Abstract
In 1983, The Snow Area Branch Office of The National Research Institute of Agricultural Economics
(NRIAE) in Yamagata prefecture was closed and unified to main office in Tokyo. The books, research materials
and building of the branch office was transferred to Shinjo-City. The aims of this paper is to explain why Shinjo-
City request to transfer the highly specialized books and research materials.
The main reason of the transfer was the request of the study groups consisted of young farmers. They
had experiences of the studies about agricultural problems. The teaching leaders of this study groups ware research members of the branch office. The members of study groups understood the importance of the social
relations and solidarities in local area from teaching leaders. And also they recognized the importance of the
books and research materials. So, they appealed to the citizens of Shinjo and requested to city assembly about
the transfer of books, research materials and building of the branch office.
The citizens remembered the history of branch of the research institute and considered that buildings
of the branch office are symbol of the culture of Shinjo-city. Therefor citizens and the members of city assembly supported the appeal of young farmers. And Shinjo-city decided to accept the books, research materials and
building of the branch office.
After transfer of books, research materials and building of the branch office, the Shinjo-city built new
institute named "The Information Center in Snowy Country" (Yuki-no-sato Jouhou-kan). Citizens take part in management of the Information Center. For citizens, the Information Center hold seminars on the life of snowy area, exhibitions of folkcrafts and handcrafts made by citizens. The books and research materials are kept in the library of the Information Center and can be used by citizens and researchers.
https://ror.org/01dq60k83 
