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  3. 【Future Landscape】 9. Takio Amano -Alumni and Student Interviews
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In a beautiful village at the foot of Mt. Fuji
Connecting hope to the future

Graduates of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics
Mayor of Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture

Takio Amano

Main content

Mount Fuji was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2013. The registered name includes the phrase "object of worship and source of artistic inspiration," and the spring-fed ponds of Oshino Hakkai, which originate from Mount Fuji, are also recognized as a component of the Mount Fuji heritage site. "It is only natural for the administration to ensure that the villagers can live in safety and security. On top of that, we want to create a village where each individual can have hope through the encouragement of artistic activities and support for child-rearing," says Oshino Village Mayor Takio Amano.
　
In 1969, Amano entered the J. F. Oberlin University Faculty of Economics and enjoyed his youth as the choir leader.
"Singing allowed me to clear my mind. I wasn't aspiring to a career in music, so I'm sure I wasn't a particularly rewarding student for my advisor, Ms. Reiko Watanabe, but because of that, she was very close to me and treated me kindly until her passing. I think the teachings of Mr. Isao Shimizu about loving one's neighbor, which I heard countless times during worship services, have taken root within me."
　
After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Oshino Village and established a timber company. He dedicated himself to the development of local industries before becoming the village mayor, but he says his path was blessed with various fortunate circumstances and connections. "Actually, I graduated from Obirin University without any particular goals. That's why I believe it's my mission to provide children with opportunities and choices so that they can find their own dreams and goals, and to nurture them into individuals who can thrive on the world stage."
　
Amano pioneered the provision of one computer per elementary and junior high school student in the prefecture, free school lunches, free medical care for those up to 18, and subsidies for infertility treatment. While respecting the magnificent nature nurtured by the sacred Mount Fuji, Amano governs the village for the future of Oshino and the world. This is just as his predecessors left Oshino Hakkai for future generations as a famine recovery project, and just as his mentor did for him in his youth.

Things that make up Mr. Amano

Mount Fuji as seen from Oshino Village, a view beloved by photographer Koyo Okada. As a cultural project, a photo contest is held, and a photo collection of the winning entries is published.
Creating artistic activities: A Mount Fuji artwork created by elementary and junior high school students using 8,179 pieces of origami paper was awarded a Guinness World Record as "the largest exhibition of a mountain made from origami."
Child and Childcare Support: To ensure that parents can raise their children with peace of mind regardless of location, we were quick to digitize the maternal and child health handbook. We are committed to initiatives that contribute to the healthy growth of children.

Amanotakio

He graduated from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics in 1972. In 2015, he ran for and won the mayoral election of Oshino Village. He was re-elected in 2019 and is currently serving his second term. With the slogan "Towards a brighter future, further progress," he aims for a village administration that not only inherits but also develops the rich local culture and natural environment.

Information
Oshino Village
Located in a plateau basin at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture, it is known as a village of pristine water. From the "Nijumagari Pass Observation Terrace," which opened in 2022, visitors can enjoy a view that has been selected as one of the 100 best views of Mt. Fuji.

Interview date:
This was done in November 2022 for the university's public relations magazine, "JF Oberlin Tokyo No. 9".

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