When you say Narita, many people probably think of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, but it is not the only thing to see. In Narita, there are many people who provide hospitality to visitors, and I would like you to know about them. Here, we will introduce them to you as “People of Narita”!
This episode's guest is Keitaro Sasaki, Editor-in-Chief of the Narita Area Newspaper. The Narita Area Newspaper began as a community paper started by a distributor that originally delivered the Asahi Shimbun in Narita City and Tomisato City, driven by a desire to convey the voices of the local community. Even after ceasing print publication, that spirit has continued unbroken, evolving into a web media platform. We heard about the details of these activities and his personal thoughts.
ーFirst, please tell us what prompted you to start this activity.ー
The Narita Area Newspaper started as part of the services offered by the newspaper store I originally ran. I kept publishing it because I wanted to share local information, and before I knew it, I'd been doing it for 10 years and published over 1,000 issues.
Initially, it wasn't so much about tourism as it was about introducing people working hard locally to the “people of Narita.” Even though they live in Narita, many residents don't know what interesting people live in their own town. So, I hoped it could become a hub connecting those people.
ーWhat activities have you been involved in so far?ー
In addition to the “Narita Area Newspaper,” I also held markets in Kozunomori and personally conducted awareness campaigns to boost voter turnout during elections. Now, Narita City has initiatives like the “Narimichi” project—a station-front market utilizing the Hokomichi system—and the “NARITA VOTE CONNECT” project focused on youth election awareness. While I'm not directly involved in either, it makes me feel strangely happy (laugh) to see how the activities I once did alone or with friends have taken shape and connected in this way.
During the pandemic when people couldn't go out, I also created a map highlighting restaurants offering takeout to support them, and helped stream sake brewery festivals online. I've been keeping an eye on what's happening in Narita, doing what I can on my own. Lately, rather than stepping forward myself, I often find myself supporting others when they reach out to me.
ーWhy do you go to such lengths to work for the community?ー
Honestly, there's no clear reason. It's just fun, you know.
It's such a shame that great shops like this exist in town yet remain unknown, and it's equally unfortunate that people doing wonderful work don't get media coverage.
Since I'm living here anyway, I want to make better use of the great materials available. Just like cooking, I find it interesting to skillfully combine disparate ingredients and shape them into something new.
ーWhere are you from?ー
I was born in Matsudo and grew up in Ichikawa as a child. My family moved to Narita partway through high school, but by then I was already living alone in Tokyo. So Narita became the place I occasionally returned to as my family home—essentially starting as an outsider.
That's precisely why I might be in a position to see Narita's merits objectively.
ーDo you have a favorite place in Narita?ー
I really like Sotokodai Park. It's a small park along the perimeter road, with ancient burial mounds and cherry trees, and a slightly hilly terrain where you can see the countryside—it's very pleasant. Since my workplace was nearby, I often took naps there (lol).
I also really like Sakura-no-Yama Park as a running course. I usually run there on weekends.
ーPlease tell me about your future plans.ー
The web version of the Narita Area Newspaper remains open to this day, and I hope to gradually revive it again.
Media platforms rise and fall, but rather than competing, I hope we can build a network where we share roles and responsibilities, enabling us to share Narita's story from diverse perspectives.
Personally, I want to support the challenges of the younger generation and contribute by working behind the scenes to support the community.
ーPlease share a message for our readers.ー
Narita has plenty of “buried treasures” rather than just “displayed treasures.”
Even if you're just passing through the airport, I hope you'll stay overnight before or after your flight and explore the town. Beyond the main approach, there are tons of interesting back alleys and hidden gems. I'd be thrilled if you'd consider making Narita your weekend destination.
