January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day)
Happy New Year
In Hokuryu Town, the 41st New Year's Day Marathon was held to pray for a good harvest, traffic safety, and good health in 2024.
This year, Reiwa 6, we were blessed with clear skies and a wonderful New Year's Day where we were able to witness a magnificent sunrise.
This year is the Year of the Dragon, or Kinoe Tatsu.
We sincerely hope that this will be a great new year in which the divine dragon, illuminated in golden light and flying through the sky, descends to the earth to bring good fortune.
New Year's Day Marathon
- Prayer:Good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and safety at home
- Co-organized by:Hokuryu Town Sports Association, JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch
- Sponsored by:Hokuryu Town Board of Education, JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch, Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen
- Sponsor:Traffic Safety Association, Hokuryu Fire Department Union Fire Department Support Association, Kurosengoku Business Cooperative Association
- Secretariat:JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch, etc.
New Year's Day Marathon35th (2018)Since then, the event has been co-sponsored by the Hokuryu Town Sports Association and the JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch.
At 7:00 a.m., just before sunrise, when the sky was dyed an ultramarine blue, 24 townspeople gathered at Shinryu Shrine. After praying, the New Year's Day marathon began.
Visit and pray at Shinryu Shrine
New Year's Greetings:
Greetings were given by JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch Manager Washio Kimitoshi and JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu District Representative Director Nagai Minoru.
JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch, Branch Manager Kimitoshi Washio
"The weather is good today, which is a great relief. Now, let's all come and pray for a good harvest. First, we will hear a greeting from Mr. Minoru Nagai, the representative director of the Kitaryū district."
Minoru Nagai Hokuryu District Representative Director
"Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you for your continued support this year.
We have just prayed for a bountiful harvest, safe travels, and everyone's good health.
This year is the Year of the Dragon. Among the zodiac animals, the Dragon is said to be a mythical animal. I pray that this year, like the rising dragon, the economy and everyone's health will continue to improve. Thank you for your continued support this year.
Commemorative photo: 41st New Year's Day Marathon 2024
New Year's Day Marathon Starts!
After praying, everyone moved to the front of the Hokuryu Fire Department and put on yellow sashes for "traffic safety." Everyone started off at the command of Yuji Arata, head of the Agricultural Management Division at the JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch, who called out, "Start the New Year's Day Marathon!"
Each participant will run at their own pace according to their own rhythm!!!
Participation commemorative gift
Participants will receive a commemorative gift of "Yumepirika 300g" rice (provided by JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch) and "Kurosengoku Kinako (provided by Kurosengoku Business Cooperative)" featuring the illustration of AgriFighter North Dragon!
The great New Year's Day sunrise over Hokuryumon Gate
With heartfelt gratitude for the magnificent New Year's Day sunrise over Hokuryumon Gate!!!
This year is the year of the dragon!
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we pray that the great Divine Dragon of Hokuryu Town will descend radiating a golden radiance, instilling a mystical light in the souls of all living beings, and enveloping each and every heart in bright warmth...
Other photos
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❂ The 39th New Year's Day Marathon 2022 [Cancelled] Visit Shinryu Shrine and pray for a bright new year!(January 1, 2022)
❂ The 38th New Year's Day Marathon 2021: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 4, 2021)
❂ The 37th New Year's Day Marathon 2020: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 4, 2020)
❂ The 36th New Year's Day Marathon 2019: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 7, 2019)
❂ The 35th New Year's Day Marathon 2018: Prayers for "good harvest, traffic safety, no accidents, and family safety"(January 2, 2018)
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❂ The 34th Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2017, a prayer for good harvests and road safety, and a passionate message for the next generation(January 3, 2017)
❂ The 33rd Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2016, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic(January 4, 2016)
❂ The 32nd Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2015, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic(January 5, 2015)
❂ The 31st Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2014, a prayer for good harvests and safe roads (January 6, 2014) Doushin Blog: Ended in 2018
❂ The 30th Hokuryu Town New Year's Day Marathon 2013, a prayer for good harvests and safe traffic (January 2, 2013)
◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
![New Year's Day marathon begins in Hokuryu, praying for a good harvest and no disasters [Hokkaido Shimbun Digital]](https://portal.hokuryu.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-09-5.34.26-375x226.jpg)
![Information on opening hours for the New Year and New Year holidays. Thank you very much for your support this year. We look forward to your continued support next year. [JA Kitasorachi]](https://portal.hokuryu.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/600369058_1471560681645160_4598938459663909208_n-375x265.jpg)
