{"id":72102,"date":"2026-03-26T18:00:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T09:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=72102"},"modified":"2026-05-07T06:21:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T21:21:04","slug":"%e3%80%90%e4%bd%9c%e6%a5%ad%e4%b8%ad%e3%80%91%e5%8c%97%e7%ab%9c%e7%94%ba%e9%95%b7%e3%83%bb%e4%bd%90%e3%80%85%e6%9c%a8%e5%ba%b7%e5%ae%8f-%ef%bc%9a%e3%83%97%e3%83%ad%e3%83%95%e3%82%a3%e3%83%bc%e3%83%ab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/72102\/","title":{"rendered":"Hokuryu Town Mayor, Yasuhiro Sasaki: Profile, Activity Plans, and Town Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thursday, April 2, 2026<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki Profile<\/h2>\n

Career<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
date of birth<\/th>\nBorn October 8, 1956, in Hokuryu Town.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Educational background<\/th>\nGraduated 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.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1980 (Showa 55)<\/th>\nJoined Hirao-gumi Co., Ltd. (Civil Engineering Department), Naie Town.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1983 (Showa 58)<\/th>\nJoined Sasaki Construction Co., Ltd.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1996 (Heisei 8)<\/th>\nRepresentative Director, Sasaki Construction Co., Ltd.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2002 (Heisei 14)<\/th>\nKitasou Co., Ltd. Representative Director (Company name changed due to corporate merger)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
February 22, 2024 (Reiwa 6)<\/th>\nMayor of Hokuryu Town takes office<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Political activity history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1983\u20131987 (Showa 58\u201362)<\/th>\nparliamentary secretary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1987\u2013present (Showa 62\u2013present)<\/th>\nFirst elected as a member of the Hokuryu Town Council (served for 9 terms, 38 years in total).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2007~ (Heisei 19~)<\/th>\nChairman of the Hokuryu Town Council (5 terms)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2019 (Heisei 31)<\/th>\nChairman of the Sorachi Town and Village Council Chairmen's Association<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2019 (Heisei 31)<\/th>\nBoard Member, Hokkaido Association of Town and Village Council Chairmen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nHead 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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

The Mayor's Philosophy: Changing Japan from a Small Town<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n"If Hokuryu Town changes, Sorachi will change. If Sorachi changes, Hokkaido will change, and if Hokkaido changes, Japan will change."\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

These are not individual measures, but rather answers to a single question.<\/p>\n

-- How will this town, with its 133-year history, live out its next 100 years?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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."<\/p>\n

\n"If you fail, just try again. Just keep trying."
\n"The value of the town hall lies in its people, in its staff. It's okay to make mistakes, but never give up."\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The "spirit of harmony" of Hokuryu Town is also present in the mayor's office.<\/p>\n

\n\u25b6 Instagram (Mayor Sasaki):@sanny_smail5155<\/a>
\n\u25b6 Administrative enforcement policy:Hokuryu Town Official Website<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Activity Schedule<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Hokuryu Town Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki's Activity Schedule (Category)<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
Schedule of activities for Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido (inauguration February 22, 2024)\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u30fb\u4f50\u3005\u6728\u5eb7\u5b8f\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Activity report<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Activity report by Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town (category)<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
This is a report on the activities of Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido (taking office on February 22, 2024).\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u30fb\u4f50\u3005\u6728\u5eb7\u5b8f\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Exploring the charms of our town<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Finding the charm of Hokuryu Town (category)<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
This is an article about Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro's search for the charms of his town.\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u5185\u9b45\u529b\u63a2\u3057\uff08\u30ab\u30c6\u30b4\u30ea\u30fc\uff09\"\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Mayor Sasaki's Epoch-Making Article<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Celebrating the birth of life: A presentation ceremony for the one-of-a-kind original picture book "Your Picture Book" and the spirit of harmony woven by Hokuryu Town<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the entire town celebrated the birth of a new life in Hokuryu Town on Thursday, February 19, welcoming the baby...<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u3044\u306e\u3061\u306e\u8a95\u751f\u3092\u795d\u3046\u3002\u4e16\u754c\u306b1\u518a\u3060\u3051\u306e\u30aa\u30ea\u30b8\u30ca\u30eb\u7d75\u672c\u300e\u304d\u307f\u306e\u3048\u307b\u3093\u300f\u8d08\u5448\u5f0f\u3068\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u304c\u7d21\u3050\u548c\u306e\u5fc3\"\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Celebrating the birth of life. The completion of the one-of-a-kind original picture book "Your Picture Book" and the day author Nagao Takuma carved into Hokuryu Town<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
On December 2nd, 2025 (Tuesday), a new treasure was born in Hokuryu Town on November 27th (Thursday). To the baby born in the town...<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u3044\u306e\u3061\u306e\u8a95\u751f\u3092\u795d\u3046\u3002\u4e16\u754c\u306b1\u518a\u3060\u3051\u306e\u30aa\u30ea\u30b8\u30ca\u30eb\u7d75\u672c\u300e\u304d\u307f\u306e\u3048\u307b\u3093\u300f\u5b8c\u6210\u3068\u3001\u4f5c\u5bb6\u30fb\u306a\u304c\u304a\u305f\u304f\u307e\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Career Design Camp 2025: From construction company president to mayor. Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki talks about his vision for the future of Hokuryu Town<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
September 5, 2025 (Friday) After serving as president of a construction company and for 38 years over nine terms as a council member, why did he choose the path to becoming town mayor? Sa...<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u30ad\u30e3\u30ea\u30a2\u30c7\u30b6\u30a4\u30f3\u30ad\u30e3\u30f3\u30d7\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n The "Yellow Post of Happiness" has been installed next to the entrance of the Hokuryu Town Government Building! Leave your wish to spread your "happiness" to many people in this yellow post \u2661<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
Monday, November 25, 2024 Thursday, November 21, 2024: Next to the entrance of the Hokuryu Town Joint Government Building, the "Yellow Postbox of Happiness...".<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u300c\u5e78\u305b\u306e\u9ec4\u8272\u3044\u30dd\u30b9\u30c8\u300d\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u5408\u540c\u5e81\u820e\u30fb\u7384\u95a2\u6a2a\u306b\u8a2d\u7f6e\uff01\u81ea\u5206\u306e\u300c\u5e78\u305b\u300d\u304c\u591a\u304f\u306e\u4eba\u3005\u306b\u5e83\u304c\u308b\u9858\u3044\u3092\u3053\u306e\u9ec4\u8272\u3044\u30dd\u30b9\u30c8\u306b\u8a17\u3057\u307e\u3059\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n New Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki greets the town on his first day at work, saying, "The value of the town office lies in its people and its staff. It's okay to fail, but we will never give up."<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
Thursday, February 22, 2024 The newly elected mayor, Yasuhiro Sasaki (68 years old), who won his first election on Sunday, February 4, is...<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u4f50\u3005\u6728\u5eb7\u5b8f\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n We would like to express our gratitude to both of them for their passionate thoughts at the Hokuryu Town Mayoral Election Campaign Speech!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
On Friday, February 2, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, the mayoral election for Hokuryu Town will be held at the Hokuryu Town Community Center Grand Hall (2F)...<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u5317\u7adc\u753a\u9577\u9078\u6319\u7acb\u4f1a\u6f14\u8aac\u4f1a\u306b\u304a\u3051\u308b\u4e21\u8005\u306e\u71b1\u3044\u60f3\u3044\u306b\u611f\u8b1d\u3092\u3053\u3081\u3066\uff01\"\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
Related articles<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n Regional Revitalization 2.0 (Category)<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
Hokuryu Town Utilizes Regional Revitalization 2.0 to Introduce Various Initiatives for the Future (April 1, 2025)\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n \"\u5730\u65b9\u5275\u751f\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Overview of Hokuryu Town<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
location<\/th>\nHokuryu Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
area<\/th>\n159 km\u00b2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
population<\/th>\n1,551 people, 778 households (as of May 1, 2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aging rate<\/th>\n46.2% (20th out of 179 municipalities in Hokkaido)*As of January 1, 2025<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Late aging rate<\/th>\n29.6% (13th out of 179 municipalities in Hokkaido)*As of January 1, 2025<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specialty products<\/th>\nSunflower rice, sunflower melon, sunflower watermelon, black soybeans, sunflower oil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hometown tax payment<\/th>\nApproximately 400 million yen per year (driven by Himawari Rice)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Key Initiatives<\/th>\nTwo 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.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hokuryu Town Website<\/th>\nHokuryu Town Official Website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Portal Launch<\/th>\nJuly 2011 (17th year in 2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u25c7<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

2026\u5e744\u67082\u65e5\uff08\u6728\uff09 \u5317\u7adc\u753a\u306b\u751f\u307e\u308c\u300138\u5e74\u9593\u306e\u8b70\u54e1\u6d3b\u52d5\u3092\u7d4c\u3066\u753a\u9577\u3078\u3002\u5efa\u8a2d\u696d\u7d4c\u55b6\u8005\u3068\u3057\u3066\u306e\u73fe\u5834\u611f\u899a\u3068\u3001\u8b70\u4f1a\u4eba\u3068\u3057\u3066\u306e\u653f\u7b56\u7acb\u6848\u529b\u3092\u517c\u306d\u5099\u3048\u305f\u4f50\u3005\u6728\u5eb7\u5b8f\u753a\u9577\u3002\u300c\u5c0f\u3055\u306a\u753a\u304b\u3089\u65e5\u672c\u3092\u5909\u3048\u308b\u300d\u3068\u3044\u3046\u9006\u7b97\u306e\u601d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":72434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sasaki-yasuhiro-mayor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72102"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72102\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74464,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72102\/revisions\/74464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}