A vibrant Christmas spirit filled the Okinawa Bank headquarters in Naha as the local initiative 'Kaikon Project' showcased its unique installation—a Christmas tree crafted entirely from honorably sourced Miyakojima melons. This eye-catching display was part of the campaign to engage local communities and promote self-esteem among children.
On December 14, the tree was unveiled, fashioned from approximately 33 melons weighing about 2 kilograms each. Local children enthusiastically contributed to the artistic flair of the display by creating handmade ornaments, including cheerful snowmen. This colorful collaboration not only uplifted the festive theme but also drew attention to the agricultural bounty of the Miyako region.
The concept behind this decoration is more than just aesthetics; it's rooted deeply within the 'Kaikon Project,' created by Noise Value Co., which has been operational since 2020. The project's mission focuses on resolving community problems through enjoyable activities, fostering interaction among children and adults from various industries. Under this ethos, the cheerful collaboration seamlessly blends education with creativity.
According to Tomohiro Masuda, the head of Eight Farm Miyakojima, the initiative brought immense joy. He expressed, “自分が作ったメロンに子どもたちが飾り付けをしてくれて、大人も子どもも笑顔になっていてとてもうれしかった。宮古島がメロンの産地だということも多くの人に知ってもらえれば.” His words encapsulated the spirit of community teamwork, pride, and the rich agricultural heritage of Miyako Island, emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge about local melon farming.
Part of the festive activities included setting the installation to remain on display until December 25, allowing visitors ample opportunity to admire the ingenuity behind the project. Following the festivities, the melons used will be processed—transformed from decorative pieces to delicious purées or served at local restaurants, keeping the spirit of the project alive even after the holidays.
The children involved expressed sheer joy and creativity, with one seven-year-old artist commenting, “（オーナメントに）ニコニコマークの絵を描いた。飾り付けをするのが楽しかった,” which translates to, “I drew smiley faces on the ornaments. It was fun decorating!” Such expressions reflect the broader aim of the project—nurturing self-esteem through creative expression and collaboration.
The initiative embraces not just holiday cheer but also cultivates important connections between agriculture and community well-being. With emphasis on local melons, the 'Kaikon Project' becomes more than just a seasonal display; it becomes a platform fostering respect for local farming and community resilience.
Through projects like these, communities can come together, drawing joy from the collaborative process, sharing knowledge about regional products, and ensuring children's voices are heard and valued. The Naha installation of the Christmas melon tree stands as a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite for common purposes, lighting up the holiday season with creativity, collaboration, and warmth.
