Thursday, January 29, 2026
- 1 91 smiling faces in full bloom! Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association Federation New Year's Party 2026 ~The joy of gathering, the happiness of talking~
- 1.1 The Himawari Longevity Association weaves history and connects it to the future
- 1.2 Chairman Kazuo Shibasaki's perspective: looking at society and thinking about families
- 1.3 Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki's gratitude: Because everyone worked "six times"
- 1.4 Toast from Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura: Wishing for the vitality of the local community
- 1.5 celebration
- 1.6 A happy moment filled with laughter and singing
- 1.7 Gathering together is the best way to stay healthy
- 2 YouTube videos
- 3 Other photos
- 4 Related articles
91 smiling faces in full bloom! Hokuryu Town Sunflower Longevity Association Federation New Year's Party 2026 ~The joy of gathering, the happiness of talking~
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a heat that blew away the cold outside filled Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen. The event was the Hokuryu Sunflower Longevity Association's New Year's party. A whopping 91 members gathered at the venue, a testament to the strength of Hokuryu Town's senior citizens and the importance they place on their connections with the community.
The Himawari Longevity Association weaves history and connects it to the future
The association has a long history, dating back to its founding as the Hokuryu Town Longevity Association Federation in 1963. With the opening of the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Welfare Center in 1989, the association became the Hokuryu Town Senior Citizens Club Federation, and then in 2014 became the current Himawari Longevity Association Federation, but has continued to support the health and purpose of life of the elderly through consistent name changes.
The name may change, but what remains the same is the desire and bond to "live happily together with our friends."
Chairman Kazuo Shibasaki's perspective: looking at society and thinking about families
At the opening of the event, Chairman Kazuo Shibasaki gave a speech.
"I would like to congratulate you on welcoming the new year together as a family," said Chairman Shibasaki, but his words were more than just congratulatory.
He spoke from a sharp perspective about the current social situation, including recent fluctuations in rice prices, the issue of rice stockpiles, the birth of the first female prime minister in history and her leadership skills, and even the appearance of bears, a threat that is close to home.
The audience was left breathless when he shared his true story of encountering a bear in the mountains and scaring it away with the sound of his machine's engine.
"Let's work hard to stay healthy this year, while extending our healthy years, watching over our children and grandchildren's achievements, and enjoying time with friends," he said, exuding the reliability and kindness of an "elder of Hokuryu Town" who continues to have an interest in society and warmly watches over the next generation.
Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki's gratitude: Because everyone worked "six times"
Next, Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro gave a speech. He paid tribute to Mr. Yutaka Sano, who was appointed an honorary citizen of the town last month, and responded to Chairman Shibasaki's words.
The words he delivered to everyone in the audience were so warm and touching.
"Prime Minister Takaichi said the word 'work' five times in a row, but I think it was the townspeople who have worked six times. That's why Hokuryu Town is what it is today."
"I never ask you to work more. I ask you to take it easy and take care of the young people."
These words filled the entire venue with a warm atmosphere. It was a message of immense gratitude and appreciation to the people who had worked so hard, covered in dirt and sweat, to build this town for so many years. They also renewed their determination to create a town where people can live safely, including by conducting demonstration tests of the town-run bus and taking measures against bears.
The mayor's attitude of "I will go around pouring drinks for each and every person" makes one feel the "closeness in heart" between the government and the townspeople.
Toast from Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura: Wishing for the vitality of the local community
The celebration began with a toast by Hokuryu Town Council Chairman Shoichi Nakamura. After a talk about the daily lives of townspeople, including an announcement about the distribution of gift certificates using the Regional Revitalization Special Grant and a call to vote, the toast was raised in a loud voice.
"Toast to the hope that we can all live a life full of energy!" As this was said, smiles bloomed all over the venue.
celebration
A happy moment filled with laughter and singing
Once the party begins, the place is filled with smiles, people drink together, and the sounds of joy at being reunited after a long time echo.
The attraction, "Dice Roll," had a big impact with the rule that you could receive toilet paper equal to the total number on two dice. If you rolled a doublet, you won! The whole venue erupted in cheers of "Yay!" as they were given an entire bag as a gift.
The joy and sorrow of rolling a giant dice. The fact that the prizes are everyday household items adds a warmth to everyday life.
The party concluded with a karaoke competition, where veteran singers showcased their beautiful voices, drawing endless applause and cheers.
A soulful voice. Everyone listens captivated by the deep tone that evokes the years of life.
Gathering together is the best way to stay healthy
91 people gathered at the New Year's party, laughing and talking together. There was no loneliness here, and we felt a warm community.
Just as Mayor Sasaki said, "Autumn is the season when horses fatten," I hope that the fruitful times in your lives will continue to be filled with smiles and peace of mind.
We sincerely hope that the "spirit of harmony" of Hokuryu Town will continue to protect everyone's health forever.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
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