When you think of Mizushima, located in the southern part of Kurashiki City, what comes to mind?
You might have a strong image of an industrial area.
In fact, Mizushima is a vibrant area where many residential and commercial facilities are lined up, home to about 90,000 people.
On the other hand, the old shopping streets have seen an increase in shuttered stores over time.
In response to this, there are adults who came together in 2008 to revitalize Mizushima.
They are the Mizushima Revitalization Team, who continue to operate in Mizushima.
The events they plan and run themselves, made with their own hands, always achieve great success and earn strong trust from the local people.
They set a concept for every event and all team members push forward towards it.
What kind of concept do they have, and what kind of events do they hold?
We will introduce the events organized by the Mizushima Revitalization Team one by one.
What is the Mizushima Revitalization Team?
The Mizushima Revitalization Team is a volunteer group formed by individuals who gathered to revitalize the town of Mizushima in Kurashiki City.
Formed in 2008, they have planned and operated numerous events on their own.
Their main motto is to enjoy themselves.
If they are not having fun, they cannot make others enjoy themselves, and they always take their enjoyment seriously.
Currently, about 20 members are striving daily to become role models for children.
Events organized by the Mizushima Revitalization Team so far
Since the formation of the Mizushima Revitalization Team, they have conducted various events in cooperation with members and local organizations.
There have been years when they managed four events a year.
- Lecture (2008–)
- Mizushima Music Festival (2015)
- Mizushima Water Gun Festival (2013–2018)
- Mizukon PARTY (2014–2023)
- Mizushima Chair Grand Prix (2015–2019)
- Mizushima Evening Garden (2016–2019, 2022)
- Ablaze Garden Mizushima (2023)
- Miracle Christmas BBQ (2023)
Now, let’s introduce the events that the Mizushima Revitalization Team has organized.
Lecture
This was the first event that led to the formation of the Mizushima Revitalization Team.
Initially, there were three early members who resonated with the idea of "Let’s energize Japan" and thought about how to make Japan lively.
In 2008, they invited a nationwide lecturer known as "Tentsuku Man" to Kurashiki and planned a lecture.
They sold tickets themselves and handled everything from the emcee to venue setup and reception by hand.
Ultimately, more than 400 guests gathered in a venue that could accommodate 300 people, making it a hugely successful lecture with standing room only.
They continued to hold lectures aimed at energizing the local community for 2 to 3 years, also hosting them at the local Mizushima Ai Ai Salon.
Additionally, the profits from the lectures were used to purchase items such as computers and encyclopedias, which were sent to children's care facilities.
Mizushima Water Gun Festival
In 2013, as part of the Mizushima Port Festival, this event was conceived to revitalize the Mizushima shopping street.
With the concept of wanting to give indoor generation children an explosive experience and to let them play seriously beyond their limits, they planned and held a water gun festival where adults and children compete seriously.
This event has a grand story.
Once a year, an island called "Mizushima Island" appears in Mizushima.
On that island lives a dragon god, and you cannot meet the dragon god unless you defeat the four heavenly kings who protect the island, so everyone works together to defeat the four heavenly kings.
They handmade the dragon god from plastic cardboard, created mechanisms, and dressed up as pirates to play the four heavenly kings, using 2,000 liters of water to hold a serious water gun festival with the children.
During the tournament, there were refreshments of juice and ice from sponsoring companies for the children, and after the water gun festival ended, they held a somen nagashi (flowing noodles) made from real bamboo, successfully creating a realistic event that left memories for the children and enlivened the summer in Mizushima.
Mizushima Chair Grand Prix
The Mizushima Chair Grand Prix is a endurance race where three people from one team ride on a single chair and run for two hours.
Originally originating in Kyoto Prefecture, it was an event started to revitalize shuttered shopping streets.
In 2015, a member of the revitalization team suggested, "There’s something interesting, why don’t we try it in Mizushima?" and everyone brainstormed together to make it happen.
The concept is to make the town of Mizushima known nationwide and to encourage as many people as possible to visit.
This event, held nationwide, can have 30 to 40 groups in some regions, but Mizushima gathered over 80 groups, making it the largest Mizushima Chair Grand Prix in Japan.
As per the concept, many people visited from outside the prefecture, and television stations and talents also participated, which increased the recognition of Mizushima.
Many companies from the Mizushima Industrial Complex also participated, and some incorporated the Mizushima Chair Grand Prix into their new employee training.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, this event is currently on hold, but it is one of the events that many voices are calling for its revival.
Mizushima Evening Garden
Mizushima has many drinking streets, and in the past, some people had a scary image of it.
However, in reality, it is very livable and has many delicious shops.
Therefore, with the concept of improving the image of Mizushima and supporting the shops working hard in Mizushima, they started holding a market from 2016 to encourage as many customers as possible to visit.
As the sun begins to set and the surroundings grow dark, the members of the Mizushima Revitalization Team illuminate the park and set up sofas on the grass.
The sofas are collected from local people who were asked by the members and recycled from unwanted items.
They project a slideshow of the night view of Mizushima and have local high school students perform calligraphy for the event sign, creating a handmade atmosphere at the venue with the members working together.
Inside the venue, people from local shops working hard set up special booths for this event.
Visitors to the venue enjoyed delicious drinks and food while spending a relaxing time with friends and family, accompanied by live band performances as background music.
This event has also attracted hundreds of visitors each year, establishing itself as a popular event in Mizushima.
Mizukon PARTY
Mizushima Marriage Activity PARTY (commonly known as Mizukon) has been held since 2011 as a commissioned project by Kurashiki City.
For the first three years until 2013, it was primarily organized by the Mizushima Mirai Thinking Group.
During the planning of the 4th event in 2014, an offer was made to the Mizushima Cheer Squad.
When we received the offer, we asked to hold it with content entirely of our own design, even though it was our first attempt, and we held daily meetings to figure out how to make participants happy.
Based on the concept of countermeasures against declining birthrates, we created original marriage activity events by empathizing with the feelings of shy young people and providing support.
As a result, many people participated, achieving a success rate of over 80% for couples at times, with some even getting married.
In 2023, marking the 12th event, we planned a new Mizukon PARTY B Side titled Miracle Christmas BBQ, achieving a 100% couple rate with ideas unique to the Mizushima Cheer Squad.
About the Leader of the Mizushima Cheer Squad
The first leader was Ozaki Katsu-nari.
As of February 2023, the current leader is the second generation, Ueda Mitsuhiko.
Full of leadership and initiative, he attracts people with his natural brightness.
Ueda's speaking ability is persuasive, and his peers call him "Big Brother" and place their immense trust in him.
We spoke with Ueda about the Mizushima Cheer Squad.
Interview with Ueda Mitsuhiko, Leader of the Mizushima Cheer Squad
Ueda Mitsuhiko, the leader of the Mizushima Cheer Squad.
What passionate thoughts does he have regarding the activities of the Mizushima Cheer Squad?
We conducted an interview.
The Background of Forming the Mizushima Cheer Squad
Please tell us about the background of forming the Mizushima Cheer Squad.
Ueda (no honorifics)
Fifteen years ago, three friends who were close at the time were drinking coffee at a café in Mizushima called "Milk Crown."
- "Lately, young people in Japan seem to be lacking energy."
- "I want to energize Japan."
- "But first, we need to liven up our local Mizushima."
- "Alright! Let's start from there!"
That was the beginning of our agreement.
We then began to move towards holding a lecture, gradually gathering like-minded friends, and formed the "Mizushima Cheer Squad."
Over the past 15 years, we have planned and executed various events, sometimes managing four events in a single year.
You have held so many events. Do you have any memorable experiences?
Ueda
The lecture we held was the beginning of the Mizushima Cheer Squad, and I was to be the host for that lecture.
I thought it would be rude to meet the lecturer for the first time on the day of the event, so based on minimal information about whether I could meet "Tentsuku Man," who travels around the country, I took a ferry to Shodoshima after work to meet him.
Fortunately, I was able to meet him for just a moment, and I introduced myself saying, "I am Ueda, who will be hosting the lecture in Kurashiki. Nice to meet you!" Just as I was about to leave, "Tentsuku Man" called out, "Big Brother! You're passionate!" which left a lasting impression on me.
I feel that that passionate sentiment is the origin of our activities.
About the Members of the Mizushima Cheer Squad
What kind of people are the members of the Mizushima Cheer Squad?
Ueda
The Mizushima Cheer Squad is a free group that is both an organization and not an organization.
Since the members gather voluntarily, when we hold events, we do what each person can do within their capacity.
We have a diverse group of individuals with special skills, such as those good at manufacturing, those skilled in internet-related tasks, those strong in printing and public relations, those good at hosting, and those with excellent planning abilities, making it a special group of unique individuals.
We aim for children to think, I want to become an adult like that, so we seriously engage and enjoy everything.
Recent Events
What kind of recent events have you organized?
Ueda
We received requests to hold parties not only for young people but also for middle-aged and older individuals, so we planned a new initiative, the Mizukon PARTY B Side, titled Miracle Christmas BBQ.
The eligibility for participation was single gentlemen and ladies in their 40s to 60s, and it was held as a meeting place to enrich their future lives, not strictly for marriage activities.
Participants enjoyed a barbecue at a stylish hideaway, having a fun time, and left satisfied with a 100% couple rate.
We hope to continue holding events that the local people desire.
The Driving Force Behind Efforts for the Community
What is the driving force behind your efforts for the community, Ueda?
Ueda
As a volunteer, there are times when it can be tough.
Others might wonder how I can do so much.
However, I believe that through such experiences, I am learning a lot.
Of course, I am doing this for the town, for everyone, and for social contribution, but in reality, it is all for ourselves.
I am gaining experiences that money cannot buy.
The more social activities I engage in, the more enjoyable it becomes, and my skills improve and my humanity grows.
Through my activities with the Mizushima Cheer Squad, I have met irreplaceable friends with the same goals.
I believe this is a treasure for life.
Looking Ahead
Do you have any plans for the future?
Ueda
In the future, I would like to have more young people participate, and we will provide support for them.
I hope high school and university students will join the Cheer Squad and have the opportunity to experience stepping up for the community and for themselves.
Ultimately, my desire to energize Japan remains unchanged.
With a spirit of selfless love that seeks no reward, we will continue to engage in activities that bring joy to the local people and children.
Conclusion
When I spoke with another member of the Mizushima Cheer Squad, I received the response, "The activities of the Mizushima Cheer Squad are my healing."
Activities for the community and people, when carried out together with friends, can actually become a source of solace for oneself and a driving force for living.
I felt that the Mizushima Cheer Squad is not only engaged in activities for the community but also building bonds and friendships with peers.
In our society, various volunteer organizations are active.
By challenging yourself within your capacity and becoming part of something nearby, you might discover a fun future that is different from your usual life.
