A Christmas Eve forged a bond for the future of Hokuryu Town. A wedding gift presentation ceremony for agricultural successors.

Thursday, December 25, 2025

A Christmas Eve forged a bond for the future of Hokuryu Town. A ceremony to present a wedding gift to agricultural successors.

On the eve of a white Christmas, snow was falling steadily. At 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24th, Hokuryu Town Hall was filled with warm smiles that made people forget the cold outside.

On this auspicious day, a ceremony to present the "Sunflower Bank Fund Agricultural Successor Wedding Gift" was held in the mayor's office. The main participants were three young couples who have decided to live together with the land of Hokuryu Town.

Three couples illuminating the future of Hokuryu Town

The recipients of the congratulations this time were all those who are embarking on a new chapter in their lives in 2025 (Reiwa 7).

• Tatsuya and Ayaka Yoshioka (married in July)
• Hirofumi and Tomomi Takebayashi (married in July)
• Kohei and Erika Mikami (married in November)

The two of them standing side by side looked fresh and innocent, yet also filled with the confidence that they will put down roots and live together in Hokuryu Town.

"I'm always watching over you all," Mayor Sasaki said with a warm gaze.

At the presentation ceremony, Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki handed each recipient a gift list and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Mayor Sasaki delivered his congratulatory remarks with a look of affection on his face, as if he were speaking to his own children or grandchildren.

"Congratulations. Even before we could give you this congratulatory money, we had to go through a process of getting your approval through the city council. We're sorry to have kept you waiting, but it's also proof that the whole town is celebrating you."

The mayor's words were filled with a warm message not only as the head of the administration, but also as a senior in life.

"Your parents' generation worked with us to develop Hokuryu Town. Now it's your turn. We are watching closely each and every one of you. So please take a good look at this town. How is it moving forward? What possibilities does it have? And please tell us all about your dreams and wishes."

The words "We are watching over you all" resonated with me as a powerful promise from Hokuryu Town that "we will never let you be alone" and "we will protect and nurture you as a town."

Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Nakamura Shoichi, who was also in attendance, sent a heartfelt message of encouragement, saying, "I wish you continued success in the future."

What the congratulatory money means. The true value of "Himawari Bank"

The wedding gift presented this time is not just a celebratory gift. It is an invitation to join Hokuryu Town's proud youth settlement and agricultural support system.

Hokuryu Town has an amazing support system in place, including the Sunflower Bank Fund.

• Peace of mind in your home:There is generous subsidy of up to 2.5 million yen for home renovations and extensions. Even old farmhouses can be renovated to suit the style of young couples.
• Agricultural challenges:When building greenhouses for melons and watermelons, the project costs are subsidized by 80% (covered by the JA and the town). The farmer's own burden is only 20%. In this town, investments of tens of millions of yen are not a dream.
• Parenting paradise:When a child is born, a birth gift of 200,000 yen is provided for each child. In addition, school lunches and medical expenses are completely free until the child graduates from high school.

It's not just a matter of handing over money. We provide a package of "profitable agricultural infrastructure" and "safe living infrastructure." This is the "Sunflower Economy" that Hokuryu Town is promoting, and it is a true gift to the next generation.

Creating a new story together in Hokuryu Town

After the ceremony, everyone seemed a little embarrassed, but proud as they posed for a commemorative photo. In their hands, they held tightly the hopes for the families they will build and the expectations of the town.

Mayor Sasaki said, "Let's work together to build a great town from now on." This is his hope that the town will not be left to the town hall, but that the young people will use their sensibilities and passion to paint the new Hokuryu town.

I am confident that this strong bond forged on Christmas Eve will soon bring abundant harvests to the land of Hokuryu Town. Congratulations to Yoshioka-san, Takebayashi-san, and Mikami-san. I wish you both a long and happy life together!

A life with a wonderful partner begins in Hokuryu Town!
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for your happy wedding, where you will hold hands, support each other, and deepen your bonds with your bright, warm, and wonderful family...

YouTube videos(Thumbnails are taken from Gemini3)

Other photos

Photos (30 photos) of the wedding gift presentation for agricultural contributors are here >>

[Reference] List of Hokuryu Town support systems for FY2025

◉ Hokuryu Public Relations [June 2025 issue]

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

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