Third 'Shimizu Shinichi Daisetsuzan Award' Winners Announced in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido!

Daisetsuzan Asahidake

Higashikawa Town established the "Daisetsuzan Culture Promotion Fund" using donations received from Mr. Shinichi Shimizu, who passed away in March 2023. As part of its initiatives to share and pass on to future generations the rich nature of Daisetsuzan, the beautiful landscapes it produces, its climate, lifestyle, and academic value as the town's assets, the "Shimizu Shinichi Daisetsuzan Award" was established in 2024 to honor individuals and organizations that have contributed to the promotion and development of Daisetsuzan.

On May 7, 2026, the Award Selection Committee was held, and the winners were decided: Mr. Koji Ikenaga (Asahikawa City) for the individual category, and the "Daisetsu and Ishikari Nature Conservation Society" (Asahikawa City) for the group category.

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at 17:00 on June 20 (Saturday) during the "Asahidake Mountain Festival," organized by the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Mountain Festival Executive Committee. This festival is held to pray for the safety of climbers and mountain-related personnel and for the prosperity of the tourist destination. We look forward to the attendance of many people.

Shimizu Shinichi Daisetsuzan Award, 3rd Award Winners for Reiwa 8 (2026) Fiscal Year

Individual Category: Mr. Koji Ikenaga (Asahikawa City)

Mr. Koji Ikenaga (Asahikawa City)

Reason for Award: For many years, he has practiced nature education, mountaineering guidance, and nature interpretation activities in Daisetsuzan. Through founding the Higashikawa High School mountaineering club, activities with the Asahidake Patrol Team and Asahidake Visitor Center, and guiding as a mountain guide, he has greatly contributed to the promotion of safe mountaineering and nature education in Daisetsuzan.

[Group Category] Daisetsu and Ishikari Nature Conservation Society (Asahikawa City)

Daisetsu and Ishikari Nature Conservation Society (Asahikawa City)

Reason for Award: For over half a century, they have continuously engaged in nature conservation activities, addressing development issues in the Daisetsuzan and Ishikari River basin areas, and practicing nature conservation education. Through activities such as the Daisetsuzan lecture series "Higuma University," they have significantly contributed to the conservation and inheritance of Hokkaido's rich natural environment.

Please refer to the link below for information about Mr. Shinichi Shimizu.

*As this article is from July 2023, the event has already concluded.*

https://newscast.jp/news/2873520

Inquiries

Inquiries regarding the Shimizu Shinichi Daisetsuzan Award

Higashikawa Town Cultural Exchange Division

Phone: 0166-82-2111 (Main)

Mail: bunka@town.higashikawa.lg.jp

https://higashikawa-town.jp/

Inquiries regarding the Mountain Festival

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Mountain Festival Executive Committee (Higashikawa Tourism Association)

Phone: 0166-82-3761

https://www.welcome-higashikawa.jp/