“Armonía” means [harmony] in Spanish.
People who agree with the spirit of “Armonía” will gather to hold the Harmony Marche on April 14, 2024 (Sunday) in Shoshin-cho, Kurashiki City.
We interviewed Midori Yao, the manager of Armonía and the founder of the Harmony Marche, about the concept and her thoughts.
What is the “Harmony Marche”?
The 2nd Harmony Marche will be held on April 14, 2024 (Sunday) at the Shoshin-cho No. 4 Park Ground.
For details about the vendors and the stage on the day, please see the flyer below.
Interview with Midori Yao, the founder of the Harmony Marche
We interviewed Midori Yao from the Harmony Marche Executive Committee about her thoughts on the 2nd Harmony Marche.
What kind of event is the Harmony Marche?
Yao (no honorifics)
It is a marche by vendors who are actively engaged in activities such as children's cafeterias and welfare activities in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town.
On the day, a wide range of vendors with various experiences, from those with extensive experience in marshalling to those who want to start their own shops, are expected to gather.
Please tell us the aim and intention behind planning the Harmony Marche.
Yao
I run a restaurant called “Armonía.”
The name “Armonía” means [harmony] in Spanish.
Through this restaurant, I want people to feel that they are glad to live in this area, regardless of race, gender, or disability. Therefore, I want to provide a place where customers can harmonize through food, offering various international cuisines and holding children's cafeterias.
Interestingly, many customers who play music come to this restaurant, and there are days when the atmosphere is lively with music. Music, like food, is something that people from any culture can enjoy in common.
Every day, I witness moments of harmony among customers at this restaurant, and I wanted more people to know about this joy, which is why I started the Harmony Marche.
What are the differences from the 1st Harmony Marche?
Yao
First, the venue has changed to the Shoshin-cho No. 4 Park Ground. The 1st Harmony Marche, held last year (2023), took place in front of the Armonía restaurant, but we had more customers than expected. For the 2nd event, we decided to borrow the Shoshin-cho No. 4 Park Ground.
Also, for the 1st event, I was struggling to manage it alone, but after seeing the situation of last year's Harmony Marche, people who agreed with my thoughts gathered, and this time the Harmony Marche Executive Committee was established. The members are mainly my classmates who grew up and live in this area.
With the establishment of the executive committee, I realize every day that what I do not have, someone else does, not only among customers but also among those who manage the event.
What kind of shops will participate in the 2nd Harmony Marche?
Yao
My restaurant Armonía participates in marches held in Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town about once or twice a month. I reached out to shops that are actively engaged in children's cafeteria activities and welfare activities that I met at those marches.
I want to create a place that provides safe food for people from various backgrounds.
Additionally, since this time the venue will be a local ground, I am also reaching out to shops familiar to the people of the Shō district and those that have just started new challenges in this town.
As Armonía, we will sell not only international cuisine but also curry rice, which we usually serve at the children's cafeteria.
I want the residents to know more about the children living in this area through our efforts at the children's cafeteria. The proceeds from the curry rice sales will be used to support the operation of the children's cafeteria.
What will the stage program consist of?
Yao
The main focus will be on music stages.
I reached out to musicians who gather at Armonía.
However, music can be hard to reach for those who are hearing impaired. Therefore, I have always been interested in sign language. I had hoped to perform a sign language song someday, and then a customer of Armonía, Mariko Takai, who is a community revitalization cooperant with hearing impairment, came to visit, so I asked her to supervise the sign language song.
On the day, I hope that not only the vendors but also the customers will join in and create harmony together.
Please tell us your recommended ways to enjoy the day.
On that day, vendors who want to create harmony with others will gather.
Whether you are filled with expectations for life starting the day after the new fiscal year or full of anxiety, please come to the Harmony Marche to replenish your emotional nourishment.
Surrounded by delicious food and enjoyable music, let’s spend a good day together.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the interview, I plan to attend the Harmony Marche as the supervisor of the sign language song.
I am excited to see the moments of harmony being created among vendors, between vendors and customers, and among customers.
How about spending the weekend at a marche where various cultures can harmonize through food and music, regardless of race or disability?
Data for the 2nd Harmony Marche
| Name | 2nd Harmony Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14, 2024 (Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Location | 4 Shoshin-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free (payment at each store) |
