{"id":65825,"date":"2025-10-28T09:36:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T00:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=65825"},"modified":"2025-10-28T12:47:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T03:47:11","slug":"%e4%b8%96%e4%bb%a3%e3%82%92%e8%b6%85%e3%81%88%e3%81%9f%e7%ac%91%e9%a1%94%e3%81%8c%e5%bc%be%e3%81%91%e3%82%8b%ef%bc%81%e5%8c%97%e7%ab%9c%e7%94%ba%e3%80%8c%e7%a7%8b%e3%81%ae%e9%81%8b%e5%8b%95%e4%bc%9a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/65825\/","title":{"rendered":"Smiles across generations! The "spirit of harmony" where there is no winning or losing lives at Hokuryu Town's "Autumn Sports Day""},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuesday, October 28, 2025<\/p>\n

On Saturday, October 25th, an intergenerational "Autumn Sports Day" was held at the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center. The lively voices of children and the smiles of local adults intersected. Beyond winning or losing, the event was filled with "compassion" and fun, tailored to each other's physical strength, and a warm "spirit of harmony" in which everyone could play a leading role. It was a heartwarming day filled with smiles.<\/div>\n

Warm cheers echoing through the clear autumn sky<\/h2>\n

On Saturday, October 25th, the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center was filled with smiles from people of all ages. The Hokuryu Town Social Welfare Council (Chairman: Takeshi Yamamoto) hosted the "Autumn Sports Day" rice ball event.<\/p>\n

\"Hokuryu<\/a>
Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Rice<\/a>
Rice ball "Autumn Sports Day"<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A<\/a>
A shoe rack where shoes are neatly lined up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After dividing into two teams, Red and White, at the reception, participants gathered at the venue one by one and the opening ceremony began.<\/p>\n

\"Smiling<\/a>
Smiling social welfare association staff at the reception!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"You are the stars today."<\/h2>\n

The host, Masayoshi Abe, head of the Hokuryu Town Social Welfare Council, delivered the warm opening speech, saying, "Whether you win or lose, you are all the main characters."<\/p>\n

Enjoy the event in a way that suits your physical strength and avoids injury. These words encompass everything that is important about this sports day.<\/p>\n

\""You<\/a>
"You are the stars!" said Chief Abe Masami, who acted as the host.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The treasure lies not in the outcome of the competition, but in the time spent together laughing together. The "spirit of harmony" that Hokuryu has nurtured is alive and well in every corner of the sports day.<\/p>\n

After taking commemorative photos, the competition finally begins.<\/p>\n

\"Commemorative<\/a>
Commemorative photo at the start of the competition!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A competitive program filled with smiles and compassion<\/h2>\n

The program is filled with creative competitions that will put a smile on everyone's faces.<\/p>\n

1. Warm-up exercises: loosen up your mind and body<\/h3>\n

The first program item was warm-up exercises for everyone. As the familiar radio calisthenics music began, both children and adults naturally began to move. In the slightly chilly autumn air, everyone loosened up their bodies and prepared their minds and bodies.<\/p>\n

\"Let's<\/a>
Let's all do some warm-up exercises!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Dice Relay: Luck and Smiles Intersect<\/h3>\n

The second program was "Dice Relay." Participants were divided into red and white teams, and they rolled a large dice. They went around the cone with the number that came up, and touched the next person to take their turn.<\/p>\n

"If you can't run, you can walk." With such kind words, the participants headed towards the finish line at their own pace. They were happy or sad depending on the number on the dice, but they all had smiles on their faces the whole time.<\/p>\n

\"Roll<\/a>
Roll the dice and start!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Go<\/a>
Go around the cone with the number that comes up...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Pass<\/a>
Pass the dice to the next player!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Adults<\/a>
Adults and children alike, go full speed!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Towel Ball Relay: A time for harmony<\/h3>\n

Next up was the "Towel Ball Passing Relay," a team game played while seated on chairs. Each pair holds both ends of a towel and tries to pass the ball to the next pair without dropping it. How many balls can you pass within the time limit? It's a competition that tests not only speed but also consideration for the person next to you, truly embodying the spirit of harmony.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
demonstration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Ball<\/a>
Ball relay start!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Carefully<\/a>
Carefully and carefully...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Now<\/a>
Now that all the balls have been sent, how many balls are in the cardboard box?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carrying a baby on behalf of parents participating as athletes<\/h3>\n
\"Carrying<\/a>
Chief Abe holds the child on behalf of the parents who are participating as athletes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"While<\/a>
While hosting the event, she holds the baby and gently cares for him!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Obstacle Course: The moment when everyday life turns into a smile<\/h3>\n

Program number 4 is an individual obstacle course. Participants can choose to run or walk. Everyday activities become fun obstacles.<\/p>\n

Small hands, big concentration "Putting beans on a plate"<\/h4>\n

First, we play "mame-ukashi," which involves picking up black stones (go stones) with chopsticks and transferring them to the next plate. Of course, we don't forget to be considerate of small children. "Elementary school students and younger, and nursery school friends, can use spoons." Adults use chopsticks skillfully, while children carefully carry the stones with spoons. Here too, it is important to participate in any way possible, without forcing yourself.<\/p>\n

\"Pick<\/a>
Pick up the black stones (go stones) with chopsticks and transfer them to a plate!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Children<\/a>
Children under elementary school age should use a spoon!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A nostalgic yet new "clothes drying rack"<\/h4>\n

The next challenge is "drying the laundry." They take their clothes and pants out of the net and hang them on hangers, then hang out bath towels. They also snap their shoes with clothespins. These simple everyday actions bring smiles to people of all ages.<\/p>\n

\"laundry<\/a>
laundry drying rack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Veteran<\/a>
Veteran moms are also competing closely!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aiming for "fishing"<\/h4>\n

The last activity was "fishing." Participants had to use a magnetic fishing rod to reel in fish with clips attached. Once they had caught two fish, they reached the goal. Every time they caught one, they received warm applause from the crowd.<\/p>\n

\"go<\/a>
go for it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Dad<\/a>
Dad is aiming for a big fish!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A<\/a>
A close goal!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take a break and drink<\/h3>\n

All participants, both adults and children, worked together to put away the game equipment in preparation for the next game!!!<\/p>\n

\"Help<\/a>
Help with tidying up game equipment!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"We<\/a>
We will be serving cold barley tea to all participants who have gotten excited about the game!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Rock-Paper-Scissors Relay: Bonds formed by feet<\/h3>\n

The team competition resumed, this time seated on chairs. The participants lined up in a horizontal row and used their feet to pass a ring made of newspaper to the person next to them as a baton. They could not use their hands. The feet of people of different generations skillfully linked together to pass the ring of bond.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A relay race using your feet!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Rings<\/a>
Rings are sent one after another!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Raising children together in the community<\/h3>\n

Meanwhile, it was a heartwarming moment to see local children rocking the baby on the bracket and the whole community watching over him.<\/p>\n

\"Senior<\/a>
Senior sisters soothing a baby!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Baby,<\/a>
Baby, so cute!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Tama-Issue: Uniting Hearts<\/h3>\n

The final event is the classic sports day event, "Tama-Toss." Each team puts a red and white ball into a basket. Red to red, white to white. It's a moment when the hearts of all the team come together as they try to see how many they can get into within the time limit.<\/p>\n

\"Kids<\/a>
Kids throw inside the lines, adults throw outside the lines!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Big<\/a>
Big brother jumps and pops! Nice!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A smiling closing ceremony, questionnaires to fill out, sweets to give away, and bread to sell<\/h2>\n

After all the competitions are completed, the closing ceremony begins. After the results are announced, participants are given participation prizes (various sweets) in exchange for their questionnaires. It's a warm finale that leaves everyone who worked hard smiling.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The results were announced as a tie between the Red and White teams!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bread sales by Rich Kobo (NPO Bright Farming)<\/h3>\n

After the sports day, bread was sold in the cafeteria, and the participants enjoyed a pleasant time sharing memories of the day.<\/p>\n

\"Rich<\/a>
Rich Kobo (NPO Bright Farming) Bread Sales<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Commemorative photo with a smile<\/h2>\n
\"With<\/a>
With a smile, "Sunflowers!"<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Let's<\/a>
Let's all fill out the survey...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"All<\/a>
All participants will receive a gift of sweets after submitting a questionnaire at the reception!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rich time nurtured by the "spirit of harmony"<\/h2>\n

Hokuryu Town's Autumn Sports Day is not just a day for physical activity. It is a place where differences in age and physical ability are embraced with consideration, and where everyone can shine as the main character.<\/p>\n

The many voices of laughter that echoed throughout the town that day are the very embodiment of the "spirit of harmony" that supports Hokuryu. The warmth of this town, which chooses harmony over division and coexistence over competition, will surely inspire a warm ray of hope in the hearts of people all over the world, making them think, "We want to create a society like this too."<\/p>\n

An autumn sport that adults and children can enjoy together with one heart!<\/p>\n

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the "Autumn Sports Day" at "Everyone's Square," where harmony and coexistence in the community resonate and spread...<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The surrounding mountains are beginning to be lightly covered in snow...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

YouTube videos<\/h2>\n