Ako Maedomari, Awamori brewer
Akiko Maedomari is in charge of planning, public relations, and sales for Yaesen Shuzo, a family business founded in 1955. She is working hard to spread the deliciousness of awamori to a wider audience. In addition to her main job, she is also active as a speaker at the annual Ishigaki Islander Summit.
Giving Tree Home is located deep within the Nosoko Sakae settlement. While there are indoor seats, Ako's favorite is the seating in the garden surrounded by greenery. "It's a peaceful place where you can enjoy the greenery. The carefully prepared food always makes me feel warm and fuzzy."
I always order the "Today's Bread Sandwich and Soup Deli Set."
Approximately 15 minutes by car
The Yaeyama palm is a species endemic to the Yaeyama Islands, growing only on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. At the Yaeyama palm grove in Yonehara, you can see palms reaching 25 meters in height as you walk along the trail. "It's a symbol of the tropics, and I really love palm trees themselves." She also loves the crisp, refreshing feeling of the air just by stepping into the forest.
Approximately 10 minutes by car
This is a place where people often stop their cars because the view of the sea is so beautiful when they pass by. "The various shades of blue are always so beautiful." It's a spot along the road where people can stop their cars and admire the scenery.
Approximately 15 minutes by car
This bar at Fusaki Beach Resort is located poolside and right by the beach. A friend who visited on a previous trip was thrilled by it. "The atmosphere is fantastic, and it instantly puts you in a resort mood."
Ako's top recommendation is the non-alcoholic rosemary mojito.
Approximately 15 minutes by car
This park is located across the Southern Gate Bridge. He says he likes to come here to practice his lacrosse, his hobby, or to buy coffee with friends, especially in the summer evenings. "The contrast between the green of the grassland here and the blue of the sea is so refreshing."
Born in Ishigaki, Ishigaki City. After graduating from Yaeko High School, he went on to university in Tokyo. After working at an advertising agency on Okinawa Island, he returned to the island.
She has been working at Yaesen Sake Brewery since 2007. She is the mother of a middle school student and an elementary school student.