“Armonía” means [harmony] in Spanish.
People who share the spirit of “Armonía” have come together, and a Harmony Marche will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Shoshincho, Kurashiki City.
We spoke with Midori Yao, manager of Armonía and the person who initiated the Harmony Marche, about its concept and her thoughts behind it.
The information provided was current when this article was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Harmony Marche?
The 2nd Harmony Marche will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Shoshincho No. 4 Park Grounds.
For details of the vendors and stage program on the day, see the flyer below.
Interview with Midori Yao, the person who initiated the Harmony Marche
We interviewed Midori Yao of the Harmony Marche Organizing Committee about her thoughts on the 2nd Harmony Marche.
What kind of event is the Harmony Marche?
Yao (surname only)
It is a marche featuring vendors who are actively involved in children’s cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town.
A wide range of vendors are expected to gather on the day, from those with extensive experience selling at various marches to shops that are hoping to get started in the future.
Could you tell us the aims and intentions behind planning the Harmony Marche?
Yao
I run a restaurant called “Armonía.”
The name “Armonía” means [harmony] in Spanish.
Through my restaurant, I want people to feel glad they live in this community, regardless of their race, gender, or whether they have a disability. That’s why I want to provide a place where customers can connect through food, so I serve dishes from various countries and hold a children’s cafeteria.
For some reason, many customers who come to the restaurant play music, and there are days when music brings everyone together. Like food, music is something people from all cultures can enjoy together.
I’ve seen customers connect with one another here every day, and I wanted more people to experience how enjoyable that is, so I started the Harmony Marche.
What is different from the 1st Harmony Marche?
Yao
First, the venue has changed to the Shoshincho No. 4 Park Grounds. The 1st Harmony Marche, held last year (2023), took place in front of Armonía, and far more people came than we expected. For the 2nd one, we were able to borrow the Shoshincho No. 4 Park Grounds.
Also, I struggled to run the 1st one by myself, but after seeing how the Harmony Marche went last year, people who shared my vision came together, and this time we formed the Harmony Marche Organizing Committee. The members are mainly my former classmates who grew up and live in this district.
Since the organizing committee was formed, I’ve come to realize every day that what I lack, whether as a customer or an organizer, is something someone else has.
What kinds of shops will be at the 2nd Harmony Marche?
Yao
My restaurant, Armonía, takes part in marches held once or twice a month in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town. I reached out mainly to shops I met at those marches that are actively involved in children’s cafeterias and welfare activities.
That’s because I want this to be a place that provides food people can feel safe eating, whatever their circumstances.
Also, since we’re holding it at a local sports ground this time, I’ve reached out to shops familiar to people in the Sho district, as well as shops that have just started taking on new challenges in this town.
Armonía will be selling not only international dishes, but also the curry rice we usually serve at our children’s cafeteria.
I want residents to learn more about what we do at the children’s cafeteria and about the children who live in this district. Proceeds from the curry rice sales will go toward running the children’s cafeteria.
What will the stage program include?
Yao
It will mainly feature musical performances.
I reached out mainly to musicians who gather at Armonía.
However, music can be hard for people who are deaf to access. I’ve always been interested in sign language, and had hoped to perform a song in sign language someday. Then Mariko Takaishi, a deaf Community Revitalization Cooperator and a customer at Armonía, came in, so I asked her to advise us on the sign-language song.
On the day, I hope the vendors and customers alike will join in by moving their hands, so we can all create a harmony together.
Could you tell us how you recommend enjoying the event?
Vendors who want to create harmony with others will gather on the day.
Whether you’re full of anticipation for the days ahead as the new school and fiscal year begins, or feeling anxious, please come to the Harmony Marche to replenish your emotional nourishment.
Let’s spend a wonderful day together, surrounded by delicious food and enjoyable music.
From the Writer
As mentioned in the interview, I also plan to attend the Harmony Marche as an adviser for the sign-language song.
I’m excited at the thought of seeing moments of harmony between vendors, between vendors and customers, and among customers.
Why not spend the weekend at a marche where all kinds of cultures—regardless of race or disability—come together through food and music?
2nd Harmony Marche Information
| Name | 2nd Harmony Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, April 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
| Location | 4 Shoshincho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free (pay at each shop) |
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