The 17th B&G National Summit 2025 will be held, and Hokuryu Town will be recognized as a Special A Evaluation Center for the 10th consecutive year!

Monday, January 27, 2025

The 17th B&G National Summit was held at Bellesalle Tokyo Nihonbashi (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) on Wednesday, January 22nd. The theme of the summit was "Public Facilities from Micro and Macro Perspectives," and the event featured a special keynote speech by Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, case study presentations by local government leaders, and the presentation of the Excellent Center Award.

Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki and Superintendent of Education Yoshiki Tanaka from Hokuryu Town attended the event and were recognized as a Special A Evaluation Center for the 10th consecutive year.

The 17th B&G National Summit

B&G Foundation

The B&G Foundation (to be renamed on April 1, 2023) was established in 1973 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Motorboat Racing Act, and is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year. The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation whose activities aim to promote the healthy development of young people and to revitalize and create local communities.

A total of 800 people, including 273 mayors from 360 local governments across the country, participated.

The 17th B&G National Summit was attended by approximately 800 people, including 273 mayors, 24 deputy mayors, and 196 superintendents of education from 45 prefectures and 360 local governments across the country, as well as guests and local government officials.

32 local governments from Hokkaido participated

From Hokkaido, 32 municipalities (Sunagawa City, Obira Town, Akkeshi Town, Kenbuchi Town, Taiki Town, Takasu Town, Shari Town, Aibetsu Town, Enbetsu Town, Shinshinotsu Village, Ozora Town,Hokuryu TownThe following towns attended the meeting (in the order listed in the handout): Esashi Town, Shimokawa Town, Higashikagura Town, Nayoro City, Shakotan Town, Wassamu Town, Ashibetsu City, Oshamanbe Town, Kamifurano Town, Higashikawa Town, Biei Town, Ishikari City, Urausu Town, Chishibetsu Town, Numata Town, Iwamizawa City, Tomamae Town, Takikawa City, Furubira Town, and Muroran City.

Hokuryu Town receives Special A rating for 10 consecutive years

This time, two centers received the Special A rating for 20 consecutive years, and 21 centers received the Special A rating for 10 consecutive years. In Hokkaido, five centers have received the Special A rating for 10 consecutive years, and our town, B&G Marine Center in Hokuryu, was awarded the Excellent Marine Center title.

The main purpose of this marine center evaluation is to understand the management and operation aspects of each facility, revitalize activities, and serve as an indicator for the support activities carried out by the B&G Foundation.The evaluation is based on a six-level rating system ranging from the highest level of Special A to E (quantitatively checking the number of users, event status, facility maintenance, etc. based on a criteria table).

proceedings

The proceedings were chaired by B&G Foundation staff members Mei Katase from the Disaster Prevention Promotion Division of the Regional Revitalization Department and Mai Ogawa from the Children's Support Division of the Regional Revitalization Department.

Part 1

Organizer's greeting: B&G Foundation Chairman Kokichi Maeda (Mayor of Takikawa City, Hokkaido)

B&G Foundation Chairman Yasuyoshi Maeda expressed his gratitude to all involved and said, "We intend to work together with local governments to find solutions to diversifying social problems, and for the further development of the region, we will work hard to promote a wider range of projects than ever before, based on the principles of 'healthy development of young people' and 'regional revitalization and regional creation.'"

Guest introduction

Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation; Junpei Sasakawa, Executive Director of the Nippon Foundation; Hideo Sato, Managing Director of the Nippon Foundation; Yuki Kishi, Councillor (actress and painter) of the B&G Foundation; Mari Tanigawa, Representative Director of Mari Company Inc.; Shinsuke Sano, Director (Guest Editorial Writer for the Sankei Shimbun) of the B&G Foundation; Genichi Kobayashi, Facility Improvement Committee (Representative of Kobayashi Architects & Associates) of the B&G Foundation; Yasuyoshi Maeda, Chairman (Mayor of Takikawa, Hokkaido) of the B&G Foundation; Satoshi Sugawara, Chairman of the B&G Foundation; Tomoaki Asahida, Managing Director of the B&G Foundation; Masato Iwai, Managing Director of the B&G Foundation

Introduction:
Establishment of disaster prevention bases and mutual support systems in the event of a disaster

1. About the B&G Foundation Mutual Aid:
Randai Fujie, Disaster Prevention Promotion Division, Regional Revitalization Department, B&G Foundation

• Expand to 69 locations nationwide by fiscal 2024
• Disaster prevention support overview, equipment and materials held at disaster prevention bases (hydraulic excavators, slide dumps, rescue boats, etc.)
• Introducing examples of use in the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rain disasters

2. Damage situation in Hirakawa Town, Aomori Prefecture:
Takamasa Susuda, Superintendent of Education, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture

Record-breaking snowfall caused a heavy snowfall disaster in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Heavy machinery was deployed through the B&G Foundation's "Establishment of Disaster Prevention Bases and Mutual Support Systems in Times of Disaster" project, and heavy machinery and operators were dispatched from Oga City, Akita Prefecture, and Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, to carry out snow removal work at public facilities such as schools and community centers.

Special Keynote Speech: "Is Japan's Future in Danger?"
Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa Profile

• Born January 8, 1939 (Showa 14), 86 years old
• Chairman of the Nippon Foundation: 2005 (July 2005 - present)
• Honorary Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation: July 2016 -
• WHO (World Health Organization) Leprosy Elimination Ambassador: May 2001 -
• Japanese Government Leprosy Human Rights Awareness Ambassador: September 2007 -
• Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar: February 2013 -
• Spring 2024 Decorations: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Selected as a Person of Cultural Merit: Issued on April 29, 2019

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa is highly regarded for his many years of hard work and activities in a wide range of fields, including serving as Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation that supports projects in welfare, education, and international cooperation, as well as serving as a WHO (World Health Organization) Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination.

On the day of the event, all participants were given a signed copy of Chairman Yohei Sasakawa's book, "To Our Beloved Homeland II" (Sankei Shimbun Publications).

Special keynote speech/summary

1. A humorous self-introduction and thoughts on the lecture

The lecture began with a humorous self-introduction by Chairman Sasakawa. He shared an anecdote about his own marriage and explained that he has difficulty persuading people. However, he also expressed his gratitude to Chairman Maeda and President Sugahara, who have supported the activities of the B&G Foundation for many years, and explained why he accepted the opportunity to give this lecture.

2. The Establishment of the B&G Foundation and Its Forefront Perspective

The lecture began in earnest with a congratulatory speech marking the 52nd anniversary of the B&G Foundation's founding. It was explained that the starting point of the B&G Foundation was advice received in Germany by Ryoichi Sasakawa, who spoke of the importance of sports facilities that prioritize the local community. At the time, local governments struggled to secure budgets, but he advocated for the need for facilities that looked to the future, and this story, which led to the foundation's current development, was a moving one.

3. Changing times and international situation

The era has changed from "The Meiji Era is a distant memory" to "The Showa Era is a distant memory." As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Showa era, the world situation is also undergoing major changes. He expressed a sense of crisis, citing specific examples such as the rise of President Trump, climate change due to global warming, and the international situation surrounding Japan. In particular, he made a very important point about the impact that changes in the marine environment will have on Japan's food culture.

4. Japan's peace and independence, and the shift from "public opinion" to "public opinion"

Why is Japan at peace? Chairman Sasakawa touched on the preamble to the Japanese Constitution and pointed out the dangers of relying on the good faith of other countries for national security. He then sounded the alarm about Japan's current situation, listing elements necessary for a truly independent nation, such as an independent constitution, a national army, an anti-espionage law, cybersecurity measures, and weapons manufacturing capabilities.

The key keyword here was the word "public opinion." In postwar Japan, the kanji character "輿" fell out of use, so the word "seron" became more commonly used. However, Chairman Sasakawa argued that "public opinion" refers to the feelings of the people, while "public opinion" refers to the opinions of leaders with an eye to the future. He stressed that to break the status quo, what was needed was not public sentiment, but public opinion with leadership.

5. The power of leadership and public opinion to open up the future

In closing, Chairman Sasakawa cited historical figures such as Uesugi Yozan, Saito Takao, and Kobayashi Torasaburo to demonstrate how strong resolve and action for one's country will pave the way to the future. He emphasized the importance of not being content with the status quo and of forming public opinion and taking action without fear of being disliked at times. Finally, he expressed his respect for the continuity of the B&G Foundation and stated that The Nippon Foundation would actively support the Foundation in any way it can.

Through this lecture, we were reminded of the importance of not being content with the status quo, but rather of acting with an eye to the future. Chairman Sasakawa's passionate message resonated deeply with us and will surely become a powerful force that will greatly change our actions from tomorrow onwards.

Full text of the speech: "Sasakawa Yohei Blog"

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Part 2

• chairman :Shiho Ishiyama, Mayor of Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
• Vice President:Mayor Yasuhiko Sato of Nankan Town, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Vice President:Mayor Toshiro Maruyama of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture

Case study 1: Micro perspective
The state of public facilities from the perspective of people with disabilities - Case studies of special facility development and the use of a next-generation boathouse: Mayor Ishiyama Takataka, Kami Town, Miyagi Prefecture

Between fiscal 2019 (Reiwa 1) and 2021 (Reiwa 3), the Nakaniida Marine Center in Kami Town was funded by a foundation grant and reborn as a "hub where everyone can enjoy themselves together." The entire facility has been made barrier-free, with step-free ramps, wheelchair-accessible shower rooms, and multi-purpose toilets installed. A new office has been built, with full-time staff stationed, creating an environment that can be used safely by people with disabilities.

Case study 2: Macro perspective
An example of utilizing a special pool installation based on the state of public facilities as seen in the Taiki Town Comprehensive Plan: Mayor Kurokawa Yutaka, Taiki Town, Hokkaido

In fiscal year 2023 (Reiwa 5), the Taiki Marine Center used a foundation grant to replace its roofed pool with an indoor heated pool adjacent to the elementary school. The pool's heat source is a wood biomass boiler. In addition to a 25m pool (4 lanes), a pool for younger students, and a toddler pool, the center also installed facilities such as a heating room, barrier-free toilets, a viewing zone, surveillance cameras, and an earthquake backflow prevention device.

Requests from the B&G National Leaders Association:
Training and utilization of instructors: Mr. Sukenao Kudo, Chairman of the B&G National Instructors Association (Mayor of Nanbu Town, Aomori Prefecture)

• Request for dispatch of center instructor training course in 2025
• Activities at regional leaders' meetings (B&G leaders' wide-ranging efforts)
• Promoting the 3Ks to heads of local governments: "Training dispatch," "Understanding activities," and "Communicating"

Report from the 21st B&G National Superintendents Conference:
Noriko Yoneda, Chairperson of the B&G National Superintendents of Education Conference (Superintendent of Education, Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture)

• The 21st B&G National Superintendents of Education Conference was held on Friday, November 22, 2024, with a total of 295 participants, including 222 superintendents from 238 municipalities in 45 prefectures.
• Keynote speech: "Creating a new form of local club activities: Akihisa Shirota, Representative Director of Mirai Chizu General Incorporated Association"
• Other case presentations
• Recommendations from the 21st National Conference of Superintendents of Education: Creating an environment that allows for diverse activities

B&G Friendship Project Interim Report
Progress report on the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Project in 2024: Tomoaki Asahida, Executive Director, B&G Foundation

• Target municipalities: Anamizu Town, Shika Town, Nanao City Total amount of support: 23,773,501 yen
• Executive Director's explanation of the current situation at the Disaster Area Marine Center:
  Providing marine sports experiences, providing play areas and hands-on activities for children, providing shopping support for temporary housing complexes, donating beverages to child welfare facilities, supporting hand care services at elderly care facilities, and providing support for the Obon festival for bereaved families of the earthquake disaster.

Report on the current state of reconstruction in Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture
Junko Oma, Superintendent of Education, Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture

• Current situation of temporary housing ・Online hybrid classes (3rd year junior high school students)
• Nursery school children and elementary school students spend time together, eat school lunches using relief supplies, and everyone cooperates to live a school life.
• With the completion of the temporary elementary school building, classes resumed after an eight-month hiatus.
• Children go to school with smiles on their faces
• Thanks to the B&G Foundation's meticulous support, children are turning their sad memories of the earthquake into happy ones.
• It gives me courage and energy, and helps me to do my best. Thank you!

Call for applications! Information on next year's foundation grant programs
Nana Wakabayashi, Marine Center Club Section, Business Division

• Special support project for heatstroke prevention: Installation of first aid stations around the Marine Center pool (limited to 15 locations in fiscal 2025)
• Installation of "B&G Collection Boxes (garbage boxes dedicated to collecting washed-up garbage)"
• Information about the Marine Club

Introduction of trainees dispatched by local governments

• Seconded from Aibetsu Town, Hokkaido → Assigned to the Marine Center and Club Section of the Business Department: Mitsuteru Hirotomi
• Seconded from Nagi Town, Okayama Prefecture → Assigned to the Business Department, Marine Center and Club Division: Kazuhiro Kayama
• Seconded from Amagi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture → Assigned to the Planning and Public Relations Division of the Planning Department: Hideko Matsuoka
• Planning and planning of disaster relief project: "Hand care visits to elderly care facilities":
  The event was planned with the aim of refreshing the mind and body, and led to improved mental health.

Part 3

Award: Special A Evaluation Center for 10 consecutive years

*Due to the large number of recipients of the Special A Evaluation Center Awards for the 10th consecutive year, the awards were introduced via video, and a representative received the award on stage.

Hokuryu Town Award

All 21 municipalities awarded

1. B&G Marine Center, Obira Town, Hokkaido………Mayor Tsuguo Seki
2. B&G Marine Center, Enbetsu Town, Hokkaido………Mayor Masato Kunibe
3. B&G Marine Center, Hokuryu Town, Hokkaido...Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki
4. B&G Marine Center, Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido………Mayor Hagiwara
5. B&G Marine Center, Kamifurano Town, Hokkaido...Mayor Shigeru Saito
6. B&G Marine Center, Onoue, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture...Mayor Tadayuki Nagao
7. B&G Marine Center, Taneichi, Hirono Town, Iwate Prefecture...Mayor Masayoshi Okamoto
8. B&G Marine Center, Nishime, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. Mayor Takanobu Minato
9. B&G Marine Center, Yoshimi Town, Saitama Prefecture...Mayor Yoshio Miyazaki
10. B&G Marine Center, Aikata, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture...Mayor Yaichi Nakahara
11. Niitsu B&G Marine Center, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture...Mayor Yaichi Nakahara
12. B&G Marine Center, Ogi, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture…Mayor Ryugo Watanabe
13. B&G Marine Center, Yao, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture…Mayor Hirohisa Fujii
14. B&G Marine Center, Maruoka, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture...Mayor Yoshitaka Ikeda
15. Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Fukuoka B&G Marine Center...Mayor Hitoshi Oguri
16. Mayor Keita Watanabe, B&G Marine Center, Tomika Town, Gifu Prefecture
17. B&G Marine Center, Toda, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture…Mayor Shuichi Yorishige
18. Kozakai B&G Marine Center, Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture...Mayor Yukio Takemoto
19. B&G Marine Center, Taga Town, Shiga Prefecture...Mayor Kubo Hisayoshi
20. Asakura B&G Marine Center, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture...Mayor Shigeki Tokunaga
21. B&G Marine Center, Otomo Town, Fukuoka Prefecture...Mayor Joji Nagahara

Center that has received Special A rating for 20 consecutive years

1. B&G Marine Center, Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture....Mayor Ono Shinto
2. B&G Marine Center, Misao, Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture....Mayor Ikunobu Nakamura

National Summit Joint Declaration

Creating a facility that anyone can use, but one that people will want to use: Let's understand the needs of the local community surrounding the Marine Center and add value to update the facility to make it even more attractive!

Closing remarks by Yuki Kishi, Trustee of the B&G Foundation

Councillor Yuki Kishi said she was inspired by the National Summit and was impressed by the case studies presented by Kami Town in Miyagi Prefecture and Taiki Town in Hokkaido. She also emphasized the importance of flexible thinking in utilizing the Marine Center.

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, the B&G Foundation works with a broad perspective under the concept of "creating a future filled with wonderful scenes where children's eyes sparkle, young people talk about big dreams, and older people spend their days with gentle smiles," and for its great achievements in guiding Japan's future with a bright and energetic vibration.

YouTube videos

Other photos

Photos (325 photos) from the 17th B&G National Summit 2025 are available here >>

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