The construction of new agricultural community On "RUREC CONCEPTION"

Our village, 'Ogata-mura' is located approximately in the center of the western prefecture of Akita, on the east side of Oga Peninsula. In the far north we can see the world protected area, 'Shirakami-mountainous district'; in the far south we can see the sacred mountain 'Chokai'. Before the birth of Ogata-village, Hachirogata Lake had the proud distinction of being not only a beautiful lake, but of being the second largest lake in Japan. Also it was a valuable fishing ground where over 70 varieties of fish and shellfish could be found. The fertile earth that was soon to become Ogata-village was sleeping in the bottom of the lake, waiting for the time of reclamation. Ogata-village first started from Six families consisting of 14 members. The purpose of the village was to develop a model agricultural management and a new style of agricultural society. Ogata-village is the sixty-ninth village formed in Akita and the newest one. Its development drew public attention, but it was not easy. However, the villagers have grappled to develop "a model agricultural village in Japan". There were 589 settlers from all parts of Japan who came to Ogata. Recently, about 3400 villagers are trying to develop a model village. It is the thirtieth anniversary of Ogata-village in 1994. Beautiful nature has been restored by them and it has become Ogata-village's new symbol.

Rurec Plan 'Rurec' is a compound word that synthesised 'Rural' and 'Recreation'.

This forms a link in the chain of our 'Ogata-village synthetic expansion plan', (from 1992 to 1997, 6 years plan), which included the village's fundamental philosophy of "making a merry home town". This plan aims to make a fascinating village for the young generation while making the best use of the village's originality.