Interview with Representative Miyoshi
The high school student idea contest using the world's warmest canned food "Konohitokan," the "Second Konohitokan 1000 Can Project."
I asked Representative Chihiro Miyoshi about her thoughts on this contest.
The Trigger for Holding the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project
What led you to decide to hold the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project?
Miyoshi
When I visited a high school as a lecturer for the SDGs outreach class, I learned that the high school students had
“We also want to spread Konohitokan”
“If there is anything we can do, even if it's small, we want to take action”
and I thought about what I could do to help, which was the trigger for this project.
I thought of having the high school students come up with ideas using "Konohitokan," actually go out into society, take action, and realize their ideas.
Preparations for the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project
After receiving the thoughts from the high school students, what was the first thing you did?
Miyoshi
First, I made an appointment with the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education and conveyed my thoughts.
The person who responded at that time was Dr. Yoshiki Muro, the Director of the High School Education Division, Okayama Prefectural Board of Education.
Dr. Muro empathized with my thoughts and ideas and agreed to provide full support.
Dr. Muro mentioned that while there are many presentation contests for ideas, the Konohitokan project contest begins after the presentation.
I received the words, "It's a wonderful contest."
Enthusiasm for Holding the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project
Since planning the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project, what has been the most challenging aspect?
Miyoshi
This time, I scheduled the event for July 2023, but if we hold it in July, the application deadline for high school students ends up being at the end of April due to preparations.
April is the season for entrance exams and promotions, and exploration activities have not yet started, and the teachers are busy, so there was hardly any time to look at the flyers for the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project.
In fact, only one team had applied a week before the deadline at the end of April.
How did you increase the number of applying teams from there?
Miyoshi
I extended the application deadline to May 10, 2023, and called every high school in Okayama Prefecture every day.
Since the school teachers are busy, the time to connect is very limited.
I managed to get through on the phone and spoke with the teachers in charge of exploration activities and the vice principals, conveying the thoughts behind the Konohitokan 1000 Can Project.
I remember it was a tough time, making calls every day.
Still, I continued to call with the belief that I want to create a place for high school students to solve social issues and provide a spotlight for high school students.
As a result, 11 schools and 55 teams applied.
At that moment, I was so happy that I could have cried.
Encounters with High School Students
Your thoughts resonated with them. Can you tell us about a moment that moved you during this contest?
Miyoshi
When I was calling high schools to get entries, a teacher asked me to convey my thoughts in front of the students.
That was at Kurashiki City Tamashima High School's evening division, where I spoke in front of the high school students during the night class.
Then, one student listened to my talk and said, "I want to enter the contest."
He then got his classmates involved and decided to enter the contest.
On the day of the contest, that student told me, "I might be able to change."
It was a moment when I strongly felt that people can change through someone’s words.
Thoughts for the High School Students
Do you have a message you want to convey to the high school students?
Miyoshi
It was very clear through the presentations that the high school students were earnestly researching about "Konohitokan."
They received the thoughts behind "Konohitokan," thought about what they could do, and expressed it in their own words.
Using the canned food "Konohitokan" is just a means; I want to say that each person is the protagonist of their own story.
I hope they believe in their potential, find a place where they can maximize their abilities, and continue to challenge themselves.
Preparations for the Third Konohitokan 1000 Can Project
Please tell us your enthusiasm for the third Konohitokan 1000 Can Project scheduled for 2024.
Miyoshi
The third project is scheduled for around October 2024, and I want to hold it with even more power.
I am considering recruiting executive committee members and conducting leadership training, and I have many ideas in mind.
Continuity and delivering thoughts are important, so I want to work hard to make everyone a big fan of "Konohitokan."
Conclusion
No matter what kind of pinch she encounters, Miyoshi only looks forward and pushes ahead.
Of course, behind that smile, there must be days of struggle and hardship.
Still, there are high school students who have been encouraged and helped by Miyoshi.
And many volunteers who want to cooperate with Miyoshi's activities.
By holding the "Konohitokan 1000 Can Project," it may also be teaching the importance of human connections, not just issues like poverty and food loss.
The "Konohitokan 1000 Can Project" is a contest for high school students to come up with ideas to solve social issues, but we adults have also received courage and inspiration.
The next event is the "Konohitokan 1000 Can Project" scheduled for October 2024.
I am very excited to see what ideas will emerge and what dramas will unfold next.
- Photography: Goto Hiroto
Data from the Second Konohitokan 1000 Can Project
| Name | Second Konohitokan 1000 Can Project |
|---|---|
| Date | July 22, 2023 (Saturday) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Location | 2-2-1 Honkancho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama International Exchange Center |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Konohitokan Association |
