Rina Shimomukai of Nonnori Noda Story

Promoting the region through homestay

While working on exchange projects between locals and visitors, as well as tours of Noda, Ms. Shimomukai was inspired to collaborate further with the residents of the region. She began pouring her efforts into a homestay program, which promotes the local area by giving visitors the opportunity to stay with farmers and fishermen.

Ms. Shimomukai spoke about the feedback she's received. "There are definitely some difficult moments when trying to put everything together... But when I see the residents bidding their guest a tearful goodbye, shaking their hand and refusing to let go, I know it's all worth it."

Communication between people is important

Ms. Shimomukai also gave her impressions of the reconstruction. "Besides the visible signs of the reconstruction, like the new roads and land elevation projects, the tone of conversation in the temporary homes has gradually become more positive. There's a psychological revival too."

"Even in Noda I sometimes felt like the connections between people had become weaker. The village was losing its sense of self. I want this to be a place where intergenerational communication happens spontaneously."

Besides spreading information about Noda, the program is expected to become a catalyst for cooperative projects in the village.

Profile

Rina Shimomukai:
Nonnori Noda Story Representative

Originally from Noda.

After graduating from university in Gunma, she moved to Tokyo for work. She moved back to Noda in August 2011 after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

From August 2012, she worked as a coordinator of educational travel experiences for a permanent resident relations promotion enterprise in Noda. In April 2015, she set up "Nonnori Noda Story," an organization that promotes Noda across the country.