2022.07.07
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Visiting a Town with Mitsubishi Materials 〜Hachimantai Green Energy edition〜
Ms. Stride, a woman traveling across Japan, visits a town where a Mitsubishi Materials Group hub is located.
Navigator
Ms. Stride
A woman in her late twenties who enjoys factory tours and strolls around town.
Hachimantai Green Energy edition
In this edition, we will introduce the town where Hachimantai Green Energy Co., Ltd., which supports the Mitsubishi Materials’ renewable energy business, is located.
Hachimantai is an advanced renewable energy region that is well known to those in the know.
Most impressively, Kazuno City in Akita Prefecture has an electricity self-sufficiency ratio of over 300%. Hachimantai Green Energy supports local infrastructure through the operation and maintenance of two geothermal power plants (one with steam facilities only) and six hydroelectric power plants.
Most impressively, Kazuno City in Akita Prefecture has an electricity self-sufficiency ratio of over 300%. Hachimantai Green Energy supports local infrastructure through the operation and maintenance of two geothermal power plants (one with steam facilities only) and six hydroelectric power plants.
One of Japan’s three major bayashi*
Hanawa Bayashi
Hanawa Bayashi
Kazuno City has numerous historical festivals, but among them, Hanawa Bayashi, which has been held since the Heian period, is particularly well known. Every year on August 19 to 20, ten gorgeous floats pass through the town overnight, with musicians competing for the best performance. This festival is registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is also a nationally designated important intangible folk cultural property.
*An instrumental performance accompanying an event
*An instrumental performance accompanying an event
I can really feel the excitement! That looks like so much fun!
Registered as a World Cultural Heritage site!
Oyu Stone Circles
Oyu Stone Circles
This heritage site consists of two large stone circles (Nonakado and Manza) that date back to the late Jomon period. It is part of the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, which were registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2021. It’s said that the prefectural highway that runs between the circles will be relocated in the future. Employees from Hachimantai Green Energy participated in tree planting ceremonies in this area.
Local cuisine from Kazuno
Hormone Kouraku
Hormone Kouraku
Kazuno is well known for beef/pork innards hot pot. The restaurant Hormone Kouraku, which was founded in 1951, originally fed the Osarizawa miners and is still beloved by the local people today. Its original dish consists of fresh beef/pork innards, tofu, and cabbage cooked in an iron pan. The sweet-spicy seasoning whets your appetite, so you can’t help getting seconds of rice and beer! Many of the local people buy take- out and eat it at home.
Geothermal and hydroelectric power plants operated and maintained by Hachimantai Green Energy
Ikari Power Plant
A hydroelectric power plant established in 1907 to supply electricity to Osarizawa mine. The red brick building is recognized as a Civil Engineering Heritage Site by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. Although its external appearance remains as it was, the inside has been renovated and the state-of-the- art facility is in operation.
Onuma Geothermal Power Station
Started operation in 1974 as the third geothermal power plant in Japan. As it is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, it was built at a height that would not spoil the scenery.
There are so many green energy spots around Kazuno and Kita Akita!
Daily communication with nature
Operating and maintaining hydroelectric power plants is a battle with nature.
We occasionally have to remove driftwood, fallen leaves, and waste from the waterways with rakes to prevent them from clogging up!
We occasionally have to remove driftwood, fallen leaves, and waste from the waterways with rakes to prevent them from clogging up!
Bears are a common sight
Since the geothermal power plants are located deep in the mountains, we often come across bears. We wear bear bells when we work to warn them of our presence. In winter, it snows heavily in this area, so our work starts with shoveling snow first thing in the morning.
Bears and people coexisting in harmony with each other
Guide
Assistant Section Chief,
General Affairs Sect., Administrative Dept.
Akihiko Shibamori
Joined the company in 2009. Responsible for maintaining hydroelectric and geothermal power plants. Since April, he has been involved in administrative work at head office. His recommended local spot is “Dragon Eye,” a miraculous view near the summit of Hachimantai during the snowmelt season.
Guide
Assistant Section Chief,
Engineering Sect., Engineering Dept.
Hiroshi Wasada
Joined the company in 2009. After working at a geothermal power plant as an on-site engineer, he was put in charge of environmental research, including analysis of hot springs. His local recommendation is Hanawa Bayashi, a type of pure Japanese sake made from rice and spring water from Akita Prefecture.
