Monday, May 18, 2026
- 1 Settlement Commemoration Ceremony – On land that has witnessed 134 years of history
- 2 The pioneering monument speaks of the spirit of "harmony"
- 3 Commendation Ceremony for Distinguished Service – A heartfelt expression of gratitude to those who have been instrumental in the development of our community.
- 4 Recognition – Each individual's dedication nurtured the town.
- 4.1 Mr. Toshimasa Takahashi (General Town Service Award)
- 4.2 Mr. Kazushi Arima (General Town Service Award)
- 4.3 Mr. Fumio Ito (Recipient of the Social Welfare Meritorious Service Award)
- 4.4 Hokuryu Town Municipal Hokuryu Junior High School Sunflower Committee (Special Award, Social and Cultural Promotion Award)
- 5 Grants awarded to agricultural successors to encourage them to start farming – Young people are driving the development of the town.
- 6 Congratulatory Address - Chairman Shoichi Nakamura
- 7 Recipient's Acceptance Speech - Remarks by Chairman Seiren Oi
- 8 The spirit of "harmony" continues, transcending 134 years.
- 9 YouTube videos
- 10 Other photos
- 11 Related articles
Settlement Commemoration Ceremony – On land that has witnessed 134 years of history
On Friday, May 15, 2026 (Reiwa 8), at 10:00 AM, the Hokuryu Town Founding Anniversary Ceremony and Meritorious Service Award Ceremony were solemnly held. This year, Hokuryu Town celebrates its 134th anniversary since its founding.
Under a clear blue sky, town officials gathered in front of the pioneering monument to express their deep gratitude and respect for their predecessors.
Offering of sacred food and recitation of prayers
A rich array of offerings, including rice, mochi, sake, water, salt, fish, vegetables, fruits, seaweed, eggs, and sweets, were carefully presented to the gods. The sound of the flute played by Chief Priest Onishi of Okuni Shrine (Fukagawa City) resonated in the clear early summer air, and solemn prayers were recited.
Offering of sacred branches
The offering of sacred branches (tamagushi hōten) was performed with heartfelt devotion by important figures representing Hokuryū Town.
- Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki
- To Mr. Shoichi Nakamura, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Council
- Mr. Yutaka Sano, Honorary Citizen of Hokuryu Town
- To Mr. Minoru Nagai, Representative Director of JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu District
- Mr. Masahito Fujii, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- To Mr./Ms. Junichi Fukase, Hokuryu Land Improvement District
- To Mr. Hiroki Yoshioka, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Agricultural Committee
- To Ms. Keiko Ozaki, Vice Chairperson of the Hokuryu Town Council
- To the Hokuryu Town Council members: Minoru Sato, Nobuaki Teragaki, Kazuo Kimura, Masato Sawada, and Manabu Okino
- To Mr. Takashi Inoue, Representative Auditor of Hokuryu Town
- Award recipients: Mr. Toshimasa Takahashi, Mr. Kazushi Arima, Mr. Fumio Ito
- Award recipient: Hokuryu Town Municipal Hokuryu Junior High School, Sunflower Committee
- To Mr. Masaaki Okuda, Deputy Mayor of Hokuryu Town
- To Mr. Yoshiki Tanaka, Superintendent of Education, Hokuryu Town Board of Education
The pioneering monument speaks of the spirit of "harmony"
The inscription reads as follows:
On May 17, 1893, burning with hope for pioneering a new land, 42 households, led by Shoichiro Yoshie, settled in this undeveloped land, which was dark even in the daytime. Eighty-eight years have passed since they began their arduous pioneering work, and Kitaryu Town is now developing into a bright, peaceful, and prosperous farming village.
In this commemorative year, to remember the hardships and achievements of our ancestors who built this land over a thousand years, to honor their accomplishments, and to pass on their legacy to future generations, this monument is erected through the generous donation of the Hokuryu Lions Club.
Written by Shoichi Mori, Mayor of Hokuryu Town, November 3, 1981
In May 1892 (Meiji 26), a group of 25 settlers from Nohara Village, Inba District, Chiba Prefecture, led by Shoichiro Yoshie, began cultivating this land of Hokuryu.
In September 1961, Hokuryu was incorporated as a town, transforming from a village into a town. Facing the harsh natural environment of heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, the foundation of today's prosperous Hokuryu Town was laid.
The place name "Yawara" is derived from "Yawaramura," the hometown of the Chiba Prefecture pioneers, and was given with the wish to cherish harmony among all the villagers. That spirit continues to live on in the hearts of the people of Hokuryu Town, even 134 years later.
Commendation Ceremony for Distinguished Service – A heartfelt expression of gratitude to those who have been instrumental in the development of our community.
The ceremony then moved to the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens' Welfare Center, where an awards ceremony for distinguished service was held. Individuals who have contributed to the promotion and development of Hokuryu Town, or who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements, are honored in accordance with the town ordinance.
The general moderator will be Hajime Minami, head of the town hall's General Affairs Division.
A moment of silence – in mourning for the passing of Mr. Ryoji Okura
Prior to the opening of the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed for Mr. Ryoji Okura, Honorary Citizen of Hokuryu Town, who passed away on April 27th. Deep gratitude for his achievements and expressions of sorrow quietly filled the silence of all those in attendance.
Address by Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki
In his address, Mayor Sasaki reflected on the 134-year history since the town's founding in 1893 and expressed his respect for the pioneers.
"Today, as we hold the Hokuryu Town Development Commemoration Ceremony and the Hokuryu Town Commendation Ordinance Commendation Ceremony, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules, both professionally and personally, to attend this ceremony."
Today, Kitaryu Town marks its 134th anniversary since the first hoe was swung down to cultivate the land in 1892 (Meiji 26). During this time, many pioneers endured harsh natural conditions, overcame numerous hardships, and poured their hearts and souls into the construction of today's town, laying the foundation for the prosperous Kitaryu Town we see today.
With its abundant clear streams and fertile soil, Hokuryu Town was one of the first to establish a production base, and is now steadily moving forward as a producer of safe food with agriculture as its base industry, while implementing measures such as improving resident welfare and health care, promoting education and culture, revitalizing tourism, and supporting child-rearing.
On this anniversary of the pioneering spirit, I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the many pioneers who laid the foundation for Hokuryu Town, and to their indomitable pioneering spirit. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude and thanks once again to all those present today, as well as to all the townspeople, for their efforts and cooperation.
And all of you whom we are honoring here today have dedicated yourselves over many years to the exchange of awards for general town service, social welfare service, and special awards (social and cultural development awards), leaving behind a great legacy."
He then praised the achievements of all the award recipients and spoke thoughtfully about those who received grants to encourage successors to start farming.
Recognition – Each individual's dedication nurtured the town.
Mr. Toshimasa Takahashi (General Town Service Award)
Since joining Kitaryu Town in April 1980, he diligently performed his duties as an employee for a long period of 37 years and 3 months. In recognition of his achievements, he was appointed deputy mayor for 7 years. While harmonizing the town, the town council, and related organizations, he supported the mayor's policies of promoting the town's industry, improving welfare, and advancing education and culture through top-level sales efforts. He strived to carry out proper administrative procedures in order to realize policies of "town development where the townspeople are the main actors," and contributed to the advancement of town administration.
Mr. Kazushi Arima (General Town Service Award)
Since joining Kitaryu Town in April 1986, he diligently performed his duties as an employee for a long period of 33 years and 6 months. His achievements were recognized, and he served as Superintendent of Education for 5 years and 3 months. While accurately grasping the realities of children, families, and the needs of the community, he promoted school management that took into account the priorities of school education and current issues, and worked closely with the town administration to promote and develop educational administration so that every town resident could learn together throughout their lives and lead a rich and fulfilling life.
Mr. Fumio Ito (Recipient of the Social Welfare Meritorious Service Award)
From December 2010 until her retirement in November 2025, she served for five terms, totaling 15 years, as a welfare commissioner and child welfare commissioner, contributing to the improvement of community welfare.
Furthermore, from December 2019, she served as Vice Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Welfare Commissioners' Council, and from December 2022, as its Chairman, leading the welfare commissioners and child welfare commissioners in a wide range of support activities, including monitoring activities, providing consultations on problems, and acting as a liaison with the government.
Hokuryu Town Municipal Hokuryu Junior High School Sunflower Committee (Special Award, Social and Cultural Promotion Award)
This year marks the inaugural recipient of the newly established "Special Award" category, created through the revision of the local awards ordinance.
As a result of the revision of the local awards ordinance, we have newly added special awards to recognize individuals who have achieved outstanding results in sports and culture, either domestically or internationally, serving as a model for others, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to broader social and cultural exchange.
Hokuryu Junior High School has been working on "Cultivating Sunflowers from Around the World" since 1991 and continues this activity to this day. Their activities extend beyond cultivation to include providing "sunflower guides" for tourists visiting the sunflower village and creating handmade "banners," making them an indispensable part of the sunflower festival and impressing many visitors.
Furthermore, in recognition of these achievements, in 2009, she received the "Certificate of Appreciation for Practicing Tourism Hospitality" from the Governor of Hokkaido, and in 2019, she received the "Sorachi District Educational Practice Award" from the Sorachi Education Bureau of Hokkaido.
Grants awarded to agricultural successors to encourage them to start farming – Young people are driving the development of the town.
In accordance with the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Bank Development Fund Ordinance, grants were presented to encourage agricultural successors to take up farming.
Mr. Atsuhiro Nakamura (Hekisui Agricultural Cooperative)
After graduating from Hirosaki University in 2016, he joined JA Kitasorachi. With aspirations to become an agricultural successor, he began farming as the successor to his family's farm in April 2024.
Kohei Mikami (Miyo Beef Farming Cooperative)
After graduating from Hokusei Gakuen University in 2011, I worked at Muroran Shinkin Bank. Since April 2024, I have been making a strong start as a successor in agriculture.
Naoya Michishita (Miyo Beef Farming Cooperative)
After graduating from Rakuno Gakuen University in 2015, he worked at Sapporo Chuo Shinkin Bank. In April 2024, he started farming as a successor to his family's agricultural business. He is also the first recipient of the town's "Your Picture Book" gift, and is a multi-talented young farmer.
Congratulatory Address - Chairman Shoichi Nakamura
Chairman Nakamura offered warm words of encouragement, also mentioning that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the "Sunflower Festival."
"Thank you very much for gathering here today for the Hokuryu Town Development Commemoration Ceremony."
I am truly delighted that we can hold this pioneering anniversary ceremony with all of you today, May 15th, instead of the originally scheduled May 17th.
In 1893, during the pioneering days, our ancestors forged a path through the wilderness in an environment far more challenging than we can imagine today. On this occasion of the ceremony, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and respect to them once again.
I would also like to mention Mr. Okura, who passed away on April 27th and whose funeral was held on the 28th. He made a tremendous contribution to the development of agriculture, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect for his achievements, and respectfully offer my deepest condolences.
This year we've had less snow than usual, so farm work is progressing smoothly. We also see no problems with the dam's water level at the moment.
Regarding rice, the main agricultural product, rice planting began around yesterday or the day before yesterday. It is expected to be almost completed by the end of this month. For field crops, all planting is scheduled to be finished by May or June.
The land of Hokuryu Town is changing from a world of pure white snow to a fresh green, then to green, and finally to a golden hue. Although there are various worries, I sincerely hope that we will be able to welcome a fruitful autumn.
Regarding the presentation of the certificate of commendation:
Today, we presented certificates of commendation to Mr. Takahashi and Mr. Arima, respectively, in recognition of their efforts in the development of town administration as Deputy Mayor and Superintendent of Education. We express our sincere gratitude to them. We look forward to Mr. Takahashi continuing his active contributions at the town development corporation.
Furthermore, Ms. Ito has been involved with various organizations for many years, and finally served as a community welfare officer for 15 years. My wife also received a great deal of support from her as a community welfare officer, and I would like to express my deepest personal gratitude to her. From now on, I hope that you both will live your lives in good health and spirits.
Hokuryu Junior High School's "Sunflower" designation and its 40th anniversary milestone:
Hokuryu Junior High School has been awarded the title of "Sunflower." Following a revision of the ordinance, it is now possible to award this title to organizations, making it the very first recipient. Since 1991, the town has been working together as one to create "Sunflowers of the World," and the junior high school has continued to play a leading role in this initiative.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sunflower Festival. The three agricultural successors who are here today are also graduates of Hokuryu Junior High School, and they are carrying on the legacy they inherited from their predecessors. We hope they will help make this year's Sunflower Festival a great success and encourage their juniors to participate as well.
To agricultural successors and recipients of farming subsidies:
As recipients of the farming incentive grant, young farmers, including Mr. Mikami and Mr. Michishita, have returned to Hokuryu Town. They said it took them a while to come back, even though they had said they would (laughs), so I am truly delighted that they have finally returned to farming.
Please make full use of what you learned at university and what you cultivated in your previous jobs. I am also encouraged to know that all three of you are married and are working in agriculture while raising families.
Also, I have a connection with Ms. Michishita through picture books, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does in the future.
I hope that you will lend your significant support to the development of the town, not only through your own farming business but also through your various organizational activities.
In closing, I sincerely hope that this pioneering anniversary ceremony will mark a turning point, leading to the further development of Hokuryu Town and making it a more pleasant place for all its residents to live. I wish all participants good health and continued success, and with that, I conclude my remarks.
Congratulations on this special day!
He said this, and the attendees gave him warm applause.
Recipient's Acceptance Speech - Remarks by Chairman Seiren Oi
On behalf of the Hokuryu Junior High School Sunflower Committee, Chairman Seiren Oi delivered a dignified speech of gratitude.
"I am truly delighted and grateful to have received this award today in this auspicious venue for the Hokuryu Town Development Commemoration Ceremony."
Earlier, we received congratulatory remarks from Chairman Nakamura, and the mayor gave us incredibly kind words of praise.
At Hokuryu Junior High School, we have been continuing the "World Sunflower Project," which is a symbol of our town, since 1991. This is part of our comprehensive learning program, and it is an activity in which we junior high school students take the initiative to participate in the town development of Hokuryu, which I think is an extremely unique activity nationwide.
Our activities begin with planting seeds after the Golden Week holidays in May.
We form mixed-grade groups, and we middle school students are in charge of all the maintenance, including weeding and thinning.
This cultivation activity has become a traditional practice where participants learn knowledge and skills related to the activity from their predecessors and pass them on to the next generation of juniors.
Furthermore, in order to strive for better activities, a culture of consultation and cooperation among students has taken root, centered around the Sunflower Committee, fostering a sense of initiative in their personal growth.
The culmination of our activities will be the "World Sunflower Guide" event, held at the end of July. We will directly explain the charm of the sunflowers from around the world that we have carefully cultivated, as well as the details of our activities, to visiting tourists.
This exchange fosters deep communication skills and provides a valuable opportunity to rediscover the value of the local community.
In recent years, the influx of foreign tourists has also contributed to increased motivation for language learning.
More than just a cultivation experience, we students of Hokuryu Junior High School continue our sunflower cultivation activities with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the town that has watched over us since we were children.
Each and every one of us, with pride as an ambassador for the town of sunflowers, continues to grow stronger and more resilient as a member of the community, alongside the sunflowers of today.
In the future, I hope to explore the wider world, cultivate my knowledge, and transform it into a strength for Hokuryu.
Thank you very much for today."
Chairman Oi spoke with refreshing clarity, and his words filled the venue with warmth and emotion.
The spirit of "harmony" continues, transcending 134 years.
For 134 years, since Shoichiro Yoshie, the leader of the pioneering immigrant group, first laid his plow in this land of Hokuryu, the people have faced and overcome countless hardships.
Based on the spirit of Prince Shotoku's "Harmony is to be valued" and the teachings of Ninomiya Sontoku that "Humanity is essentially about harmony," the great spirit of "harmony" demonstrated by Shoichiro Yoshiue continues to be passed down through generations of Hokuryu townspeople.
The sight of people bowing their heads beside the altar lined with white offerings, the gazes of attendees listening quietly to the sound of the flute, and the proud words spoken by the young committee chairman: "Evangelist of the Sunflower Town."
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayer, we offer our deepest respect for the noble spirit of "harmony" embodied by Shoichiro Yoshie, a spirit that remains deeply rooted in the land of this town and continues to be passed down through generations of Hokuryu townspeople.
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