The 42nd Kurashiki Komachi - Meeting was a "miracle." Activity records of three individuals who struggled until the last moment before the application deadline to take on the challenge.

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

Of course, in addition to events, the tourism ambassador of Kurashiki City, "Kurashiki Komachi," works to convey the charm of Kurashiki outside the city. With a history of over 40 years, Kurashiki Komachi is selected every year in conjunction with the "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival," and the activity period is set for one year.

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

We spoke with the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi, Ishii Yuika, Tsuji Yuika, and Kobashi Rie, who were active from July 2024 to July 2025, about the reasons for applying and what they feel now after completing their activities.

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," which is 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 2026, the 43rd Kurashiki Komachi (July 2025 - July 2026) is currently active. The term remains "one year" since the first generation.

Selection is made through a public application process, 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.

Initially, it had a strong "beauty contest" atmosphere, and only women could apply.

Activities of Kurashiki Komachi

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

The main activities of the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi (July 2024 - July 2025) introduced in this article are as follows.

• Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
• Opening ceremony of the Osaka antenna shop
• 73rd Tamashima Festival
• Opening ceremony of Heartland Kurashiki
• Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau (studio) appearance
• Tourism EXPO Japan
• Okayama Hareiro Campaign 2024 tourism PR event
• Kurashiki Byobu Festival
• Takahashi River Basin Symposium
• Tokyo Kurashiki Hometown Association
• Tourist train "Hanaakari"
• RNC Kurashiki City government program "Travel Navi"
• 70th anniversary ceremony and celebration of the Kurashiki Junior Chamber
• 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
• Japan Heritage Festival countdown SNS post shooting
• "Marine Day" commemorative ceremony

About the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi

Now, let’s introduce the stars of this article, the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi. They are:

• Ishii Yuika (18 years old)
• Tsuji Yuika (19 years old)
• Kobashi Rie (21 years old)

All are students residing in Kurashiki City. The ages are as of the time of selection.

After going through document screening, the first screening, and the final screening, they were selected from a total of 37 applicants and were active from July 14, 2024, to July 26, 2025.

Interview with the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi

The 42nd Kurashiki Komachi, Ishii Yuika, Tsuji Yuika, and Kobashi Rie, reflected on their activities as Kurashiki Komachi a few months after completing their term.

Reason for applying

Please tell us the reason you applied to become Kurashiki Komachi.

Tsuji (no honorific)

I applied on the recommendation of my aunt.
Actually, I once auditioned to become a singer when I was in middle school, but to be honest, it was more like I was encouraged by those around me rather than being proactive.

However, I think my family and relatives understood my desire to engage in such activities.

Ishii (no honorific)

I learned about Kurashiki Komachi when I went to the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival as a child, and I admired it from that time.

Since the application eligibility was from 18 years old, when I reached that age, I thought I might be able to grow beyond my discomfort with being in front of people, so I applied.

Kobashi (no honorific)

To be honest, I didn't have a long-standing admiration for it; I only knew of its existence to some extent. However, after finishing two years of university, there was a suggestion to "try applying for Kurashiki Komachi."

I had a strong image of it being somewhat like a local idol, but upon researching more, I felt that it focuses significantly on disseminating information about Kurashiki. When I realized that, I thought that since I love Kurashiki and want to take on a challenge, I could fulfill both desires of being able to promote Kurashiki and apply.

Feelings when selected

How did you feel when you were selected as Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

Of course, I was working hard to be selected, but I was surprised because I didn't actually think I would be chosen.

The first to be called during the final screening was Ishii Yuika, so she was the first to be called.
Since my name is also "Yuika," I honestly thought, "There won't be a duplicate name—I've probably lost," but I was glad to be chosen as "Yuika and Yuika."

However, after the announcement, while we were stepping forward to take photos, there were people who had not been selected present, so I thought I should do my best while carrying their feelings as well.

Ishii

As Tsuji mentioned, I was the first to present during the final screening.
There is an image that the first presenter in competitions like M-1 Grand Prix doesn't win, so my mother even said, "You've probably lost."

Even so, I thought I would do my best in preparation, and I was really surprised when I was called first in the end...
After that, when I stood in front and received the sash from my senior, I felt a sense of reality and thought I would do my best for a year.

Kobashi

The order of the final screening was that after the first (Ishii Yuika) and third (Tsuji Yuika) were decided, I was fifth.

I thought, "There’s no way fifth would be chosen—it's more balanced to be a bit later," and I was nervous about whether I would be called. I was happy to be selected, but to be honest, it was complicated to feel joy in front of everyone who was also in the final screening.

About the activities of Kurashiki Komachi

Are there any memorable experiences from your activities as Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

Since there were few activities with all three of us together, it was always fun when we could all gather. Being with the two of them felt like a treasure.

What was particularly memorable was the "Heartland Kurashiki" riverboat procession held in April 2025. As a bride of Seto, I wore a white kimono for the first time in my life, and while I was surprised by the weight of the wig, it was enjoyable.

Ishii

I also remember working with the three of us, and while Tsuji mentioned the spring Heartland, I found it memorable that we all did our fittings together and participated in the lighting ceremony during the summer Heartland (September 2024).

As for individual work, I remember the "Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau" location shoots that I was in charge of each month.
Speaking in front of the camera was nerve-wracking. Also, the two live broadcasts I had were tough, but they happened to be at the beginning and end of my activities, so I could feel my growth.

Kobashi

The "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival."
It was the same place for my first and last jobs, and although my position was different, I felt a sense of growth over the year... I had deep feelings about my improvement in skills like free talk compared to a year ago.

Difficulties faced

Have you faced any difficulties in your activities?

Tsuji

Filming on a cold day was tough.
When we went to Shimotsui for filming, it was a day with strong winds like a typhoon.

It was difficult because my hat almost flew away, and the cold made it hard to speak, causing me to fumble my lines.

Ishii

I haven't had any operational difficulties, but personally, at an event in Tokyo, I wore unfamiliar heels and stood all day, which made my feet hurt.

When I was told, "You can take them off," I secretly took them off, but then I was asked to take photos and panicked.

Also, at the winter event "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March," the waiting room outside was extremely cold. They had prepared a stove, but while warming up by the stove during the wait, my gloves caught fire...

After that, I felt embarrassed showing my burned gloves when waving during the welcome.

Kobashi

During the recording of "Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau," I was given a script to memorize, but when the camera was in front of me, I struggled to remember my lines.
Moreover, if I made a mistake once, I would keep making the same mistake, which made me feel very apologetic.

What You Gained from Your Activities

Have you gained anything from your activities as Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

I often had the opportunity to be a host, but I originally had a strong sense of discomfort about speaking in front of people.

I had the opportunity to host at a celebration with about 300 people, including important figures, which helped me get used to speaking in public, and it was an experience I couldn't have had without being a Komachi, so I was grateful.

It also served as practice for my articulation, and I think I was able to grow by grasping tips on how to not feel nervous.

Ishii

I have come to enjoy speaking in front of people.

Also, I was very fortunate to meet the two (Kobashi and Tsuji), who are really great people, and I was blessed to have the support of the staff at the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau and other related individuals, which helped me grow.

Kobashi

I originally wanted to convey the charm of Kurashiki, but through my activities, I discovered aspects that I could only understand by participating.

Because I was in a position to convey information, I wanted to know more about Kurashiki, and I learned many things because I made an effort to do so.

Additionally, I gained insights from being involved in events that I wouldn't normally see, and I believe being a Komachi was a valuable experience.

Feelings After Completing the Activities

It has been a while since completing the activities, but please share your current feelings, such as "I wish I could continue."

Tsuji

I thought it was a "miracle" to have met the supportive people around me and my two colleagues, so it was really sad to part ways.

I had decided not to cry during the final greeting, but I ended up crying anyway. I was able to work with people I love, and I didn't want to leave this environment. I truly feel sad that it has ended.

However, even after the activities ended, I still hang out with my two colleagues and have sleepovers. They are important companions and friends, and while I feel sad that the activities have ended, I think it's okay because our relationship will continue.

Honestly, I didn't expect it to be such a fun activity. It felt different from what I had imagined in a good way.

Ishii

Because the relationships were good, I felt very sad that the activities ended and I couldn't see everyone anymore.

I still struggle with speaking in front of people, but I feel that I can now speak with a good sense of tension.

Also, I love Kurashiki Komachi so much that I seriously considered applying again.
Actually, I even got to the form, but when I thought about applying just before the deadline, I misunderstood the closing time and couldn't submit my application (laughs).

Kobashi

Because it was set for one year, I think I was able to focus and engage in activities intensely.

I originally avoided being in front of people, even in class presentations, but through the activities as a Komachi, I had more opportunities to be in front of people, and gradually got used to speaking.

I am currently writing my graduation thesis and practicing for presentations, and I feel that I have grown because I no longer get as nervous as before.

After completing the activities, I think the experiences I gained are being utilized in my everyday life because it was a limited activity.

Message to Those Aiming to Become Kurashiki Komachi

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

Tsuji

For those who have something they struggle with, like I did with "being uncomfortable in front of people," I think that is a chance to change yourself, so I encourage you to take on the challenge. If you focus on your weak points, you might realize that you are surprisingly good at them.

Please give it a try.

Ishii

I hope that those who love Kurashiki will take on the challenge.
I love Kurashiki very much, and through my activities, I learned about Kurashiki and experienced the warmth of its people.

I believe you will come to love Kurashiki even more.

Kobashi

Loving Kurashiki is a prerequisite, but I was hesitant about whether to apply.
So, if you are unsure about applying, I encourage you to go for it. It might be a coincidence, but the three of us were all hesitant and applied just before the deadline.

In reality, there are many things that are quite different from what you imagine before applying, so I believe there are many benefits to taking on the challenge.

For those who are struggling, please try to take on the challenge first.

Conclusion

Actually, I have worked with the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi once before.
During break time, the Komachi were talking the whole time, and I had the impression that they were very close, but through the interviews, I felt that it was indeed true.

The three of the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi smiled and said, "Meeting with my colleagues was a treasure in itself."

Kurashiki Komachi is an activity with a set period of "one year."
Because it is a limited time, I hope it becomes a "good memory" and that they gain "something" that connects to the future, so I was happy to hear their stories.

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

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Data of the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi

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

Name	42nd Kurashiki Komachi
Address	2-6-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	086-421-0224

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