ARTICLES
The Kamikawa Treehouse Project: Making Play in Hokkaido More Fun, Vol. 3
Hello! This is the editorial team from Domingo, the news and event app for Hokkaido.
Welcome to 'Hokkaido Wind,' a series where we bring you the charm of life across Hokkaido with the concept, "Bringing the winds of Hokkaido to you now."
Featured in our inaugural installment is Yohei Ueno, an Outdoor Producer for the Kamikawa Town Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad, who is currently leading the "Hands-on Treehouse Project" at the Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground.
This is Vol. 3 of our series, 'The Kamikawa Treehouse Project: Making Play in Hokkaido More Fun.' In this article, we explore the charm of Yohei Ueno, the mastermind behind the Treehouse Project.
Ryota Hattori, Domingo Editorial Team (hereafter, Hattori)
Mr. Ueno, where are you originally from?
Yohei Ueno, Kamikawa Town Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad (hereafter, Ueno)
I'm from Hyogo Prefecture. I came to Hokkaido last July. Before that, I'd just visit occasionally for trips. I love to travel and have been overseas and to other places.
Hattori
You've moved around a lot, haven't you? But you already seem like a true Hokkaido local.
Ueno
(Laughs) Well, I still speak with a Kansai dialect, so maybe not entirely. But I haven't had any trouble or felt out of place since coming to Kamikawa!
Hattori
Was there a specific reason you decided that Kamikawa was the place for you?
Ueno
Kamikawa has the Icefall Festival, right? I love the Icefall Festival!
Hattori
The Icefall Festival is an event unlike any other in the world. It's all about having fun by embracing the harsh nature.
Ueno
I'm a fan of harsh nature and challenging conditions.
Hattori
Hokkaido's summers are short, and autumn and winter arrive quickly. What kind of activities do you do in the winter?
Ueno
This year, I helped with the construction of the Icefall Festival and with dog sledding activities. For the Icefall Festival, I got to help right from the water-spraying stage, and it was fun to watch it all come together. The age range of the people building it is a bit high, so it might be even more fun if there were more young people involved.
Participant
I really resonate with the concept of "a secret hideout for kids"! Could you tell me more about your thoughts on this concept?
Ueno
I believe that if you create "lifelong memories" for children, it gives them a reason to come back to the town in the future. And I think that will be good for the town in the long run. I'm in Hokkaido now, but part of me wants to go back to my hometown in Hyogo someday. The Himeji area is famous for its festivals, and every year when it's festival season, I feel like going back. I think I'd like to live there again someday. I think the reason I feel that way is because of memories from my childhood, like riding on a portable shrine. So, if we can create "lifelong memories" for kids here, I think more people will want to return to Kamikawa, which would be a great thing.
Participant
Places where you used to play with friends really stick in your memory and feel like home, don't they?
Hattori
Kamikawa Town is also putting a lot of effort into creating places like 'play areas for children' through its Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad, right?
Ueno
That's right. There's Nukumo, and some people are trying to start a Forest Kindergarten. On the other hand, we've also heard from people that there weren't many places to play before. The tree terrace isn't just for kids; adults can sit and have a drink too! We've built stairs that even grandparents can climb, so everyone is welcome!
Hattori
Now that the coronavirus situation has finally settled down in Sapporo, there's a renewed appreciation for things like nature-based education. I think this has been a good opportunity for people to learn about it online. The ideal next step would be for everyone to actually visit and talk with you, Mr. Ueno!
Ueno
Yes, I've had a few opportunities to appear on Zoom calls and things recently, but I'm not actually very good at it...! So, I think I can share a lot more if you come and meet me in person. Please come and visit.
Hattori
You mentioned it's scheduled to be open for everyone to play from the end of July. What are you thinking about for the pricing structure?
Ueno
Playing on the terrace without the treehouse itself is free. For the assembly experience, I'm planning to charge a fee. I haven't decided on the exact price yet, but I'm thinking between 4,000 and 6,000 yen per person. The assembly experience will give you private access to the terrace, so I hope people will spend the whole day playing freely. The idea is for a family to build a treehouse together, have a meal, and then stay overnight in a cottage.
Hattori
It would be great for kids to have the experience of building something together and enjoying nature.
Ueno
Exactly. I hope this becomes a lifelong memory for them.
Hattori
Where can we find detailed information like the opening date and prices?
Ueno
I plan to post updates on the Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground website. Also, the crowdfunding site is updated regularly. Beyond that, I hope to release information through interviews related to the Kamikawa Town Office.
Hattori
Since it's currently under construction, we're connecting with you online, but it's getting a lot of attention, so I expect it will be featured in various media. Information will likely be available in many places.
Thank you so much for the wonderful conversation today!
In Vol. 3, Yohei Ueno, the mastermind behind the project, shared his passion for the project and his feelings for Kamikawa Town.
Be sure to also read Vol. 1, What is the 'Treehouse Project'?, and Vol. 2, The 'Passion' Poured into the Treehouse!
Welcome to 'Hokkaido Wind,' a series where we bring you the charm of life across Hokkaido with the concept, "Bringing the winds of Hokkaido to you now."
Featured in our inaugural installment is Yohei Ueno, an Outdoor Producer for the Kamikawa Town Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad, who is currently leading the "Hands-on Treehouse Project" at the Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground.
This is Vol. 3 of our series, 'The Kamikawa Treehouse Project: Making Play in Hokkaido More Fun.' In this article, we explore the charm of Yohei Ueno, the mastermind behind the Treehouse Project.
-Interview Overview-
Date: July 5, 2020
Method: Online event held via Zoom
-Previously on...-
【Vol.1】What is the 'Treehouse Project'?
We took a virtual tour of the site and learned about the background, current status, and full scope of the 'Treehouse Project.'
【Vol.2】The 'Passion' Poured into the Treehouse
We explored Mr. Ueno's passion for creating 'hands-on' activities, which is embedded in the 'Treehouse Project.'
Why Mr. Ueno Chose Kamikawa Town
Ryota Hattori, Domingo Editorial Team (hereafter, Hattori)
Mr. Ueno, where are you originally from?
Yohei Ueno, Kamikawa Town Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad (hereafter, Ueno)
I'm from Hyogo Prefecture. I came to Hokkaido last July. Before that, I'd just visit occasionally for trips. I love to travel and have been overseas and to other places.
Hattori
You've moved around a lot, haven't you? But you already seem like a true Hokkaido local.
Ueno
(Laughs) Well, I still speak with a Kansai dialect, so maybe not entirely. But I haven't had any trouble or felt out of place since coming to Kamikawa!
Hattori
Was there a specific reason you decided that Kamikawa was the place for you?
Ueno
Kamikawa has the Icefall Festival, right? I love the Icefall Festival!
Hattori
The Icefall Festival is an event unlike any other in the world. It's all about having fun by embracing the harsh nature.
Ueno
I'm a fan of harsh nature and challenging conditions.
Hattori
Hokkaido's summers are short, and autumn and winter arrive quickly. What kind of activities do you do in the winter?
Ueno
This year, I helped with the construction of the Icefall Festival and with dog sledding activities. For the Icefall Festival, I got to help right from the water-spraying stage, and it was fun to watch it all come together. The age range of the people building it is a bit high, so it might be even more fun if there were more young people involved.
Making Kamikawa a Town of 'Lifelong Memories,' a Place People Want to Return To
Participant
I really resonate with the concept of "a secret hideout for kids"! Could you tell me more about your thoughts on this concept?
Ueno
I believe that if you create "lifelong memories" for children, it gives them a reason to come back to the town in the future. And I think that will be good for the town in the long run. I'm in Hokkaido now, but part of me wants to go back to my hometown in Hyogo someday. The Himeji area is famous for its festivals, and every year when it's festival season, I feel like going back. I think I'd like to live there again someday. I think the reason I feel that way is because of memories from my childhood, like riding on a portable shrine. So, if we can create "lifelong memories" for kids here, I think more people will want to return to Kamikawa, which would be a great thing.
Participant
Places where you used to play with friends really stick in your memory and feel like home, don't they?
Hattori
Kamikawa Town is also putting a lot of effort into creating places like 'play areas for children' through its Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad, right?
Ueno
That's right. There's Nukumo, and some people are trying to start a Forest Kindergarten. On the other hand, we've also heard from people that there weren't many places to play before. The tree terrace isn't just for kids; adults can sit and have a drink too! We've built stairs that even grandparents can climb, so everyone is welcome!
Hattori
Now that the coronavirus situation has finally settled down in Sapporo, there's a renewed appreciation for things like nature-based education. I think this has been a good opportunity for people to learn about it online. The ideal next step would be for everyone to actually visit and talk with you, Mr. Ueno!
Ueno
Yes, I've had a few opportunities to appear on Zoom calls and things recently, but I'm not actually very good at it...! So, I think I can share a lot more if you come and meet me in person. Please come and visit.
The Future of the 'Treehouse Project'
Hattori
You mentioned it's scheduled to be open for everyone to play from the end of July. What are you thinking about for the pricing structure?
Ueno
Playing on the terrace without the treehouse itself is free. For the assembly experience, I'm planning to charge a fee. I haven't decided on the exact price yet, but I'm thinking between 4,000 and 6,000 yen per person. The assembly experience will give you private access to the terrace, so I hope people will spend the whole day playing freely. The idea is for a family to build a treehouse together, have a meal, and then stay overnight in a cottage.
Hattori
It would be great for kids to have the experience of building something together and enjoying nature.
Ueno
Exactly. I hope this becomes a lifelong memory for them.
Hattori
Where can we find detailed information like the opening date and prices?
Ueno
I plan to post updates on the Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground website. Also, the crowdfunding site is updated regularly. Beyond that, I hope to release information through interviews related to the Kamikawa Town Office.
Hattori
Since it's currently under construction, we're connecting with you online, but it's getting a lot of attention, so I expect it will be featured in various media. Information will likely be available in many places.
Thank you so much for the wonderful conversation today!
Summary
In Vol. 3, Yohei Ueno, the mastermind behind the project, shared his passion for the project and his feelings for Kamikawa Town.
Be sure to also read Vol. 1, What is the 'Treehouse Project'?, and Vol. 2, The 'Passion' Poured into the Treehouse!
Profile
Yohei Ueno
Born in 1993. Outdoor Producer for the Kamikawa Town Community-Engaging Cooperator Squad. He moved to Kamikawa, a town known for its progressive and proactive community development. He is currently leading the "Hands-on Treehouse Project," which aims to become a new tourist attraction in Kamikawa. His mission is to create employment opportunities in Kamikawa by developing outdoor content.
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Other Articles in This Series
The Kamikawa Treehouse Project: Making Play in Hokkaido More Fun, Vol. 1
The Kamikawa Treehouse Project: Making Play in Hokkaido More Fun, Vol. 2
Related Links
The secret hideout you dreamed of as a child. Let's build a treehouse together in Kamikawa! - Crowdfunding on READYFOR
Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground
