A new pulse in Himawari no Sato. Creating the 100-year future together with the townspeople: "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center (tentative name)" Resident briefing session @ Bibagyu Training Center

Thursday, March 5, 2026

A new pulse for Himawari no Sato: Creating a 100-year future together with the townspeople: Resident briefing for the "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center (tentative name)"

At 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 3rd, the faint scent of spring was beginning to mix in the still-chilly wind. At the Miwa Beef Training Center in Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, around 15 local residents had quietly gathered, but with fervent anticipation, despite being busy either finishing work or preparing for spring farm work.

Today, we held a public information session to explain the basic design (draft) of the "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center (tentative name)," a new vision for the future of "Sunflower Village," a symbol of Hokuryu Town that brings smiles and excitement to many people every year. Participants from the town hall included Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki, Deputy Mayor Masaaki Okuda, General Policy Officer Katsuyoshi Takahashi, Industry Division Chief Junichi Iguchi, Construction Division Chief Masahiro Kawada, and Section Chief Yoshihiro Ichiba. The information session was filled with excitement until 8:00 PM.

Following this event, a public information session is scheduled to be held at the Aomizu Ikigai Center on Wednesday, March 4th, and at the Community Center on Friday, March 6th.

As soon as I stepped inside the venue, I was greeted by the usual warm atmosphere that is unique to Hokuryu Town. People looked at each other, exchanged words of appreciation, and shared their hearts over the warmth of the stove.

In today's society, where efficiency and speed tend to take priority, this town is alive with a deep "spirit of harmony" that respects and cherishes the act of people gathering and meeting face to face.

The people of the Mibaushi area always keep this training center very clean and take good care of it, and their love for their town and pride as a community is clearly evident in the space.

The scheduled time was 6:30 p.m.
The briefing began with a quiet but powerful greeting from Deputy Mayor Okuda.

Reflection on the past and a sincere pledge for the future

Mayor Sasaki was the first to take the microphone.

"Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this briefing on the basic plan for the future of Himawari no Sato."

Mayor Sasaki's expression was filled with deep trust and affection for the people of the Mibaushi district.

"Thank you very much to everyone in the Mibaushi district for always attending these meetings. The Mibaushi district is the best at putting the opinions we receive from everyone into use in town development. I am always impressed to see everyone keeping this training center clean, and it was worth it to install air conditioning in it."

Mayor Sasaki began to speak openly about the anguish he felt as chairman at the time, when he had to scrap the original observation deck plan.

"At the time, a world-renowned architect proposed building an observation deck using wooden components and offered 115 million yen. At the time, residents of the town raised concerns that the price was too high and that the design did not suit the town. Why did this happen? It was because we did not hold detailed explanatory meetings. We did not go through the process of changing the proposal we presented based on the residents' opinions. This deep reflection is at the root of what has happened so far."

The days of the government unilaterally building buildings are over. Mayor Sasaki spoke of a pledge for "co-creation" in which townspeople and the government act as equal partners, worrying together, thinking together, and creating together. This sincere attitude made the atmosphere in the venue even warmer, and it felt like we were all becoming one.

From 0 to 100 years old. A place where the "feelings" of all generations are woven together.

The new "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center" is not just a facility for tourists. The mayor introduced the earnest voices of townspeople of various generations that he has listened to over the past two years.

"Since I became mayor, I have had the opportunity to speak to so many people, from small children to junior and senior high school students, and even adults. Children have expressed their earnest desire to have a place to play even in the winter, and to have somewhere to spend time.

Working women in their 20s to 60s have asked me for advice, saying, "I bake bread, make accessories, and design with all my heart and soul. Is there a way to turn this into a business? Is there a place where I can try it?"

And then there were the seniors in their 70s and 80s. They are people who take pride in having built Sunflower Village with their own hands over the course of an incredible 40 years, and they asked me a passionate and tough question: 'What on earth are we going to do with Sunflower Village, which is a major attraction of Hokuryu Town in the future?'"

How can the hopes, pride, and prayers of all townspeople, from birth to 100 years old, be embodied in one place? Hokuryu Town's answer to this enormous question is the "Exciting Future Creation Center" (tentative name).

"This is not a reconstruction of the existing tourist center. Think of it as a completely new facility for the townspeople. We want everyone to use it freely and to their heart's content throughout the four seasons. We also want to create a system that will benefit us and allow us to make money."

The mayor's words were filled with an unwavering, selfless love and a desire to enrich the lives of each and every resident.

A sustainable future built on "earning power" and "year-round use"

Next, Director General for Policy Takahashi spoke about the specific concept for the facility.

1. History, related initiatives, and future plans
2. Facility overview and features
3. Image of how the facility will be used after renovation
4. Monetization model study project

This is a powerful vision that overturns the conventional wisdom that the facility is only bustling during sunflower season, aiming to become a facility that can be used year-round, where people can gather, learn, and take on new challenges all year round.

The facility will not only provide a comfortable place to stay, but will also have space for food and drink and merchandise sales, as well as function as a "creative lab" where people can interact with private individuals and specialists.

"Our project was selected for the national government's New Regional Revitalization Center Development Grant. The key point in the government's evaluation was that it would not be the same as an existing facility, but rather would create a place and system where both children and adults could take on new challenges, with the cooperation of the townspeople and related populations.

"On winter weekends, we will create a system to attract tourists, including inbound tourists, looking for activities in the snow fields. We will have game meat, a snowy field tunnel bar, a regular craft market, and a business plan contest for processed agricultural products. It will also be a place where junior and senior high school students can start their own businesses and connect with the world online."

Young employees, private companies, and town residents are already working together to consider monetization models for Nonno Forest. Young employees of Toyota Tsusho, young town residents, and young town hall employees are working together to plan events, and ideas such as winter hot air balloon rides and forest trekking have emerged.

Additionally, at a craft market in collaboration with Creema, we brought in often-overlooked local resources such as deer antlers, oil, and leather, and made the delightful discovery that they all sold out.

"It's a place where anyone, both children and adults, can take on new challenges. It's a facility that will increase the number of people involved, create new businesses, earn foreign currency, and become an engine for the town."

The voices of the people in charge were permeated with a strong sense of mission to send out a new model of hope from Hokuryu Town in response to the nationwide issue of depopulation in rural areas. Rather than simply building a facility, they breathe life into it and create a self-sustaining circulation of the local economy. This is the greatest consideration for the next generation.

Architecture that blends with nature: A "tunnel of light" leading to a sea of sunflowers

In addition, Mr. Iguchi, Director of the Industry Division, gave an explanation on the outline of the Wakuwaku Future Creation Center development, the proposed development plan, the proposed Nonno no Mori development plan, estimated project costs, and a repayment simulation.

The eyes of everyone in the audience were glued to the perspective drawing (implied rendering) of the basic design shown in the materials.

The facility will be located closer to Nonno Forest than the current tourist center.

The most iconic feature is its beautiful streamlined design, which blends seamlessly with the gently sloping earthen road. The building's entrance was carefully designed to face the front, and a gentle staircase runs along the slope of the roof. From the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast sunflower fields and the mountains bathed in the setting sun.

What captured the hearts of many people was the "tunnel" that stretches straight from the first floor to the sunflower field.

After passing through a tranquil concrete tunnel, two million golden sunflowers suddenly spread out before your eyes, filling your entire field of vision. This dramatic spatial presentation is sure to leave an overwhelming impression on all visitors.

It is as if the image of Hokuryu Town itself is emerging from the tunnel of its honest history and heading towards a bright future.

The second floor houses an "open lab" and private rooms for activities, providing an expansive, open space where people can hold meetings and work while enjoying the view of the sunflower fields.

Not only is the exterior beautiful, but "people-oriented design" that pursues comfort for the people who spend time there can be seen everywhere.

In addition, the existing "Nonno Forest" will also undergo a major transformation.

The plan is to create a warm space where families can stay for a long time, with a spacious, flower-shaped landscape, a water plaza, a ribbon slide where children can play safely, and a play car with free rental play equipment.

A heated dialogue where the wisdom and love of the townspeople intersect

After the detailed explanation from the government, hands were raised one after another in the audience, and a heated discussion began that went beyond the scheduled time.

These were not just questions or criticisms, but an expression of the townspeople's strong sense of ownership, wanting to make their facilities even better.

Here, we will record each question and answer in detail and unravel the spirit of Hokuryu Town that is contained within them.

Wheelchair accessibility, admission and parking fees

The words of the first townsperson to raise his hand were startling.

townspeople"I looked at the perspective drawing for wheelchair users on page 20. However, the facility is full of stairs, so I don't think a wheelchair user would be able to reach the observation deck at the very top. I'm sure people would really want to see the scenery, which is the charm of a rural town, all the way to the top. In this day and age, if we're going to build an observation deck, I think it's important to add a ramp so that even elderly people and people in wheelchairs can reach the top."

manager"We received opinions from the Revitalization Council, and we have basically made it possible to take the elevator up, then take a slope, pass the outer terrace and go all the way to the end of the observation deck. However, there are some steep sections on the other side of the roof, which makes it difficult, but we have incorporated considerations so that people can enjoy Sunflower Village."

townspeople"Do we have to pay the admission fee when we enter the tourist information center?"

manager"Yes. We are currently considering whether to charge at the entrance or inside, but we will require people to pay to enter the park, and we will set up a place where we can collect fees to ensure that no one is left behind. We plan to make the current parking fee free again and limit it to just the admission fee."

In this exchange, I saw the true essence of Hokuryu Town. We want to create a place where everyone, not just able-bodied people, but also elderly people with disabilities and others, can enjoy the same scenery and share the same emotions.

The words of the townspeople express a deep sense of compassion: "No one will be left behind." The local government has taken this seriously and incorporated it into the design of the facility, giving the impression of a warm relationship of trust.

Proposal for natural energy and disaster prevention base

Furthermore, there were proposals regarding the utilization of natural energy with an eye to the future.

townspeople"If we're going to build something completely new, shouldn't we install solar panels and storage batteries rather than using existing electricity? It's such a large facility, so there must be plenty of space. Given the current severe energy situation, it would be great if we could store and supply electricity stably. Solar is important in times of disaster and other problems. It may cost a little money, but it would be good to promote the fact that we are using electricity generated from natural light."

Mayor"That's a very valuable opinion. The planned construction site is at the highest point in Hokuryu Town. For that reason, we are envisioning this facility as a disaster prevention base as well. We will carefully consider separately whether we can clear subsidies for capital investment as a disaster prevention base, and how to install solar panels without compromising the design."

This statement also reflects the philosophy of "coexistence with nature" that Hokuryu Town has long cherished.

While preserving the beautiful natural scenery, the site would harness the sun's bounty as energy, and would become a fortress to protect the lives of the townspeople in times of emergency. The mayor immediately accepted the proposal, and when he spoke of its potential as a disaster prevention base, I felt the reliability of how plans can evolve through dialogue.

Winter snow activities

There were also many specific ideas for how to utilize the space in the winter.

townspeople"There are plans for a winter food market, but will this mean doing something like camping in the winter and having to pack down the snow?"

manager"We are thinking positively about how we can make these ideas a reality. We have received many interesting ideas from young townspeople. For example, they suggested that we could use the slope of the facility's roof to make a slide, or that it would make an interesting scene to hold a snow wedding on the roof. We have made the facility strong enough to withstand the weight of snow, so we hope to try out all kinds of things that lead to winter activities."

This town has the positive energy to turn even snow, which is often seen as a nuisance, into a resource to be enjoyed. It has the strength to laugh off the harsh natural environment.

Turning the sub-ground into an auto camping site

Further proposals for specific space utilization followed.

townspeople"Is there still a sub-ground left? I think it would be a good idea to develop it into a campsite (auto campsite) that people can access by car. Having cars enter Himawari no Sato causes various problems, but you can camp there by car, and of course you can make money from it."

Mayor"We would like people like that to also enjoy the hot springs, including Sunflower Park (hot springs). Naturally, we would like to think of this as an entrance where we can charge a separate fee. Thank you."

It's a wonderful and realistic proposal that allows people to enjoy nature while protecting the environment of the delicate plant, the sunflower. It also contributes to the town's economy. I saw true self-governance in the way the townspeople themselves proposed a way to make money to the local government.

Infrastructure, the site, and the future of the school

Questions were also raised about the infrastructure that is unavoidable when building a large facility, and how to handle existing buildings.

townspeople"How will we secure water?"

manager"We have an idea to drill a hole nearby to supply water. The groundwater level in that area is high, so we could consider drilling in a different location to secure water. The cost used to be around 8 million yen, but now it might cost around 30 million yen. There are some things we won't know until we dig deep, but we will of course consider it."

The latest life-saving measures against brown bears

The participants also discussed pressing issues unique to Hokkaido, a region rich in nature.

townspeople"Have there been no brown bears around there recently?"

manager"Last year, they were spotted around the park golf course. We have the fire department fly drones and call out to them to keep an eye out. In the summer, there is food in the mountains so I don't think they will come out into town, but it depends on the weather. Last year, it was hot all over Hokkaido, which also had an impact as there was no food in the mountains."

Mayor"Yubetsu Town, famous for its tulips, has begun experiments with attaching temperature sensors to drones to protect tourists. We will naturally take such recent examples into consideration and come up with ways to protect everyone's lives."

Rather than simply being afraid, they have adopted the latest technology (drones for temperature sensing) to maintain a safe boundary between humans and the natural world, striving to coexist with nature. This, too, shows the "compassion" of Hokuryu, who values life above all else.

"Earn money together" Community employment and utilization of vacant houses

Finally, a discussion was held on facility management and the vitality of the town.

townspeople"When a new facility is built, will there be a manager on-site?"

Deputy Mayor"If we use the facility, we will need a caretaker, but whether it will be open every day or only for certain events will depend on how it is managed in the future.We will have to carefully consider this and make a decision this year (2026 fiscal year)."

Mayor"We will have to ask the townspeople to do various jobs, such as mowing the lawn. We want to create a system where we can all work, earn money, and have fun together.

I've also heard stories of young girls who want to live in Miboshi but say, "There are no homes available." I've also heard requests to create a system to renovate and utilize vacant houses when they become available. If people continue to voice their opinions like this, I'd like to make it a reality."

The new facility will not just be a tourist destination, but will also create jobs for local residents and act as a warm welcome for new residents. "Everyone earns money and everyone has fun." These words from Mayor Sasaki summed up the ultimate form of harmony that Hokuryu Town aims for.

A model of hope for the world created by the "spirit of harmony"

"We would like to find opportunities to hold more information sessions in the future. Thank you very much for today."

The 90-minute briefing, which was heated but filled with a warm atmosphere throughout, came to a close with a speech from the deputy mayor.

Although deep snow was still covering the ground outside, the faces of everyone at the event were filled with bright hope, like the sure-fire rays of spring sunshine.

The "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center" (tentative name) project is not simply the construction of a new building. It is a grand experiment to give concrete form to the "spirit of harmony" and "spirit of compassion" that have been cherished by the people of Hokuryu for generations, and to look towards the future.

Accepting diverse opinions, engaging in dialogue without fear of conflict, and finding a point of harmony that everyone can agree on is precisely this down-to-earth yet honest process that is Hokuryu Town's greatest charm and intangible asset.

In today's society, where efficiency and rationality are given priority and people are prone to feeling lonely and disconnected, Hokuryu Town is trying to demonstrate the value of taking the time and putting your heart into things.

• A proposal for a ramp that is considerate to wheelchair users.
• We propose solar panels that show gratitude for the blessings of nature.
• Winter activities and campground money ideas.
• Using technology to protect lives from brown bears.
• And the determination of adults to not leave a burden on future generations.

The future of Hokuryu Town is bright, as these small but definite acts of "kindness" will eventually become a big wave that will warmly embrace the world and become a force for peace!

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, the people of Hokuryu Town are united in spirit as they powerfully set out on a voyage towards a future for Hokuryu Town that is as bright as a sunflower and as warm as the sun.

Other photos

Click here for 65 photos of the public briefing session on the basic design (draft) of the Wakuwaku Future Creation Center (tentative name) @ Bibagyu Training Center >>

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

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