The 42nd Kurashiki Komachi 〜 “Meeting each other was a miracle.” A record of the activities of three women who agonized over the decision until the application deadline and took the plunge

Kurashiki City, with its many tourist destinations such as the Bikan Historical Area, hosts many events, including Heartland Kurashiki.

Alongside events, Kurashiki City’s tourism ambassadors, “Kurashiki Komachi,” work to share Kurashiki’s appeal, including outside Kurashiki City. The program has a history of more than 40 years, and Kurashiki Komachi members are selected each year to coincide with the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival. Their term is set at one year.

Who are the Kurashiki Komachi, and what motivates them in their work?

We spoke with Ishii Yuika, Tsuji Yuika, and Kobashi Rie, the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi, who served from July 2024 to July 2025, about what prompted them to apply and how they feel now that their term has ended.

What Is Kurashiki Komachi?

“Kurashiki Komachi” are tourism ambassadors who promote the appeal of Kurashiki City.
The history of Kurashiki Komachi goes back to 1983.

To add color to the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival, held every summer, the first Kurashiki Komachi were recruited to coincide with the 13th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival in 1983.

Since then, Kurashiki Komachi have been selected every year. As of January 2026, the 43rd Kurashiki Komachi (July 2025–July 2026) are active. The term has remained “one year” since the first group.

Members are selected through an open call. Although there are some requirements, in principle, anyone aged 18 or older who lives in Kurashiki City or commutes to work or school there may apply.
Also, while the name “Komachi” may lead people to assume that only women are eligible, people of any gender can now apply.

At first, the program had a strong “beauty pageant” feel, and only women could apply.

Kurashiki Komachi Activities

As tourism ambassadors, their activities mainly involve appearing at tourism-related events.

The main activities of the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi, introduced in this article, who served from July 2024 to July 2025, were as follows.

• Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
• Opening ceremony for the Osaka antenna shop
• 73rd Tamashima Festival
• Opening ceremony for Heartland Kurashiki
• Appearance on Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau (studio)
• Tourism EXPO Japan
• Okayama Hareiro Campaign 2024 tourism promotion event
• Kurashiki Byobu Festival
• Takahashi River Basin Symposium
• Tokyo Kurashiki Furusato Association
• Tourist train “Hanaakari”
• RNC Kurashiki City Government Program “Travel Navi”
• Kurashiki Junior Chamber 70th Anniversary Ceremony and Celebration
• 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March
• Filming social media posts counting down to the Japan Heritage Festival
• “Marine Day” Commemorative Ceremony

About the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi

Now, let us introduce the main subjects of this article, the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi. They are the following three members.

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

All three were students living in Kurashiki City. Their ages are as of the time they were selected.

They were selected from 37 applicants after a document screening, first-round screening, and final screening, and served from July 14, 2024, to July 26, 2025.

Interview with the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi

Several months after their term ended, we asked Ishii Yuika, Tsuji Yuika, and Kobashi Rie of the 42nd Kurashiki Komachi to look back on their activities.

How They Came to Apply

What made you apply to become Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji (honorifics omitted)

I applied at my aunt’s recommendation.
Actually, when I was in middle school, I wanted to become a singer and auditioned, but to be honest, I was encouraged by people around me rather than being proactive myself.

That said, I think my family and relatives were supportive of this kind of activity.

Ishii (honorifics omitted)

When I was little, I went to the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival and learned about Kurashiki Komachi. I’ve admired them ever since.

Since applicants had to be at least 18, when I reached that age, I applied because I thought it might help me grow and overcome my discomfort with being in front of people.

Kobashi (honorifics omitted)

To be honest, I hadn’t admired them for a long time; I only vaguely knew they existed. But after I had completed two years of university, someone suggested, “Why don’t you apply to become Kurashiki Komachi?”

I had mostly thought of them as local idols, but when I looked into it, I felt that their work was very focused on sharing information about Kurashiki. When I learned that, I thought applying would let me fulfill both my desire to take on a challenge because I love Kurashiki and my wish to become better at sharing information about the city.

How They Felt When Selected

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

Tsuji

Of course, I worked hard to be selected, but my first reaction was surprise because I hadn’t expected to actually be chosen.

Ishii Yuika was the first to present in the final screening, so she was the first person called. Since my name is also Yuika, I honestly thought, “They won’t choose someone with the same name—well, I guess I didn’t make it.” I was glad they chose “Yuika and Yuika.”

But after the announcement, while we were standing at the front having our photos taken, the people who hadn’t been selected were still there. I felt that I should do my best while carrying their feelings with me, too.

Ishii

As Tsuji said, I was the first to give my presentation in the final screening.
I had the impression that the first performer never wins, even on M-1 Grand Prix, so my mother said, “Looks like you didn’t make it.”

Still, I prepared thinking I should do my best, and in the end, I was the first one called. I was truly surprised…
Then I stood at the front and received the sash from a former member. That was when it began to feel real, and I decided to give it my all for the year.

Kobashi

The order for the final screening was set with two people first: number one (Ishii Yuika) and number three (Tsuji Yuika). I was number five.

I thought, “There’s no way they’ll pick number five, given the balance; it’ll be someone a little later,” and I was nervous about whether I’d be called. I was happy to be selected, but to be honest, it felt complicated to celebrate while all the other final-round candidates were there.

Kurashiki Komachi Activities

What stands out to you from your time as Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

We didn’t have many activities with all three of us together, so whenever we could all get together, it was always fun. Being with the other two felt like a treasure.

The most memorable event was the riverboat procession at Heartland Kurashiki, held in April 2025. During the Seto no Hanayome event, I got to wear a shiromuku for the first time in my life. I was surprised by how heavy the wig was, but I had a great time.

Ishii

My work with all three of us also stands out. We just talked about Heartland in spring, but what I remember most was Heartland in summer (September 2024), when we all got dressed together and took part in the lighting ceremony.

The individual assignment that stands out was filming for Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau, which we took turns doing each month.
I was nervous speaking in front of the camera. The two live broadcasts were also challenging, but since one happened early in my term and the other near the end, I could feel how much I had grown.

Kobashi

The Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival.
My first and last assignments were at the same place, though my role was different. I could feel how much I had grown over the year… Comparing myself with a year earlier, I was deeply moved by how much I had improved at things like speaking off the cuff.

Challenges

Did you face any difficulties during your activities?

Tsuji

Filming on cold days was tough.
When we went to Shimotsui to film, it was a day with winds as strong as a typhoon.

It was hard enough with my hat nearly blowing away, and the cold made it difficult to move my mouth, so I stumbled over my lines, too.

Ishii

I didn’t have any problems with the organizational side of things, but personally, at an event in Tokyo, I wore heels I wasn’t used to and had to stand all day, so my feet started hurting.

They told me, “You can take them off,” so I secretly did, but then someone asked to take a photo, and I panicked.

Also, at the winter event Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March, the outdoor waiting room was really cold. They had prepared a heater, but while I was warming myself by it during a break, my gloves caught fire…

After that, I was embarrassed to show my burned gloves when waving to greet people.

Kobashi

When we filmed “Monthly Kurashiki Information Bureau,” they would give us the script beforehand, and I’d memorize it, but it was hard when my lines went blank as soon as I was in front of the camera.
What’s more, if I made a mistake once, I’d keep making the same mistake over and over, and I felt increasingly sorry about it.

What We Gained from Our Activities

What did you gain from your activities as Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

I had quite a few opportunities to emcee, but I’d always been very uncomfortable speaking in front of people in the first place.

I got to emcee a celebration with around 300 people, in front of distinguished guests and others. It helped me get used to speaking in public, and I was grateful because it was an experience I could only have had as a Komachi.

It also gave me a chance to practice speaking clearly, and I think I grew by finding ways to keep myself from getting nervous.

Ishii

I came to enjoy speaking in front of people.

Also, the other two, Kobashi and Tsuji, are such wonderful people, and I’m so glad I met them. I was fortunate to have the support of everyone involved, including the people at the Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau who served as our secretariat, and I was happy to grow through the experience.

Kobashi

I became a Komachi because I wanted to share Kurashiki’s appeal, but there were things I could only appreciate through taking part in the activities.

Since I was in a position to share information, I didn’t want to rely on uncertain facts. There was a lot I learned because I wanted to find out more about Kurashiki for myself.

I also gained insights by being involved in parts of events that you don’t usually get to see, and I think being a Komachi was a great experience.

Looking Back on Our Activities

It’s been a while since your activities ended. Could you tell us how you feel now, such as whether you wish you could have continued?

Tsuji

I thought it was a “miracle” that I’d met the people who supported me and my two fellow members, so it was truly sad to part ways.

I’d decided I absolutely wouldn’t cry during my final remarks, but I ended up crying after all. I’d been able to work with people I love so much, and I didn’t want to leave that environment. I’m truly sad it’s over.

But even after our activities ended, the other two and I still go out together and have sleepovers. They’re precious companions and friends. I’m sad our activities are over, but our relationship will continue, so I think it’ll be okay.

Honestly, I never thought the activities would be this much fun. It was “different from what I expected,” in a good way.

Ishii

We had such a good relationship that I was really sad when our activities ended and I could no longer see everyone.

I’m still not very comfortable speaking in front of people, but I feel that I’ve learned to speak with a healthy sense of nervousness.

Also, I loved being a Kurashiki Komachi so much that I seriously considered applying for a second term.
I actually got as far as the application form, but when I went to apply right before the deadline, I’d misunderstood the closing time and couldn’t submit it (laughs).

Kobashi

Because the term was set at one year, I think I was able to focus and make the most of a concentrated period of activity.

I used to avoid being in front of people, and I was the type who wouldn’t give presentations even in class. But my Komachi activities gave me more opportunities to speak in public, and as I got more experience, I gradually became more comfortable speaking.

I’m currently writing my graduation thesis and practicing my presentation, and I can feel how much I’ve grown because I’m not as nervous as I used to be.

I think the fact that I can still apply what I learned to my everyday life, even after the activities ended, is because the activities were for a limited period.

A Message for Those Who Hope to Become Kurashiki Komachi

Finally, what message would you like to share with those who hope to become Kurashiki Komachi?

Tsuji

If there’s something you struggle with—I used to struggle with being in front of people—please take on the challenge, thinking of it as a chance to change yourself. If you focus on the things you find difficult, you might discover that you’re surprisingly good at them.

I hope you’ll give it a try.

Ishii

I hope people who love Kurashiki will give it a try.
I love Kurashiki, and through these activities I learned about the city and experienced the warmth of its people.

I think you’ll come to love Kurashiki even more.

Kobashi

Loving Kurashiki is a given, but I was unsure whether to apply.
So if you’re wondering whether to apply, I hope you’ll go for it. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but the three of us all hesitated for a long time and applied right before the deadline.

Once you actually try it, many things turn out to be completely different from what you imagined before applying, so I think there’s a lot to gain by taking the plunge.

If you’re unsure, start by giving it a try.

From the Writer

I’ve actually worked with the 42nd-generation Kurashiki Komachi once before.
During breaks, the Komachi members talked nonstop, and I remember thinking, “They’re so close.” Through this interview, I realized that really was the case.

The three members of the 42nd-generation Kurashiki Komachi smiled as they said, “Meeting our fellow members was a treasure in itself.”

Kurashiki Komachi is an activity with a set term of “one year.”
I hope that this limited period will become a “wonderful memory” for them, and that they’ll gain “something” that will carry on into the future, so hearing their stories made me happy.

I hope they’ll use their experience as Kurashiki Komachi and continue to be involved in activities that share Kurashiki’s appeal in some way.

Articles about Kurashiki Komachi

42nd-Generation Kurashiki Komachi Information

For inquiries about Kurashiki Komachi, please contact the Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau, a public interest incorporated association.
The address and phone number below are for the Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau.

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

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