[Living Histories] Mr. Kunihiro Tokumaru
Interviewers/Authors: Ayane Maekawa, Hina Yamanaka, Ryo Nakatsuji
Mr. Kunihiro Tokumaru, the representative director of the non-profit Frontier Association, is considered a pioneer of regional planning for Ukyo Ward and, at one time, served as a member on several committees in the ward focused on development of the area.
― Where are you from and how long have you lived in Ukyo Ward?
Mr. Tokumaru: I am from Sakyo Ward, and I moved to Ukyo Ward when I was in the second year of junior high school.
― What were you doing before you founded the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: I was self-employed and engaged in motor sports as a hobby.
― What is the origin of the name Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: It has the meaning of pioneering the future. It can also mean contributing to people who have given us support.
― Why did you choose Ukyo Ward to establish the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: Before we established the association, I built a facility for people in Ukyo Ward to hold sports events. Then, I wanted to do more besides enjoying sports events and decided to get involved with environmental conservation activities. So, I asked my friends to join me, and we decided to establish the current Frontier Association.
― What kind of activities have you been involved in at the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: We are engaged in a variety of community-based activities which can only be done by us. We helped establish a place called MACHIKO in the Ukyo Ward Office to provide a place for local people to come together and contribute to community building.
― What is the most important thing for the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: It has been more than 20 years since the association was established, so the purpose of its activities has changed little by little. We are now focusing on building a society centered on children and how to pass on various things to those who will be shouldering the future.
― Are you only doing activities with the children in Ukyo Ward?
Mr. Tokumaru: For now, we are only active in Ukyo Ward. By doing so, we can give dedicated support to children in this area.
― Then, what kind of specific activities does Frontier Association offer?
Mr. Tokumaru: There is an activity in which about 50 children can experience Japanese drumming at a local shrine. This activity is a valuable experience as it helps them learn more about Japanese culture. Also, along with the child, the whole family usually comes, so it is a good opportunity to bring many people to one place and have fun together.
― What is most rewarding regarding your work at the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: It is to hear the children cheering and laughing.
― I heard that you have been abroad several times. In your travels, have you experienced similar activities to those you are doing at Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: I first travelled abroad more than 20 years ago, and I felt there was a significant difference in the degree of poverty in many countries. It was completely different from Japan.
― What are the goals of the Frontier Association?
Mr. Tokumaru: It is to convey to everyone the importance of continuing onwards toward the future.
― What do you like about Ukyo Ward?
Mr. Tokumaru: Ukyo Ward is a place where culture and art are nearby and within walking distance. I like that aspect of the area.
― Do you have a favorite place in Ukyo Ward?
Mr. Tokumaru: Arashiyama in winter. It is not crowded and is beautiful even when it snows.
― How do think Ukyo Ward is special and different from other wards in Kyoto?
Mr. Tokumaru: Frontier Association is based in Uzumasa, and I feel that the level of contact with residents is extremely high.
― What should Ukyo Ward do to improve the area?
Mr. Tokumaru: There are many east and west roads, but few that run north and south, so I think the city should add more north and south roads.
― Please describe Ukyo Ward in one word.
Mr. Tokumaru: History. There are a few World Heritage Sites nearby that offer a lot of historical culture.
― Finally, do you have a message for KUFS students, please?
Mr. Tokumaru: Don’t just end your student life inside the school. Talk to people in your community and make a lot of good connections.
