By Rena Shimaoka “Please turn off all your phones and devices,” says the presenter. People in the audience scramble to … More
Author: Davey Leslie
Muroto Haikou Suizokukan: Creative Aquarium in Muroto
By Ayaka Yamane Black boards, teeny-tiny desks and chairs recall the atmosphere of elementary school. It is so nostalgic. However, there are no elementary school students and teachers. Is this really an … More
Kochi Street Markets: Regaining the Liveness of the Past
By Haruka Abe & Yoshiki Nomura In Kochi, there is a tram that runs north, south, east, and west through … More
A Taste of Kochi in Tokyo City
By Crystal Keith “Irasshaimase, dozo!” Cheerful, welcoming voices from the staff make the store even more lively. Despite people wearing … More
Muroto Geopark Triathlon: Step Up to the Next Stage
By Anbi Yamamoto “Ganbare Ganbare!” Women are cheering on the athletes. Athletes are on their last 10km run. They run beside the … More
Evers Link: Co-existence for Humans and Other Animals
By Risa Ikeuchi “Bow-wow, bow-wow.” A small brown dog is barking cheerfully and a little bit nervously in the back … More
Yosakoi Immigration: The solution to Kochi’s Aging Society?
By Rena Nagayama, Rina Yamao, Rika Yamao Beautiful mountains and ocean and lots of fields are everywhere in Kochi. In … More
One-Day Restaurant Challenge
By Yui Tateishi About a dozen people line up in front of the restaurant, even before it opens at 11:30. … More
Hocco Sweets: Loving and Warm Café in Kochi
By Mei Yokoyama When we entered the classroom simulated like a cafe, “Welcome,” the clerk greeted us. Four days before … More
Chagamaran, Youtube Stars of Kochi
By K. Nakatake Kochi is one of the most rural areas in Japan. Children are decreasing, and older adults are … More
International Sports Festival in Yoneoku
By Hayato Kimori “Ganbareee! Ikeee!” There are lots of loud cheers in Japanese in an elementary school in Shimanto-town, Yoneoku. … More
Team Inabu: “Patriotism of the Belfry”
By Shiori Taoka Many older women and men are sitting and talking, laughing and drinking coffee in a small community hall. Just the other day, they had been playing cards, shogi, and singing karaoke. … More
Asian Fusion Restaurant, “ONEONE”
By Tomomi Fujino It is a graceful afternoon. Some relaxing music is playing, and the soft sunshine comes from the … More
Happy Time – English Group with New Style
By Asuka Ayabe On a Friday evening, in a quiet residential area of Kochi, one club is about to be held … More
A New Chapter, Here in Kahokucho
By Yuka Nakazawa The lush, green plants cover the field as far as eyes can see. In the woods, a … More
Masami Doesn’t Abandon the Weak & Struggling
By Raku Takatsuka The old wooden house is on the edge of Ono village, surrounded by cedars and next to … More
Ippo: Creating Smiles and Futures for Children and Families
By Natsumi Tokumoto There are two children and six staffs on this day, and they are talking happily. There is … More
Global Education Lab Kochi
Chihiro Oyama On Jury 21th “English Nook” ~Family-friendly English time~ was held in OTEPIA Kochi library. There are baby class … More
OneStep is Taking Students’ Side
By Narumi Waki While students were excited about all the new changes in their school life, OneStep opened in April. … More
International Youth Exchange
By Ren Hiraoka It is like we are in another world. I hear high-pitched voices sing “Yocchore, Yocchore” to the traditional Yosakoi song at the party … More
Bali Jasmin, Kochi’s Exotic Halal Restaurant
A bell tinkles as the door opens and a young Japanese office lady enters the exotic restaurant. An Indonesian man … More
Kusa-no-ie: Sharing the Reality of War and Peace
A creepy old yellow gas mask and a folded metal crane welcome visitors to Kusanoie (Grass Roots House), a private facility … More
Makino Botanical Garden Celebrates 60 Years
A boy and his mother are walking around happily. An old woman is taking pictures with her friends. Everyone may … More
We Love the Dogs!
Nine players in red and black uniforms are in the Kochi city stadium. Among them, one player stands out who … More
Where Local People Save Children’s Smiles
Because it is raining outside, an elementary school-age girl is playing house, while half-a-dozen noisy boys play tag in the … More
Night Version Café Satobito – New Challenge for Students
In the comfortable atmosphere, a young lady is reading a book from the wooden bookshelf to pass the time. “Omataseshimashita” … More
Tosamizuki: Oldest “kominka” Café in Kochi
Many people wanted to visit the café but, due to the weaving roads around the residential area, it was tough … More
OTEPIA: A Gathering Place Downtown
More than 100 people had been getting in line before the opening hours. As the door opened, everyone entered the … More
Hikari no Tane: Organic Food for Kochi and Help for Thailand
“Irassyaimase! Osukina seki douzo,” welcomes a young woman warmly, telling guests to sit where they like. The entrance sign says … More
A Light amongst the Shutters
Along the once busy shotengai (“shopping arcade”) many of the rolling metal shutters are down for good. Even though Saenba … More
Life in Kochi 