We spoke with Mr. Minami Tomoyuki, the representative director of NPO Umi no Kosha Oshima Higashi Elementary School
Mr. Minami is from Osaka, right? Please tell us about how you moved to Kasaoka City.
Minami (honorific omitted)
Yes, I was born and raised in Osaka. This year (2021) marks my 11th year living in Kasaoka.
Originally, I was a salaryman working for a trading company in Osaka.
I enjoyed my work and found it rewarding, but my lifestyle was such that I often missed the last train, so I decided to resign when I got married.
Then, I jumped into the world of woodworking, which had been a hobby of mine.
I learned traditional woodworking techniques in Tsuyama City, Okayama, and moved with my family to Hokkaido, where timber is abundant.
At first, I juggled part-time jobs. It was tough, but I started making furniture and toys and selling them online, gradually getting on track.
However, shipping from Hokkaido meant that the shipping costs and delivery times were longer than from Honshu, which was a concern.
My mother is from Kitagi-shima, and my parents had moved from Osaka to Kitagi-shima.
So, we considered Kasaoka as a potential place to move. A few months after consulting with the Kasaoka City Migration and Settlement Center about available buildings for residence and workshop, I was informed that there were two vacant properties just 50 meters apart.
Those became the workshop before moving to Umi no Kosha and the home where I still live.
How did Umi no Kosha start?
Minami
I had heard for some time that Oshima Higashi Elementary School was going to be closed. Since I enjoy riding motorcycles, I often felt that it was a nice place while riding along Prefectural Route 47.
In March 2018, Oshima Higashi Elementary School closed. I saw photos of the inside of the school building on social media and felt that the building had value. It would be a waste for it to be closed and unused.
Furniture craftsmen need a large space to work. A school has a wide space.
I don't necessarily love the sea, but I thought it would be great to see the sea while working.
However, even though a furniture craftsman needs a large space, a school building has more space than one person can handle.
This led to the idea of a shared atelier that could be used not only by myself but also by other artists and creators.
I frequently visited the city hall, expanding on the idea, and gradually more people who wanted to "preserve this school building" and "get involved" joined.
The utilization of a closed school is a first initiative for Kasaoka City.
Starting from a completely blank slate with no rules or systems, it took three years, but I believe we were able to create a framework in collaboration with the city, the community, and creators.
I heard many local residents express their desire to "preserve this school building because it holds memories."
The NPO Umi no Kosha Oshima Higashi Elementary School, which operates Umi no Kosha, has the residents' volunteers, as well as the president and vice president of the Oshima Community Development Council serving as directors and auditors.
We held a presentation for local residents, and many people expressed their gratitude by saying "thank you."
It is an old school. I felt once again that it is a place filled with many memories.
From the perspective of a furniture craftsman, this wooden school building is very rich in character. The stairs and handrails bear the history of many children who have touched them, becoming rounded and worn.
I want to operate it without forgetting the history that has been engraved.
What do you want to do in the future?
Minami
Since many creators are residing here, I definitely want to hold workshops and markets.
The atmosphere inside the school building is very nice, and there is also a spacious schoolyard and a rooftop with a view of the sea. I am excited about the possibility of holding open and refreshing events.
Although it is not yet fully organized, I hope to have the general public come in and enjoy it.
I would love to create a place where people can see the production process, make purchases, and have experiences… a place where one wouldn't get bored even after half a day would be ideal.
I also hope to prepare a café space for cyclists running by the seaside on holidays and a co-working space.
There are many things I want to do, but in practice, we are short on manpower. Tasks like grass cutting and renovating classrooms for new residents…
The goats help with the grass cutting.
Recently, we also welcomed a baby goat.
I feel that because various creators with different specialties gather, we can help each other and inspire one another.
I want to make it a place where good work and good encounters are born.
From the Writer
Creators who have come to the nostalgic school building with a view of the sea. Fresh ideas and encounters will surely emerge from here.
And the atmosphere of the school changes dramatically with the presence or absence of people.
The silent and quiet classroom feels a bit lonely, but when products are displayed and people are moving around, the place itself shines.
The old Oshima Higashi Elementary School, which has become a place where people visit even after its closure, will surely be a beacon of hope for the community.
The creators of Umi no Kosha may be shaping the future of the town.
I look forward to the day when events are held and a co-working space is established.
Share Atelier Umi no Kosha Information
| Name | Share Atelier Umi no Kosha |
|---|---|
| Location | 2553 Oshima Naka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Reservation | Required Reservations are necessary for the desired visit date |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Power Supply | Available |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Official Site of Share Atelier Umi no Kosha |
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