Thursday, July 20, 2023
Mr. Moriaki Tanaka, 86, a resident of Hokuryu Town, owns forests in the neighboring towns of Uryu, Minotsu, and Makioka.
We were told that he was in good health and was working on mowing and cutting down lower branches in the mountain forest, so we visited him in the forest.
The rice paddy fields in this neighborhood of Makioka were purchased and cultivated by Mr. Tanaka after the war. Although he has given up the rice fields, he still owns a forest of about 5 towns, and the wooded area is about 50 years old.
Already 20 days this year for mowing and other upkeep.
The Kita Sorachi Forest Union planted trees at intervals of 1.8 m in a part of a mountain forest 20 years ago. It has been three years since Mr. Moriaki Tanaka, a member of the cooperative, started mowing the plantation area.
Whenever he is feeling well, he visits the forest with a mower and spends two hours cutting trees and weeds. This year, Mr. Tanaka says he has been going there for 20 days.
Mowing is 'scary' (tiring) because it makes my back hurt, but I enjoy it when I take good care of the grass.
The deciduous mushroom larch is growing naturally, and I look forward to harvesting udo and bracken next year.
I would like to continue to cut down miscellaneous trees, and enjoy it at my own pace, taking it as slowly as I can without overdoing it," says Tanaka with a smile.
Forest plan (area enclosed by thick red line)
Area where lower branches were cut down and grass was carefully mowed.
Trees must be 50 years old before they can be cut down," says Mr. Tanaka.
Beautifully maintained mountain forest like a campground.
Trees 20 years old
A wooded area where deer often come
Mr. Tanaka shows that "behind here grows an udo (Japanese udo).
Forests with refreshing breezes
Water for agriculture (water from Shotsubetsu Dam)
Water poured into neighboring fields
The cycle of life in nature, shining green, eventually decaying, and returning to the soil.
We express our infinite love, gratitude, and prayers to the great energy power of the magnificent mountain forests that nurture and live together with nature.
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◇ Reporting and writing by Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editorial assistance by Noboru Terauchi)
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