Kato Kei Wins Local Industry Award at 2nd Japan Immigrant Award in Gifu

Kato Kei's Remarkable Achievement at the 2nd Japan Immigrant Award

On December 9th, 2023, the 2nd Japan Immigrant Award was held at the headquarters of Pony Canyon in Roppongi, Tokyo, where individuals who have realized their ideal lives through immigration were recognized. Among the winners, Kato Kei from Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture, was honored with the Local Industry Award for his dedication to regional industries, including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

After working in the IT sector for five years as a new graduate, Kato made a significant life change by moving from Tokyo to Yamagata City in 2016 as part of the regional revitalization cooperation team. His journey led him to the unique allure of the “Ijira Daigaki Persimmon,” a fruit that has been nurtured in Yamagata for approximately 500 years, and the rediscovered art of “persimmon dyeing,” which had faded from practice for about half a century. Engaging in these cultural elements, Kato has made it his mission to promote the rich heritage of persimmon in the region.

As a result of his passion, Kato established the “KakiBushi” persimmon dyeing workshop, where he not only offers hands-on experiences of persimmon dyeing but also sells products and contributes to conservation activities for the Ijira Daigaki Persimmon.

Recognitions and Comments

Kazuma Kazama, member of the judging committee and President of JTB Research Institute, commented on Kato’s accomplishments: “He is preserving the traditions of the local specialty, the Ijira Daigaki Persimmon, while also commercializing it. His actions towards conservation contribute to creating a sustainable local industry, which is why he truly deserves the Local Industry Award.”

Ecstatic about the award, Kato shared, “I am genuinely thrilled that the efforts I have dedicated to the community have been recognized. I want to report this achievement to the local residents I work alongside.” Similarly, Taisei Saeki from the Yamagata City planning and financial affairs department expressed his happiness: “I am very pleased that we could share Yamagata City’s persimmon culture and Kato’s wonderful initiatives, along with being recognized for these efforts.”

Future Initiatives

Moreover, Pony Canyon, under the leadership of President Kazunari Okuma, is set to promote Yamagata City’s activities in collaboration with Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank starting from the 2024 fiscal year as part of the second city promotion project of Yamagata City, led by Mayor Hiroshi Hayashi.

For more information on the 2nd Japan Immigrant Award and its initiatives, visit the official website: Japan Immigrant Award.