Interview with the islanders: Takashima Community Association President Toshio Senoo
I spoke with Toshio Senoo (68 years old at the time of the interview), the president of the Takashima Community Association.
What kind of childhood did Senoo have on Takashima?
Senoo
During my childhood, I would swim in the sea during the summer and fish with a fishing rod made from bamboo and fishing line. The fish I caught were cooked by my grandmother for dinner.
The mountains were also a playground. We built bases out of wood and dug holes.
In the past, there was an elementary school on Takashima, and when I was attending, there were about 20 classmates.
Now, there is one elementary school student, one middle school student, and one high school student on the island. The elementary and middle school students commute by a school boat, which is quite rare nationwide.
After graduating from high school, I joined the company my father started and got involved in shipping work. While there are many fishermen on Takashima, there is a history of transporting stone materials, and many people have been involved in the shipping industry for a long time.
At 26, I took over as president from my father and spent my days transporting cargo with large ships from Nagoya to various locations.
I continued my work and life on the ship until I was 65, and now I have homes in Fukuyama and Takashima.
I visit Takashima about twice a week, where I cultivate fields and work as the community association president and in the town development council.
Takashima is the closest island to the mainland among the Kasaoka Islands, making it a convenient island to access. There are others like me who live while commuting.
In my fields on Takashima, I grow various vegetables such as radishes, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, okra, sesame, and watermelon without using pesticides.
Are there any local initiatives to improve life on the island?
Senoo
In the past, there were three shops on Takashima, but now there are none.
To address this, the Takashima Town Development Council has initiated a program called Grandma's Shop, allowing elderly residents to obtain necessary items for a secure life.
Twice a month, residents fill out order forms for essential goods, which volunteers compile and place orders with shops in the Kasaoka shopping district, sorting them at Takashima Port.
Regular gatherings at the port also provide opportunities to see and talk to each other.
In the past, we have also held events for grass cutting and social gatherings, inviting participants from outside the island.
I believe Takashima's proximity to the mainland makes it attractive for people from outside to visit easily.
The people of Takashima often say "Let's do it!" when it comes to decisions made together, and I think the teamwork is excellent.
Interview with the islanders: Koji Kawada, who created the statue of Emperor Jinmu
I spoke with Koji Kawada (88 years old at the time of the interview), who created the statue of Emperor Jinmu at Takashima Shrine.
How was the statue of Emperor Jinmu at Takashima Shrine created?
Kawada (honorifics omitted)
It was created with the cooperation of the people living on Takashima.
The materials used were waste from "buoys" made of polystyrene used in fishing, such as oyster rafts. About 20 were used.
I removed the dirt and damaged parts of the polystyrene and only used the good condition pieces.
I inserted rebar inside and combined them, then sculpted the exterior.
A friend documented the process of creating the statue of Emperor Jinmu in a booklet.
The creation took about five months and was completed in October 2020.
I was really grateful for the help from those around me.
What other creations has Kawada made?
Kawada
Have you been to the Koharami Stone?
I also participated in the creation of the Seiryu King God nearby, along with other island residents.
I established the Takashima Okikyo Museum near Takashima Shrine, where I collect local materials such as pottery and display objects I have created.
Currently, I am working on a stone table depicting a map of Takashima within the grounds of Takashima Shrine.
I plan to write "I love Takashima" in the pink heart section.
From the Writer
From Kawada's creations and words, I felt a deep love for Takashima, driven by the desire to make the island more attractive.
Also, the tomatoes and corn that Senoo gave me were sweet and impressive. I realized what the blessings of nature truly are.
Takashima, overflowing with rich nature, is also an island full of individual personalities. I was able to talk with many warm-hearted people, which energized me.
Next time, I want to stay at Casa Takeda and enjoy delicious fish while leisurely watching the sunset.
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