#Japan #Red Horse Corporation #Furano High School #Snack Supplement #Furano

Cultivating Local Pride: A Collaborative Project in Furano

In the picturesque city of Furano, Hokkaido, a unique endeavor is taking shape as high school students come together to explore the value and charm of their community resources. Spearheaded by Red Horse Corporation, this project is in its second year and aims to foster civic pride among local youth by creating new specialty products for the region.

The collaborative project involves Furano High School and local businesses, particularly focusing on a partnership with Yasaitan Co., Ltd. This year, students have turned their attention to developing a new version of Yasaitan's flagship product, the “Snack Supplement.” The project culminated in a成果報告会 (results presentation) held on July 18 at the Furano City Library, showcasing students' hard work and creativity.

Last year marked the inception of this innovative program, and its objectives remain steadfast: to encourage high school students to recognize the potential of local resources, thereby deepening their attachment and pride in their hometown.

The Project Process

This initiative involved three members from the Beagle CoCo commercial club at Furano High School, who engaged actively in various stages of product development, from brainstorming and naming to designing the packaging. As the commercial club prepares to disband this year due to school integration changes, this project signifies a poignant conclusion to their contributions.

Collaboration with Local Business
Cooperating with Yasaitan has provided an excellent platform for students to engage with real-world product development. The “Snack Supplement,” targeted towards health-conscious young women in their twenties and thirties, incorporates locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing the region's agricultural strengths.

Project Overview

1. Understanding Yasaitan’s Philosophy: Students examined the motivations behind Yasaitan's product creation and delivery, creating a persona and researching the nutritional benefits of various vegetables and fruits.
2. Product Conceptualization: They developed product names and concepts that resonated with local culture and demographics.
3. Presentation Preparation: Students practiced their presentation skills to effectively communicate their ideas to local leaders and stakeholders.

The Outcome

The project’s success was evidenced by a vibrant turnout at the final presentation, which included key figures like the Mayor of Furano, the Education Director, and the Principal of Furano High School among others. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with local officials expressing admiration for the innovation and quality of the products developed by the students.

North Mayor noted the delicately sweet flavor of the product during tastings, remarking on how the ingredients' natural qualities were well-captured in the final result. Principal Okamoto anticipated future projects that would engage more students across various disciplines, hoping to expand this initiative’s reach.

Additionally, Yasaitan's Mr. Mikami acknowledged the fresh ideas that emerged from the collaboration with students, which encouraged him to consider the integration of fruit in their products—a novel concept in their traditional vegetable-centric approach.

The product, featuring a mix of melon, chestnut, and pumpkin, was initially sold at the Furano High School festival, exceeding sales expectations. On July 25, residents could purchase the product through Furano's hometown tax donation program, significantly contributing to local economic vitality.

Closing Remarks

The collaboration between Furano High School, local businesses, and Red Horse Corporation not only facilitated the creation of new specialty products but also sparked the students’ interest in their region's potential. This project is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts that can promote regional pride, sustainability, and community engagement. The initiative about revitalizing local economies and instilling passion in youth for their surroundings is one that hopes to inspire other regions across Japan.

As the program continues to evolve, it underscores the importance of fostering connections between education, local commerce, and cultural identity in shaping a community's future.