Thursday, March 19, 2026
- 1 The word "child-rearing" will change Hokuryu Town
- 2 These are also the words of Education Superintendent Yoshiki Tanaka, a "declaration of reform for adults."
- 3 Chairman Shoichi Nakamura's words: "Adults, like children, continue to change."
- 4 Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki's words: "We will start today."
- 5 "Declaration of a town that nurtures children": The society that Hokuryu Town aims for
- 6 Other photos
- 7 Related articles
The word "child-rearing" will change Hokuryu Town
On Thursday, March 19th, at 6:30 PM, the residents of Hokuryu Town gathered at the Hokuryu Town Community Center.
The "Declaration for a Child-Rearing Town," which was unanimously passed and adopted at the first Hokuryu Town Council meeting of 2026 (March 9-13), was the subject of an explanatory meeting held tonight to directly convey its contents to the residents.
From the perspective of education, Superintendent of Education Yoshiki Tanaka; from the perspective of residents, Chairman Shoichi Nakamura; and from the perspective of administration, Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki—the three individuals spoke in their own words about Hokuryu Town's new pledge.
These are also the words of Education Superintendent Yoshiki Tanaka, a "declaration of reform for adults."
The first to take the stage was Superintendent of Education Yoshiki Tanaka. He began speaking quietly, but with undeniable passion.
The "Declaration of a Child-Rearing Town" is a declaration that the town will promote education with the realization of "child-rearing," where children are at the center of society and grow up taking the lead themselves, as its fundamental principle.
Children inherently possess the ability to feel, think, and choose for themselves, and to continue learning through their interactions with those around them. The superintendent of education stated that how much this ability develops depends on how adults interact with them.
We want schools to be places where children find their own answers, not places where they are given the right answers. We want to shift from a controlling education to one that warmly observes and supports challenges. We are moving towards an education that doesn't guide children, but rather believes in their abilities and walks alongside them.
The superintendent then stated the essence of this declaration in this way:
This declaration is not merely a presentation of ideals, but also a declaration of adult change and reform.
The atmosphere in the venue became quietly serious as he spoke of systematically and steadily working to enhance the support system so that no one is left behind.
Chairman Shoichi Nakamura's words: "Adults, like children, continue to change."
Next to speak was Chairman Shoichi Nakamura. As someone who has also raised children, he candidly shared his thoughts.
I may have been telling my children, "You can't do this, you can't do that." But I've come to realize that what's truly important is how to nurture their potential for growth and their ability to think for themselves.
The chairman stated that whether children can feel safe trying various things depends not only on the school and the home, but also on the overall "atmosphere" of the community.
Each and every one of us adults is responsible for creating that atmosphere. Everyone who has come to this venue today is also an important person in that regard.
From adults who impose their views on children, saying "This is how it should be," to adults who watch over children as they grow. The chairman's words, emphasizing learning and evolving alongside children, were also a quiet question posed to each and every town resident gathered in the hall.
Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki's words: "We will start today."
The last to speak was Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki. He said that the first thing he felt after the declaration was passed on March 9 was that "the people to whom this declaration is directed are the people of the town."
The reason we made this declaration about child development is that we want children to be able to discover their own potential, smile in various ways, and take the initiative to move forward on their own. It's not simply about us supporting them; we need to change ourselves, our community needs to change, our town needs to change. Even though children are showing more than 100% potential, if we don't change, we won't be able to invest in them. That's why we made this declaration.
This day also happened to be the elementary school graduation ceremony. The mayor read aloud the words the superintendent of education had given to the graduating children.
It's okay to fail as many times as you need. Just keep failing, get back up, and move forward together.
The mayor surveyed the venue and concluded his remarks with a powerful statement.
I intend for the town of Hokuryu to undergo a significant transformation. We're starting today. Thank you for your support.
"Declaration of a town that nurtures children": The society that Hokuryu Town aims for
This declaration advocates for building a warm and supportive society that respects children not merely as beings to be protected, but as members of society who will help create the future of our community.
Perhaps the only town in the country to have made a "Declaration of Child-Rearing," as the Superintendent of Education's words indicate, Hokuryu Town has taken another step forward on its own unique path.
Value children's voices. Don't be afraid of failure; support their challenges. Adults should change and grow together with them.
Hokuryu Town's "Declaration of a Town that Supports Child-Rearing" is a promise to children and a pledge to adults themselves.
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