Interview with Maiko Okimura and Miki Kobayashi
We spoke with Ms. Okimura, the representative director of the general incorporated association moko’a, and Ms. Kobayashi, the vice representative director, about Okeiko.com Okayama.
Let’s hear about the philosophy of Okeiko.com Okayama.
Background of the Restart of Okeiko.com Okayama
Ms. Okimura, who has been closely connected to the community, please tell us about the challenges you have felt in your previous activities.
Okimura
Currently, Japan is facing issues such as a declining birthrate, an aging population, and a decreasing population, and in the future, it will become increasingly difficult for the government alone to address these issues.
Therefore, it is highly likely that a system will be needed where the power of local residents alone can sustain community life, but the importance of coexisting within the community is not widely recognized.
On the other hand, there are many people in the community who have skills but are unable to utilize them.
I felt that the challenge was that we were not able to effectively connect those who are struggling in the community with those who have skills.
How did you realize the importance of connecting people and the community?
Okimura
Even within a community, the situation varies by location. For example, even within Okayama Prefecture, it is easy to imagine that the issues faced by the islands in the Seto Inland Sea and those in the urban area of Kurashiki are completely different.
Similarly, the same can be said for skills; even within the same industry, people's areas of interest differ.
Because I have been engaged in community-based activities, I have realized that the skills and human resources required differ from one community to another.
Having experience focusing on the community, I can envision that “that person could thrive in that place.” I have come to want to propose places where skilled individuals can be active.
However, even if I can imagine the success of skilled individuals, supporting businesses while being close to them is something that I cannot do alone. I have felt frustrated that I have the desire but cannot shape it into reality.
How did you come to operate Okeiko.com Okayama?
Okimura
I heard that Okeiko.com Okayama was going to disband when I was feeling frustrated about not being able to do it alone.
So, I consulted with Ms. Yoko Minato, the representative of Okeiko.com, about whether I could become a new operator of Okeiko.com Okayama.
At that time, Okeiko.com Okayama was a community for female entrepreneurs, but Ms. Minato was someone who wanted to cherish the local culture.
Ms. Minato says that Okeiko.com is a team community. I resonated with the idea of connecting the community and people, and solving problems while advancing projects as a team, and decided to restart Okeiko.com Okayama.
Activities of Okeiko.com Okayama
What initiatives do members start with when advancing their businesses?
Kobayashi
Members of Okeiko.com Okayama are asked to fill out a worksheet that asks, “What do you want to achieve in 3, 5, or 10 years?”
Based on the content filled in that worksheet, the first meeting for members involves discussing with Ms. Okimura what kind of business can be developed.
When considering “what kind of project would be good to participate in” and “where that person can thrive,” it is necessary to know in detail the skills and values that each member possesses.
To deepen mutual understanding, we share our future visions.
What kind of community are you aiming for?
Okimura
What we aim for is a team community.
The term community is often heard, but it can be divided into several types.
For example, a content community is one where people with common interests, such as photography or travel, gather.
There are also fan communities like online salons run by celebrities, where people gather who resonate with the philosophy of the operator.
The community that Okeiko.com Okayama aims for is a team community.
People with expertise come together to work on large projects collaboratively and to complement each other's lacking knowledge and experience.
We aim to create a team community that can tackle challenges that cannot be solved alone by working together.
Mindset for Engaging with the Community
Is there a vision you want members to aim for?
Okimura
To sustain a business, I believe it is also important to have a mindset as an entrepreneur.
Among the members, there are not only those who have already started their own businesses but also those who are working as company employees while engaging in community activities.
While it is important to engage in what you want to do as a volunteer, considering time and financial aspects, it may become difficult to sustain.
Okeiko.com Okayama is also a community where you can acquire the skills and mindset necessary to sustain a business.
Are there any initiatives you are implementing to convey the importance of entrepreneurship and business sustainability?
Okimura
I convey to the members the phrase “Each person should make their own choices.”
Just doing what you are told is exhausting and will not sustain a business. Because it is something you chose yourself, motivation increases, and sustainability is born.
Also, to thrive within a team, it is important for individuals to be independent.
Therefore, during the membership orientation for Okeiko.com Okayama, I tell members to do what they can do alone and to consult when they hit a wall.
I believe that if they develop a mindset of working independently on their business, they can also thrive within the team.
Future Prospects of Okeiko.com Okayama
How was the event held on February 11, 2023?
Okimura
The launch event was attended by many people, including students, representatives from companies, and government officials. There were also individuals who have already taken action on social and community issues.
The purpose of this launch event was to share the vision of the newly revitalized Okeiko.com Okayama and to create connections among participants.
Additionally, it was to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the restarted Okeiko.com Okayama and to envision future developments.
After the event, I received many specific messages like, “I’m glad I connected with Mr. XX!” and I feel that we achieved the purpose of the launch event.
I hope that the connections made at the launch event will serve as a catalyst for taking action to solve community issues.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in the launch event. Thank you very much.
How will you develop the activities of Okeiko.com Okayama in the future?
Okimura
Regardless of age, there are surprisingly many people who want to engage in community activities.
Our goal is to unearth the feelings of those who have affection for the community and to expand the circle of human connections.
To achieve this, I plan to advance projects with the members of Okeiko.com Okayama and to leave concrete achievements as a team.
I hope that this launch event will serve as a starting point for establishing new projects.
Conclusion
Ms. Okimura, who has been deeply involved in community activities throughout Okayama Prefecture, understands the characteristics and challenges of various local communities. It is likely that her rich experience allows her to envision how to develop businesses using skills effectively.
When the community and people are well matched, both those living in the community and those running businesses can lead fulfilling lives.
Okeiko.com Okayama serves as a bridge between the community and people, and it is easy to imagine that new players who will thrive in the community will emerge. We can expect exciting developments in the future.
