Interview with Miyazaki Nao
Please tell us your impressions when you first encountered Kurashiki Hakka.
Miyazaki
I was surprised by the scent, which was unlike anything I had ever smelled before. Many people have the image of Hakka (mint) as having a sharp scent, but Shubi contains peppermint components, and its characteristic is a sweet and refreshing aroma. Personally, I think it is a scent that can refresh your mood when you smell it during a down time.
I originally didn't have much interest in Hakka, but when I visited the Kurashiki Hakka Exhibition Hall, I learned that Hakka is surprisingly close to us. Since ancient times, Hakka leaves and Hakka oil have been used as medicines and quasi-drugs, and there are many uses beyond just enjoying the scent.
Are there any challenges you would like to take on in town development utilizing Kurashiki Hakka?
Miyazaki
It seems that the history of Hakka cultivation in Okayama Prefecture is not very well known.
I would be happy if the efforts to revitalize Hakka become widely known and lead to recognition as a specialty product, and if we could create opportunities to convey the charm of Hakka to modern children. I believe town development needs to be viewed in the long term.
As part of my mission during my term, I am also preparing to produce a revised version of the Hakka notebook, so at the same time, it would be great to create a picture book about Kurashiki Hakka.
Also, I believe that many people will be touched by the scent of Kurashiki Hakka if they get to smell it at least once, so I would like to increase the opportunities to experience the scent in person.
For experiencing the scent, indoors is the best, so I would like to try using aroma oils in places like housing exhibitions. I hope to provide opportunities that allow people to imagine a life with Kurashiki Hakka.
Additionally, since the scent of Kurashiki Hakka also enhances concentration, I feel it would be just right for school-related novelties. Many ideas come to mind.
I would be happy if I could convey the charm of Kurashiki Hakka using my qualifications as a nutritionist and help enrich people's lives a little.
What have you gained through your activities as a cooperative team member?
Miyazaki
In terms of my personal growth, I have been able to utilize my knowledge of branding and marketing to engage in awareness activities for Kurashiki Hakka.
It is an environment where I can not only study and acquire knowledge but also apply it in product development, allowing me to gain experience continuously. I hope to deliver the charm of Kurashiki Hakka to more people using this experience.
Why did you decide to start the cooking class Chef☆Kids?
Miyazaki
There are two main reasons.
One is that I wanted to get to know the local children and their parents and increase opportunities to convey the charm of Kurashiki Hakka while utilizing my strengths. Even though I have a qualification as a nutritionist, if I stay away from the field, the gap will become longer, which was one of my anxieties after moving.
However, as I began to explore Hakka, I realized its depth, and I found a sense of familiarity in the world of botany, biology, and chemistry that I had studied as a nutritionist. It is often said that "cooking is science," and I truly believe that.
If I could create opportunities for people to become interested in Hakka from a scientific perspective, it could lead to opportunities to learn about Kurashiki Hakka, which would be killing two birds with one stone.
Since I have just started the class, I haven't been able to incorporate Hakka-based menus yet, but I would be happy if I could hold it in conjunction with my cooperative team activities.
It is indeed valuable for children to have opportunities to engage with local specialties from a young age. What is the other reason?
Miyazaki
The other reason is that when I considered settling in Kurashiki, the people living in the area were the ones I wanted to connect with the most. During my time as a cooperative team member, most of the people I interacted with were tourists or business partners of the receiving organizations, so I had few opportunities to connect with local people.
After quitting my job as a nutritionist, I realized that I indeed love working in fields related to food, clothing, and shelter. For me, the activities of Chef☆Kids serve as a tool for settling down and are also preparation for choosing a profession that utilizes my qualifications after my term ends.
Are there any happy episodes or memorable moments during your activities?
Miyazaki
When I set up a booth as the Kurashiki Hakka Exhibition Hall at an event in the city, local people I met at the night café and Chef☆Kids came to me saying, "Miya-chan!" and "Miya-sensei!"
I felt that I was able to get to know the local people, and I think I was able to increase opportunities for them to engage with local specialties.
Finally, please share a message.
Miyazaki
Until now, I have been creating connections with the community through the night café and Chef☆Kids. Even after graduating from the cooperative team, I want to continue living and working in Kurashiki, so if anyone reading this article wants to connect with me, please feel free to reach out.
I would be happy if you could say, "I read this article on Kuratoco."
Conclusion
The author also had no idea that there was a specialty product of Hakka in Kurashiki until moving here.
The scent of Kurashiki Hakka is refreshing yet sweet, and once you smell it, you won't forget it. The products developed by Miyazaki allow you to easily enjoy the scent of Kurashiki Hakka, making them highly recommended as souvenirs from Kurashiki.
Hearing about Miyazaki's activities not only as a cooperative team member but also as an individual engaged in community activities has inspired the author to work harder in their own endeavors.
Please keep an eye on the future activities of the community revitalization cooperative team.
Data of Miyazaki Nao
| Name | Miyazaki Nao |
|---|---|
| Address | 10-11 Chuo 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Homepage | Kurashiki Mint Display Room |
