Mayor Yutaka Sano of Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, gives a farewell speech, presents a bouquet, and sees off with applause

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

On Wednesday, February 21st, Mayor Yutaka Sano (72 years old), the last day of his term, gave his final farewell speech and presented himself with a bouquet of flowers in the assembly hall at 9:00 a.m., with all staff members looking on.

Mayor Yutaka Sano was first elected in February 2012 and has since fulfilled his duties as mayor for three terms, a long period of 12 years.

As he looked back on his 12 years as mayor, he calmly and emotionally shared his passionate thoughts about his time there.

Farewell Message

"Finally, my 54 years as a public servant and my final day as mayor have arrived.

Looking back, I was appointed mayor in February 2012, with the support of many people, including the townspeople, and over the long period of three terms and 12 years since then, I have worked hard, although my efforts may have been small, to make my hometown of Hokuryu a prosperous place, with the slogan of building a town that serves the town's residents.

We have made every effort to promote the development of our town, Hokuryu, through projects such as the Minoritch Hokuryu agricultural and livestock direct sales store, the Kokowa commercial revitalization facility, the Japanese nursery school designed by Kengo Kuma's design office, and various public facility renovation projects.In terms of soft projects, we have also undertaken sunflower oil reclamation projects, various child-rearing support programs, the enhancement of immigration and settlement policies, and support for agricultural and commercial environmental projects.

In particular, in the area of agricultural promotion, we were awarded the Japan Agriculture Award Grand Prize in recognition of our efforts to deliver safe, secure, and delicious Himawari Rice, a brand of rice, to consumers.

In addition, the Kurosengoku Business Cooperative was certified as a "Discover the Treasures of Rural Areas" and the award was presented to then Prime Minister Abe at his official residence.

Recently, our first pressed sunflower oil was certified as a "Northern High-Grade Food 2023." Furthermore, our Junmai sake "Ryujin," made with Suisei rice grown in Hokuryu, won the Grand Prix at the Hokkaido Rice Sake Awards 2023. Mayors of other towns often comment, "Hokuryu is doing one amazing thing after another," which makes us very proud.

Regarding hometown tax donations, we have received more than 300 million yen in donations from all over the country for the ninth consecutive year. Incidentally, we just surpassed 400 million yen yesterday. We expect to reach 440 million yen by the end of March this year.

Hokuryu Town is a town that is highly regarded and attracts attention from all over the country as a true agricultural town.

On a different note, there are many good and lovely names in the neighborhood associations of Hokuryu Town. Hekisui is a name that evokes the deep blue of azure and the pure, clear stream. Kyoei means to prosper together. Mizuho is also a perfect name for Hokuryu Town, which produces rice.
Wa means harmony or peace. I truly feel that our town has many wonderful local names.

The environment surrounding this small town is currently extremely difficult, with issues such as a declining population, a lack of local public transportation to support local residents, and a lack of personnel to operate it, as well as the Hokuryu Town Public Facilities Relocation Plan, for which a plan has now been drawn up.

Fortunately, the new mayor has also made these things a part of his campaign promises, so I hope that his staff will work hard to resolve these issues.

Over the past four years, I have served in many important positions, including vice-chairman of the Hokkaido Town and Village Association and chairman of the Sorachi Town and Village Association. I was often absent from town hall, and I would like to apologize to the deputy mayor and all the other town staff for the inconvenience I caused.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your warm hospitality, and would like to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to fulfill my duties thanks to you.
From now on, as a resident of Hokuryu Town, I intend to do my best to contribute to the development of Hokuryu Town.

I would like to conclude my farewell speech by wishing you all good health and success, and the continued development of Hokuryu Town.

Thank you so much for all these years!"

After the greetings, the staff gathered in front of the entrance to the Hokuryu Town Joint Government Building, where they were presented with bouquets of flowers, and then, amidst applause, they got into their cars and left the town hall.

YouTube videos

Mayor Yutaka Sano of Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, gives a farewell speech, presents a bouquet, and sees off with applause

Mayor Yutaka Sano of Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido, gives his farewell speech (full video)

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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)