Interview with Kohei Takeda
Kohei Takeda, who harbors passionate feelings.
He spoke candidly about the fishing industry and Takashima, its current situation and future.
Please tell us about life on Takashima.
Takeda (honorific omitted)
I commute to the island by boat from the mainland every day.
Since Takashima is the closest island to the mainland among the Kasaoka Islands, most islanders have homes on the mainland as well.
My home is also on the mainland, so my children's nursery and elementary school, as well as my regular shopping, are basically done there.
The island is, so to speak, my "workplace."
I "commute" in the morning to go fishing.
After returning from fishing, I handle my work at the inn (Casa Takeda), and in the evening, I return to the mainland by boat.
When it's busy, I often stay on the island, but that's basically my lifestyle.
"Commuting" to the island! It's hard to imagine in urban areas. What do you think are the characteristics of Takashima?
Takeda
I think it's mainly because it's close to the mainland.
It's about a 25-minute ride from Sumiyoshi Port by ferry, and just under 5-6 minutes from Kamishima Ura Port, so it's easy to come and go.
Also, since it's a very small island, a relaxed pace of life flows there.
Guests at the inn often say, "It's so close, yet I can feel a sense of the extraordinary" and "I can relax," which makes me happy.
Hmm, what else can I say?
Actually, I don't have that much confidence in Takashima (laughs).
What! You lack confidence?!
Takeda
Yes (laughs).
For example, on Shiraishi-jima Island, there's swimming, on Kitagi-shima Island, there's the culture of stone cutting, and on Manabe-shima Island, there are old townscapes, each with catchy "selling points."
I personally think that Takashima is a bit weak in that regard.
It's hard to conjure an image when you hear "Takashima."
But that might be because I'm a local.
As I mentioned earlier, guests and people coming to the island from outside feel the value of "affordable extraordinary experiences" in Takashima.
So, I hope to promote the value of Takashima more through Casa Takeda.
Please tell us about the fishing industry in Takashima and Kasaoka City.
Takeda
This isn't just limited to Takashima or Kasaoka City, but the fishing industry is currently in a tough situation throughout the Seto Inland Sea and Japan.
The marine environment is changing year by year, and the number of fish is decreasing.
Fishermen and fishing cooperatives are actively engaged in measures such as cleaning up ocean debris and planting seaweed seeds, but the reality is that the effects are not keeping up.
If this continues, the future will be even tougher.
Not only are fish becoming scarce, but the Japanese are also moving away from eating fish.
It's a double whammy for fish sales.
So what should we fishermen do?
I believe we should compete on "quality, not quantity."
Since the numbers are low, we need to add value to each fish.
For example, at Casa Takeda, when processing fish to make dried fish, instead of just opening them up, we fillet them before drying.
This makes it easier for general households to eat without much hassle.
We are always working on "providing better products for our customers."
It's important to stand in the customer's shoes.
Takeda
Yes, that's right.
In terms of fishermen in Kasaoka City, the proportion of young people under 30 is actually higher compared to others.
So, I believe that if young fishermen come together, we can achieve something big.
For example, we could brand Kasaoka's seafood to increase its value.
It's necessary to share the direction of promoting Kasaoka's fishing industry among everyone.
Also, in the area of public relations.
While Casa Takeda is good at catching, cooking, and processing fish, we feel challenges in terms of attracting customers and advertising strategies.
Relying on external third parties to handle this is one option.
You mentioned public relations and information dissemination; please share your thoughts on events and tourism.
Takeda
Casa Takeda has only started actively planning events in the last 2-3 years.
As the demand for fish decreased and catch volumes fell, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus further drove customers away.
Around that time, our current head chef joined Casa Takeda.
We felt we had to do something, so we brainstormed various ideas.
The fish delivery service and "Exciting Live Broadcast of Octopus Catching" were realized through such efforts.
While we have become more proactive in hosting events, our core belief remains unchanged.
That is, we are always centered around the "sea" and "fish."
Our work cannot exist without the sea and fish of Takashima.
In events and information dissemination, the most important aspect is that part, and ultimately everything leads back to it.
I feel the same way about tourism.
Since I run an inn, I am conscious of tourism.
However, it's not about turning Takashima into a major tourist destination or making a profit.
Being a small island, we don't have the capacity to accommodate a large number of tourists, and many people want to live quietly.
Moreover, if only Casa Takeda makes a huge profit, it doesn't benefit the other islanders.
Therefore, I value connections with the community.
I actively participate in local festivals and events.
Also, rather than creating new structures, I want to cherish what already exists on the island.
In other words, it's about preserving "what only Takashima has."
The historical sites related to Emperor Jinmu are one example, and I want to preserve the resources of Takashima.
And ultimately, the most important thing is to "make Takashima known."
If we do nothing, nothing will start, so I want the islanders to unite and continuously disseminate information to raise Takashima's profile.
If Casa Takeda can be a catalyst for that, it would be wonderful!
From the Writer
During the interview, I had a special lunch at Casa Takeda.
The seafood from Takashima caught by Takeda was expertly prepared by the head chef.
"I recommend the smoked octopus," said Takeda.
As I took a bite, the sweetness of the octopus, the scent of the sea, and the smoky flavor filled my mouth.
Ah, this is the "sea" of Takashima.
It was a moment when Takeda's passionate feelings smoothly entered my heart.
Japan's fishing industry is currently at a crossroads.
Looking at the primary industry as a whole, it's not all bright topics.
However, it is also true that there are "professionals" like Takeda, who have a vision for the future, firmly present in the field.
The Seto Sea viewed from the window of the returning boat had a slightly different expression than usual.
Takeda Suisan Co., Ltd. (Casa Takeda) Information
| Name | Takeda Suisan Co., Ltd. (Casa Takeda) |
|---|---|
| Location | 5208 Takashima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0865-67-6188 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on Sundays and holidays) (inquiry services) |
| Closed | None |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | ・Accommodation Fee (per person, including 2 meals and tax) Adults (middle school students and above) from 12,000 yen, Children (up to elementary school students) from 9,000 yen, Infants (under elementary school age) from 7,000 yen ・Meal Fee (per person, including tax) Lunch A Course 3,300 yen, B Course 5,500 yen Seafood Barbecue A Course 2,200 yen, B Course 3,300 yen ・Activity Fee (total for 10 people, including tax) Fixed Net Fishing Experience 110,000 yen (up to 10 participants, includes lunch and souvenirs) Beverage costs are separate, for accommodation during Obon and Golden Week, an additional 2,000 yen applies, for infants without meals, a facility usage fee of 1,100 yen applies, cancellation fees may apply |
| Payment Method |
|
| Reservations | Available Reservation required (up to 3 days before use), available for 2 or more people, fixed net fishing experience is only in spring (specific dates vary by year) |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Website | Casa Takeda |
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