Interview with Hiroko Suyam, Chief of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
This interview features content from the initial coverage conducted in February 2019.
Please tell us how you came to work at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
Suyam
After becoming a working adult, I moved around various workplaces, but I have always been interested in community development. After turning 30, I attended a university where I could learn about regional revitalization and event planning and management.
I was approached by the president of Kurashiki Machizukuri Co., Ltd., where I was a part-time lecturer at the university, and that’s how I started working here.
What kind of work do you do at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan?
Suyam
Basically, I handle reception for rental rooms and plan and manage events.
Various people come to rent the rooms and hold different events, so if it matches what I want to do, I collaborate with them.
About Kiriko Akari
Please tell us about the Kiriko Akari that you conceived.
Suyam
It all started with the "Kiriko Lanterns" that were first displayed in 2009 at the eaves of houses in the Bikan Historical Area during the Obon festival, initiated by Mr. Goda of "Father Christmas" located in the Bikan Historical Area.
Since I have always liked making things, I learned how to create the kiriko, which is a 14-sided polyhedron made of equilateral triangles and squares, and proposed it as a light source.
Thus, "Kiriko Akari" was born as a light to illuminate the Japanese-style space of the Bikan Historical Area.
I particularly love the Kiriko Akari at the "Kurashiki Spring Evening Light" event held every March in the Bikan Historical Area.
Suyam
Thank you.
Recently, the "Wagasa Mapping," which projects images onto traditional Japanese umbrellas conceived by my husband, has also become popular.
Work at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
Please tell us your favorite view inside the Monogatari-kan.
Suyam
Definitely the view of the Bikan Historical Area from the second floor.
The garden viewed from the tea room is also charming and one of my favorites.
What aspects of your work do you find rewarding?
Suyam
I often meet customers from outside the prefecture, so through those encounters, I frequently learn about the good aspects of Kurashiki from different perspectives, which is stimulating.
I want to inherit the good qualities and traditions of Kurashiki from the older generation involved in community development and utilize them for the town.
Since it combines hobby and profit, the more I do it, the more interesting it becomes.
Your thoughts are conveyed through the events you plan.
Suyam
Planning events has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, so I believe this job suits me very well.
Through events like the Kiriko Akari exhibition, it makes me very happy when people leave saying they enjoyed it.
Conclusion
I have visited Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan many times during events like the Spring Evening Light in March and the Jazz Street in November, and it is a place filled with personal memories.
The desire to preserve the history and culture of the Bikan Historical Area and connect it to regional revitalization was conveyed through Ms. Suyam's words and smile.
Why not visit Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan to experience Kurashiki's culture, check out events, and participate?
You are sure to have wonderful encounters and discoveries.
Data of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
| Name | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-435-1277 |
| Parking | None If you apply for the rental room usage, you will receive a 100 yen service ticket for the municipal parking lot. |
| Opening Hours | April to November: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:45 PM) December to March: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:45 PM) |
| Closed | New Year’s holidays (December 29 to January 3) |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Reservation | Available |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet, barrier-free toilet |
| Childcare | Diaper changing sheet ※ A baby bed for diaper changing is available in the multipurpose toilet. - If the rental room is available, it can be used as a nursing space from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM. ※ Application at the reception in the main exhibition room. |
| Barrier-free | Wheelchair rental, ramp, barrier-free toilet, elevator ＜Wheelchair rental＞ One Kurashiki City wheelchair available. Reception hours: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM. ※ Application at the reception in the main exhibition room. |
| Website | Kurashiki Machizukuri Co., Ltd. Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
