Juri Marutani _ age 28

Where were you born?

Kojima. I left for Kyoto to attend college and lived there for eight years. I returned to Kojima two years ago.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a sales representative at "Jurgen Lehl," a clothes shop in Kojima-Ajino.

How would you describe Kojima?

It's surrounded by the ocean and mountains. Everything is carefree. Carefree and easy. I'm worn out by the crowd when I go to Okayama. I am relieved when I reach Kojima station and smell the ocean.

Where do you often go?

There are several points where I go to watch the ocean. Kojima Sightseeing Port, a place past the reclaimed land at Shimono-Cho, and Oojigatake to name a few. I have seen the Pacific and the Sea of Japan, but I like the ocean I see from Kojima the best. A sight with the view of an island is relaxing.

When do you feel most happy?

When I'm deeply touched by beautiful scenery I see surrounded in nature. I went to the "Laughing Rock" at Oojigatake by myself today and it felt so nice there. It's also when I'm dancing. I began hula dancing two years ago. Hula allows me to connect with nature and that brings me the greatest joy. I like performing outdoors. There isn't much opportunity here in Kurashiki which is a shame.

How do you spend your day off?

It varies. There are times when I rent maybe six DVDs and stay home all day watching them. Then there are times when I travel to places like Shodoshima. I choose to go places that are relatively remote.

Tell us your dream.

That is the toughest question to answer. There are many things that I would like to do but they're not quite "it" and that leaves me unsettled.