An online exchange with fellow island of Seto Inland Sea, Teshima!

At Hahajima, we think about the now and future of Hahajima, and how people can continue to live in the lifestyle of Hahajima. The pillar of this effort is Hahajima Bukatsudo, where locals can gather to have discussions.

Hahajima Bukatsudo is basically held within the island face-to-face. But due to the continuation of state of emergency, it was difficult to actually get together for the first half of 2021 fiscal year. In June and July however, a roundtable discussion with Furusato Kentokai, a group within the island, was able to be held. Issues of Hahajima such as welfare of the elderly and housing were reaffirmed. From such discussions, we wondered how other regions and remote islands are dealing with these kinds of issues, and wanted to hear from them directly.

In August, we were able to hold an online meeting with Mr. Takehiro Morishima, who lives in Teshima Island of Kagawa prefecture, to talk about the life and future of each island.

Teshima is located between Naoshima and Shodoshima and has a population of about 900 people. There were issues such as illegal dumping of industrial waste in the past, but in recent years it has become one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale, and the image as "island of art" and "island rich in food and nature" has taken over. They welcome visitors from around the world, and the number of people migrating there has increased as well.

While Teshima is located in the Seto Inland Sea and closer to mainland than Hahajima, we shared common problems unique to "island life," along with issues such as medical care and welfare. It was a positive exchange of opinions, as we agreed to advance into the future by addressing such issues with flexibility.

Due to its popularity, a second session with Teshima was held in September. It was titled "How to migrate to an island," as presenters frankly talked about their experiences of migrating to and living on the island. Mr. Miyagi of Hahajima and Mr. Morishima of Teshima both came as migrants, and are now enjoying the richness of the island life. As they talked lively, many enthusiastic comments were made by the event participants. Although there is difference in environment, we were able to share the recognition of issues such as "strengthening the stability of housing and work for young people."

Although the online event with Teshima will end for now, learning about the lifestyles of other regions is inspiring, and a good way to find new challenges.

We plan to continue interacting with other regions as well. By actively seeking information of regions where people of new generation are involved, and by sharing common issues with them, we will try to find hints for people of Hahajima to continue living a good life.

We also plan to actively develop Hahajima Bukatsudo for Hahajima's regional improvement.