Interview with Hiroko Suyama, Chief of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
This interview was conducted during our first visit in February 2019.
Could you tell us how you came to work at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan?
Suyama
After entering the workforce, I moved from one workplace to another. I had always been interested in community development, and in my thirties I attended a university where I could study regional revitalization and event planning and management.
The president of Kurashiki Machizukuri Co., Ltd., where I had taught as a part-time lecturer at the university, approached me, and that’s how I started working here.
What kind of work do you do at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan?
Suyama
I mainly handle room rental reservations and plan and run events.
Many different people come to rent rooms and hold all kinds of events. When their ideas match what I want to do, we sometimes collaborate.
About Kiriko Akari
Please tell us about Kiriko Akari, which you came up with.
Suyama
It began with the kiriko lanterns that were first displayed in 2009 under the eaves of homes in the Bikan Historical Area during the Obon period, following a call from Mr. Goda of Father Christmas, located in the Bikan Historical Area.
I’ve always enjoyed making things, so I learned how to make kiriko, a fourteen-faced shape made up of equilateral triangles and squares, and came up with the idea of turning it into a light.
And so Kiriko Akari was born as a light to illuminate the traditional Japanese spaces of the Bikan Historical Area.
Of all the events held in the Bikan Historical Area, I like the Kiriko Akari best. It is part of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, held every March.
Suyama
Thank you.
The Japanese umbrella mapping, which my husband came up with, projects images onto Japanese umbrellas used as canvases. It has also become popular recently.
Working at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
What is your favorite view inside the Monogatari-kan?
Suyama
The view of the Bikan Historical Area from the second floor, of course.
I also love the atmospheric view of the garden from the tea room.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
Suyama
I often meet visitors from outside the prefecture, and hearing about the good things in Kurashiki from their different perspectives is inspiring.
I hope to carry on the good qualities and traditions of Kurashiki, passed down to me by older people involved in community development, and put them to use in the community.
Since my work combines my hobby with my livelihood, the more I do it, the more interesting it becomes.
Ms. Suyama’s passion comes through in the events she plans.
Suyama
Planning events is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, so I feel this job is a perfect fit for me.
Nothing makes me happier than having people leave saying they enjoyed themselves after attending events such as the Kiriko Akari exhibition.
From the Writer
I have visited Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan many times for events such as Shunsho Akari every March and Jazz Street in November, and it holds many personal memories for me.
Ms. Suyama’s words and smile conveyed her desire to preserve the history and culture of the Bikan Historical Area and connect them to regional revitalization.
Why not visit Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan to experience Kurashiki’s culture, check out an event, and take part?
You’re sure to have wonderful encounters and discoveries.
Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Information
| Name | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086‐435-1277 |
| Parking | None Visitors who apply to use a rental room will receive a ¥100 voucher for a municipal parking lot |
| Opening hours | April–November: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (last admission at 8:45 p.m.) December–March: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:45 p.m.) |
| Closed | Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Available |
| Smoking | Entire facility is non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, accessible restroom |
| Childcare | Diaper-changing table ※A baby changing table is available in the multipurpose restroom. ・If a rental room is available, it can be used as a nursing space from 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. ※Apply at the reception desk inside the main building exhibition room |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair rental, ramp, accessible restroom, elevator ＜Wheelchair rental＞Kurashiki City Wheelchair: 1 available. Rental hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m. ※Apply at the reception desk inside the main building exhibition room |
| Website | Kurashiki Machizukuri Co., Ltd. — Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
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