Hamahashikai, directly translated as “seaside bridge gathering/council”, is a group of young locals in their 30s and 40s working together to create a network between their respective communities in Yokohama. Every year in November, they hold a major event called the Unga (Canal) Parade, which began seven years ago as an effort to raise awareness, increase utility and revive the transportation system for the canals that run throughout the city. Hamahashikai also aims to create a better canal environment by implanting artificial reefs and conducting research on how to make it cleaner and more efficient. They further plan on using it as a means to deliver supplies in times of emergency/natural disasters.
“Creating a strong bond between individuals connects communities,” Shigenobu Oshima, president of Hamahashikai, emphasizes several times during our interview. It reflects the primary mission of Hamahashikai, which began under the leadership of Hiroshi Arai, owner of the Japanese restaurant Toraya in Yoshidamachi. Upon Arai’s retirement last year, Oshima, an active member since the genesis of Hamahashikai, took the helm. “I aim to maintain and build on what Arai-san initially started,” he says. “To explore new ideas to promote our city while continuing to learn more about our surrounding communities. The more we know about each district, the better we can do at promoting them.”
Hamahashikai mainly consists of business owners like Oshima. He runs a family-owned fabric supply store in Ishikawacho called Oshimaya Shoten, which was passed down from his grandfather. Sho Kadono, another member of the group who accompanied Oshima during the interview, has his own architectural design company, kadono design NODE. Members dedicate their spare time to planning events and discussing ways to promote the city. “We always have a great time during our meetings because we’re all doing this for the same reason–we love our community. We serve and help people because we want to, not because it’s our job.” This spirit of fun and sense of passion and unity are reflected in the events they organize, such as the annual Unga Parade. Preparation for this big event is a team effort. Bridges are decorated and temporary piers are built along the canal specially for the parade. Free boat rides are made possible by companies sponsoring the event, and vessels are custom-made in order to accommodate the fluctuating water levels.
The parade began with the aim of raising awareness for the canal, and Hamahashikai is growing closer to achieving this goal. While they work as a team to create change, every local has a part to play in their community: how can each individual support and contribute more to our city?
“Find a place that you like in this city and explore it,” advises Kadono. “We often don’t know much about communities beyond our own, so I’d encourage young locals to venture out into areas they’ve never visited, to find places that they can personally connect with.” Oshima added, “Look beyond your own community. I encourage the younger generation especially to proactively explore and share the good aspects of other districts with their friends. The great part about Yokohama is that one minute you could be strolling down the streets of a metropolitan district when all of a sudden you find yourself in a quiet neighborhood where there are no tourists. These are places that allow you to have a glimpse of the everyday life of locals, and it leads to a deeper understanding about the location.” Yokohama is indeed a city of many faces. While Minatomirai and Noge are areas which are constantly evolving, you’ll also find old shrines and buildings nearby which give you a sense of the rich history of Yokohama. Certain districts such as Wakabacho and Yamate are deeply nostalgic to locals and embrace a unique culture. Kadono and Oshima recommend visiting places like these in order to discover and experience a “deeper” Yokohama.
Aside from managing his store and leading Hamahashikai, Oshima is also an active member in his native Ishikawa-cho district. He works towards improving the everyday life of its people in subtle but important ways, believing that change happens from within. It starts by being proactive and faithful in the little things. His efforts and contributions over the years have gained the trust and respect of many. With him at the helm, we have high hopes that Hamahashikai will foster positive changes in Yokohama as they continue to serve as the bridge that connects our city.