#Sustainability #Japan #Doronko Group #Shimotakada City #Shimotakada

Doronko Group and Shimotakada City Sign Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement

On September 2, 2026, Shimotakada City in Niigata Prefecture entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the Doronko Group, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. This agreement aims at revitalizing the local community and promoting sustainable urban development, following 23 years of partnership.

The signing ceremony, attended by Mayor Hayashi of Shimotakada City, as well as representatives from the Doronko Group, marked a significant step towards enhancing the appeal of Shimotakada City through collaboration in various areas. These include the utilization of captured wildlife, childcare support, and economic activation.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. Utilization of captured wild animals.
2. Conservation of the natural environment and resource recycling.
3. Promotion of local industry and employment.
4. Initiatives that contribute to regional revitalization and sustainable urban development.
5. Advancement of children's welfare policies in Shimotakada City.
6. Enhancement of support for children and childcare.
7. Improvements in resident welfare services.
8. Other necessary initiatives to achieve the agreement's objectives.

23 Years of Collaboration

The partnership between Shimotakada City and the Doronko Group began in 2003 with a rice-planting experience for preschool children. Over the years, this relationship has evolved, leading to sustainable agricultural initiatives that utilize abandoned farmland—now producing 106 tons of low-pesticide rice annually from 46 hectares of terraced rice fields. This rice is supplied to group facilities nationwide, and a Doronko nursery school has been established.

In response to wildlife damage in agriculture, the Doronko representative even obtained a hunting license to participate in wildlife capture activities. In an effort to reduce food waste, a multifaceted facility named "Shimotakada Brewery and Gibier (MUBG) × Fireplace Kitchen" is set to open on September 4, 2026, aiming to collaborate on various fronts starting from childcare.

A Model for Circular Town Production in Shimotakada

Multifunctional Complex: MUBG × Fireplace Kitchen

This newly opened complex serves as a central hub embodying the agreement's focus on wildlife utilization, industrial promotion, and food education.

Main Functions:

1. Gibier Processing: This facility will receive captured wild animals and transform them into safe gibier products, with the entire process visible through glass, providing children with hands-on food education experiences.
2. Craft Beer Brewing: Utilizing hops cultivated on abandoned farmland, the initiative aims to create local agricultural jobs.
3. Fireplace Kitchen: This restaurant will serve in-season local vegetables alongside its own gibier and craft beer, contributing to local economic revitalization.

Products from this facility are not only for group facilities but are also planned to be distributed to local and urban areas in the future, fostering economic stimulation and increasing local engagement.

Messages from Leaders

Shigeo Hayashi, Mayor of Shimotakada City:

Before taking office, I deeply resonated with the Doronko Group’s childcare philosophy, which aims to nurture children’s resilience through direct experiences. In today's society, where outdoor play is diminishing, creating a town that embraces children collectively is essential. As we focus on preserving our beautiful landscapes, we recognize the interconnectedness of food education with all regional issues, such as forest management and wildlife concerns. Therefore, I believe there is immense potential in addressing challenges through initiatives centered on childcare and food education.

Yuichiro Takahori, Representative of Shimotakada Production Association:

The people and land of Shimotakada are incredibly appealing; children who come here for rice planting every year receive abundant love from the community. The newly opened "MUBG × Fireplace Kitchen" is a project aimed at addressing various local challenges, including wildlife issues, abandoned farmland, and community revitalization. We are dedicated to approaching these problems with a perspective of benefit to the community, alongside the mayor and administration. I am confident that this collaboration can lead to successful solutions not just in childcare and gibier, but in diverse areas.

Conclusion

The signing of this comprehensive agreement represents a commitment to face the entirety of regional challenges head-on, not just limited to wildlife issues. As we continue to work together, our goal is to further enhance the charm of Shimotakada City, making it an even more attractive place for both residents and visitors.