Sailor Kohei Makuta and his wife Mirai, a housewife
Kohei Makuta is the captain of Yaeyama Tourist Ferry's passenger ferry, Southern Eagle, and travels between the Yaeyama Islands every day. He has been a leader of Shinkawa since he was in high school, and actively participates in local events such as the Harvest Festival. He and his wife, Mirai, introduced us to the places they usually go to with their family on weekends.
This is my favorite beach in the summer because it's deserted. The shallow water makes it easy for children to play at the shore. After passing Sakieda Elementary School, drive for 2-3 minutes and turn right onto the farm road towards the sea. You'll come to the beach.
Approximately 15 minutes by car
You can see this waterfall right after parking your car, so it's a convenient place to visit and enjoy the healing power of the waterfall and forest. The couple apparently started going there even before they got married. When Kohei was in high school, he would cycle there from the city with his friends.
Approximately 20 minutes by car
The children's playground at Banna Park is a popular playground for children. It has a large slide and play equipment for small children aged 1 or 2, and the views of the sea and mountains are also great. "It gets pretty crowded on weekends, so I always come on weekdays."
Approximately 10 minutes by car
Kohei's workplace. His two-year-old son, Yuito, loves ships, and Mirai and her children often drop by on their walks, sometimes even to see Kohei off as he sets sail. "It's not well known, but the view from the roof is great too."
Approximately 15 minutes by car
It's close to my house and I come here most often. It's spacious and has a lawn where you can relax, so it's recommended for families with small children. It's the park where Kohei used to run around every day as a child.
Born in Shinkawa, Ishigaki City. After graduating from the College of Commerce, he studied at a vocational school on the main island of Okinawa before returning to the island. He has worked for the Yaeyama Tourist Ferry since he was 20 years old. He is a member of the Shinkawa Youth Association.
Makuta Mirai
Originally from Osaka, she moved there after working part-time at a resort, where she met and married Kohei. She works in the hotel service industry and is currently on parental leave.