Wednesday, December 11, 2025
A warm and heartwarming winter day: Hokuryu Town Physical Disability Welfare Association holds "Gorokke Tournament and Training Session"
Outside, the world is covered in snow, and winter has finally arrived in Hokuryu Town. However, inside the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center, the air is so warm that it makes you forget the cold outside, and the place is filled with warm smiles like spring.
On Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, the Hokuryu Town Physical Disability Welfare Association (Chairman: Yoshiharu Yamashita) hosted a "Gorokke Tournament" and training session. Six members participated on the day, and it was a day of getting physical activity through competitions, deepening bonds over delicious meals.
An executive meeting was held before the "Gorokke Tournament."
A heated Gorokke tournament! A "serious contest" that overcomes handicaps
At the entrance to the venue, a cutely decorated Christmas tree was set up, and the seasonal colors cheered up the hearts of all attendees.
The sport of "Gorokke" was held in a large gymnasium. This sport, which is a combination of gateball and golf, requires concentration, skill, and above all, a spirit of enjoyment.
"Nice shot!" "Close! A little more to the right!"
The players hold their wooden sticks with the utmost seriousness. The tension builds as they aim and hit the ball. And then, the moment they pass through the gate, the crowd erupts in smiles and applause.
Everyone played naturally, at their own pace, taking into consideration the strain on their bodies. Seeing everyone calling out to each other and encouraging each other, I felt the harmony that is created through sports. More than winning or losing, the whole venue was filled with the joy of spending time together.
Thoughtful prizes and a smiling awards ceremony
After the competition, there was the fun awards ceremony. A wide variety of prizes useful for daily life, such as tea, sweets, noodles, and ready-to-eat meals, were lined up on the table.
"Which one should I choose?" "This one looks good."
After the thrill of competing for the top spots, the excitement of choosing a prize awaits. Each prize seems to be filled with the "kindness" of the secretariat staff, who want everyone to be happy. With bags full of prizes in their hands, the members' faces lit up, as if they had returned to their childhood.
A relaxing dining experience at the Himawari restaurant
After some physical activity, we moved to Himawari Restaurant for lunch and a training session.
A gorgeous, colorful bento lunch was laid out on the table. With a variety of visually appealing dishes, including fried shrimp, simmered dishes, and thick rolls, conversation naturally flowed.
"The croquettes were in good condition today," "This stew is delicious and full of flavor."
We raise our glasses and toast to each other's efforts. A delicious meal brings people closer together. Things that are usually hard to talk about come out naturally at this warm dining table. It is these moments of eating and laughing together that give us energy for tomorrow and become the bonds (harmony) that support the community.
The "spirit of harmony" - respecting each other and living together
What I felt through this "Gorokke Tournament and Training Session" was the deep and kind "tolerance" that is deeply rooted in Hokuryu Town. Whether people have disabilities or not, they accept each other's individuality, lend a helping hand, and enjoy the same time wholeheartedly. This warm scene exists not as something special, but as a completely normal part of everyday life. I felt that this is a "treasure" that Hokuryu Town can be proud of to the world.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for the Hokuryu Town Welfare Council for the Physically Disabled, who face physical disabilities every day, but acknowledge and support each other, and enjoy each moment together...
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◇ 🖋️ Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi
Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi
