I spoke with the islanders
I spoke with Muyas Ayumi, who moved to Shiraishi-jima Island with her family and has been living there for three years as of 2021.
In July 2020, MuyA renovated an old house located about a 2-minute walk from Shiraishi-jima Port and pre-opened the "KUa Vegan Cafe."
Can you tell us how you came to live on Shiraishi-jima Island?
MuyA (honorific omitted)
In April 2017, I joined the Community Revitalization Cooperator program in Kasaoka City with the aim of becoming a farmer, moving here from Osaka.
I was interested in the question, "How can we create a safe and secure life ourselves?" and thought that as a farmer, I could realize such a life through food.
I lived in Kasaoka City for about a year, but in 2018, I moved to Shiraishi-jima Island.
I live with my husband from Tanzania and our two daughters, aged 2 and 5, while cultivating the fields.
My husband, who has lived by catching fish and coconuts on the coast of Tanzania, is also enjoying life close to nature.
Can you tell us about "KUa Vegan Cafe"?
MuyA
As the name "Vegan Cafe" suggests, it is a cafe that serves vegan food.
Vegan refers to a lifestyle that does not incorporate animal products into daily life, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and furniture made from genuine leather.
We offer mulberry juice harvested on Shiraishi-jima, organic brown rice coffee, and daily vegan lunch specials.
The menu may also include vegetables grown without fertilizers or pesticides.
I started thinking about a safe and secure life after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011.
I also traveled to Tanzania and Rwanda to experience a minimal lifestyle that uses as few resources as possible. It was during that time that I met my husband.
I became interested in veganism regarding food.
The name "KUa" means "to grow" in Swahili. It embodies the wish to create a cafe that grows together with the community.
It also sounds similar to "桑" (mulberry), which is harvested on Shiraishi-jima.
How has living on Shiraishi-jima been for you?
MuyA
On Shiraishi-jima, there are many people who have come from outside, such as those who married into the island, those who left the island during their working years and returned, and immigrants.
Perhaps because of that, many people understand the inconveniences we feel as a family who moved here without any connections, which I am grateful for.
When I have a lot of luggage, they help me, and they say things like, "If you have any difficulties, just let me know," or "I understand because I was also working while raising children."
It’s also nice that they take care of my children.
There is an international exchange villa, and perhaps because there are many foreign tourists, I feel that this island has a spirit of hospitality, and at the same time, I also feel a culture of mutual assistance. I have been greatly helped.
Is your farming going well?
I am challenging myself with natural farming without fertilizers or pesticides, starting with seed collection from heirloom and indigenous varieties.
These are seeds that can be passed down through generations, suited to the land and climate, rather than F1 seeds, which are one-time use.
The reason I insist on sustainable natural farming is that, for example, if logistics stop, without fertilizers or seeds, I would have to stop farming.
It is sad when external factors lead to a lack of food or take away the opportunity to move our bodies.
If we can achieve local production for local consumption without fertilizers or pesticides, the likelihood of continuing agriculture without being affected by external factors is high.
Moreover, it is gentle on the land and, in the long run, gentle on the wallet.
Living in the resource-rich environment of Shiraishi-jima, I have come to realize even more that resources are limited.
Previously, I considered whether our food was safe and secure, but in addition to that, I have come to want to create a cycle that is gentle on the soil, air, and global environment that produces the vegetables.
Can you recommend ways for tourists to enjoy their time on Shiraishi-jima?
MuyA
In summer, of course, swimming in the sea. However, I would like people to come at other times of the year as well, so trekking would be a good option.
The large stones that you can climb are a highlight.
Shiraishi-jima previously had a large forest fire, and there are still many young trees that are low in height, which is also a characteristic that allows you to enjoy the scenery.
There are many young foreign tourists who say, "I ran up the mountain from the morning."
Also, since there are hardly any cars running, it is very quiet.
I think it is perfect for stepping away from daily life, facing oneself, and relaxing the mind and body.
Some people stay to read or write.
You can feel the energy of nature, so there are also people who come for yoga, detox, or fasting.
Exploring the island is well-received as a refreshing experience.
From the Writer
Shiraishi-jima, where you can feel nature on your skin. You can enjoy swimming in the sea or trekking.
After hearing Ms. MuyA's story, I felt that simply being on Shiraishi-jima is a joy of travel.
By gazing at the beautiful islands that spread out, traveling as if living there may lead to various realizations.
This was my fourth visit to Shiraishi-jima. Every time, Shiraishi-jima shows me new charms.
I usually visit for a day, so next time I would like to stay and relax.
What do you want to know about Kurashiki?
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