Born in Ginza, raised in Ginza and still living in Ginza.<\/h4>\n\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I understand you\u2019re in the building leasing business. Could you tell me a little about what you do?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, I manage a building on Ginza Sanchome. My job is to promptly deal with any problems that occur in the building and to maintain a comfortable working environment for our tenants. That includes small tasks such as exchanging fluorescent tubes and going in to fix any water problems.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You have so much to do!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes. We own the building and it is my father\u2019s policy not to have a building managing company do the work, but to manage it ourselves, by checking with our own eyes and feeling with our own hearts.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So, the president does the work himself.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- That\u2019s right. My father has not retired yet, so we are both very committed.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- By the way, did you grow up in Ginza?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I was born and raised in Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Really! You wouldn\u2019t happen to still live in Ginza, would you?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Actually, I do. I still live in Ginza, today.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Are you married?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes I have children too. I was born in Ginza and went to Taimei Kindergarten. Since I went to a private elementary school, I didn\u2019t go to school in Ginza, but my sisters moved on to Taimei Elementary School.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I can\u2019t believe that you have lived in Ginza all your life! What is Ginza like at midnight? Does it turn into a ghost town?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- By the time the final train departs, it becomes very quiet in Sanchome, where there are few places for people to stay out for drinks. A little while before, I could lie down in the middle of the street on New Years\u2019 Day. That\u2019s how deserted the town would be. Nowadays, shops open early at the beginning of the year, so I can\u2019t lie down in the streets anymore (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You were the ultimate \u201cmaster of the town\u201d! (laughs) Now, please allow me to change the subject. I often play in concerts at Oji Hall and was hoping to discover new restaurants to have lunch. Are there any ramen noodle shops in the area that you would recommend?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- There is a restaurant called \u201cGinza Kagari\u201d that serves delicious Tori-paitan (thick white chicken soup) relatively close to Oji Hall. They close when they run out of soup.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Tori-paitan! That is tempting! I will be sure to try it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_01.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nGinmikai members providing security in the Olympic parade<\/h4>\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have heard that you have become the chair of Ginmikai for this fiscal year.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, I have. The Ginmikai is involved in planning and managing various events that are held in Ginza. Our aim is to foster good relations among members in order to promote self-education through contributing to the safety and development of Ginza. We are mainly a group of younger generation entrepreneurs.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That sounds like you have a lot on your hands. Some people say that the activities of the Ginmikai take up more of your time than your business does. Is that true?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- That is actually how it is (laughs). Since my father is still very active, I have taken the liberty of keeping myself busy with my tasks with the Ginmikai, instead of my business engagements.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Ginza sometimes hosts large parades that enjoy an audience of thousands of people.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, and we also provided security in the Olympic parade. I think that in Ginza, we are highly self-conscious about taking care of our town by ourselves. By being actively involved in ensuring safety, instead of leaving everything up to the security guards from security companies, we hope that people can enjoy their time in Ginza in comfort.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That is very reassuring for people visiting Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Thank you. I am very happy to know that you feel that way. In summer, the Ginmikai plans and hosts an event called \u201cYukata de Gin-bura Festival (Ginza strolling in Yukata)\u201d. Then in autumn, an event called \u201cGinchakai\u201d is held in the \u201dpedestrians\u2019 paradise\u201d in Chuo-dori. We help out in hosting this event as well.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You sound like you are busy every day guarding Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- The Ginmikai is very enthusiastic pumping up Ginza, and I am devoted to the cause. My father has also been very cooperative and encourages me in my efforts, saying that anything for Ginza is worth it. I love Ginza and so the hard work is worthwhile.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Olympic parade<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_03.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nMember of the firefighting squad, I\u2019ve been to many fires in Ginza<\/h4>\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have heard that you are also on the local firefighting squad. What made you join it?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- When my father chaired the neighborhood association, the vice-chairs were both on the fire-fighting team. A graduate of Nippon Sport Science University, I was invited to join.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Then you must be very athletic!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Not really. However, my dream was to become a PE teacher, so I learned to play every sport that would be played in a PE class while I was in college. I was on the track team when I was in high school, so I am rather confident about my physical stamina.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Do you train to become a firefighter on the squad?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Of course, we train. We even take part in a firefighting pump operations skills contest, where the seven firefighting squads in Kyobashi compete against each other. We pump up water from a water tank and release it from a hose to hit the target.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Have ever actually been called to put out a fire?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Of course. We\u2019ve been to a number of fires<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Wow! When a fire occurs, we usually dial 119. Does the firefighting team also receive notice?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes we do, because we have a partnership with the fire station. Basically, we head out before we are requested to come, as soon as we hear the sirens. When fire broke out in the Tsukiji market (Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market), our small pumps were very helpful in getting through the maze-like alleys.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So you are ceaselessly in action for Ginza, twenty-four hours a day! Thank you for your devotion.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- It is my pleasure. I just love the town of Ginza.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_04.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_05.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI\u2019m determined to do my best for my favorite town, Ginza.<\/h4>\n\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Please tell me about your passion for Ginza and its charm.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would say the great part about living here is that I have very good transportation access (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How right! Only someone living in Ginza could make that comment. You are actually the first person to point that out in our series (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would imagine so (laughs). I believe I have different feelings for Ginza from other people because I was born and brought up here. Ginza keeps me alive, and that is why I am determined to make Ginza an even better place. The Ginmikai and firefighting squad are only part of my devotion. I am ready to take the initiative in whatever I can for my favorite town.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Chairing the Ginmikai would surely be an overstressing task without such passion. How long is your term as chair?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- The term for chair runs for one year, and retirement is at 40.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Do you have a vision for the future of Ginza?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would like to make it an even more secure and safe place for not only visitors to Ginza but also for those of living here.
\nFor that very purpose, we campaigned to have Chuo-ku build new storage for emergency goods to keep our pumpers and construction is underway.<\/dd>\n - Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How wonderful!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I will endeavor to make Ginza a secure and safe place for everyone.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_06.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_36_07.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\nChisako Takashima<\/h4>\n
Violinist. Takashima started taking violin lessons from the age of 6. After a successful career abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, where she currently performs in concerts across the country. Highly noted for her character in TV and radio appearances, she has currently opened up her career to more diverse fields with an unchanged focus on her profession.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I understand you\u2019re in the building leasing business. Could you tell me a little about what you do?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, I manage a building on Ginza Sanchome. My job is to promptly deal with any problems that occur in the building and to maintain a comfortable working environment for our tenants. That includes small tasks such as exchanging fluorescent tubes and going in to fix any water problems.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You have so much to do!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes. We own the building and it is my father\u2019s policy not to have a building managing company do the work, but to manage it ourselves, by checking with our own eyes and feeling with our own hearts.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So, the president does the work himself.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- That\u2019s right. My father has not retired yet, so we are both very committed.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- By the way, did you grow up in Ginza?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I was born and raised in Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Really! You wouldn\u2019t happen to still live in Ginza, would you?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Actually, I do. I still live in Ginza, today.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Are you married?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes I have children too. I was born in Ginza and went to Taimei Kindergarten. Since I went to a private elementary school, I didn\u2019t go to school in Ginza, but my sisters moved on to Taimei Elementary School.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I can\u2019t believe that you have lived in Ginza all your life! What is Ginza like at midnight? Does it turn into a ghost town?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- By the time the final train departs, it becomes very quiet in Sanchome, where there are few places for people to stay out for drinks. A little while before, I could lie down in the middle of the street on New Years\u2019 Day. That\u2019s how deserted the town would be. Nowadays, shops open early at the beginning of the year, so I can\u2019t lie down in the streets anymore (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You were the ultimate \u201cmaster of the town\u201d! (laughs) Now, please allow me to change the subject. I often play in concerts at Oji Hall and was hoping to discover new restaurants to have lunch. Are there any ramen noodle shops in the area that you would recommend?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- There is a restaurant called \u201cGinza Kagari\u201d that serves delicious Tori-paitan (thick white chicken soup) relatively close to Oji Hall. They close when they run out of soup.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Tori-paitan! That is tempting! I will be sure to try it.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Ginmikai members providing security in the Olympic parade<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have heard that you have become the chair of Ginmikai for this fiscal year.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, I have. The Ginmikai is involved in planning and managing various events that are held in Ginza. Our aim is to foster good relations among members in order to promote self-education through contributing to the safety and development of Ginza. We are mainly a group of younger generation entrepreneurs.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That sounds like you have a lot on your hands. Some people say that the activities of the Ginmikai take up more of your time than your business does. Is that true?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- That is actually how it is (laughs). Since my father is still very active, I have taken the liberty of keeping myself busy with my tasks with the Ginmikai, instead of my business engagements.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Ginza sometimes hosts large parades that enjoy an audience of thousands of people.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes, and we also provided security in the Olympic parade. I think that in Ginza, we are highly self-conscious about taking care of our town by ourselves. By being actively involved in ensuring safety, instead of leaving everything up to the security guards from security companies, we hope that people can enjoy their time in Ginza in comfort.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That is very reassuring for people visiting Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Thank you. I am very happy to know that you feel that way. In summer, the Ginmikai plans and hosts an event called \u201cYukata de Gin-bura Festival (Ginza strolling in Yukata)\u201d. Then in autumn, an event called \u201cGinchakai\u201d is held in the \u201dpedestrians\u2019 paradise\u201d in Chuo-dori. We help out in hosting this event as well.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- You sound like you are busy every day guarding Ginza.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- The Ginmikai is very enthusiastic pumping up Ginza, and I am devoted to the cause. My father has also been very cooperative and encourages me in my efforts, saying that anything for Ginza is worth it. I love Ginza and so the hard work is worthwhile.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
The Olympic parade<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\nMember of the firefighting squad, I\u2019ve been to many fires in Ginza<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have heard that you are also on the local firefighting squad. What made you join it?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- When my father chaired the neighborhood association, the vice-chairs were both on the fire-fighting team. A graduate of Nippon Sport Science University, I was invited to join.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Then you must be very athletic!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Not really. However, my dream was to become a PE teacher, so I learned to play every sport that would be played in a PE class while I was in college. I was on the track team when I was in high school, so I am rather confident about my physical stamina.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Do you train to become a firefighter on the squad?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Of course, we train. We even take part in a firefighting pump operations skills contest, where the seven firefighting squads in Kyobashi compete against each other. We pump up water from a water tank and release it from a hose to hit the target.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Have ever actually been called to put out a fire?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Of course. We\u2019ve been to a number of fires<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Wow! When a fire occurs, we usually dial 119. Does the firefighting team also receive notice?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- Yes we do, because we have a partnership with the fire station. Basically, we head out before we are requested to come, as soon as we hear the sirens. When fire broke out in the Tsukiji market (Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market), our small pumps were very helpful in getting through the maze-like alleys.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So you are ceaselessly in action for Ginza, twenty-four hours a day! Thank you for your devotion.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- It is my pleasure. I just love the town of Ginza.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
I\u2019m determined to do my best for my favorite town, Ginza.<\/h4>\n
\n- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Please tell me about your passion for Ginza and its charm.<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would say the great part about living here is that I have very good transportation access (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How right! Only someone living in Ginza could make that comment. You are actually the first person to point that out in our series (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would imagine so (laughs). I believe I have different feelings for Ginza from other people because I was born and brought up here. Ginza keeps me alive, and that is why I am determined to make Ginza an even better place. The Ginmikai and firefighting squad are only part of my devotion. I am ready to take the initiative in whatever I can for my favorite town.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Chairing the Ginmikai would surely be an overstressing task without such passion. How long is your term as chair?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- The term for chair runs for one year, and retirement is at 40.<\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- Do you have a vision for the future of Ginza?<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I would like to make it an even more secure and safe place for not only visitors to Ginza but also for those of living here.
\nFor that very purpose, we campaigned to have Chuo-ku build new storage for emergency goods to keep our pumpers and construction is underway.<\/dd>\n - Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How wonderful!<\/dd>\n
- Kameoka<\/dt>\n
- I will endeavor to make Ginza a secure and safe place for everyone.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
Chisako Takashima<\/h4>\n
Violinist. Takashima started taking violin lessons from the age of 6. After a successful career abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, where she currently performs in concerts across the country. Highly noted for her character in TV and radio appearances, she has currently opened up her career to more diverse fields with an unchanged focus on her profession.<\/p>\n