Thursday, July 20, 2023
Moriaki Tanaka (86 years old), who lives in Hokuryu Town, owns forest land in Iinotsu and Makioka in the neighboring town of Uryu.
I heard that he was in good health and working in the forest, mowing the grass and cutting down the lower branches, so I decided to visit the forest.
The rice paddy fields in Makioka near here were purchased and developed by Mr. Tanaka after the war. Although he gave up the rice fields, he still owns about 5 hectares of forest, and the mixed forest is about 50 years old.
This year, it has already taken 20 days to mow the lawn and maintain it.
Twenty years ago, the Kita Sorachi Forestry Association planted trees at 1.8m intervals in part of the forest. It has been three years since association member Moriaki Tanaka began mowing the planted area.
When he is feeling well, he takes his lawnmower to the forest and spends about two hours clearing trees and mowing. This year, he has been there for about 20 days.
"Mowing the grass can be scary (tiring) because it can hurt your back, but when you take care of it carefully, it becomes fun, so I keep going.
The deciduous larch mushrooms are also growing naturally, and I'm looking forward to harvesting burdock and bracken next year.
I would like to continue cutting down brushwood and enjoying the process at my own pace, without pushing myself too hard," says Tanaka with a smile.
Forest map (area surrounded by thick red lines)
A place where the lower branches have been cut off and the grass has been carefully mowed
"Trees cannot be cut down until they are 50 years old," says Tanaka.
A beautifully maintained forest like a campsite
20-year-old tree
A wooded area where deer often visit
"There's some burdock growing further in here," says Tanaka.
A refreshing breeze blows through the forest
Agricultural water (Shokanbetsu Dam water)
Irrigation water flowing into the neighboring fields
In nature, the cycle of life begins with shining green, then decaying and returning to the soil...
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers for the great energy and power of the magnificent mountain forests that grow and live together with nature...
Other photos
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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
