What is the National Taisetsu Youth Friendship Center?

The National Taisetsu Youth Friendship Center was established on October 16, 1966. It was founded by the Ministry of Education (now the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) as Japan\’s fourth national youth center.

On April 1st, 2001, it was renamed the Taisetsu National Youth Friendship Center and reorganized as an Independent Administrative Agency under the National Youth House.

Then, on April 1st, 2006, it became the Taisetsu National Youth Friendship Center, the National Youth Education Promotion Organization, marking a new beginning.

We have returned to our founding principle: fostering healthy development of young people, the leaders of the next generation. All staff wholeheartedly support your activities.

Natural Environment

The National Taisetsu Youth Friendship Center is in Biei, a town popular for its rolling hills, almost in the center of Hokkaido. It is also the northernmost youth exchange center in Japan, situated at the foot of Mt. Tokachidake, which rises to 2,077 meters. Located within the Taisetsuzan National Park, it boasts a rich natural environment, with primeval forests and alpine plants. In winter, a beautiful world of sparkling white snow unfolds, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Our Symbol

Facility Emblem

Date of Establishment: Sept 10th, 1966

Designed by staff members at the time of the facility’s opening.

– The shape of a triangle represents a person, the main peak of Mt. Tokachidake, and the fir trees. Together with the shape of the circle, it expresses the grandeur of the “大” character in Taisetsuzan Mountain Range.

– The circle represents the harmony of the universe and humanity. Placing the triangle\’s vertex at the center of the circle is a design that symbolizes the keen inquisitive spirit of young people striving for their life’s goals with their whole being.

– The symmetrical simplicity and straightforwardness, along with the clarity of the cobalt blue, all express the purity of the youths.

The Flame of Friendship

This gentle flame was lit on the summit of Mt. Tokachidake on October 16th, 1966, when the Taisetsu Youth Center was established in the vast, untouched primeval forest.

Since then, it has been protected, nurtured, and passed down by many young people as a flame of friendship.

We sincerely hope that this flame of friendship will continue to burn forever in your heart as a cherished memory of your youth.

This flame of friendship is also used today as the initial flame for candle services.

Theme Song

*Please see the song’s lyrics and sheet music HERE (only in Japanese).

Our Mascot and Its Nickname

Nickname: Tabiusagi (Traveling Pika)

Artist: Tsubasa Okubo, 7th grade at Toma Junior High School, Toma Town (*the grade is as of the time of drawing).

“Tabiusagi” is a character modeled after the ‘pika’ that inhabits the Tokachi Mountain Range. The design embodies the concept of “travel” (tabi), representing a journey of growth through encounters, interactions, and experiences with people as the character travels from place to place.

Additionally, inspired by our guesthouse located at the foot of Mt. Tokachi, the character wears a hat shaped like Mt. Biei-Fuji, Mt. Biei, and Mt. Tokachi, engraved with the words “SINCE 1966,” and carries a backpack featuring our facility’s emblem.

Our Mascot

Our Tabiusagi will travel to many places as a relations ambassador for the National Taisetsu Friendship Center. We would appreciate your warm support!