Monday, February 3, 2025
The Wa Neighborhood Association Senior Citizens Club General Meeting and New Year's Party will be held at Sunflower Park Kitaryu Onsen from 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28th.
Neighborhood association/senior citizens' club general meeting
Approximately 30 members of the Wa Neighborhood Association Senior Citizens Club participated, deepening their friendship in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. Wa Neighborhood Association currently has 41 households and 61 members (77 in total including those not listed).
Moderator: Noriaki Nakajima
The event was opened by the MC, Noriaki Nakajima, who expressed his gratitude to the guests, including the mayor and neighborhood association president, as well as to all the members.
Guest speech: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki of Hokuryu Town
"Thank you for your continued support this year.
This time, former Deputy Mayor Toshimasa Takahashi has joined the association as a new neighborhood member.
As the managing director of the corporation, Takahashi is working on various improvements. While there are some inconveniences, such as a shortage of cooks and a decline in the number of women working, I'm pleased to report that the situation is improving and progress is being made step by step. As the president of the corporation, the mayor is also the town's president, and I believe that ultimately it is my role to make decisions and make improvements while listening to everyone's opinions.
Additionally, Masatoshi Yamagishi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions to firefighting, and a celebration was held on Sunday. It was a solemn and enjoyable celebration that reflected his sincere personality. Once again, congratulations.
Regarding the budget assessment, the initial adjustment revealed a shortfall of 300 million yen. However, all staff members have been working hard to obtain grants and subsidies from the national and prefectural governments. We will work to meet the expectations of our residents while minimizing the impact on the town's finances.
Discussions are also underway regarding the construction plan for the town hall building 10 years from now. We are moving forward with the plan while considering various options, such as the introduction of earthquake-resistance and seismic isolation technology. We believe that the building will not only be for town hall employees, but also a place where town residents can visit and discuss the future of the town. We would like to gradually create more forums for discussion in the future.
"I believe that the people who give me the strongest support are the members of this neighborhood association, especially everyone in attendance today. I would like to express my gratitude once again and conclude my speech by wishing you all a bright and healthy year. I am not a guest, but a member (lol!). I look forward to your continued support this year," said Mayor Sasaki in his address.
Introducing new members
We were introduced to Toshimasa Takahashi, who joined the club this year as a new member.
General Meeting Agenda
- Proposal No. 1:Business report and financial statement for 2024
- Audit Report
- Proposal No. 2:About the 2025 Business Plan
- Proposal No. 3:Regarding the re-election of officers due to expiration of their terms
All proposals were approved.
Request from Nobuhiro Yamada, Neighborhood Association Chairman
"A town development meeting is planned for this year. Until now, it has been held in four locations: Mibaushi, Hekisui, Nishikawa, and Wa districts, but this year it will be held in all neighborhood associations, and we would like to hear your various opinions and requests regarding town development, as explained.
We would like to invite all of you who have lived in Hokuryu Town for many years and have a wealth of experience to participate in the discussion meeting and provide your opinions. Thank you very much.
"As far as I can remember, this town-wide meeting is the only one we have ever held, and that was at the time of the merger, when we visited 24 neighborhood associations to hold a merger briefing. This requires a lot of energy, and I imagine it is a difficult task for the administrative staff. I would appreciate your participation and cooperation," said Chairman Yamada, expressing his strong opinion and request.
Neighborhood association, senior citizens' club, New Year's party
Greetings from Chairman Nobuyuki Kanayama
"Today is a calm day, perfect for a New Year's party. We have just finished the general meeting without any problems. Thank you very much.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of three people last year. Mayor Sasaki and Neighborhood Association President Yamada are also in attendance today. I am very pleased to see Mayor Sasaki working tirelessly with such passion and energy. I hope that he will continue to do his best in the future while taking care of his health.
Yamada: I would like the neighborhood association president to play an active role in developing the town as president for this year, or even for the next two or three years.
Today is a New Year's party, and while the saying goes, "Plans for the year are made on New Year's Day," today's message is, "Plans for the year are made today." I hope this year will be a wonderful one for all of you, and that you will enjoy your drinks today. I would like to conclude my speech by wishing you all good health and happiness.
Finally, Chairman Kanayama said in his address that Masatoshi Yamagishi has been awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his contributions to firefighting. He has made significant contributions to firefighting and disaster prevention. It is a great honor for him. Today is a New Year's party, but I hope that it will also be a celebration for Yamagishi."
Nobuhiro Yamada, Neighborhood Association Chairman, Toast Leader
"I have been living in Wa Neighborhood Association for 23 years.
I am extremely nervous about taking on the role of chairman of the neighborhood association. I look forward to working with you all in the coming year.
Over the coming year, please be mindful of injury, illness, and health, and I hope to have the opportunity to participate in various activities and meet you all face to face.
Let's propose a toast to the hope that everyone will be healthy and well this year! Cheers!!!" said Chairman Yamada.
banquet
Bingo game
The prize for bingo is a New Year's gift! Everyone was excited and thrilled by the amount!!!
Everyone in the neighborhood association gathers together to look forward to the new year, with hopes and health in their hearts, and to enjoy a fun time deepening friendships in a cheerful and energetic manner, with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
