Mizushima in Kurashiki City has undergone significant changes over time, blending old and new elements in the town.
- Fishing town
- New agricultural area due to land reclamation
- Recent industrial complex town
I participated in the "Mizushima Community Cafe - Yobimatsu Edition" in hopes of learning even a little about the town's background.
What is the "Mizushima Community Cafe"?
The "Mizushima Community Cafe" is an initiative organized by the Mizushima Regional Environmental Restoration Foundation (hereafter, Mizushima Foundation) with the following objectives.
- To discover information about the Mizushima area with a fresh perspective and explore what makes the information interesting
- To gather town information and compile the new attractions of Mizushima into "Mizushima Memories"
As of September 2023, "Mizushima Memories" has published 8 volumes, each introducing topics that reflect the town's true essence.
I went to visit
The venue for this event was "Yobimatsu," where local residents and members of Mizushima Cooperative Hospital gathered for a tea gathering to discuss and learn about the past and present of Yobimatsu.
First, an exchange meeting was held to hear stories about the town's appearance before the war and the changes that occurred after the industrial complex was established.
After that, based on what we learned, we took a walk around Yobimatsu.
Exchange meeting to hear the voices of Yobimatsu
In the warm atmosphere of the tea gathering, we heard about the town's appearance before the war and the changes that occurred after the industrial complex was built.
A former fisherman shared the following about the sea:
"Before the industrial complex was built, Mizushima thrived as a fishing town with 50 fishing boats, and in spring, we caught Spanish mackerel, and in autumn, we caught longfin tuna; the sea was abundant with fish."
A woman shared the following about the town:
"The town had a police station, post office, bank, movie theater, dance hall, and sake brewery, playing a central role in the neighborhood."
After that, the Mizushima Industrial Complex began operations, and the appearance of the town changed dramatically.
- Flames illuminating the dark night with a dazzling light and roaring sounds
- Fish that became inedible due to foul odors
- Black smoke choking the throat and attacking the respiratory system
I learned about the negative aspects brought by development.
Town walk to feel Yobimatsu
After that, I participated in the town walk.
Yobomatsu: The Origin of the Pollution Protest Movement
Yobomatsu is the origin of the pollution protest movement.
In 1964, four years after the Mizushima Industrial Complex began operations, a chemical plant called Kasei Mizushima (now Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) started operations adjacent to Yobomatsu, leading 700 residents to protest against the various issues caused by the company (commonly known as the "Yobomatsu Episode").
This action became a catalyst for moving the city.
However, it did not lead to a resolution of the pollution issues in the Mizushima area, and a lawsuit was filed in 1983 by pollution-certified patients in Kurashiki City, including those certified from Yobomatsu.
The settlement of the lawsuit came in 1996, 32 years after the protests began.
Conclusion
Participating in the "Mizushima Community Cafe" was a valuable opportunity to hear from those involved about the past and present of Yobomatsu and to experience what I learned while walking around the town.
I would like to continue to pay attention to the "Mizushima Community Cafe" and "Mizushima Memories."
Although it is held irregularly, why not consider participating in the next event?
Mizushima Community Cafe - Yobomatsu Edition Data
| Name | Mizushima Community Cafe - Yobomatsu Edition |
|---|---|
| Date | Irregularly held For details, see the Mizushima Foundation website |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Participation is free |
| Website | Mizushima Foundation |
