Ethical consumption is considered to be environmentally, socially and human-friendly. This event connects the various ethical trends happening in the region.
At "MoFF2024," Yoshida Tomoatsu of Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding in Kuura took the stage and spoke about "tourism that brings out the strength of the local region."
Tourism that enriches the region: Hirakubo Peninsula Community Tourism
On November 24th, Yoshida Tomoatsu, a sabani boat carpenter, appeared on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo, the epicenter of kawaii culture and a popular spot crowded with young people and foreign tourists, sporting a shaved head and knitted cap.
This year, many Westerners have been spotted on Ishigaki Island, creating a new trend in tourism. In the talk session that day, he spoke about the authentic experience that is being offered to inbound tourists on the Hirakubo Peninsula.
"Rather than a resort look, we are promoting genuine culture and lifestyle. Our ancestors started their lives by drawing water from the mountains, and a settlement was formed. I moved there, built a sabani boat and am using it for tourism, but I absolutely want to prevent any rift between the original residents and the tourists. The reason I run the sabani boat is because I want to give back to the community that has been so kind to me. Naturally, we want to entertain tourists, but beyond that, it's important to see the smiles on the faces of the local people and for the local community to become healthy."
Yoshida Tomoatsu, Shipwright, Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
The role of a glue that connects people
Although Yoshida usually focuses on cruise tours, from now on he will focus on high-value-added trips. Learn about the history of the sabani, build it, operate the sails, and stop at a private beach to enjoy traditional Yaeyama cuisine in a bento box.
At night, you can take a leisurely cruise under the stars while listening to the sanshin. I believe that a trip in which travelers contribute to the future of maritime culture is the path to a truly enriching experience.
"The Sabani is made entirely from natural materials, and when the pieces of wood are joined together, about 300 butterfly-shaped wooden 'clamps' are hammered into the wood to hold them together. I am just one of those clasps. In the end, all I'm thinking about now is how to pass on this technique to the next generation."
Drawn by Yoshida's strong will, the Hirakubo Peninsula has attracted a group of skilled guides. They offer unique journeys that have been passed down through the ages, such as a program to deepen your horsemanship with the Yonaguni horses, a coasteering and limestone cave program to explore 200 million year old strata, and a permaculture program to experience the mechanisms of life in the jungle.
The feeling of playing with local issues. Turning from tourists into friends.
While the majestic Hirakubo Peninsula is a rare adventure field, it is also under threat from the disappearance of its blue carbon ecosystem, including coral bleaching and a sharp decline in seaweed species.
"I think that as people visit Ishigaki Island and take part in the various programs, there will be a moment when they change from tourists to friends. The region faces many challenges, such as coral bleaching and marginalization of communities, but rather than taking them too seriously, I want people to enjoy them. Above all, I hope that they will get involved in the community by playing around with local issues."
Travel that contributes to improving the environment and developing society and culture is of great interest not only to foreigners, but also to young people in Japan. If we can see challenges as opportunities and generate new ideas and projects, the region will surely become even more prosperous.
An ethical market and talk session will be held at "MoFF2024 / Sponsored by Freewill" in WITH HARAJUKU from November 22nd to 24th. ❶Floral water made only from lemon myrtle, bamboo, and chamomile ❷DENIM DARUMA ❸Tour PR by speakers ❹Shunya Banchan of Ishigaki Island ❺Shitekata Hosho-ryu Noh actor, Tatsumi Kazuma ❻Bamboo lantern illumination in abandoned bamboo forest
The abundance of a new era
Created by everyone
Capitalism is reaching its limits, and it is clear that money alone cannot make people rich. The wealth of the new era will probably not come from Tokyo, but from the countryside.
"In the old days, if you caught squid in the sea and brought it to the old lady at the shop, she would ask you what you wanted, and if you said four bottles of beer, she would say take it and give it to you in exchange. Another time, I brought a one-liter bottle of awamori, and she bought it from me at the selling price. I thought this was an incredible system. If this kind of worldview existed in even the smallest details of Japan, I don't think we'd ever go hungry. As an advanced example of this, I think it would be interesting if there was a system where tourists who come to the Hirakubo Peninsula could exchange anything they have for something of value."
Traveling while enjoying wealth in ways other than money is the ideal form of community tourism led by local residents, which has been gaining attention in recent years. A form of tourism that creates wealth for a new era together has begun on the Hirakubo Peninsula.
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