Our task for the future is to explore ways to change those cities into places where people can stay around a little longer. The reality of "Oharai Machi" is that it doesn't feel lived-in any more.
｡?himizu
One reason why the "Kurokabe" met with success in Nagahama is that while we played up the atmosphere and character of Nagahama to the hilt, our keyword, glass, was not in any way limited by history or local flavor. I feel that this might be the most critical factor to keep in mind when you work on development projects in your communities.
｡?artici pant
I wonder, what was it about glass that worked for "Kurokabe?" I'm sure there are many reasons： it appeals to women, you can set up a range of prices, from expensive to inexpensive, etc. But what was the biggest reason for your success with glass?
Another thing I'm interested in knowing is whether or not you have another keyword, so to speak, or some core concept you're thinking of adding to "Kurokabe."
｡?himizu
Why did glass work so well? I guess you can say that certainly, it had a lot to do with the times. First of all, it was something that Japan didn't already have a lot of. Many regions already specialize in ceramics or porcelain, for example. In that respect, glass was very suitable. Also, exactly around that time glass began to take root in daily life, throughout Japan. I think this was very fortunate for us.
The only thing is, we're stressing that we should really concentrate on improving the quality of our glass. So in our business operation, we weren't just aiming to be a glass souvenir shop. We had our eye on just how far we were willing to pursue glass as a culture, how far we would go to improve it. I have a feeling that this might be another reason why glass was embraced.
Nagahama, too, has a lot of problems now. Development is becoming too commercial. In the vicinity of "Kurokabe" there are facilities aimed for that kind of "Kurokabe" environment, but there are also residents who have always lived there.
So "Kurokabe" in Nagahama met with success. Whether it will do the same in Mie is a tough proposition. Although I declared at the outset that it would not succeed, it can, if you are determined enough. But one thing I can say is that there will need to be a person to be the core in many respects, for the project to develop and unfold.
In our community, we're proud of the fact that there is no separation between government and the private sector, that in our city we're all in this together as a partnership in the good sense. I think this was what made the "Kurokabe" a success.
