Interview with Tomohiro Okano, head of the organizing committee
This is the 14th Takahashi River Marché. Has it changed since the early days?
Okano
At first, our goal was to promote local products to people from outside the area.
We wanted visitors from elsewhere, such as tourists, to understand what makes the region special.
We placed importance on creating a marché with its own distinctive style.
Recently, our focus has begun to shift from outside the region to within it.
As local people became involved and took part, I came to feel that the marché has no meaning unless the people here feel satisfied and happy.
I came from outside and got things started, but I think it’s best to hand things back to the local people.
I’m happy to handle administrative work, but I think the people of the town—especially young people—should be the main players.
In 2019, we’re also running a program in which interns will show visitors around Kurashiki.
I’d like to make it easier for young people to get involved.
Change is necessary, isn’t it?
Okano
I think it’s good for the marché to keep changing.
Even if our approach and ideas about making things don’t change, I think we should keep updating the way we get involved and how we run things.
There are a lot of events in Kurashiki at this time of year.
Okano
There’s the festival at Achi Shrine, as well as the Byobu Festival.
The Kurashiki Roji Ichiba market is also held on the 19th, and the Kurashiki Sansai Market takes place on the 20th, so you can enjoy them all together.
Kurashiki Roji Ichiba: A market held every Saturday in Kurashiki’s backstreets
Kurashiki Sansai Market: A market selling agricultural products, crafts, and local processed foods in the shopping district
How were the two artists selected?
Okano
I told Director Mito that I hoped they would be young people, and asked him to recommend some artists.
Ujimine is from Mabi.
She majored in Japanese painting at university and is now also involved in developing product packaging.
Takeshi studied at Musashino Art University, then returned to Okayama. He continues to create art while working as a company employee.
Kurashiki has long had a tradition of supporting folk crafts by buying the works, with the Ohara family at its center.
I sometimes wonder if that spirit of supporting creators could return.
We also spoke with Shuto Miyake and Mayuka Ogawa, students in the Department of Business Administration at Shujitsu University who are interning here.
What would you like people to enjoy?
Miyake
I think the Bikan Historical Area is well known, but there are other attractions, too.
I’d like people to discover something new—or learn about the area’s hidden charms.
Ogawa
I live in Kurashiki, but there were areas I didn’t know about.
I discovered cute shops and other places, and I hope lots of people will get to know them.
Takahashi River Marché on social media
On Facebook and Instagram, we introduce the participating vendors and artists in detail.
From the Writer
Takahashi River Marché brings together delightful things that enrich everyday life.
What will you discover this year?
We think new initiatives, such as a garage sale, sound interesting, too.
Please come to Takahashi River Marché on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20.
Takahashi River Marché 2019 details
| Name | Takahashi River Marché 2019 |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 19 (Sat) and 20 (Sun), 2019, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Location | 3-21-31 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | Takahashi River Marché 2019 | Takahashigawa marche 2019 |
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