Interview with a local: Maeda Tomobumi, the priest of Enpuku-ji Temple
I spoke with Maeda Tomobumi, the priest of Enpuku-ji Temple.
Did you grow up on Manabe Island?
Maeda (honorifics omitted)
No. I am from Mitoyo City in Kagawa. I am the successor of "Juurin-in" located in Mitoyo City.
My uncle served as the priest of Enpuku-ji Temple.
Since there was no successor, I became the priest of both Juurin-in and Enpuku-ji Temple.
This year marks the 16th year since I started living on Manabe Island. I travel to Mitoyo City about twice a month.
Currently, I take a boat to the mainland of Kasaoka City, and from there, I drive across the Seto-Ohashi Bridge to Mitoyo City, but I used to use a water taxi.
Using a water taxi, it takes about 15 minutes from Manabe Island to the mainland of Mitoyo City. It's close, isn't it?
When I was a child, there was also a ferry route from Tadotsu Port in Kagawa to Manabe Island, so it was easier to travel back and forth.
During summer vacations, my family often came to play.
In the past, there were no paved roads or breakwaters, and the scenery was much more picturesque than now. I remember many photographers visiting.
Also, there were hardly any trees on the mountains, and there were many fields of electric light chrysanthemums.
Due to the progress of declining birth rates and population, the landscape of the island has changed considerably.
What do you think are the good points of Manabe Island?
Maeda
When I come back, I feel relieved. There are no car sounds, and it is very quiet.
As a priest of a temple on a remote island, I have duties across the country. Many of my parishioners live in urban areas such as Kasaoka City, Fukuyama, Tokyo, and Osaka.
When I return from the city, I especially feel at peace.
Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are significantly fewer tourists, but I believe the different flow of time compared to the city is what makes traveling to the island pleasant.
Moreover, Manabe Island is referred to as "Gori Gori," as it is almost halfway between Honshu and Shikoku, which is also an attraction as various cultures blend together.
At Enpuku-ji Temple, there is a Nirvana painting said to have been donated by the lord of Marugame, painted during the Edo period, which is only open to the public once a year.
While summer may be the image associated with islands, winter is a season when oysters and blue crabs are delicious.
"Ryoka," located near the port, is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy fish dishes. I hope you make a reservation and enjoy the seasonal seafood.
Interview with locals: Takei couple from Kasaoka City Community Revitalization Cooperator
I spoke with the Takei couple, Takei Hironobu and Shiori, who have been living on Manabe Island for a year, about their life on the island and their activities as Community Revitalization Cooperators.
Could you tell us how you came to move to Manabe Island?
Takei Hironobu (honorifics omitted)
Originally, we both worked overseas as part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for two years until January 2020.
I was involved in efforts to apply the history and culture of a village inhabited by indigenous people in Panama to tourism.
I would listen to stories in Spanish, take notes, and guide tourists.
Takei Shiori (honorifics omitted)
I worked for two years in Nepal, promoting tourism in a hot spring area called "Singha Tatopani."
I created leaflets to help foreigners learn about the hot springs.
Takei Hironobu
After our experiences in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and a long-distance relationship, we thought about what kind of life we wanted to lead after returning to Japan and getting married.
While working in an urban office is one option, I was impressed by how the people living in Panama enjoy life and work without separating them.
For example, while going to till the fields, neighbors would stop to chat, and I would talk to tourists about old ways of life and guide them.
After returning to Japan, I began to think about whether we could take on the challenge of creating our lives within the community in that way.
Regarding where to live, we considered about four to five fishing villages across the country.
Among them, Manabe Island captivated us the most.
The narrow alleys with a nice atmosphere and the old buildings still remain, and I feel excited every time I walk through them.
Utilizing the Community Revitalization Cooperator system, we both started our roles in the Kasaoka City Community Revitalization Cooperator in June 2020.
By the way, we also submitted our marriage registration to the city office on June 1, 2020, the same day we started our roles as cooperators.
I see! How is life on Manabe Island and your activities as cooperators?
Takei Shiori
I might have a bit of trouble with seasickness. However, I feel that there are not as many inconveniences as I expected.
Once a week, I take the regular ferry to the mainland of Kasaoka City to buy meat and other items. I often receive vegetables from people living on the island, which is very helpful.
Also, I can use online shopping services like Amazon, so I can live comfortably.
Takei Hironobu
We both feel that our experiences living in different cultures overseas for two years are beneficial.
In our activities as cooperators, I am involved in tourism development based on the local history and culture, and I also guide tourists in collaboration with the Manabe Island Tourism Association.
Additionally, I hold a history and culture study group every two weeks with the island residents, where we research the history of Manabe Island.
Recently, I borrowed a "collection of paintings" depicting a certain island resident (deceased) from their relatives. It is a valuable historical document showing what Manabe Island looked like in the past.
While interpreting the historical documents, I hope to plan exhibitions in the future to create opportunities for many people to see them.
Takei Shiori
During my time in Nepal, I obtained the Yoga Alliance certification (yoga instructor qualification), and now I am offering yoga classes in the community.
On Manabe Island, I hold classes on weekdays every week and once a month on weekends.
I also hold classes twice a month on Kitagi-shima Island.
The program focuses on breathing techniques and meditation, and it has been well received.
Yoga while gazing at the calm Seto Inland Sea is also wonderful.
We are also planning initiatives that combine tourism and yoga.
From the Writer
I spotted crabs and found corals enshrined in a small shrine.
There were many points in the alleys of Manabe Island where I could feel, "I am on an island!"
I was surprised by the narrow stairs in the Iwatobu settlement, which at first glance looked like a sidewalk, as taught by Takei!
I didn't have the courage to walk, but it seems the islanders walk it with ease.
There are still many attractions on Manabe Island, such as the ruins of Manabe Castle and the coastline on the southern side of the island.
Next time, I would like to stay at "INN THE CAMP" and spend a leisurely time greeting the cats while taking a walk.
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