Oigawa Railway: A Journey To Remember

The Smiles of the Countryside

Interview

Fumiko Morishita,
Association Of Kawane City Development
Her love of Kawane-cho, which has merged into Shimada City since 2008, is palpable in her work. Handling media relations for the non-profit organisation (NPO), Fumiko actively seeks out opportunities to put the Oigawa Railway in the spotlight in order to help in the development of the city. Here, the cheerful and sprightly lady tells us more about her mission.

Can you share with us more about the NPO you work at?
Before Kawane-cho was merged into Shimada City, it used to have its own local government. Local residents feared that their voices would no longer be heard after the merger, which was why the NPO was founded – to assuage their fears, to ensure their concerns were not silenced.

What’s your role with the NPO?
In essence, I help promote the city to the media. The NPO works closely with the Oigawa Railway, and we always try to find opportunities to promote Kawane-cho as part of the Oigawa Railway experience. Apart from media relations, I also organise activities such as walking tours around tea plantations. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do what I do for the city I love.

Why do you love Kawane-cho?
The mountains, tea plantations, fresh air, people … everything! Truth be told, when I first moved to Kawane-cho from Shizuoka City 47 years ago, I wasn’t used to the slower pace of life here. But over time, the city nurtured me and made me feel I’m finally home. There are great opportunities for women here, thanks to the local women’s association. And, the deep-rooted sense of community fostered among the locals is incredibly humbling.

 

HIDEFUMI KIMURA, Kimura Drink
From unique flavours (curry lemonade, anyone?) to highly innovative packaging, the bottled soft drinks from Kimura Drink are the pride and joy of Hidefumi, the third-generation president of the 63-year-old company. Read on as he shares his work motto as well as what endears him to Shimada City, where he was born and raised.

Tell us more about Kimura Drink.
My grandfather founded the company in 1953. One of our earliest bottled drinks that remains popular today is the Original Marble Ramune, also known as lemonade. The design of the bottle was introduced by an English engineer called Hiram Codd during the 19th century – the bottle is made of glass and sealed with a glass marble. We are one of the only few in the world who still manufacture such bottles today.

There are so many interesting flavours!
We produce very limited quantities for each flavour, but what we lack in quantity, we make up for in variety, quality, and uniqueness. We have more than 200 flavours of bottled drinks. I try to come up with one new flavour every month so as to do my part to help boost the economy of Shimada City.

What do you like about Shimada City?
I like the people and environment. More importantly, I was born and raised here, and I still keep in touch with many good friends whom I grew up together with.

What is your work motto?
When major corporations chase a particular trend, we launch something entirely different. I think our philosophy works, because since 2006, we have been receiving the Gold Quality Award by the Monde Selection every year.

Do you have a personal favourite?
Yes, it’s Isaburo Cider, which has a roasted sweet potato flavour. Isaburo is the name of my grandfather. When I was young, I used to help him roast sweet potatoes in the backyard, so this drink was created to honour him, in many ways.