Wednesday, February 26, 2020
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2020, under a clear blue sky, Mayor Yutaka Sano took up his first day at work in his third term.
- 1 First visit to Hokuryu Town Hall
- 2 instruction
- 2.1 A historic turning point
- 2.2 Formulating a 10-year comprehensive plan
- 2.3 Bringing together the ingenuity and wisdom of the townspeople to create a town of healthy longevity
- 2.4 Hokuryu Town is a town highly regarded nationwide
- 2.5 A town that can contribute to society in terms of welfare and education
- 2.6 Bringing together the wisdom and strength of all staff members
- 3 Related articles
First visit to Hokuryu Town Hall
At 8:45 a.m., Mayor Yutaka Sano pulled up in front of the main entrance to the town hall and got out of his official vehicle. He was presented with a bouquet of flowers by staff members, and entered the building to a loud round of applause from the staff.
Presenting a bouquet
Staff members welcomed him with applause
With gratitude!
instruction
Mayor Yutaka Sano gave a speech in the assembly hall about his third term.
"I would like to extend my greetings as I begin my third term.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of many townspeople and the heartwarming encouragement of all city officials, I was elected unopposed for my third term. I am determined to do my best, taking on this heavy responsibility with sincerity.
A historic turning point
As society undergoes major changes, small rural towns that rely solely on primary industries and agriculture face a truly difficult question of how to envision their future. I believe this is an important issue. We are also at a historic turning point in many areas, with the need to respond to global environmental issues, the occurrence of natural disasters that cause enormous damage, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.
Formulating a 10-year comprehensive plan
This year, Hokuryu Town is formulating a 10-year comprehensive plan that will run until 2028.
In this context, the promotion of an administration that integrates agriculture, tourism, commerce, immigration, exchange, health, welfare, and education is required to develop a town that utilizes Himawari. To achieve this, despite the current severe financial situation, it will be necessary to address the deterioration of public facilities, review existing projects, and involve residents in collaborative town development.
Bringing together the ingenuity and wisdom of the townspeople to create a town of healthy longevity
Therefore, we would like to make the most of Hokuryu Town's attractions, focus on food, tourism, and health, and bring together the ingenuity and wisdom of the townspeople to make it a town of healthy longevity through safe and secure agricultural products and Hokuryu Hot Springs, a health resort facility.
As of February 1st, the population of Hokuryu Town is 1,796. Even though it is a small town, it is important for its residents to be full of vitality and spiritual wealth. I would like to work hard to make this a reality.
Hokuryu Town is a town highly regarded nationwide
Hokuryu Town is a town that is highly regarded and attracts attention from all over the country.
Agriculture that produces safe and secure agricultural products
One of these is agriculture, which produces safe and reliable agricultural products. Hokuryu Town has worked as a town to reduce the use of pesticides on rice paddies, and has obtained the JAS standard for rice paddies, which requires the disclosure of production information. Hokuryu Town is the only town in Japan to have such a certification. As a result, the town has received an astonishing amount of donations through the hometown tax system.
A sunflower village with new charm
The scenery of Himawari no Sato has captured the hearts of many people, and it is now attracting attention from all over the country as one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, with breathtaking views not only in Japan but also around the world. However, as it has been more than 30 years since Himawari no Sato was built, it will be necessary to address the deterioration of the observation deck and tourist center.
As you know, the peak season for sunflowers is from late July to late August, which is a one-month period. We are considering the overall approach and would like to make this a sunflower village with new appeal that we can be proud of nationwide, and a town that tourists can visit all year round.
A town that can contribute to society in terms of welfare and education
Based on the bright and healthy image of sunflowers and our rich natural agriculture, we would like to make this a town that can contribute to society in terms of both welfare and education.
My job as mayor is to ensure that the townspeople can live in peace and to work for their happiness. I intend to work hard to create a town where the townspeople are the main players.
Bringing together the wisdom and strength of all staff members
"To achieve this, I believe we must work together, pooling the wisdom and strength of all our staff. I would like to ask for your continued understanding and cooperation, and this concludes my speech as I take office for my third term. I look forward to working with you all," said Mayor Yutaka Sano in a powerful statement.
Hokuryu Town is an agricultural town where bright, healthy sunflowers and abundant nature grow.
Mayor Sano aims to make the town a place that shares the happiness and joy of its residents, and his third term will see the town grow and flourish.
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers...
Related articles
・㊗️ Yutaka Sano wins unopposed election for mayor of Hokuryu town and appeals for town development that "shares joy" in street speech(January 29, 2020)
◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
