Thursday, April 2, 2026
Born in Hokuryu Town, Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki served as town councilor for 38 years before becoming mayor. He possesses both the practical experience of a construction business owner and the policy-making skills of a council member. With a backward-thinking approach of "changing Japan starting from a small town," he is paving the way for the future of Hokuryu Town.
Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki Profile
Career
| date of birth | Born October 8, 1956, in Hokuryu Town. |
|---|---|
| Educational background | Graduated from Shinryu Elementary School, Hokuryu Junior High School, and Fukagawa Nishi High School. Graduated from the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics, Nihon University. |
| 1980 (Showa 55) | Joined Hirao-gumi Co., Ltd. (Civil Engineering Department), Naie Town. |
| 1983 (Showa 58) | Joined Sasaki Construction Co., Ltd. |
| 1996 (Heisei 8) | Representative Director, Sasaki Construction Co., Ltd. |
| 2002 (Heisei 14) | Kitasou Co., Ltd. Representative Director (Company name changed due to corporate merger) |
| February 22, 2024 (Reiwa 6) | Mayor of Hokuryu Town takes office |
Political activity history
| 1983–1987 (Showa 58–62) | parliamentary secretary |
|---|---|
| 1987–present (Showa 62–present) | First elected as a member of the Hokuryu Town Council (served for 9 terms, 38 years in total). |
| 2007~ (Heisei 19~) | Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council (5 terms) |
| 2019 (Heisei 31) | Chairman of the Sorachi Town and Village Council Chairmen's Association |
| 2019 (Heisei 31) | Board Member, Hokkaido Association of Town and Village Council Chairmen |
Other activities
| Head of the Youth Division of the Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Vice Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Chairman of the Hokuryu Construction Industry Association |
The Mayor's Philosophy: Changing Japan from a Small Town
With a population of approximately 1,551, Hokuryu Town appears to be a "small town" based solely on its numbers. However, Mayor Sasaki's vision always extends beyond that.
"If Hokuryu Town changes, Sorachi will change. If Sorachi changes, Hokkaido will change, and if Hokkaido changes, Japan will change."
This is not a pipe dream. It is a well-founded conviction from someone who served as a town council member for 38 years, as chairman for 5 terms, and as a construction business owner, constantly working on-site.
Looking at his steps since becoming mayor, the outline of his philosophy becomes clear. He opened two community bus routes in a town that lacked public transportation, ensuring access for residents. He cultivated the 100% reduced-pesticide sunflower rice, a project unique to Hokuryu Town nationwide, generating 400 million yen annually through hometown tax donations, which he reinvested in education and childcare. In 2027, he established "Hokuryu Studies," aiming to create a "town where everyone studies abroad" with three departments: English conversation, local studies, and challenges.
These are not individual measures, but rather answers to a single question.
-- How will this town, with its 133-year history, live out its next 100 years?
Mayor Sasaki encapsulated his answer in the figure of "1,600 people with connections to the town." This means that each town resident has a connection with one person from outside the town. This number is not simply about promoting migration, but rather reflects a philosophy of harmony where "all townspeople work together to build the town."
"If you fail, just try again. Just keep trying."
"The value of the town hall lies in its people, in its staff. It's okay to make mistakes, but never give up."
The "spirit of harmony" of Hokuryu Town is also present in the mayor's office.
▶ Instagram (Mayor Sasaki):@sanny_smail5155
▶ Administrative enforcement policy:Hokuryu Town Official Website
Activity Schedule
Activity report
Exploring the charms of our town
Mayor Sasaki's Epoch-Making Article
From his passionate speech the night before his inauguration, to his first day in office, to his dialogue with young people, and to his practical efforts in regional revitalization, we trace Mayor Sasaki's journey in five articles.
Overview of Hokuryu Town
| location | Hokuryu Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido |
|---|---|
| area | 159 km² |
| population | 1,551 people, 778 households (as of May 1, 2026) |
| Aging rate | 46.2% (20th out of 179 municipalities in Hokkaido)*As of January 1, 2025 |
| Late aging rate | 29.6% (13th out of 179 municipalities in Hokkaido)*As of January 1, 2025 |
| Specialty products | Sunflower rice, sunflower melon, sunflower watermelon, black soybeans, sunflower oil |
| Hometown tax payment | Approximately 400 million yen per year (driven by Himawari Rice) |
| Key Initiatives | Two new community bus routes (towards Fukagawa and Takikawa) have opened. New "Hokuryu Studies" program planned for the 2027 academic year (English Conversation Department, Hokuryu Department, Challenge Department) Target to create 1,600 people with ties to the region by 2030. |
| Hokuryu Town Website | Hokuryu Town Official Website |
| Portal Launch | July 2011 (17th year in 2026) |
Facing the reality of an aging rate of 46.21% (46.21% TP3T), Hokuryu Town is simultaneously advancing the development of community buses, the integration of medical and welfare areas, and investment in next-generation education. This is the spirit of community management in Hokuryu Town.
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