「すごく助かる」「毎日来ます！」島に唯一の商店がオープン　充実の品揃えに喜ぶ島民　高齢化による買い物弱者の支援にも

The island's only store has opened on a remote island in Fukuoka City. With an aging population, the store aims to improve convenience and create a place for islanders to gather. ◆The store manager is a man who moved here and fell in love with the island. A 10-minute boat ride from downtown Fukuoka City, Nokonoshima Island sits in Hakata Bay. Approximately 600 people live on this small island with a circumference of 12 kilometers. Last week, one of the islanders was busy making preparations. Yuichi Asaba "We're starting to stock the shelves today, so we're arranging the shelves. We'll be opening the day after tomorrow, so we only have today and tomorrow to prepare." Yuichi Asaba (59). He moved to Nokonoshima with his family from Hakata Ward 16 years ago. While Asaba says he was completely captivated by the warmth of the people, he has also noticed some inconveniences of island life. ◆ "Boat" for Everything Yuichi Asaba "No matter what I do, I have to cross by boat. Even just buying a bottle of soy sauce requires taking a boat and then a bus. It's inconvenient." Nokonoshima previously had one store, but it closed about eight years ago after the owner passed away. With no shops left on the island, the only way to buy daily necessities is to take a boat to the city center or use the mobile vendors that operate once a week at places like Island Park, the island's tourist spot. Furthermore, of the 601 islanders, 282 are 65 years old or older, making the aging rate 46%. Supporting the "shopping-challenged" who struggle to purchase daily necessities is a major challenge. In response to this situation, Asaba has been preparing to revive a store on the island. Yuichi Asaba "People have been talking about someone taking over for years. It would have been best if someone had done it, but there's been no sign of that happening, so I thought, well, let's do it." ◆Rising expectations among islanders The store is called "Nocomart," and there are two days until its opening. Islanders who couldn't wait came to check it out. Island resident "I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll have. I wonder if we'll be able to eat convenience store rice balls." Osamu Iwashita, Chairman of the Noko School District Council "I think all the islanders are happy. There's also talk of not contributing to sales. It's been a long time since we've had a store, so we want to work together to prevent it from closing." Yuichi Asaba, Manager of Nocomart "There's no doubt that the islanders are inconvenienced, so I want to do something. I hope I can be of some help." ◆A wide selection of products makes the first day a success. Unfortunately, it rained on the opening day. Noko Mart Manager Yuichi Asaba "I'm happy, but at the same time, I'm a bit worried about whether it'll be okay... It's a remote island with not many people, so I'm a bit worried about whether business will be viable. But it's something I've always wanted to do, so I'll do my best. It's raining today, so I hope people will come by in small groups." The store stocks approximately 700 items, including bread, rice balls, and daily necessities. By utilizing the logistics services of a major convenience store chain, we were able to stock a wide range of products. Fifteen minutes after opening, Despite Asaba's concerns, people from the island began arriving one after another. Island Resident "I'm so grateful that they opened this store. They have so many different things, it's really helpful, I was looking forward to coming." Island Resident "There are so many customers! That's great. They offer a variety of things, like ramen, so I can make my own and eat it, which is really helpful! I'll come every day!" Island Resident "It's open, so we have to make it lively. It's raining, but everyone (on the island) is cooperating. I think that spirit is important." ◆On the first day, about 200 people visited the store, which is one-third of the island's residents. Nocomart got off to a great start. Q How did it feel on your first day? Nokomart Manager Yuichi Asaba "It was great. Even more than the sales, I was happy that the islanders were so pleased. Many customers came into the store and said it felt like a convenience store. Since people don't see each other as often these days, I hope this store can become a place where people can have a casual chat when they come shopping. I hope people will come and shop, even if just for a little while, so that we can continue to operate." On the other hand, some islanders have voiced their concerns... ◆Shopping-challenged people hoping for delivery Island resident (in his 80s) "My leg isn't working well, so it's difficult for me to carry things. I'd be happy if they could order and deliver." Many elderly people live alone, and some find it difficult to go to the store to shop. Asaba is also considering collaborating with Island Park, which runs a weekly mobile food vendor. Nokomart Manager Yuichi Asaba "There are people...