Thursday, March 5, 2026
- 1 The spirit of harmony in creating the future together: Monthly activity report meeting for village supporters and local revitalization cooperation volunteers
- 2 Other photos
- 3 Related Sites
The spirit of harmony in creating the future together: Monthly activity report meeting for village supporters and local revitalization cooperation volunteers
On Wednesday, February 25th, four village supporters and seven community revitalization cooperation team members held their monthly activity report meeting for January 2026 at Hokuryu Town Hall. Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki, Deputy Mayor Masaaki Okuda, Town Future Strategy Section Chief Yayoi Kawamoto, and Councillor Chiaki Mori were also in attendance, and it was a warm and inviting time for everyone to share the trajectory of their passionate activities.
This meeting, where each individual's unique skills and deep love for Hokuryu come together, is not just a place to report on work, but a hopeful space where we can celebrate each other's activities, foster collaboration, and breathe the "spirit of harmony" to build the future of Hokuryu together.
The passion and activities of each individual that move the town forward
Co-creation with AI to spread awareness to the world
The Hokuryu Town Portal's operational report introduced cutting-edge efforts to utilize AI as a powerful partner. The site received over 22,000 visitors in January, and promotes the appeal of Hokuryu Town in nine languages. AI is not simply a tool for gathering and analyzing information, and is welcomed as a "co-creation team member" in the daily article writing process. The attitude of using new technology as a bridge to connect people around the world, without fear, evokes a spirit of openness and harmony.
Ice candles and smiles brighten up a winter night
There were also reports of events unique to the snowy season. Despite being plagued by the weather, the ice candle production team worked with local people to create a warm glow. Many children and families visited the food truck stalls and baked sweet potatoes on offer, and it is said that around 600 smiling faces were seen. It is precisely because of the bitter cold of winter that events where people's warmth and sincerity come together foster important bonds within the local community.
Warm bonds welcoming new friends
Heartwarming stories about welcoming new farmers were also shared. One encounter with a young man from as far away as Kanagawa Prefecture, who aspires to become a farmer in Hokuryu Town, led to an event in Tokyo, which led to direct conversations with local farmers, and strong bonds were forged through welcome and farewell parties. The town's tolerance for young people entering an unfamiliar land was such that they were warmly welcomed as if they were family. This is the spirit of compassion that has been passed down through the generations in Hokuryu Town.
New possibilities opened up by video and e-sports
For the first time, a "SHOWREEL video" was shown, summarizing the activities of local revitalization volunteers Masayuki Takatsuki and Tsubasa Arai in 2025. Using beautiful drone footage and VR technology, the recording showcases the charm of Hokuryu Town from a whole new perspective. Furthermore, through their visit to a global esports tournament, they also made ambitious proposals on how to instill a new culture in the town. The image of Hokuryu Town captured by young sensibilities holds great potential for the future.
※ Reference: What is SHOWREEL?"Video Portfolio (Collection of Works and Achievements)" that condenses the appeal of video creators, etc.
Filming and editing: Regional revitalization cooperation team members Takatsuki Masayuki and Niida Tsubasa
Intergenerational exchange through sports and handicrafts
Our activities that support daily life are also steadily bearing fruit.
- Supporting health across generations through training rooms and table tennis classes
- Exhibiting at handmade events and proposing new ways to use Himawari Post
- Exploring techniques that are in harmony with the natural environment during winter agricultural training
The accumulation of these steady and honest activities builds the foundation for a peaceful society free from conflict.
Mayor Sasaki gives warm encouragement: "We build our town ourselves"
At the end of the report, Mayor Sasaki delivered a passionate and loving message.
"It would be a shame not to show anyone the results of this wonderful year of filming. Let's broadcast it at the town hall and the Board of Education so that all the townspeople can see it. We also want to take this result to Kasumigaseki. We want to let them know that we're working hard."
"Rather than relying on the outside forever, we need to create something solid within ourselves. We have to build our town ourselves. I want you all to take the lead in this."
The mayor's words express his absolute trust in the volunteers and support staff, as well as his deep affection and respect for them as equal partners in building the town's future.
A circle of harmony and compassion that connects to the future
After the presentation, plans for a social gathering were discussed with the newly appointed colleagues and the superintendent of education. The staff took great care to create a space where everyone could gather with a smile, while also being considerate of allergies and preferences. It is in these casual interactions that the "spirit of harmony" that is the essence of Hokuryu Town is embodied.
The small light each person holds connects with others through compassion and eventually becomes a great light that illuminates the entire town. This heartwarming story of co-creation woven in Hokuryu Town quietly but powerfully shows the world the kind of peaceful and prosperous society we should strive for.
Other photos
Related Sites
◇
![March 4th (Wednesday) 5th grade homeschooling - Advice on how to make textbook rooms a warm and comfortable place to live [Shinryu Elementary School]](https://portal.hokuryu.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-05-5.00.59-375x267.jpg)
![[April 7th - Greetings from Mayor Sasaki and Deputy Mayor Okuda] Governor's Schedule [Hokkaido Prefectural Government]](https://portal.hokuryu.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-07-7.25.15-375x476.jpg)
