Key Facts
• Kibichuo Town signed a partnership with Hirabayashi Metal on December 3, 2025.
• Hirabayashi Metal specializes in recycling and professional sports team management.
• The agreement includes dispatching personnel for disaster prevention and sports education.
• In 2023, high levels of PFAS were detected in local water sources.
• Both parties aim to collaborate on improving river water quality.
• Mayor Masanori Yamamoto emphasized the need for innovative solutions to water issues.
• Hirabayashi Metal CEO Minoru Hirabayashi highlighted the company’s ability to fill resource gaps.
• Specific cooperation details will be decided through ongoing discussions.
Summary
Kibichuo Town in Okayama Prefecture has partnered with Hirabayashi Metal, a company known for recycling and sports team management, to leverage private sector expertise in public initiatives. The agreement focuses on disaster prevention, sports education, and addressing water quality issues caused by PFAS contamination detected in 2023. Mayor Masanori Yamamoto expressed gratitude for potential solutions, while CEO Minoru Hirabayashi emphasized the company’s role in addressing resource and financial constraints. Future collaboration details will be determined through ongoing discussions.
