I was a senior in high school when I left Wakayama, where I was born. I made Tokyo my base of operations for job-related reasons. If I'm being honest, I didn’t want to move away. Nonetheless, the move provided an opportunity to gain a new understanding of the appeal of Wakayama and all of its remarkable characteristics.
Wakayama, where I'm from, is a sacred place. Koyasan was founded by the monk Kukai. So many people have made the pilgrimage that it’s been called “the ants’ pilgrimage to Kumano” since ancient times. For both of those places to be located in Wakayama makes the prefecture a truly sacred place. Wakayama is amazing. I talk about Wakayama on the radio and on other media because I want everyone to know about its appeal.
Just as I was thinking that I’d like to have a job that contributed to Wakayama one day, I was asked to join the Wakayama Prefecture Furusato Public Relations Bureau this year, 2020. I'm too happy to put it into words. I look forward to doing more than ever to communicate the appeal of Wakayama!