I Talked to the People of the Island
On Kitagi-shima Island, there is an NPO that provides services aimed at the independent development of the Kasaoka Islands as a whole, as well as the stabilization of the lives and improvement of welfare for the islanders.
Koji Narumoto, Chairman of the NPO Kasaoka Island Development Marine Association, shared his thoughts with us.
What do you think are the attractions of Kitagi-shima Island?
Narumoto (honorifics omitted)
The charm from an outside perspective is actually not very clear.
However, I feel the charm of living here.
In the community, there were youth group activities.
The youth group is responsible for the local community.
There were three youth groups on Kitagi-shima.
When I joined the youth group, there were about 43 members in a small settlement, and more than half were women.
They managed local issues, annual events, and cultural performances.
We could engage in all sorts of activities, so I felt a strong attraction to community activities.
The predecessors have protected and nurtured the community through various efforts.
I also thought, I want to do something on the island and work hard at what I can do.
Currently, we gather in the evening to share meals and discuss local matters like, "Which family is in need of help?"
The Kasaoka Islands have been recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
Narumoto
Tourism does not succeed overnight.
The islanders want to create things that generate employment and bring in some income.
We need to think about a form of tourism that makes both visitors and islanders happy.
Are there any recommended spots that tourists might not know about?
Narumoto
I wonder if there are any... No, I actually think there are.
However, since they are part of daily life, I don't feel they are tourist spots.
Not just Kitagi-shima, but all islands are like that.
In the past, I showed photos taken by people from outside the island and asked the islanders, "Where is this?"
Surprisingly, they often don't know where it is, even if it's a view they see all the time, because the perspective is different.
I think you might find better places if you walk around the island without inputting any information.
Instead of "going to see tourist spots," I hope you will look for places you like.
Conversely, is there anything you would prefer tourists not to do?
Narumoto
I don't think there is much. The islanders are pure and kind people.
As long as there is no "intrusive behavior," they would be happy with just a greeting like "hello."
What motivates you to work for the island?
Narumoto
I guess it calms me down.
My main business is in the stone industry.
When I go on business trips, I often think, "I want to go home soon," and I feel calm when I return to the island.
One of the principles of the NPO Kasaoka Island Development Marine Association is to create an environment where people born and raised on the island can continue to live on the island for as long as possible.
There are seven inhabited islands in the Kasaoka Islands, and we are working towards creating an environment where people can continue to live by thinking of them as one.
It has been over 25 years since we started our activities, but I have never once thought, "I should quit."
I have been scolded by my family many times, saying, "You should quit," though (laughs).
From the Writer
Kitagi-shima is a calm island with unique landscapes created by quarrying.
As you stroll leisurely, the surrounding flowers and plants delight your eyes.
It is not a heavily touristed island, but there are rental bicycles and restaurants, making it relatively easy to explore.
There are also swimming beaches, and you can enjoy marine leisure activities and fishing.
There are places to eat, and it is a walkable island.
Since I visited for an interview, I only explored a part of the island due to interviews and event participation.
However, if you are traveling normally, you can use rental bicycles to go to the southern part of the island even for a day trip.
I would like to visit again and walk around the southern part of the island!
What do you want to know about Kurashiki?
By entering words, we will search articles from this site
