In Kurashiki City, which has many tourist attractions such as the Bikan Historical Area, many events are held, including "Heartland Kurashiki."

When you attend events in Kurashiki City, you are likely to see the city's tourism ambassador, Kurashiki Komachi. While it may seem like a "local idol" in modern terms, not much is known about the individuals themselves.

What kind of people are Kurashiki Komachi, and what thoughts do they hold while engaging in their activities?

We spoke with the 41st Kurashiki Komachi, Namie Takegaki, Azusa Kame-taka, and Minori Yamanoi, who were active from July 2023 to July 2024, about their motivation for applying and what they feel now after their activities have ended.

What is Kurashiki Komachi?

"Kurashiki Komachi" is a tourism ambassador that promotes the charm of Kurashiki City.
The history of Kurashiki Komachi dates back to 1983.

To add glamour to the "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival" held every summer, the first Kurashiki Komachi was recruited in conjunction with the 13th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival (1983).

Since then, Kurashiki Komachi has been selected every year, and as of January 2025, the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi (from July 2024 to July 2025) is currently active. The term remains "one year" since the first generation.

The recruitment is open to the public, and while there are some conditions, basically anyone over 18 who lives in or commutes to Kurashiki City can apply.
Additionally, although it is often assumed that the name "Komachi" refers only to women, applications are currently accepted regardless of gender.

Activities of Kurashiki Komachi

As tourism ambassadors, their main focus is on participating in tourism-related events.

Since events vary by season, there are few regular duties, but the main activities of the 41st Kurashiki Komachi (from July 2023 to July 2024) are as follows:

• 72nd Tamashima Festival
• Heartland Kurashiki Opening Ceremony
• Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau (studio) appearance
• Tamashima Harbor Festival
• Kurashiki Police Department Traffic Safety Event MC
• ~Supreme Products~ Kurashiki Fair
• One-day Chief of Kurashiki Police Department
• Tourism EXPO Japan
• Sunset Festa in Kojima
• Tokyo Kurashiki Hometown Association
• Kurashiki Police Department Community Crime Prevention Poster Shooting
• JT Thunders Hiroshima Home Game Opening Pitch
• Professional Baseball Open Game Ceremony
• 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
• 90th Anniversary Ceremony of Setonaikai National Park Designation

About the 41st Kurashiki Komachi

Now, let’s introduce the stars of this article, the 41st Kurashiki Komachi. They are:

• Namie Takegaki (21 years old)
• Azusa Kame-taka (19 years old)
• Minori Yamanoi (18 years old)

After going through document screening, the first round of judging, and the final judging, they were selected from a total of 53 applicants and were active from July 22, 2023, to July 15, 2024.

After their activities ended, two of them were busy with job hunting, but a few months later, they reflected on their time as Kurashiki Komachi.

Interview with the 41st Kurashiki Komachi

We spoke with the 41st Kurashiki Komachi, Namie Takegaki, Azusa Kame-taka, and Minori Yamanoi.

Reason for applying

Please tell us why you applied to be Kurashiki Komachi.

Takegaki

I learned about it at the Tenryo Summer Festival.
I wanted to use my smile and love for Kurashiki to know the charm of the city where I was born and raised and share it with many people.

Also, I applied because I wanted to challenge myself with a valuable experience and grow as a person.

Kame-taka

I also learned about it at the Tenryo Summer Festival.
After that, I saw past seniors on TV, and it really conveyed how much they loved Kurashiki. Since I was born in Kurashiki, I thought it would be great to spread and convey its charm more.

Yamanoi

Since I was a child, I had been going to the Tenryo Summer Festival with my grandmother, and I saw the Kurashiki Komachi members shining and beautiful, and I thought, "I want to be like those older sisters."

Later, when I was in high school, I remembered that I wanted to be one and checked the website, and since the application requirement was over 18, I thought I would try it when I became a university student.

So, in the summer of my first year of university, I applied since I was eligible.
Since I was a junior college student, I only had one chance. So, I was determined to succeed and put in a lot of effort.

Feelings when selected

The final judging was a presentation. How did you feel when you were selected?

Takegaki

Honestly, I didn't think I would be selected, so I thought I would do my best with what I could do at that moment when I faced the final judging.

At the moment I was chosen...
I remember feeling a mix of joy, surprise, and anxiety, realizing that I would be representing Kurashiki and feeling the responsibility that came with it.

At the same time, I was looking forward to the one-year activity and what was to come.

Kame-taka

I thought there was no need to force myself to look good, so I approached it with the feeling that I love Kurashiki the most among this group and showed my true self.

When I was selected, I was happy, but honestly, I was also anxious about whether I could manage the next year.
When the previous (40th) representative passed the baton to me, I was happy when they said, "Do your best."

That made me feel the reality of becoming Kurashiki Komachi, and I thought I would do my best.

Yamanoi

I made my presentation materials for the first time during the final judging, and I thought there was no way I could do it well from before the final selection.
But I tried to include the parts of Kurashiki that I love, and more than anything, I made it a point to always keep smiling and presented with all my might.

So when I was selected, I felt like, "Really!?" and couldn't believe it.
The announcement was on stage, and there were family members and various guests in the audience, and I can't forget that view.

About the activities of Kurashiki Komachi

How was it when you first started your activities as Kurashiki Komachi? I imagine there were many unfamiliar things.

Takegaki

It was all new experiences for me, and I struggled at first to memorize the scripts I received in advance and do my best within the limited preparation time.

Kame-taka

Each month, we were responsible for a television program, and I was the first to take charge in August, running around the Bikan Historical Area in an unfamiliar yukata and sandals while filming.

It was hot, and I was nervous since it was my first time on TV, so I was mentally exhausted, but I felt a lot of pressure that I couldn't fail at the beginning.

Yamanoi

I was really anxious about working alone.
We practiced handing out business cards together, but when working with someone else, I felt reassured because I could confirm things, but working alone made me wonder if I could really do it well.

Also, I had a big fall once...
There are designated heels, but since I don't usually wear heels, I tripped while rushing to move, and all my belongings spread out, causing trouble (laughs).

Memorable activities

Are there any memorable activities?

Takegaki

I have a strong impression of working with three people, especially when I threw the first pitch at the volleyball team "JT Thunders" match.

I was able to get autographs and high-fives.

Kamitaka

I have a strong impression of my work with Nico Nico Douga.
It was a program that seemed to go around the highlights of Kurashiki live, and I joined midway and ate crocodile feet at Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland, which was quite shocking in appearance...

When I looked back at the video later, I realized I had a rather stiff face, so I wish I could have done it with a bigger smile.

Yamanoe

Disaster Prevention Fair I borrowed the uniform of an active firefighter and wore it, and I was surprised to see how heavy it was and how much work they do in it.

Difficulties Faced

Have you faced any difficulties in your activities?

Takegaki

During my student life, I didn't have much experience speaking in front of large groups.
However, after being appointed as Kurashiki Komachi, there were many occasions where I had to speak in front of large audiences, and I often found myself so nervous that my mind went blank and I stumbled over my words.

After each activity, I often reflected on how I stumbled over my words and felt I had failed...

Did you feel you grew in the end?

I wouldn't say I did perfectly, but I felt that I was able to speak somewhat naturally, and the number of times I felt I ended on a good note increased as I gained more experience.

Kamitaka

When I was at the Tourism EXPO Japan in Osaka, I was asked about Kurashiki, but I was underprepared and didn't know much...

Since I was often seen and asked about Kurashiki with the assumption that, as a Kurashiki Komachi, I should know everything about it, I felt a strong need to study more about Kurashiki.

Yamanoe

When I appeared on a program for RSK Sanyo Broadcasting, I got so nervous that I couldn't speak well.
There were scenes where I had to talk with local people, but if I stumbled, we had to cut and retake, which meant that if I couldn't remember my lines properly, the filming would never finish...

I felt like I wasn't cut out for this, but from that point on, I resolved to remember my lines properly, and when I received the script a few days in advance, I made sure to memorize it and prepare.

The final location shoot was in Tamashima, and I felt I was able to speak naturally and do a good job with the food report, so I think I was able to showcase what I had built up until then.

What You Gained from Your Activities

Have you gained anything from your activities as Kurashiki Komachi?

Takegaki

I felt that the experience as Komachi was beneficial for my job search.

Kamitaka

At first, I was nervous about speaking in front of people, but through my activities as Komachi, I started to enjoy speaking.

I have an acquaintance who works at a cable television station in Sanuki City, and they invited me to read the news.

I was very nervous, but it was fun. I don't think I would have been able to take on that challenge if I hadn't been active as Komachi.

Yamanoe

After a year of activities, I felt that I had developed my communication skills since I often spoke with people I met for the first time.

Also, since I had various experiences appearing in front of people and on live broadcasts, I felt I gained confidence in myself.
Therefore, even during job hunting, I felt less nervous compared to what I had done before, and I realized that my activities had a positive impact in that regard.

Feelings After Completing Activities

It has been a while since you completed your activities, but please share your current feelings, such as "I wish I could have continued."

Takegaki

I think there are benefits unique to a short period of one year.
However, after it ended, I felt that I wanted to do a bit more, and I wished I could have done a total of two years.

Since it ended just when I was getting used to it, I wonder if I could have changed even more if I had done various activities after gaining confidence.

Kamitaka

I also felt that I wanted to do another year, and I was active during the last June and July.

However, because it was set to end in one year, I think that awareness of the end helped me to maintain good posture and work confidently until the end.

Yamanoe

Because it was a set time, even though I was busy with work several times a month, I think there were moments when I felt I could push through and do my best.

But still, I wish I could have done another year.

Message for Those Aiming to Become Kurashiki Komachi

Finally, please give a message to those who aim to become Kurashiki Komachi.

Takegaki

I believe that each encounter and experience through the activities of Kurashiki Komachi will be a significant resource for personal growth.

So, if there are those who are hesitant, I hope you will muster the courage to take on the challenge.

Kamitaka

There were many places I would not have visited and information I would not have known if I hadn't become Kurashiki Komachi, and through a year of activities, I was able to discover many charms of Kurashiki that I had not known before.

Also, I think it will lead to confidence in myself that I was able to be active as Komachi for a year, so I hope many people will apply.

Yamanoe

As Kurashiki Komachi, I was able to talk with many people I didn't know and teach various things, which helped me grow, increase my knowledge, and gain confidence.

Additionally, I was able to eat various things in various places.
Since I learned more and more about the charms of Kurashiki, I hope that those who love Kurashiki will definitely give it a try.

In Conclusion

I applied because I wanted to convey the charm of Kurashiki, and through my activities, I became more familiar with Kurashiki and was able to grow as a person.

I felt that the 41st Kurashiki Komachi reflected on their activities in this way.

While tourism PR tends to be highlighted, there may also be an aspect of Kurashiki Komachi that increases the number of people who know and love Kurashiki.

Takegaki and Yamanoe have reportedly secured jobs in Kurashiki City starting in April 2025, and they mentioned that their activities as Komachi played a significant role in their decision to work in Kurashiki City.

I hope they will continue to be involved in activities that promote the charm of Kurashiki in some form, utilizing their experiences as Kurashiki Komachi.

Articles Related to Kurashiki Komachi

Data of the 41st Kurashiki Komachi

For inquiries regarding Kurashiki Komachi, please contact the "Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau."
The address and phone number listed below are for the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau.

Name	41st Kurashiki Komachi
Address	2-6-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	086-421-0224

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