Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro explores the charms of Hokuryu Town [November 2024] New chef Hoshino Masao encourages the hard work of Vietnamese trainees from Hokko Construction Co., Ltd.

Friday, November 8, 2024

On Wednesday, November 6th, we spoke with Masao Hoshino (55 years old), who was hired as an employee of Hokuryu Promotion Corporation (chef at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen) on Friday, November 1st, along with Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki and Managing Director Toshimasa Takahashi of Hokuryu Promotion Corporation.

Masao Hoshino (55 years old, Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen)

Masao Hoshino's story

"My name is Hoshino Masao and I'm from Imobeushi Town.

I used to work at a day spa, and when I joined the Sorachi Onsen Network, I met the former manager of this spa, who introduced me to Hokuryu Onsen.

Hokuryu Onsen also has accommodation facilities, so I'm learning a lot. In the future, I'd like to learn various things and do my best to be able to serve food that will make customers say, "It's delicious!"

We would like to incorporate dishes using Hokuryu Town's local specialties, as well as sweets that can only be found here, such as Hokuryu Town's sasamochi and Kurosengoku cream puffs, into our menu.

"On my days off, I like to relax and watch movies and YouTube videos. I like to watch travel and tourism websites on YouTube and feel like I'm on vacation," Hoshino said in a polite manner.

Mayor Sasaki's speech

"Mr. Hoshino will start working here on November 1st, but when I met him previously, I was impressed by his gentle and kind personality. I hope he will continue to demonstrate his talents at Hokuryu Onsen.

We hope that as many townspeople as possible will get to know Hoshino and that he will be able to offer hot spring cuisine from a new perspective.

Please feel free to express your various thoughts and feelings. Managing Director Takahashi will be happy to listen to them. We hope that this will lead to the creation of a new Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen.

"At the banquet the other day, we served food that had never been seen before, and it was well received by everyone. The food was a 'staff meal set' (grilled beef tongue, etc.) packed for takeout. It was very innovative and delicious," said Mayor Sasaki.

A message from Managing Director Toshimasa Takahashi

"We were connected with Mr. Hoshino when we were looking for a chef for our hotel. He came to inspect and tour the facility several times, and ultimately chose this hot spring.

When I asked Hoshino-san what he thought, he said, "It's fun!" I hope he'll be able to bring out his own style in the future. The staff in the kitchen seem to get along well with each other, so I think that's the best thing about it.

Until now, the onsen chef had been handling everything on his own, so the food was prepared under extremely tight schedules. With the addition of Mr. Hoshino, the two of us have been able to relax a little, which I think is reflected in the deliciousness of the food.

"I feel that it's these little touches and the added sincerity of a little effort that are now being expressed in the food. Hoshino-san is a really nice person, so we're very lucky to have him here," said Managing Director Takahashi.

A female employee's idea: Christmas tree plush toys

Cute little stuffed animals and toys are displayed as ornaments on the Christmas tree in front of the restaurant at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen!

The idea was conceived by a female employee at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen, who displayed stuffed animals that had been lying around her home.

"You are welcome to take home stuffed toys and toys. ♥" it says!!!

Encouraging Vietnamese trainees from Hokko Construction Co., Ltd.

Mayor Sasaki traveled from Hokuryu Onsen to visit the work site of Vietnamese trainees undergoing technical training at Hokko Construction Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Masahito Fujii) to offer encouragement.

On that day, three trainees from Vietnam, who were in their first, second and sixth years of technical training, were working on irrigation canal construction.

Mayor Sasaki: "Do you understand Japanese?"

• "Yes! I understand!" answered the sixth-year trainee.
• "Are you okay with the cold?" "Yes, it's cold!"
• "How about some food?" "I can eat it!"

Mayor Sasaki kindly said, "It's going to snow and get cold from now on, so please be careful not to get injured and do your best!"

The next day, Thursday, November 7th, Hokuryu Town saw its first snowfall, making it a cold day.

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for the delicious food, sprinkled with the magical spice of heartfelt hospitality and careful dedication, and for the great efforts of the Vietnamese trainees working in Hokuryu Town...

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Other photos

Photos (235 photos) of Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro's Hokuryu Town Inspection 2024 are here >>

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