「お客さんと喋れることの方の喜びが大きい」浜松市天竜区水窪町 静かな山あいで通い合う心【現場から、】

Hamamatsu City, with a population of approximately 800,000, is the largest city in Shizuoka Prefecture. At its northernmost tip lies Misakubo Town, a town experiencing rapid depopulation and aging. A young couple run a supermarket here, supporting the daily lives of residents while staying in touch with the local community. Supermarket Makiuchi, a convenience store-sized private shop in Misakubo Town, is run by the husband-and-wife team of President Mami Makiuchi (36) and Manager Motoi (46). Their lively business thrives in the quiet mountains. Motoi Makiuchi "Here we go! Ready, set, go!" Their annual "Mountain Tuna Festival" attracts visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture to Misakubo. While Makiuchi has attracted attention for its efforts to revitalize the town, their greatest priority is supporting the lives of its residents. Makiuchi Motoi "Hey, Ume-chan!" Okura Umeko (96) "Did they call you?" Makiuchi Motoi "They called you. I thought you were early today. How are you?" Okura "I'm fine. As long as I can come here, I'm fine." Makiuchi Motoi "That's great. Come again!" The customer on this day was 96-year-old Okura Umeko. She enjoys buying side dishes at Makiuchi after returning from day care. Okura lives alone. Her house is adorned with notes from her son and daughter-in-law, who live far away in towns concerned about her dementia. This is the diary Okura keeps every day. Okura "It says, 'The boss of the 1,000 yen festival donation came.' This is what he really thinks. It says, 'I'm having a hard time because I don't really understand what's going on.' I wonder what's going on here. There are times when I don't understand." Approximately 70% of the population of Mizukubo is over 65 years old. Reporter "How do you like Makiuchi's side dishes?" Okura "I'm used to eating them, so they're good. That guy's a nice guy, and when he's there, he always says, 'Don't push yourself.'" Makiuchi offers free delivery for elderly people who have difficulty visiting the store. Makiuchi Mami "Hello. Does this seem okay? Can I leave it here? How are you doing?" Takeshita Shoji (77) "It just won't get better." Makiuchi Mami "You look healthy, though." Takeshita Shoji (77) was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cerebral infarction about six months ago, and due to aftereffects, he relies on a cane for daily life. The roughly 300 meters from his home to Makiuchi has become a tough journey. Takeshita "Even if I hold a knife, I have to use both the object and the knife with both hands. I can't use a cane. It's really tough, isn't it? Living is tough." Mami Makinuchi "I really want to do more, but it's not easy. It's not that I feel great joy when people say 'thank you,' but rather the joy of being able to talk to customers like that. Yes." Misakubo Town is approaching a population of 1,500. The Makinuchi couple continues to support each and every resident living in their "hometown." For more details, check out NEWS DIG! ↓ https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/...