CSR Activities
A splendid view of Hiji town taken from the walking route
Hiji town, Hayami district, Oita prefecture.
Canadian Solar Project K.K. (CSP) sponsored "The 13th Xavier Road Walking Convention Competition" held in Hiji, Oita Prefecture. CSP is planning to complete a large solar power plant in the city in 2019.
Francis Xavier, who had been conducting missionary activities in Japan in the 16th century, is said to have passed through Hiji town in Oita prefecture, where he used the pass on Nishikanagoedo road which still exists today, to meet the Daimyo (feudal lord) Otomo Sorin.
The annual event “Xavier Road Walking Competition” held in the town centering on the historic route is also known as "Xavier's Way". The 2018 event was also held as part of the "33rd National Cultural Festival, Oita 2018" and the "18th National Disabled Art and Cultural Festival, Oita Competition" prefectural projects, and gained more attention than usual as a result.
Canadian Solar Projects K.K., a Canadian solar group company that handles energy projects, is currently building a large-scale power plant "LOHAS ECE Oita Power Plant" with 53.4 MW capacity. Due to this connection, the company sponsored "The 13th Xavier Road Walking Convention Competition" held in October 2018. In addition to supporting events, several staff members actually participated, walked along the route, and experienced the charm of Hiji town with its rich history and beautiful nature.
The event traces the route apparently walked by Xavier
Canadian Solar Projects KK staff who participated
LOHAS ECE Oita Power Plant under construction in Hiji town
On the day of the event, there was clear and refreshing autumnal weather, and a lot of participants gathered from early morning in Ota Park, which was the venue for the departure ceremony. A total of 416 participants, including 121 for the 20km ‘A course’, 170 for the 12 km ‘B course’, and 125 for the 5km ‘C course’, ranging from small children to the oldest entrant at 91 years old took part. Of course, there were many participants from Hiji town, but also there were plenty of entrees from both inside and outside Oita Prefecture to be seen. From Canadian Solar Projects KK, three people participated in the ‘A course’ and one person participated in the ‘B course’.
The departure ceremony took place at Ota Park from 8:30 in the morning. Hirofumi Honda, mayor of Hiji town and chairman of the convention executive committee, and Akihito Mori, chairman of Hiji town council, gave greetings. After that, all the participants performed preparation gymnastics exercises, and started walking their chosen course immediately after the warm ups finished.
‘A course’ is a challenging route with many undulations, ‘B course’ is a basic route which descends from Mt. Kyozuka summit, and ‘C course’ is an easy route along the Shiroshita seafront promenade which extends from the town center to the sea shore. All of the routes provide superb views from viewpoints overlooking the cityscape of Hiji town and the view of the whole of Beppu Bay, and participants often paused their walking to take photographs. There are also historic sites such as Hiji Martyrs Park where Christian martyrs were persecuted, Ryusenji Temple with the tomb of Rentaro Taki, and the Hiji Castle Ruins which are mentioned as one of Oita prefecture’s top one hundred scenic spots. Furthermore, it is also blessed with charming natural attractions such as Yamada spring where you can enjoy fresh mellow spring water, and view the Asagi Madara butterfly rest area, making it a pleasure to walk while sightseeing.
Participants returned to the goal area at Ota Park around noon. They received a course completion certificate and mementos provided by sponsoring companies, including a local specialty "Chirimen-gohan" (crispy rice) and Mandarin oranges which provided energy supplement. Depending on the course, it was pretty hard and exhausting, however everybody seemed to be bright and cheerful after finishing such a pleasant walk.
Many participants gathering at the registration desk at Ota Park from early morning
Hirofumi Honda, mayor of Hiji town speaks at the departing ceremony
‘B course’ route descends from Mt. Kyozuka summit
Yokotsu shrine is on a hill on ‘A course’
‘A course’ boasts many vantage points along the undulating route
Yokotsu shrine is on a hill on ‘A course’
‘A course’ boasts many vantage points along the undulating route
Yamada spring acts as a water spot on both A and B courses
Asagi Madara butterfly can be seen among the Fujibakama flowers (A and B courses)
Yamada spring acts as a water spot on both A and B courses
Asagi Madara butterfly can be seen among the Fujibakama flowers (A and B courses)
In the Canadian Solar Projects, we are striving to protect Hiji town’s rich environment while developing and building the power plant. Our staff who participated in this event were impressed by the natural beauty and traditional landscape of the route and expressed that "great care should be taken to maintain this treasure forever".
We hope that natural clean energy development will continue to help maintain the wonderful environment of Hiji town for many years to come.
Various views from along the course are impressive in unique ways
A photo shot at Ota Park after completing the walks
Various views from along the course are impressive in unique ways
A photo shot at Ota Park after completing the walks
