Interview with Nakano Atsushi
I spoke with Nakano Atsushi, the representative of Nuca Co., Ltd.
What inspired you to start this business?
Nakano
I am from Yamaguchi Prefecture and came to Okayama for university.
I studied welfare at university and then worked in the welfare field for about 14 and a half years. During that time, I was often exposed to the expressions and activities of the users, and I was deeply moved by their free and powerful expressions.
I thought, "I want people to see the works in a better place," and I held exhibitions with my friends. From those experiences, I started the living care office "Nuca" in 2013.
After that, I also created "Atelier Nukagokko" and the consultation support office "Chinu," and I am currently operating four offices.
What do you think are the charms of "Nuca"?
Nakano
The good thing about "Nuca" is that we can accept the individuality and uniqueness of each user as they are.
In the welfare field, efficiency and safety tend to be prioritized, but here we value "leisure" and "playfulness," so naturally, unique and creative activities expand. This atmosphere is not something I created alone; it has been nurtured by all the staff who resonate with it.
Staff who love design and expression gather, and connecting with people interested in our activities through social media has also become a great strength. I believe that the "fun" and "discoveries" that can be overlooked when only pursuing efficiency and results actually lie within this leisure and space.
Why are you focusing on art activities?
Nakano
Actually, I didn't have a strong attachment to art myself. What I value is drawing out each user's "wants" and "fun."
For example, in workshops like "Tsumimashouya," where we stack blocks endlessly, and "Koike no Oike," where we enjoy tearing newspapers, we let them enjoy their unique expressions.
We value the process and stories more than the finished works. By enjoying "creating" together with the users, diverse expressions naturally emerge.
This connection with daily activities is a characteristic of Nuca that allows creation to expand.
How did the "Nande Sonan Project" start?
Nakano
This started in 2020.
The trigger was an open-entry, non-judged "Underground Exhibition." It was born from a wordplay combining "Underground" and "Nande Sonan."
Underground Exhibition
An art exhibition based on the principles of no judging, no awards, and free submissions. It was first held in Paris, France in 1884 and influenced various countries.
In the welfare field, users' "quirks" and "obsessions" tend to be overlooked, but we wanted to cherish them and reframe them as something interesting.
We are collecting episodes and holding study sessions to broaden our thinking, and we are also expanding into exhibition formats. This perspective of finding fun in quirks and obsessions is gradually being adopted in educational settings.
I hear that balancing social contribution and business in welfare projects is difficult. How is it operated on-site, and how do you value relationships with staff and users?
Nakano
Yes, balancing is indeed difficult. While effectively utilizing national compensation and subsidies, we strive to create a space where both staff and users feel "it's fun to come here."
We ask staff to maintain a posture of "never rushing or panicking in front, while working hard behind the scenes" (which we call the "Swan Principle" at Nuca). At the same time, it is essential to have an atmosphere where individuality is respected and freely expressed. We interact with users on a flat level, calling each other by nicknames and having conversations with a natural distance.
I believe that the accumulation of such interactions creates a space where both staff and users can enjoy themselves, which ultimately leads to high-quality support.
What do you think is the reason you can continue your activities?
Nakano
I didn't have a plan or vision from the beginning; rather, I have been moving more in a way of "thinking about it afterward."
However, the connections with people and events I meet on-site have become a significant force. Receiving ideas and stimuli that arise in the moment and shaping them together with my friends is enjoyable.
Because I can even find "interesting" in unexpected things and unforeseen events, I have been able to continue.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Nakano
First of all, I hope you will come and visit casually.
Just listening to stories or experiencing crafts and museums will allow you to feel our activities and thoughts.
At "Hyon," we create a space where people can naturally interact, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not, and we value the emergence of new discoveries and understandings as diverse people move and experience freely, without being bound by rules or forms.
If even one reader thinks, "That sounds interesting," or "I want to go," I feel that we are one step closer to our goal.
Conclusion
Mr. Nakano's way of thinking was very simple and powerful.
He believes it is essential to create a "mixed society" where diverse people can naturally blend together, accepting the differences that arise in the context of society and the environment, rather than viewing them as special.
Through the interview, I felt that my own perspective on people and individuality has broadened a bit. If you are interested, please experience at "Hyon" and feel that "Nuca is a treasure trove of fun!"
Like "Nukadoko," let's take our time to carefully ferment "accidents and encounters." Why not visit and experience it with your own eyes? Surely, new discoveries and encounters await.
Data on Hyon, a Type B Employment Continuation Support Office of Nuca Co., Ltd.
| Name | Nuca Co., Ltd. - Type B Employment Continuation Support Office Hyon |
|---|---|
| Address | 528 Nishi-Achi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-6609 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Monday to Friday / First Saturday of every month 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Saturday, Sunday, irregular holidays First Monday of every month |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Hyon |
