In daily life, have you ever thought about the following things?
- "Am I the only one with this worry?"
- "Is there anyone else struggling with the same thing?"
- "I wonder how others are managing?"
Compared to the past, it has become easier to look up various things on the internet.
Thanks to the convenience and speed of being able to find out things without asking someone, many people feel that it has become more convenient.
On the other hand, whether in times of trouble or when searching for information, when actually trying things out or when finding solutions, one often feels alone, and when solutions are not found, one continues to struggle alone...
Do you not feel such "loneliness" at times?
Even just one person connecting with someone else might be more helpful than solving the problem itself.
Let me introduce the voluntary organization "Oya Company," which is working to create such connections.
What is Oya Company?
Founded in May 2020, Oya Company.
Does the name Oya Company sound familiar to you?
In fact, it was inspired by a well-known company name in hopes of being remembered even a little.
The origin of the organization’s name is the desire to be a close presence, as everyone has parents, even if they do not have children.
Philosophy of the Organization
Oya Company has three philosophies, wishing to be a close presence.
〇 Proposing a new way to connect people and society
〇 Sharing smiles and enjoyable times
〇 Learning from children and learning from adults, sharing love
Oya Company Intergenerational Exchange Yui-Maru Instagram
"Connecting," "Sharing," "Learning Together."
The importance of what is born from interactions between people can be felt in each of the philosophies.
What are the actual activities like?
Introduction of Activities
Here is an overview of the activities, including "Intergenerational Exchange Yui-Maru" and "Warashibe Market."
| Activity Name | Content | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Intergenerational Exchange Yui-Maru | Community dining. Providing a space for intergenerational exchange in various locations centered around Tsurajima. Not only as a dining hall but also hosting events, workshops, and Warashibe Market (a circulation market). | Irregularly held |
| Ichariba | Child-rearing plaza. The name comes from the Okinawan phrase "ichariba choode," meaning "once we meet, we are all brothers," and it is a place where parents and children can spend time together. | Irregularly held |
| Pre- and Postnatal Lunch Delivery | Lunch delivery. Limited to 20 meals. 500 yen per meal. Delivering lunches to families in need up to six months after childbirth. | Preparing to resume |
| Pre- and Postnatal Care Marche | A marche focused on pre- and postnatal care. Includes baby massage, consultations on carrying and holding, disaster prevention workshops for mothers, and other stalls that mothers will appreciate, such as nail care and aroma care. | Held twice a year |
| Small Town Share Living Oya.net | A network for mutual assistance among people connected through intergenerational exchange Yui-Maru and others. From connection to mutual assistance. | Preparing |
| Place Exchange Meeting - Mask Ball | A meeting for people involved in creating places from various positions to interact. Supporting opportunities for entrepreneurship and collaboration between organizations through encounters. | Held about once a year Fourth event held in 2023 |
For the first three years of activities, we operated using the community welfare fund grant from Kurashiki City.
From the 2023 fiscal year, we aim to operate without relying on grants.
Intergenerational Exchange Yui-Maru - Connections from Children to Adults and from Adults to Children
At the start of the organization in 2020, it began as a place for intergenerational exchange, a multi-generational exchange cafe where babies to the elderly could interact.
In January 2021, it changed to its current name and has been operating as a community dining hall that anyone can use.
The term "Yui-Maru" in Okinawan dialect means "to help each other, to work together, and to do our best together."
There are features of activities that connect to the meaning of that word.
One is children cooking meals, and the other is that there is a currency called "Tsumugi Bills" that can only be used within the activities.
Tsumugi Bills are paid as wages to the children who cooked meals and can be used for workshops and handmade product sales held at Yui-Maru.
Adults can purchase them for 100 yen each and donate, while children up to junior high school can use up to two bills a day.
In addition to the interactions between children and adults, there are also features regarding the ingredients used for meals.
The ingredients used at Yui-Maru are provided by companies, farmers, and individuals, contributing to the reduction of food waste.
In the 2022 activities, we provided lunches using "Kono Hitokan."
"Kono Hitokan" is a canned food created by Kono Hitokan, Inc. aimed at solving social issues such as food loss and poverty.
In addition to the circulation of ingredients, there is also a system for circulating items within Yui-Maru.
Warashibe Market - A Market Where Needed Items Reach Those Who Need Them
The Warashibe Market is an activity aimed at exchanging items so that needed items reach those who need them, and it is held not only during Yui-Maru but also in conjunction with other activities of Oya Company.
The origin of "Warashibe" comes from the folktale "Warashibe Chojya."
The story of a young man who became rich while passing on his belongings to those in need is one of the community ideals we want to realize through the Warashibe Market.
Daily necessities, clothing, children's items, and vegetables provided free of charge by companies, farmers, and individuals can be taken home for free by those in need, and it is also linked to the "Kurashiki Gokinjo Pantry Project" by the Kurashiki City Social Welfare Council.
Oya Company is energetically creating activities and continuously increasing opportunities for connection.
I spoke with the representative, Matsue Tsugumi.
Data on Oya Company
| Organization Name | Oya Company |
|---|---|
| Representative Name | Matsue Tsugumi |
| Year Established | May 2020 |
| Contact Information | 090-3378-2597 |
| Website | Oya Company |
