Hokuryu Melon Producers Association 40th Anniversary Ceremony 2020

Monday, February 10, 2020

On Tuesday, February 4th, a ceremony to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association was held at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen.

Ceremony materials

opening ceremony

The ceremony began with an opening speech by the host, Katsuhiro Takahata, vice president of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association.

Commemorative speech: Norifumi Maeda, Chairman of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association

"Today, as the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association celebrates its 40th anniversary, I would like to offer a few words of gratitude. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mayor Sano and the many other distinguished guests who have taken the time to come and celebrate with us, despite their busy schedules at this time of year. Thank you very much.

Starting with a prototype in 1979, the union was established the following year in 1980, and has continued to this day. We would like to express our gratitude to our predecessors who have helped us overcome many difficulties, and to all those involved who have provided guidance and cooperation.

Over the past 40 turbulent years, due to repeated changes in the agricultural situation, the aging of farmers, and the expansion of rice paddy area due to land relocations, our association has seen a decline in the number of households, area, and sales since peaking in 1991.

However, we believe that the path forward for us as a production area is to maintain the current situation and deliver safe and secure Hokuryu melons to consumers.

"In closing, I would like to wish all producers good health and ask all those involved for their continued guidance and support. Thank you all for coming today," said President Maeda.

Presentation of a letter of appreciation

　
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the officers who had made outstanding contributions.

・Advisors to the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association: Isao Kawamura, Kazuhiko Takaishi, Shigeki Mizutani, Fuminobu Kawashima, Keiichi Watanabe

Acknowledgments: Hokuryu Melon Producers Association, Advisor Isao Kawamura

On behalf of the group, Mr. Isao Kawamura gave a speech of thanks.

"I am extremely pleased that today we are able to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association together with all of you. I am deeply grateful for the letter of appreciation I have just received. Thank you very much.

Speaking of 40 years, it has been 38 years since I started farming. Melons have always been a part of my farming life.

In recent years, the number of melon producers has decreased, but we have managed to maintain a sales target of 100 million yen, which is one of our benchmarks.

I will also push myself, despite my old age, to work towards the next 50 years, and with my mother's permission, I will work hard for the next 10 years and, together with everyone, produce good, affordable melons.

I would like to ask for your cooperation from everyone involved. Thank you very much."

Guest congratulatory speech

Mayor Yutaka Sano of Hokuryu Town

"Congratulations on today's 40th anniversary ceremony for the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association. I am truly pleased that such a large number of people are participating in this grand event. I would also like to express my gratitude for the tremendous support and cooperation you have shown the town administration on a daily basis.

Letters of appreciation have just been presented to everyone who has worked hard to produce Hokuryu melons over the years. I would like to offer my congratulations on behalf of the government.

This year has been a quiet, calm, and warm start to the new year. There has been very little snow in January, which is a cause for concern, but the harsh winter is yet to come. It snowed again today, and we hope that it will not affect farming operations.

Well, melons were first cultivated in Hokuryu Town in 1980. In 1991, there were 172 farms and the area was 72 hectares, and the town was highly regarded by many regions as the second largest melon producing area after Yubari. However, due to the aging of producers, last year the area was reduced to 7 hectares and 30 farms.

Led by Chairman Maeda, they are working hard every day to improve melon production, a specialty of Hokuryu Town, and to improve cultivation techniques. I would like to express my sincere respect for them. Furthermore, for hometown tax donations, we are securing a sufficient number of melons, and we are handling melons mainly at Minochicchi Hokuryu. We would like to express our sincere gratitude.

The town intends to take an active role in this endeavor, including providing subsidies for greenhouses and securing new workers through agricultural fairs, etc. Together with the JA and many other related parties, we will continue to work as a melon producing region.

Last year, a new farmer set out on his own and brought the melons he had grown to the town hall, saying, "We've grown such fine melons!" I believe this is thanks to the technical guidance provided by all the people involved and the producers. I was really happy when these new farmers brought us the melons they had grown for the first time.

"I would like to conclude my congratulatory speech by offering my heartfelt prayers for the continued growth of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association, for the continued good health and happiness of everyone, and for a wonderful harvest this fall and a wonderful year for agriculture in Hokuryu Town. Congratulations on your success today," said Mayor Sano.

Takafumi Kashiwagi, Representative Director and Chairman of JA Kitasorachi

"Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Hokuryu Melon Producers' Association. Looking back, I was a high school student in 1980, when cultivation of Hokuryu melons began. Over the 40 years since then, melons have steadily established themselves as a specialty product of Hokuryu Town. I would like to express my gratitude to all the producers, association members, and producers over the years for their efforts to date.

Although I have no experience growing melons, I try to participate in the Hokuryu Town Watermelon and Melon Festival every year as much as possible. Seeing the success of the Melon Festival, I am always reminded that there are consumers who look forward to the melons that everyone grows every year.

I believe that producers are cultivating melons with sincerity, thinking of the consumers who eagerly await their melons. I hope that they will continue to cultivate even better melons.

This 40th anniversary ceremony is being held with the participation of so many producers. We hope that you will continue to take good care of yourself and continue to cultivate Hokuryu melons for many years to come, looking ahead to the 50th and 60th years. We pray for the continued development of this region.

"Despite the unusual weather this year, it is said that the crop is in good condition, but there are some concerns. I hope that everyone's efforts will bear fruit and produce something good. I pray that this year will be a good one. Congratulations on today," said Kashiwagi, the union president.

Congratulatory telegram presentation

"Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. I would like to express my respect for your union's achievements to date and wish you continued prosperity in the future. Yasushi Kadotani, President and CEO of Kyokuichi Co., Ltd."

Toast: Masakazu Okamoto, Executive Officer, Kyokuichi Co., Ltd.

"Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association. I am delighted that this day has been reached thanks to the efforts of Chairman Maeda and all the producers.

It is said that when a company is founded, half of the companies disappear within one year, 30% within three years, 15% within five years, 5% within ten years, and after 30 years, only 0.02% remain. This means that this 40th anniversary figure is an amazing number, representing the company that each and every one of you has built over the past 40 years, as presidents of your own companies.

The producers' association's slogan is "Responsible production and sales as a producer, trusted by the community," which I think is wonderful. We are also working hard to deliver food to everyone, promising safety and security, so I think we share your feelings.

As mentioned earlier, I understand that the success of a farmer is entirely up to the mother. With her understanding, I hope that everyone will continue to work hard and that the Hokuryu melon, along with its name, will become even more widely known over the next 50 or 60 years.

As reported in today's Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, a completion ceremony was held for our newly built refrigerator. The refrigerator can now hold approximately 6,500 tons of products. It can store products at temperatures of minus 60 degrees Celsius. This is in accordance with the company's policy to ensure a stable supply of food.

As your slogan suggests, we will continue to work hard to ensure that we have reliable producers and solid sales plans. We look forward to your continued support.

"I would like to propose a toast to the continued growth of the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association and the good health of all participants. Cheers!!! Congratulations," said Okamoto.

celebration party

Friendly atmosphere

Luxury cuisine

A sumptuous meal was served, and everyone shared their joy by raising a toast.

Closing chant: Katsuhisa Hashimoto

"Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. Looking back, I was one of the 31 growers who founded the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association in 1980. I have retired, but I would like to continue working as long as I can move my feet.

Over the past 40 years, I have seen over 170 producers, but due to changes in the agricultural situation, the number has decreased. However, the current 30 farming households will continue to work even harder to produce better products. I would like to continue to do my best with the guidance and support of everyone.

Now, let's do a "ippon-jime" (a traditional Japanese clapping song), Yo-pon!'" Hashimoto led the closing chorus with a vigor.

Closing Remarks

The commemorative ceremony came to a smooth end with closing remarks by Toshimitsu Saito of the JA Kitarachi Kitaryū Branch Fruit and Vegetable Department.

Over the course of 40 years, the great spirit of our predecessors has been passed down, overcoming numerous difficulties...

With boundless respect, gratitude, and prayers for the Hokuryu melon, which has a firm reputation as a green-fleshed melon and possesses the ultimate deliciousness...

Other photos

・Photos (79 photos) from the Hokuryu Melon Producers Association 40th Anniversary Ceremony are here >>

Related articles

・Hokuryu Melon Producers Association introduction page is here >>
　

◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi