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Exploring Yamanashi's Rich Culture: A Day in the Yamanashi Junior Ambassador Program

The Yamanashi Junior Ambassador Program, initiated by Yamanashi Prefecture, held its second day on December 14th, embracing the theme of connecting farm to table. This day was dedicated to helping participants experience the charm of Yamanashi through hands-on activities like winter vegetable harvesting and a barbecue, as well as engaging discussions with local city council members. The essence of the program lies in deepening knowledge through real-life experiences, allowing children to grasp the multifaceted appeal of Yamanashi.

Morning Activities: Crafting and Vegetable Harvesting

The day commenced with a workshop on making cocoons into mascots, which highlighted the joy and meticulousness of craftsmanship. This activity not only stimulated creativity but also fostered conversations among participants, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.

Next on the agenda was the much-anticipated winter vegetable harvesting experience. Donning gloves and armed with knowledge from the previous day, participants entered the fields to harvest vegetables with their own hands. They learned the processes of growing, harvesting, and cooking, immersing themselves in the cycle of food production.

“Wow, these carrots are heavier than I thought!” and “The soil feels so fluffy!” were some of the authentic reactions that showcased how the local agricultural life began to resonate with the children. The lunch that followed featured a barbecue prepared with these freshly harvested vegetables, naturally igniting their interest in food, along with a sense of gratitude for a meal grown from local soil.

Afternoon Discussions: Engaging with Local Leaders

In the afternoon, participants had a valuable discussion session with a local city council member. Listening to an adult who plays a vital role in the community offered a profound perspective on the meaning of being engaged in one’s locality. The discussions spanned beyond job-related topics, delving into personal stories and the motivations behind community activities, inspiring numerous insightful questions from the children. This dialogue provided an authentic glimpse into the lives of people who contribute as caregivers and leaders in Yamanashi.

For dinner, the highlight was once again local cuisine crafted from ingredients sourced within Yamanashi, reinforcing the importance of eating local produce. This meal not only filled their stomachs but also connected their earlier experiences with the day’s lessons in a seamless manner. The day concluded with an activity where children penned thank-you letters to those who helped them during their harvesting and barbecue experiences. This reflective moment encouraged them to sort through their experiences and foster the attitude of gratitude.

Building a Connection to Yamanashi

Throughout the second day, children began to perceive Yamanashi's industries and lifestyle not merely as passive knowledge but as part of their own lives. By engaging in conversations, getting their hands dirty in the soil, and tasting local foods, the perception of Yamanashi transitioned from being just a place they visited to one they could meaningfully talk about and advocate for.

Looking ahead, these young ambassadors will harness their experiences to gather insights on how to present Yamanashi’s allure to Governor Nagasaki of Yamanashi Prefecture. The accumulation of experiences over these four days will empower the children to articulate their feelings about Yamanashi in their own words, connection to the future of the region in a way that inspires and informs others.

Program Overview

• - Program Name: Yamanashi Junior Ambassador Program
• - Target Age: 9-12 years old (Elementary 3rd to 6th grade)
• - Date: December 13 (Sat) to December 16 (Tue), 2025 (3 nights and 4 days)
• - Location: Based in Silk Friendly Area, Chuo City, Yamanashi
• - Organized by: Imajina Co., Ltd.
• - Cooperation: Yamanashi Prefecture, Imajina Co., Ltd.
• - Special Website: Yamanashi Junior Ambassador

Imajina Co., Ltd. Overview:

• - Company Name: Imajina Co., Ltd.
• - Representative: Yoshiki Sekino, CEO
• - Head Office: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Founded: June 2006
• - Business Description: Corporate branding (internal/external), human resources consulting, HR system design, recruitment branding, regional revitalization project support, etc.
• - URL: Imajina