Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- 1 The 25th Genki Village Dream Rural Academy General Meeting 2026: Sowing the seeds of inspiration for the future: "New challenges" and the unchanging "spirit of harmony"
- 1.1 Chapter 1: "Memories of rural life" in the hearts of 18,000 people
- 1.2 Chapter 2: The harmony that supports the community and warm encouragement
- 1.3 Chapter 3: Turning headwinds into "winds of hope": The challenge of farming spirit
- 1.4 Chapter 4: "Door to the Future" by Designer Mai Takane
- 1.5 Chapter 5: Passing the baton and eternal youth
- 1.6 Chapter 6: Learning and Feasting, Vitality for Tomorrow
- 1.7 Epilogue: With love, gratitude and prayers
- 2 YouTube videos
- 3 Other photos
- 4 Related articles
- 5 Related Sites
The 25th Genki Village Dream Rural Academy General Meeting 2026: Sowing the seeds of inspiration for the future: "New challenges" and the unchanging "spirit of harmony"
Although it's spring according to the calendar, the land of Kita-Sorachi, Hokkaido, is still deeply covered in pure white snow. On the afternoon of February 13th, even your breath feels frosty. However, in one room at the Urban-Rural Exchange Center Agri Kobo Maabu in Fukagawa City, the air was as hot as midsummer and the warmth of a sunny spot.
Here, people from one city and four towns in Kita-Sorachi (Fukagawa City, Imobeushi Town, Chishibetsu Town, Hokuryu Town, and Numata Town) have gathered with a common aspiration: members of Genki Mura Dream Farm School, a group of professionals who teach urban children about farming, the lifeblood of food, and the warmth of their hometowns.
It's already been 24 years since the organization was founded. The 25th General Meeting marks a major milestone of a quarter century. When the doors to the venue were opened, the place was filled with beaming smiles and lively conversations as people rejoiced at their long-awaited reunion.
Chapter 1: "Memories of rural life" in the hearts of 18,000 people
The 25th General Meeting began on time, with the moderator's calm voice. The first person to take the microphone was Headmaster Murakami Harumi, who has led the organization with the attentive perspective that only a woman can have.
"Thank you very much for coming today despite the bad weather."
His first words were filled with deep gratitude for his colleagues. Principal Murakami spoke of astonishing figures that could be considered the culmination of 24 years of work.
"As of the end of last year, we had accepted a whopping 18,700 students."
18,700. That's not just a list of numbers.
The muddy hands that planted rice, the smiles as they bit into freshly picked tomatoes, the tears shed as they said goodbye - each and every one of these moments represents the sum total of the love that our members have poured into us.
Encounters are the seeds of life
Two moving stories were shared that prove that the slogan of the Rural School is not just empty talk.
One is the story of a high school student who visited from Taiwan seven years ago.
Moved by her experiences in Kita Sorachi, she went on to study at a university in Japan. After graduating, she got a job at a travel agency in Taiwan, and now she dreams of working in educational travel to Japan, saying, "I want to work in a job that sends Taiwanese children to Japan." The seeds that were once sown have sprouted across borders, and are poised to become a new bridge.
The other goes back even further in time, 20 years ago.
Some junior high school students in Osaka left their handprints on the concrete of an irrigation canal as a memento.
After many years, I discovered that one of them is now the principal of a junior high school in Hyogo Prefecture. Now an adult and an educator, he visited Fukagawa, a place full of memories, by car.
"We are confident that the rural agricultural life experience we provide will be one that will stay in the children's hearts. After all this time, the answer is starting to emerge."
Principal Murakami's words were met with deep, weighty nods from the audience.
What we are handing out is not just "vegetables" or "memories." We are handing out "spiritual roots" that will support children at times as they go through their long lives. The pride in this was shining on the faces of all the members.
Chapter 2: The harmony that supports the community and warm encouragement
The wonderful thing about Genki Mura Dream Rural Academy is that it effortlessly transcends the boundaries of administrative divisions. Each town joins hands and works together as one big family called "Kita Sorachi."
2025 Regional Membership: 25 members in totalFukagawa City: 12 members, Numata Town: 7 members, Hokuryu Town: 4 members, Imobeushi Town: 2 members, Chishibetsu Town: 0 members.
Number of students accepted by region in 2025: Total 415 studentsFukagawa City: 147 people, Numata Town: 148 people, Hokuryu Town: 71 people, Imobeushi Town: 49 people, Chishibetsu Town: 0 people.
On this day, city and town officials, as well as members of the JA (Agricultural Cooperative Association), attended the general meeting as guests.
Mayor Masayuki Tanaka of Fukagawa City stood in front of the microphone to give a guest speech.
The speech was not merely a formal congratulatory speech, but rather a wonderful one that showed a deep understanding of the history and significance of the Rural Academy and expressed heartfelt respect.
Congratulatory speech from Mayor Masayuki Tanaka of Fukagawa City
"I'm Tanaka. This is the 25th general meeting of Genki Village and the Dream Rural Academy. It began in 2002, so it's already been a quarter of a century. I'd like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the members who have worked so hard to make this general meeting possible, and as we all know, 'encounters are the seeds of life.'
We want to give children from both urban and rural areas a chance to experience farming, and through farming, we want to carry out activities that will convey that "heart" and "compassion for others." Also, as the school principal just mentioned, these activities have built up to the point where we have accepted 18,000 people so far, and last year we accepted over 400 people, so I think people are discovering the significance of these activities.
Furthermore, two years ago, the group won the Excellence Award at the 11th "Our Village is Beautiful - Hokkaido" campaign competition, and has been recognized for its ongoing wonderful activities.
The number of members at each organization or agricultural corporation has decreased from the previous number of over 50, but this does not mean that the activities themselves have weakened; in fact, I believe they have become even more important.
Although we are not in a position to be proud of the support we are receiving from the city, we would like to support the activities and efforts of our current members as much as possible.
Also, Mr. Noya, who will be speaking today, I had the opportunity to talk with your grandfather a long time ago. I vividly remember him being delighted that his grandson had been accepted into Hokkaido University. I hope you will treasure such connections with others. I would like to conclude my congratulations by wishing you continued success in the future.
Congratulations on your arrival today," Mayor Tanaka said in a powerful speech.
These powerful words were met with a big round of applause from the members. Support from the government is of course important, but more than that, it is this kind of "respect for the field" and "spiritual support" that gives us the energy to continue our activities.
Guest introduction
During the guest introductions, the audience gave warm applause as each guest's name was called: "Kakigi Rieko, Chief of the Agriculture Policy Section of Fukagawa City's Agriculture Policy Division," "Kamiyabu Futoshi, Counselor of Numata Town's Agriculture Promotion Division," "Shimizuno Isamu, Section Chief of the Agriculture Policy Section of Imobeushi Town," "Shimizuno Isamu, Section Chief of the Agriculture Policy Section of Chishibetsu Town," and our very own "Iguchi Junichi, Section Chief of the Industry Section of Hokuryu Town."
Leaders at the forefront of agriculture, including JA Kita Sorachi's Representative Director and Chairman Iwata Kiyomasa, JA Kita Ibuki's Representative Director and Chairman Ta Yoichi, and representatives of the youth division, will also be in attendance.
Although their positions and affiliations differ, they all share the same goal: "We want to protect agriculture in this region" and "We want to teach children the importance of food."
- Lecturer: Natsumi Noya, Umajikobo
- Professor Emeritus Makoto Hashimoto, Takushoku University Hokkaido Junior College
- Fukagawa CityMayor Masayuki Tanaka
- Fukagawa CityRieko Kakigi, Chief, Agricultural Policy Division, Agricultural Policy Section
- Imoseushi TownIsamu Shimizuno, Director of the Agriculture Policy Division
- Chishibetsu TownTatsumi Oyama, Director of the Industry Division
- Hokuryu TownJunichi Iguchi, Director of the Industry Division
- Numata TownAgricultural Promotion Division Counselor Futa Kamiyabu
- JA KitasorachiKiyomasa Iwata Representative Director Association Chairman
- JA KitasorachiAgricultural Promotion Department Director Keiichi Goto
- JA Kita Ibuki BlackYoichi Ta Representative Director Association Chairman
- JA Kita IbukiKazuhiro Sawada, Director of the Agriculture Promotion Department
- JA Kita Ibuki BlueYusuke Hori, Director of the Year Department
- Agri Workshop MaabuNoriaki Akizawa Manager
- Sorachi is nice.Mitsunori Yasuda Executive Director
- Colorful Seeds WE-commerce designer Mai Takane
Chapter 3: Turning headwinds into "winds of hope": The challenge of farming spirit
The general meeting moved on to the agenda, which looked seriously to the future, in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Proposal No. 1:2025 Activity Report, Financial Statements, Trial Fees, and Audit Report
- Proposal No. 2:FY2026 Activity Plan (Draft) and Income and Expenditure Budget (Draft)
- Proposal No. 3:FY2026 Activity Plan (Draft)
- Proposal No. 4:Officer election
- Proposal No. 5:others
What was shared here was a "reality" that is by no means optimistic.
In recent years, the rapid increase in inbound tourists (foreign visitors to Japan) has caused bus fares and hotel prices within Hokkaido to skyrocket. As a result, schools in Honshu, which previously chose Hokkaido, are increasingly changing their school trip destinations to Okinawa or overseas.
Furthermore, the number of farmers who host the visitors is declining in many areas due to the aging population. The planned number of visitors for fiscal year 2026 is currently "seven." Members who remember the bustle of the past are feeling a sense of loneliness and crisis. However, the spirit of "Genki Village," the "farmer spirit," does not end here.
Principal Murakami's voice is filled with power.
"If we just wait, the number of times will only decrease. That's why we're going on the offensive this year!"
The announced action plan included exciting new challenges to overcome the headwinds.
- Original project "One-day agricultural experience":
Rather than waiting for requests from travel agencies, they planned an event themselves and held one in August, inviting general participants. This was the first step towards independence: "bringing in customers ourselves." - Strengthening communication skills:
We will be making more use of our website and social media (Instagram, etc.) than ever before. With the help of professional designer Mai Takane of "Colorful Seeds," we have revamped our recruitment posters, and will use QR codes to directly link to "The Charms of Rural School." - Creation of merchandise with member logo:
By creating matching clothing and goods, we can increase team building among members and promote our brand to the outside world.
A crisis is an opportunity
Agriculture is a job that involves dealing with the inevitable natural elements of weather. This is why farmers have the ability to adapt to change and the resilience to change.
If the number of school trips is decreasing, we should just invite individual tourists. If it's not well known, we should just raise awareness ourselves. Such positive energy completely changed the atmosphere in the venue.
Chapter 4: "Door to the Future" by Designer Mai Takane
One presentation that particularly drew attention during the proceedings was by web designer Mai Takane, who proposed a poster idea to recruit new members.
"Rather than just providing information, we aimed for an exciting design that would make people think, 'I want to be a member too!'"
Three design proposals, A, B, and C, were presented.
The photos captured the beaming smiles of the farmers and the beautiful scenery of Kita Sorachi.
Even more unique is the link to the QR code. Instead of going straight to the application screen, it provides a questionnaire form to assess whether Rural School is right for you, creating a fun and engaging experience.
"Wow, that's interesting." "It looks different when you look at it on your smartphone."
At the venue, some members immediately took out their smartphones and stared intently at the screen.
Analog warmth and digital convenience. By fusing these two elements, Rural Academy is evolving into a form befitting the Reiwa era. Seeing the veterans embrace young sensibilities and not be afraid of change, I couldn't help but feel the youthfulness of the organization.
Chapter 5: Passing the baton and eternal youth
Agenda Item 4: Election of Officers(Titles omitted)
| Reiwa 6-7 | Reiwa 8-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headmaster | Harumi Murakami | Harumi Murakami |
| Vice Principal | Shigenori Watanabe | Kato Osamu |
| Secretary General | Chizuru Ueki | Yachiko Tsuruyama |
| accounting | Mizuki Hashimuki | Mizuki Hashimuki |
| auditor | Yumi Komatsu | Nozomi Shiraoka |
| auditor | Yachiko Tsuruyama | Kana Teraki |
Greetings from new and former executives
Towards the end of the general meeting, the venue was filled with an emotional atmosphere as farewell speeches were given by those who had supported the activities of the association for many years as officers and members.
Former Vice President Watanabe Shigenori took the microphone and began to speak with deep emotion.
"When I started this activity 25 years ago, I was still young (laughs). At that time, energetic grandparents were the ones who took the initiative to accept us."
Warm laughter erupted from the audience.
"Twenty-five years have passed since then, and before I knew it, I had been promoted to the 'grandfather class.'"
Behind his humorous words was a deep affection and pride for having walked alongside Noson Juku for a quarter of a century, a place to which he had dedicated his youth and part of his life.
Naturally, they will feel sad to leave, but what brightens their faces even more than that is their "trust in the next generation."
"We have seen an increase in the number of young students, and especially female students, joining our group. That is what makes us happiest. We are retiring, but our hearts will always be with the Rural School. Please do not forget about us," said Watanabe in his heartfelt speech.
The retiring members bowed deeply and were greeted with thunderous applause from the audience. This was not merely a ceremonial round of applause.
The applause was filled with love and gratitude, filled with emotions that are hard to put into words, such as, "Thank you so much for your hard work over the years," "Thank you for building the foundation," and "Leave the rest to us."
The new officers lined up in front of me looked a little nervous, but also hopeful. The baton had been passed on without a doubt.
Even as people and times change, this "spirit of Kita Sorachi" never fades and burns on to the next generation.
Chapter 6: Learning and Feasting, Vitality for Tomorrow
After the general meeting, a lecture was given by Natsumi Noya of Umaji Kobo.
Noya's philosophy on living with horses was based on the theme, "If you need help, it's someone close to you." His strictness and kindness in dealing with living things must have resonated deeply with the members involved in agriculture.
Then came the much-anticipated social gathering. In stark contrast to the serious expressions from earlier, the venue was filled with smiles.
"How's the snow this year?"
"Why don't you try doing something like that original project?"
"My grandchildren..."
The cheerful voices of friends chatting over a glass of wine in one hand. Members from Hokuryu Town are also chatting and joking with their friends from Fukagawa and Numata in a friendly atmosphere.
Here, town boundaries don't exist. All that exists is a shared desire to "promote agriculture in Kita Sorachi" and "see the smiles on children's faces."
The night in Kita Sorachi grew late as we enjoyed delicious food, fine wine, and, best of all, conversation with friends.
(For more details, please see the lecture article and the social gathering article.)
Epilogue: With love, gratitude and prayers
25 years is the time it takes for a newborn baby to become a fully-fledged member of society.
For that long, everyone at Genki Mura Dream Rural School has continued to wait for the children with the same smiles and on the same land.
During the general meeting, the words "Encounters are like sowing the seeds of life" were spoken. This was not only sowing seeds for the children, but also perhaps for the farmers who accepted them, sowing the seeds of "joy" in their own hearts.
The children's voices saying things like "It was delicious!" "It was fun!" and "We'll come again!" have become water and light, enriching the hearts of the farmers.
Times change. The format of school trips and the way information is disseminated will likely change as well. However, the essence of what we experience here - the warmth of people, the smell of the earth, and the joy of sharing - will never change.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt respect to all the retiring staff who have supported our activities for so many years, and with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, I hope that the future of Genki Village and Dream Rural Academy, which has now embarked on a new journey, will be as fruitful as golden ears of rice.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
Related Sites
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