Okeiko.com Okayama is a community that connects the region and its people, aiming for a rich life. In November 2023, it started anew under the concept of "Revitalizing the community, enriching lives."
The operators are Okimura Maiko and Kobayashi Miki, the representative director and vice representative director of the general incorporated association moko’a, respectively, who have been involved in revitalizing the region throughout Okayama Prefecture.
There are many people in the community who say, "I have affection for the region, but I don't know where to start," or "I have skills, but I don't know how to utilize them."
As a community that connects these people, Okeiko.com Okayama has been reborn under the leadership of Okimura.
On February 11, 2024 (Sunday), an event titled "Okeiko.com Okayama Unveiling Event: Connecting Ranger" was held to share the new vision of Okeiko.com Okayama.
Let's hear from Okimura and Kobayashi about the future community that Okeiko.com Okayama aims for.
In November 2025, the community name was changed to "TUMUGU. Okayama."
In this article, the name "Okeiko.com Okayama" used at the time of the interview is maintained.
What is Okeiko.com Okayama?
What kind of community aims to connect the region and its people while striving for a rich life?
Here is an introduction to Okeiko.com Okayama.
Overview of Okeiko.com Okayama
Okeiko.com Okayama is a community that aims to promote regional revitalization through collaboration among people with diverse skills, under the motto "Revitalizing the community, enriching lives."
People who want to do something for the community or utilize their skills gather to engage in activities that enrich community life.
Additionally, they challenge projects that address issues that cannot be solved by one person's skills, promoting collaboration among members based on their unique characteristics.
Okeiko.com Okayama is a community where people with affection for the region can thrive while utilizing their individuality.
Operators of Okeiko.com Okayama
Okeiko.com Okayama is operated by Okimura Maiko and Kobayashi Miki, who have been working on regional revitalization in Okayama Prefecture.
Let’s introduce the backgrounds of the two who have been deeply involved in community activities.
Okeiko.com Okayama Operator Okimura Maiko
The operator of Okeiko.com Okayama is Okimura Maiko.
Okimura serves as the representative director of the general incorporated association moko’a, which focuses on community development led by residents, primarily in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture and the southeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture.
From 2016, she worked for three years as a member of the Shimotsui Community Revitalization Cooperation Team. Since 2018, she has been involved in solving issues in communities and settlements throughout Okayama Prefecture as an executive member of the NPO Minna no Shuraku Kenkyujo.
Through her experience in community development, she operates Okeiko.com Okayama, a project that connects the region and its people.
General Incorporated Association moko’a Vice Representative Director Kobayashi Miki
Kobayashi Miki is a "Photo Writer Traveling on a Cub."
Kobayashi's beloved vehicle is the "Super Cub," a motorcycle that has remained popular since its release by Honda (Honda Motor Co., Ltd.) in 1958. She shares the landscapes of her travels on Instagram.
With over 10,000 followers, she not only works as a writer but also provides support for social media management and gives lectures.
Kobayashi also served as a member of the Shimotsui Community Revitalization Cooperation Team for three years starting in 2017. She operates the general incorporated association moko’a alongside Okimura.
At Okeiko.com Okayama, she plays a role as an advisor for information dissemination in community activities while supporting Okimura's initiatives.
"Okeiko.com Okayama" and "Okeiko.com Community"
Okeiko.com Community was established in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2008 as an organization aimed at supporting women's entrepreneurship. It began with the desire to create opportunities for entrepreneurship for women whose living environments are often subject to change due to marriage and childbirth.
Subsequently, the activities expanded to Okayama Prefecture, Oita Prefecture, and other regions.
Around spring 2023, in order to broaden support not only for female entrepreneurs but also for individuals engaging in various activities, a restructuring was carried out under the concept of "Things that cannot be done alone can be achieved as a team."
At that time, Okimura decided to take on the role of operator of Okeiko.com Okayama, believing that by leveraging the characteristics of the team community, she could connect people with diverse skills and enrich the region.
As of January 2024, activities have expanded to six prefectures, including not only Hiroshima Prefecture but also Fukushima Prefecture and Mie Prefecture.
With the concept of "Revitalizing the community, enriching lives," Okeiko.com Okayama started anew in November 2023.
Activities and Members of Okeiko.com Okayama
What can be done at Okeiko.com Okayama
Okeiko.com Okayama is a membership-based community.
New members have an initial one-on-one meeting with Okimura to discuss how to proceed with their projects.
After that, during the monthly online regular meetings, participants reflect on the past month and set goals for the next month. They share progress and goals regarding their projects with other members.
Apart from the regular meetings, there are no fixed roles or tasks, allowing members to engage freely according to their individual characteristics and projects, which is a feature of Okeiko.com Okayama.
Other services and activities available to members of Okeiko.com Okayama include:
- Announcement of events and individual projects on the website operated by Okeiko.com
- Participation in seminars held by Okeiko.com Okayama and Okeiko.com Community (available for free or at member prices)
- Consultation regarding challenges that arise while advancing projects
- Launching new projects with other members
- Challenges related to corporate projects
It is possible to develop projects independently and expand connections with others. Members can advance their projects at their discretion while utilizing necessary content.
Membership is available for 3,300 yen per month (including tax) for Okeiko.com Okayama.
Members of Okeiko.com Okayama
Members active in Okeiko.com Okayama have varied backgrounds and possess diverse skills.
Fashion coordinators, restaurant owners, and individuals who work as company employees while engaging in community activities on their days off are all part of this community, each with different lifestyles and working styles.
Members can consult with the operators and those with rich experience and diverse skills regarding questions such as "I am interested in community issues, but how should I approach them?" or "How can I utilize my skills in community activities?"
Even challenges that are difficult to tackle alone may find solutions through the power of the team community.
The ability to participate regardless of entrepreneurial experience is also a feature of Okeiko.com Okayama.
As of January 2024, 14 members are actively working to enrich community life.
Okeiko.com Okayama Unveiling Event: Connecting Ranger
On February 11, 2024 (Sunday), an event was held at "Miharashi Plaza" in Kitakuse Mirai Fureai Comprehensive Park to share the vision of the newly established Okeiko.com Okayama.
The event was named "Okeiko.com Okayama Unveiling Event: Connecting Ranger."
It consisted of three parts, divided into the following sessions.
| Session Name | Content |
|---|---|
| New Okeiko.com Okayama | About what Okeiko.com Okayama aims for |
| Okeiko Operators Talk Session | About the community of Okeiko.com and collaboration with Okeiko.com outside Okayama |
| Large Exchange Meeting Connecting Regions and People | An exchange meeting for members to get to know each other and connect |
The purpose was to confirm the vision of the newly started Okeiko.com Okayama and deepen mutual understanding among members.
Not only those aspiring to start a business but also many participants from companies and government agencies took part, marking a step towards collaboration among those involved in the community.
What background led to the new start of Okeiko.com Okayama, which has begun with new aspirations?
We also asked Okimura and Kobayashi about their outlook for the future.
