We investigated the background behind the confusion surrounding renewable energy that harnesses natural forces.
A wind power construction plan emerges in the wine town…
This is venison from Yoichi Town.
Ezo deer steak is low in fat and healthy, highlighting the flavor of the lean meat.
And paired with this dish is—
A fragrant white wine!
Made from Yoichi-grown grapes.
Here, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and wine.
“I think Yoichi Town has everything: gentle hills that produce high-quality grapes, and winds that are not too strong.”
Yoichi Town is known as a wine town.
Last week, YOSHIKI of X JAPAN visited a partner vineyard.
“The wines from this region are already world-class, and I believe they can expand globally. I’m very interested in that, and I hope this not only means good wine from Hokkaido but also becomes one of Japan’s future export industries.”
Yoichi wine, praised by a world-famous musician.
But in that town, a plan has emerged—
A wind power construction plan.
Atsuo Hirakawa runs a winery in Yoichi Town.
He produces 50,000 bottles of wine annually from 13.5 hectares of vineyards, but in recent years, damage from migratory birds has been a headache.
“Last year, this area suffered significant bird damage. Migratory birds ate a lot of the wine grapes. Along the power lines, we saw a lot of damage.”
Amid this, a plan near the vineyards came to light.
“Why Yoichi?” Residents oppose the plan by Kansai Electric Power
“Over that mountain. Large wind turbines are planned near the border with Furubira Town. Power line towers will extend from that hollow part of the mountain toward the Yoichi Interchange.”
The plan involves a wind power project with transmission lines crossing Yoichi Town.
The company behind this plan is Kansai Electric Power, headquartered in Osaka.
According to Kansai Electric Power, up to 18 wind turbines are planned across Yoichi and Furubira towns.
About 40 power line towers are proposed to cross Yoichi Town.
At a dialogue meeting held in April, many residents gathered.
Among them was Hirakawa.
After learning of the plan, he established an opposition group and serves as its representative.
“The dialogue between Kansai Electric Power and residents began behind closed doors except for the opening. Heated voices could occasionally be heard from inside.”
“Not doing it at all would be the most peaceful way for everyone to live harmoniously.”
“If the results show the environment is fine, will you push forward?”
“I’m a bit puzzled why it has to be Yoichi.”
“Everyone’s livelihood is at stake, and this will damage that. I think they need to provide much clearer information.”
“We will thoroughly report all the opinions we received to our headquarters.”
The dialogue meeting lasted over two hours, but mutual understanding did not deepen.
“Kansai Electric Power did not provide me with the detailed drawings I requested—showing the turbine locations, access roads, towers, and transmission lines. They said they couldn’t share more, and I’m very disappointed.”
Kansai Electric Power, which promotes renewable energy projects nationwide, says it has held information sessions in Yoichi Town since 2023.
But—
“I work at a
Yoichi
Yoichi Town
Hokkaido
X JAPAN
Furubira Town
Osaka
Kansai Electric Power
Nikka Whisky distillery
Japan
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