Interview with Tsugumi Matsue, Representative of Oya Company
"This year, I hope to make it a year of learning that connects to next year," said Matsue, who proposed new activities.
I asked her about the thoughts that are the source of her activities.
The Origin of Oya Company
Can you tell us about the origin of starting Oya Company?
Matsue
It coincided with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the first state of emergency declaration, along with the birth of my youngest child.
Even after being discharged from the hospital, I had some anxiety about not knowing what to do for small things and the restrictions that limited my freedom, and I thought, "How are others handling this? There must be others who are struggling with the same issues."
I had paused my activities due to my youngest child's pregnancy, but I had actually started a business in the past, organizing events and creating spaces.
When I thought about whether there was something I could do or something I wanted to do, I decided to give it another try.
Since I had done it before, I thought, "If there are connections, we can help each other."
So, I reached out to acquaintances who were already interested in community welfare, and in May 2020, I established a voluntary organization and decided to start delivering lunch boxes based on my own experiences around autumn.
I myself experienced childbirth and parenting without friends or acquaintances since I am from outside the prefecture.
When my parents came from my hometown to bring meals when I gave birth to my third child, it really helped me, and that was the trigger for wanting to deliver lunch boxes.
This is one of the activities for prenatal and postnatal care.
Matsue
That's right.
The lunch box delivery is limited to 20 meals a day, so when I receive orders for families of 4 to 5 people, it ends up being for 4 to 5 families.
While aiming to deliver until about six months postpartum, I extended the delivery if there was a request.
As another activity for prenatal and postnatal care, we also hold an event called Family Marche twice a year.
Even postpartum mothers have things they want to do or start a business.
Those people can shape what they want to do and participate in the marche, and I hope that those who see them feel, "That looks good," and gain confidence in themselves.
While doing such activities, I realized that what I love connects with others, and I began to think about trying new things or connecting my existing network.
What is the vision that Oya Company aims for through connections?
Matsue
I hope that the people who meet at the activities of Oya Company can take a step forward.
By creating a space for interaction, I hope to create a society where various people can live while helping each other.
I want to create activities that allow people to confidently pursue what they want to do.
It can be tough to go out with children, but there are places that welcome you even if you bring kids, and it's hard to give up on what you want to do just because your children are small.
Rather, if you can do what you want to do while also being involved with your children, it can be tough but also a way to relax and have fun.
Aiming for Each Individual's Success through Mutual Support
The activities may be described as childcare support, but as I listen to you, I feel there is a message of wanting to support the success of women who often bear the responsibility of childcare.
Matsue
That might be true.
I myself am still in the process of searching for what I want to do.
It's like I'm looking for what I'm good at.
Even if I think I can't do it, I have had experiences where I could do it once I tried, and I hope there is a place for everyone to shine.
It's about connecting with various people, helping each other, and being able to thrive while doing what you want to do. That's why I also feel your desire to use the difficulties you experienced to ensure others don't face the same challenges.
Matsue
Speaking of experiences, I believe I can only provide what I have experienced or seen.
At such times, I want to be in a position to connect others.
For example, if there are people struggling with children's development or difficulties in going to school, even if I am not struggling with the same issues, I can connect them with others who have the same concerns or organizations through my connections.
I want to be in that position, and if there are people who want to start an organization or do something, I also want to be in a position to support them.
The inter-industry exchange meeting and mask ball held in May 2023 was indeed an event to support those who want to do something.
Matsue
That's right.
At that event, I met people who said, "I want to do this," and now they have established organizations and are active.
Taking the first step is difficult.
If someone can engage in activities while imitating what others are doing, that would be the best.
Driven by "What I Want to Do"
It must be challenging but also fun to shape what you want to do. Can you share any difficult experiences you have had?
Matsue
It's about interactions with people.
Even if we share the same feelings, our personalities and values differ, and there can be things we cannot compromise on or different directions that emerge.
As a result, we may choose different paths.
So, I often struggle with how to convey my thoughts or whether I should convey them at all.
If I compromise, my desires may crumble.
Sometimes, not saying one more word can lead to negative reactions from others.
Since we are dealing with people, the way they receive things can differ and lead to misunderstandings, which can be challenging.
I often find myself staying at home, self-questioning for days, thinking this is my path, and then moving forward again.
During tough times, what is the thought that you return to, saying, "This is it"?
Matsue
It's about challenge.
Even if I have a clear idea of what I want to do, negative opinions or reactions can bring me down.
I get down, but during those times, I try to change my perspective and self-question for days or weeks.
But if I still want to do it, I take on the challenge.
When I take a step forward, things can progress quickly, and I realize, "This was the right choice."
Once my desires become clear, I think I can just move towards that goal.
Indeed, you embody the idea of thriving by doing what you want. What has been a happy moment for you so far?
Matsue
It's when I receive positive feedback.
When someone says, "I was feeling down, but I met this person here, and because of their words, I was able to recover," I feel that it was worth it!
That feedback can lead others to learn about the organization and want to join, and it can also inspire volunteers present to want to keep doing their best.
Can you tell us about your future activities?
Matsue
2023 is the first year I am operating without grants.
Until now, I have been doing activities every month, thinking there might be people waiting during the state of emergency.
Since there are staff with small children, we are discussing taking things a bit slower in 2023.
Personally, I think opportunities to learn are coming my way, so I want to gradually increase my knowledge while exploring what issues exist in the community.
You mentioned taking things slowly, but "Ichari-ba" is an activity that will start this year (2023).
Matsue
Yes, "Ichari-ba" was first held in July 2023.
I hope to create a place where parents and children can enjoy being together.
I want this place to connect participants from outside the prefecture or school district with each other and with staff, leading to other activities, organizations, and experts.
There are fathers who come to Yui-Maru, and I want to incorporate courses for fathers into "Ichari-ba" as well.
Men and women have different perspectives and viewpoints, and I hope to convey that.
Conclusion
During the interview, the words "connect" and "link" came up repeatedly.
Representative Matsue is working on interactions with people, driven by her desire to connect with various individuals.
I felt that Matsue's active involvement embodies Oya Company itself.
Whether you are a parent or not, whether you are raising children or not.
If you are in trouble, help each other, aiming for a society where those who want to do something can thrive.
We will continue to keep an eye on Matsue and Oya Company's activities, which support each individual through experience and connections.
Oya Company Data
| Organization Name | Oya Company |
|---|---|
| Representative Name | Matsue Tsugumi |
| Year Established | May 2020 |
| Contact | 090-3378-2597 |
| Website | Oya Company |
