[Hokuryu Town Children's Assembly] 11 elementary school students who are creating the future. A soulful dialogue between adults and children.

Friday, December 12, 2025

[Hokuryu Town Children's Assembly] 11 elementary school students who are creating the future. A soulful dialogue between adults and children.

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Outside the window, snow quietly falls in a silvery world. However, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the assembly hall of Hokuryu Town Hall was enveloped in the heat of midsummer.

The main participants of the "2025 Hokuryu Town Children's Assembly" were 11 sixth graders from Shinryu Elementary School.

This was not just a learning experience. They asked questions of the adults, not as "guests," but as "residents" who live and love this town.

The adults also treated them sincerely, not just as their official positions, but as seniors.

Opening: This is your Congress

At 9:00 a.m., the boys and girls took their seats with nervous expressions on their faces. Greetings from Chairman Nakamura Shoichi and Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro confirmed the importance of this assembly.

Greetings from Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura

"We would like to thank the elementary school students for joining us from early in the morning, and the parents for attending as observers.

The Children's Parliament began in 2006 and is held every other year, alternating between elementary and junior high schools. Today, we will be asking 10 general questions.

Mayor Sasaki and Superintendent Tanaka are rarely at a loss for words, but today they may be faced with some sharp questions that will put them at a loss.

There may be some things that can be addressed immediately, some that require further consideration, and some that are difficult, but I believe they will be able to provide an explanation that will help you understand why something is not okay.

You are all probably 11 or 12 years old now, but when you turn 25, you will be able to become Hokuryu Town Council members. I hope that you will become council members in 12 or 13 years' time if the opportunity arises.

There's no need to worry if you make a mistake. Just ask your questions confidently until the end."

Greetings from Hokuryu Town Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Good morning! The other day, I was shown an online exchange with Australia, and seeing everyone trying so hard to use English, I decided to say "Good morning" instead of "Good morning."

I'm concerned that the term "children's assembly" somehow seems to be from an adult perspective. Elementary school assembly, junior high school assembly. You are the main players, it's your assembly, so I want you to approach it with that in mind.

In 2006, a junior high school student expressed a desire for a computer, and the superintendent of education at the time immediately allocated a large budget of 6.5 million yen to make the request a reality. That's the history behind it.

We are here to make your questions a reality, and we will do our best to answer your questions.

Then, under the dignified guidance of Chairperson Fujita Yuno, the general questions session finally began.

General Question 1: Regarding the use of ski resorts

Question: Councilman No. 1

I have a question about the event at the ski resort.

The events that were previously held at ski resorts are now being held at the Improvement Center.

The only events held at ski resorts are ski and snowboard competitions. I think that if we planned more events at the ski resort, it would encourage communication between the townspeople, increase the number of ski resort visitors, and make Hokuryu town more lively. Please consider this."

Answer: Yoshiki Tanaka, Superintendent of Education

"Thank you to everyone who asked questions for having the courage to come forward.

Before the spread of COVID-19, the "Yukinko Festival" was held at the ski resort in conjunction with the town ski tournament. However, due to limited parking and the difficulty of setting up slides and other equipment, the two events are now being held separately.

We believe that holding the events separately will allow for a larger parking lot and make it easier for many townspeople to attend, but what do you all think? Please let us know your opinions.

Hokuryu Town is currently considering using Himawari no Sato to create a snow play area even in winter. In conjunction with this plan, it is also possible to hold events at the ski resort, and to invite people from outside the town to hold events at the ski resort.

We will continue to think of various ways to make the ski resort available to as many people as possible."

General Question 2: Regarding park environmental improvement

Question: Councilman No. 2

I have a question about mowing the grass and picking up leaves.

Currently, there is a lot of grass growing in the park, making it difficult to play in, so I would like the grass to be mowed. In the fall, there are a lot of fallen leaves on the ground, making it dirty, so I would like the leaves to be picked up.

If things like this could be improved, I think more people would come to play in the park. Thank you."

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"There are six children's parks in the town, as well as Konpira Park and Hekisui Park.

The grass cutting is done by a group called the "Silver Human Resources Center," and is mainly carried out by people aged between 60 and 80.

We do this twice a year, and also ask the neighborhood association to help, about four times in total, but as the council member said, there are still some areas that don't seem to get clean.

We would like to keep the parks as clean as possible, but there is also discussion about whether we really need eight parks. We are considering reducing the number a little and concentrating management on one area instead.

When I was in elementary school, I collected fallen leaves in the park and roasted sweet potatoes, but the firefighters got very angry with me (laughs).

I would like to create a park where people can have such adventures. I would like to work with you to create a place where people can use their free imagination, do what they want, and try again even if they fail."

General Question 3: Regarding the installation of playground equipment

Question: Councilman No. 3

I have a question regarding the installation of playground equipment.

I think there are few places in Hokuryu Town where children can play like Kids Square Chikkuru in Chishibetsu Town.

"In the neighboring town of Imobeushi, there is a playground called Urara Water Park where children can play. I think it is very important for children to be able to play freely, so I think we should create a playground like this in Hokuryu town as well. What do you think?"

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Your fathers and mothers have also made the same request.

As I answered earlier, we are currently considering reducing the number of children's parks slightly and instead creating parks and play areas that everyone can enjoy.

"Kids Square Chikkuru" in Chishibetsu Town was built with a huge amount of money, 1 billion yen. It may be difficult to raise such a large amount of money right away, but we are thinking of creating a place where everyone can play and where parents can spend time together.

Currently, Hokuryu Town is trying to combine its elementary and junior high schools to create a nine-year school (compulsory education school). In planning this new school, we want to make it a school where everyone can have fun. It will be three years from now, but we would like to reflect everyone's opinions."

General Question 4: Regarding the closing days of the Improvement Center

Question: Councilman No. 4

"I have a question regarding the closing days of the Improvement Center.

Currently, the improvement center is closed on Mondays. School ends early on Mondays. Even if I want to go to the improvement center because school ends early, I can't go because it's closed on Mondays.

I think if we closed on Sundays, more people would come to the Kaizen Center. If we closed on Sundays and cleaned on those days, we could keep it clean and more people would come to play, so I would like to see it closed on Sundays. Thank you for your consideration."

Answer: Yoshiki Tanaka, Superintendent of Education

"The council member also looked into information from other towns and asked questions, which is great.

Currently, maintenance work that cannot be done on opening days is carried out on Mondays when the facility is closed. Another issue is that closing on Sundays means that people who want to use the training room or sports tournaments held on Sundays will not be able to use the facility.

However, the town is currently planning to build a "complex facility" that will combine a school, community center, and improvement center, and at that time they plan to eliminate closing days.

It will take time for the new facility to be completed, but the Board of Education is currently considering eliminating the closing days until the new facility is completed, so we would like to ask for a little more time."

General Question 5: About the brightness of streetlights

Question: Councilman No. 5

I have a question about street lights.

I wish the streetlights in the city were brighter. I was walking down the sidewalk around 6:30pm in early October when I noticed that the streetlights were dim.

I felt uneasy because I couldn't see well. I think injuries and accidents will occur if things continue like this. That's why I would like the streetlights to be brighter. Thank you."

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"The streetlights are dim. It's really dark. I walk around, but as I get older, I can't see as well, and sometimes I almost bump into people.

The current streetlights were built in 1991 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Hokuryu Town.

Then, in 2009, there was a massive outbreak of gypsy moths, so we replaced the bulbs with LED bulbs, which are less likely to attract insects. This has continued to this day.

The current "Sunflower Streetlights" have been in use for over 30 years, so we are planning to build new streetlights as part of our town planning for the future.

(Showing an image of a new street light) We are thinking of a design that will keep insects away and prevent snow from accumulating on top.

We also want to add a display function next to it that will allow us to promote town events, etc. We are thinking about how to make it easier for everyone to commute to school and pass through the area with peace of mind."

General Question 6: Bear control measures

Question: Councilman No. 6

I have a question about bear control.

Recently, we've been hearing about bear sightings on the news, with many people being injured. This year in Hokkaido, there have been 65 cases of bears, 5 deaths, and 410 reported sightings. Many sightings have also been reported in Hokuryu Town.

For example, bears are said to have good hearing, so how about having police cars patrol near public places, or using disaster prevention radio to ask people to refrain from going outside after 6 p.m. when it gets dark early?

I think this will help prevent bear damage to some extent and allow the townspeople to live in peace. I would appreciate your consideration."

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Thank you, Diet members. Bear damage is now being described as 'disaster-level.' This has been discussed in the Diet, and the whole country is considering countermeasures.

This year, 14 bears were captured in Hokuryu Town. Although they are generally timid animals, they have recently become accustomed to people and have begun to come close to homes. One of the reasons for this is the lack of food (products) in the mountains.

Regarding disaster prevention radio, currently we broadcast "It's out, be careful" after the fact, but as Takebayashi suggested, we would also like to consider "warning before it goes out."

Police officers and hunters from the town hunting association are working hard to cooperate. We will continue to take measures to protect our residents."

General Question 7: Regarding the expansion of accommodation facilities

Question: Councilman No. 7

"I have a question about accommodation in Hokuryu Town.

I think it would be good to increase the number of accommodations in Hokuryu Town that can accommodate many tourists.

Seeing tourists who came to see the sunflowers in the summer only leave after one day, I thought it would be a good idea to build a hotel or cottage where more people could stay so that they could enjoy Hokuryu Town even more.

If that happens, I think Hokuryu Town will become more lively and develop.

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Currently, the only accommodation available is Sunflower Park. There used to be an inn called Taishokan, but it has since disappeared.

First of all, we want to make the rooms at Sunflower Park more fun and beautiful.

Additionally, in Bibai City, construction companies have been successfully renovating vacant houses to create lovely private lodgings, complete with MUJI furniture and beautiful kitchens.

There are many construction companies in Hokuryu Town, so I would like to reach out to them to see if we can take on such an initiative.

In addition, we are planning to increase the number of events like the "Craft Marche" held at the community center in October, create a new base called the "Wakuwaku Future Creation Center," and explore the possibility of using mobile "trailer houses" to provide lodging and shops.

Your ideas will change the future of our town."

General Question 8: About the Night Sunflower Festival

Question: Councilman No. 8

"I have a question about the evening sunflower festival.

I thought that the fireworks at the Sunflower Festival at night were beautiful, but it would be a waste if the sunflowers were not used and it was pitch black and you couldn't see them, so I thought why not light up the sunflowers instead.

If the opening hours of Himawari no Sato were extended and the area was lit up, I think the number of tourists would increase. I hope that the area will continue to be lit up."

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Actually, I once tried to light up the area, but there were so many bugs that it was a complete failure (laughs). However, nowadays there are LED lights and other products that don't attract bugs.

I never say "why not to do it." We all want to think of a way to make it happen, and then we'll do it. The person in charge who failed is also frustrated, so I want to get revenge.

This year we held new events such as idol concerts and pro wrestling, and 237,000 people came in one month. If we could hold night events, we're sure we could attract even more people.

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the Sunflower Festival. Please let us know your plans and ideas. Let's take on this challenge together."

General Question 9: About lessons in the town

Question: Councilman No. 9

"I'll ask about your lessons.

I commute out of town for lessons and use demand responsive transportation.

I would like to take lessons in Hokuryu Town, but there are not many such opportunities in the town at the moment.

Would it be possible to invite a teacher from the town and hold lessons at a community center or somewhere similar, about once a week? Please consider this.

Answer: Keiju Tanaka, Superintendent of Education

Before answering the council member's question, I would like to say a few words. The council member I mentioned earlier looked up information from other towns, another council member spoke about their experience, and another council member clearly stated the numbers. These are truly excellent perspectives.

Regarding extracurricular activities, the town is currently preparing to create an environment where students can take them.

One example is the "Online Public School" that started during the summer vacation this year. Also, in November, we opened a new extracurricular activity, the "Dance School."

Currently, six elementary school students are participating, and we are planning to open classes for younger students in the future. We are not sure if we will be able to open all of the classes, but we would like to work hard to increase the options available with the help of many people."

General Question 10: Regarding the attraction of shops and convenience stores

Question: Councilman No. 10

"I have a question about the store in Hokuryu Town.

There aren't many chain stores or convenience stores in Hokuryu Town, so I would like to see one built.

Nowadays, the only place you can shop in town is "Cocoa." The only convenience store is "Seico Mart." There aren't many chain stores for restaurants, so you'll have to go to bigger cities or towns.

"If a convenience store or chain store opens in town, I think it will make life easier and more enjoyable for the townspeople. I would appreciate your consideration."

Answer: Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki

"Hokuryu Town has a supermarket called Cocoa that was built by the town in 2018. This is a town-run supermarket, rare even in Hokkaido, built not for the purpose of making money but so that townspeople can buy fresh food at any time.

And then there's Seicomart. It's a chain store, but they really care about the people of the town.

When I go out to make deliveries, I take away the trash, I ask elderly people how they are, and I deliver things when asked.

Seico Mart is a store that the town wants to support. I understand the desire to increase the number of convenience stores, but I would like the town to first further polish the excellent stores that already exist, such as Cocoa and Seico Mart. I would like everyone to support them, to the point of saying, "We can't lose to Lawson."

"Even though it's a small town, I want to create a town where you can shine. I don't want to just ask for help; I think this is a great opportunity to connect to the future 10 or 20 years from now."

Closing: Passing the baton to the future

After all the questions were finished, Representative Watanabe Hiroto gave a speech of thanks on behalf of the group.

"Thank you for answering my questions today. By participating in the Children's Parliament, I was able to learn about how parliament works.

Today's assembly meeting made us want to work hard to make Hokuryu a better town in the future."

These words were met with warm applause from the audience.

For an hour, we spoke with the children from their own perspective about the current situation in Hokuryu Town, the issues adults face, ongoing plans, and "why what we have now is important."

There was a clear sense of trust that transcended generations and the spirit of harmony that Hokuryu Town holds dear.

Thank you very much to the 11 elementary school student council members for your hard work. The balls you threw have reached the hearts of the adults.

And it will be you, the adults in the future, who will throw that ball back.

With love, gratitude, and prayers, I extend to this reliable Children's Assembly, which is fully accepting the current situation in Hokuryu Town, thinking together with children and adults, and working together to create a bright and shining future for Hokuryu Town.

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