Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- 1 The 25th Genki Village Dream Rural School General Meeting and Social Gathering 2026: Enthusiasm and smiles weave "100-year bonds" and "the spirit of rural areas"
- 1.1 Greetings from former Vice President Watanabe Shigenori
- 1.2 Toast: Hiroyuki Ishimura, Director of the Kita-Sorachi Branch of the Sorachi Agricultural Improvement and Extension Center
- 1.3 Enjoy luxurious cuisine
- 1.4 Everyone was smiling and celebrating in a friendly atmosphere!
- 1.5 A toast filled with humor and love from Mayor Masayuki Tanaka of Fukagawa City
- 1.6 The day "theory" was defeated by "practice": Professor Emeritus Makoto Hashimoto's soulful cry
- 1.7 A drunken Professor Hashimoto shouted out in prayer, "Don't mess with me! Keep this going for 100 years!"
- 2 YouTube videos
- 3 Other photos
- 4 Related articles
- 5 Related Sites
The 25th Genki Village Dream Rural School General Meeting and Social Gathering 2026: Enthusiasm and smiles weave "100-year bonds" and "the spirit of rural areas"
The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the "25th Genki Mura Dream Rural Academy General Meeting & Lecture." On this night of passionate learning, the social gathering held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM became more than just a place for socializing; it became a "melting pot of passion" where participants praised each other's efforts and confirmed their aspirations for the future.
Greetings from former Vice President Watanabe Shigenori
"Thank you for your hard work at today's general meeting. Thank you to Noya Natsumi for your lecture, you gave a very interesting talk. Everyone was very interested and enjoyed it. Thank you very much."
Toast: Hiroyuki Ishimura, Director of the Kita-Sorachi Branch of the Sorachi Agricultural Improvement and Extension Center
"I would like to congratulate the successful holding of the 25th Genki Village/Dream Rural Academy General Meeting. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those involved for their efforts.
I was a volunteer extension worker and had the opportunity to experience this program when I was young. It is deeply moving to see the children from that time now in their late twenties and flourishing in society.
Now, let's propose a toast to the continued growth of Genki Village and the Dream Rural Academy, and to the good health and happiness of everyone participating today!
The venue was filled with the participants' beaming smiles and endless laughter.
Friends who practice the motto "Encounters are the seeds of life" enjoyed delicious food and celebratory drinks together. A "Japanese space" unfolded, where hearts connected without logic.
Enjoy luxurious cuisine
Everyone was smiling and celebrating in a friendly atmosphere!
A toast filled with humor and love from Mayor Masayuki Tanaka of Fukagawa City
Mayor Masayuki Tanaka of Fukagawa City left the general meeting early due to official business, but returned to participate in the social gathering.
Filled with the warm atmosphere of the venue, he gave a speech full of humor and deep affection for the children.
"When people think of Mayor Fukagawa, many immediately think of Mayor Yamashita (laughs). However, I have been in office for three years now (laughs).
I participated in this event last year as well, and it's such a fun event that I wanted to participate again this year. I'd like to express my gratitude for the efforts you make on a daily basis for the children. I hope this area will become a "second home" for the children.
I would like to propose a toast to the good health and success of everyone gathered here today. Cheers!
Seeing local leaders join hands and pray together for the future of their children, one cannot help but feel the spread of the "spirit of harmony" that transcends local boundaries.
The day "theory" was defeated by "practice": Professor Emeritus Makoto Hashimoto's soulful cry
As the banquet reached its climax and the excitement in the venue reached its peak, Professor Emeritus Hashimoto Makoto of Takushoku University Hokkaido Junior College gave the closing remarks.
In 1997, he was one of the "founders" of "green tourism" in this area.
However, what Professor Hashimoto spoke of was not his own achievements, but rather a trembling "respect" and "praise" for the "mothers" of the "Genki Mura/Dream Rural School" who have continued to put it into practice, and for the leaders of the past.
"In 1997, I wrote a report saying, 'Hokkaido should be the base for green tourism.' I was convinced that Hokkaido was at the forefront of this in Japan. As a researcher, I wrote plans for farm inns and restaurants.
However, the practice of the 'mothers' who actually worked hard and welcomed guests was far more amazing than the theories and observations I wrote about."
The hall fell silent, and everyone savored every word the teacher said.
"In 2002, I wrote an article citing the words of a leader named Yasuyuki Taniguchi, founder of the Yume no Noson Juku (Dream Farm School).
But after two or three years, Taniguchi-san was speaking in his own words, speaking from his own soul. They had transformed my words, which had been merely armchair theory, into a "real way of life."
The view I see as an observer and the resolve I have as practitioners are completely different. You all understand more deeply than I have written!"
A drunken Professor Hashimoto shouted out in prayer, "Don't mess with me! Keep this going for 100 years!"
At the end of his speech, Professor Hashimoto's voice turned into a scream that sounded like a prayer.
"Don't be ridiculous, it's going to end after the 25th time!
You've come this far! I hope you continue for another 100 years! Cheers!
At that moment, the venue was filled with thunderous applause and cheers.
It was the teacher's ultimate "whip of love" and a "baton to the future" that was passed on because he believed in the true potential of Yume no Noson Juku.
The theorist bows to the practitioner and praises his greatness.
And practitioners will accept this sentiment and move forward into the next 100 years.
This "Genki Mura Dream Rural Academy" embodies the true "soul" that Japan's regional revitalization should strive for.
I am confident that the passion of all of you who have gathered here will continue to shine a light on this northern land.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for your continued good health and the eternal development of the Dream Rural Academy...
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
Related Sites
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