowers" and enjoy this heartwarming story. We hope you will also send your warm support to the shining townspeople.
　
◇ 🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi