The Kitamae-bune Ports of Call Forum has been held since 2007 at ports on the Sea of Japan side where Kitamae-bune ships call, with the aim of utilizing the tradition of the Kitamae-bune ships, which played a role in logistics networks and regional exchange during the Edo period, in modern times, and contributing to regional revitalization through collaboration between related local governments. Although this conference, which will be the 34th, is not a direct port of call for the Kitamae-bune ships, it is the first to be held in a local government on the Pacific side with Kushiro as the main venue, due to Eastern Hokkaido's connection to being a producer of trade goods such as kelp and gyohi, which is the residue left over from squeezing sardines.

Through this forum, we hope to widely disseminate the appeal of Eastern Hokkaido and its food culture, including kelp, as well as to deepen regional exchanges and contribute to the development of each region.

Contents:
There will be lectures by experts on the topics of kelp, Kitamae ships, and adventure travel, and there will also be tourism and product promotion booths set up by municipalities under the jurisdiction of Hokkaido and the Kushiro General Bureau, local organizations, Fukui Prefecture, and others.

Target audience: Anyone
How to apply: Access the application form on the official website and enter your "affiliation" and "name" to apply.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 14th

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.