Mr. Motofumi Shinmori, a town employee of Taketomi Town, and his wife, Harumi Shinmori, a nurse.
Motoshi and Harumi Shinmori are a couple who were classmates on the island. Motoshi's life's work is to delve into the island's nature, history, and culture. Harumi works as a freelance nurse, caring for the minds and bodies of the islanders. They showed me the places they always go to play with their three boys.
The museum displays folk artifacts and crafts that offer insights into the history, culture, and traditional lifestyle of the Yaeyama Islands. Motofumi has shown interest in the museum since his first visit before starting elementary school, and has been brought there many times since. His three children also carefully examine the exhibits and show great interest.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
The kamaboko (fish cake) shop is run by two of their classmates. Their "Juicy Kamaboko," which is kamaboko wrapped around juicy rice (rice cooked with chopped pipatsu, or false long pepper), is a favorite among children. They often buy it to take with them when they go out to play.
Our juicy kamaboko often sells out by midday, so be sure to come early.
Approximately 10 minutes by car
This observation deck in Banna Park offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands. Harumi says she often comes here on sunny days. She returned to the island from the Kanto region 10 years ago and discovered the island's natural beauty. "I want my children to grow up loving the island they were born on," she says.
Approximately 15 minutes by car
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's large VERA radio telescope is a facility that observes radio waves emitted from celestial objects, and it is located in four places: Ogasawara, Iwate, Kagoshima, and Ishigaki Island. It is a sight to behold to see this large telescope move with a rumbling sound in accordance with celestial objects. When the gates are open, you can also get a pamphlet inside.
Approximately 10 minutes by car
Nagura Anpal is a tidal flat at the mouth of the Nagura River. You can get there from the Nagura Bridge. People often explore by splashing around, observing the creatures that live in the mangroves, and then eat the dinner they brought with them while watching the sunset before heading home.
Works in the General Affairs Division of the Taketomi Town Hall. After graduating from Yaeyama High School, attended university in Tokushima Prefecture. After working for the Ishigaki City Board of Education for 5 years and the Yaeyama Museum for 4 years, became an employee of Taketomi Town. Has been involved in events on Taketomi Island, his ancestral island, for many years. Has visited and eaten at over 400 Yaeyama soba restaurants.
Harumi Shinmori
Registered Nurse, owner of the home-based salon "Yururu," and Ishigaki City Maternal and Child Health Promotion Officer. After graduating from Yaeyama High School, she attended nursing school and worked at a hospital in Kanagawa Prefecture. After returning to the island, she works as a freelance nurse, providing care for patients during and after illness, during pregnancy and postpartum care, home massage, and care at group homes for the elderly.