Let's save the terraced rice fields of Yoshitani, Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture! (2005/06/11)
I happened to see NHK's "Life Hot Morning" program featuring the terraced rice fields that suffered extensive damage from the Chuetsu Earthquake. This happened on April 21st. Lily's dad immediately sent an email to Ojiya City, and on June 11th, about 30 people gathered there.
Mr. Taniguchi's purpose for holding this event is We want to protect the terraced rice fields; if the fields fall into disrepair, new disasters could occur.
To that end, let's recruit farmers to protect it.
That's it.
These terraced rice fields. From above, they look as if nothing had happened.
However, after being shown around the area, I was once again shocked by the extent of the damage.
Approximately 30 people gathered at Taniguchi General Farm at 12:00.
Greetings from Mr. Taniguchi of Taniguchi General Farm
Since we couldn't go any further in a regular passenger car, we split up into smaller cars and headed into the mountains.
While enjoying a delicious lunch inside the greenhouse where seedlings are grown,
Mr. Taniguchi gave an explanation about earthquakes and terraced rice fields.
'The people who managed the rice terraces were elderly... We need your cooperation...'
The neighboring house is tilted due to the earthquake and the weight of the snow... The thick pipes are bent like candy and have collapsed.
Apparently, the farm equipment stored inside was also damaged.
Pipes from a broken greenhouse are piled up.
We then headed to the rice terraces by truck. Those who didn't ride in the truck walked up for about 30 minutes.
The mountain path leading to the rice terraces was cut off in many places.
Temporary repairs have made it barely possible for small cars to pass through.
Guided by Mr. Taniguchi, we toured each terraced rice field, receiving explanations about rice planting along the way.
It started raining heavily after we began walking.
NHK's News 10 program came to interview us.
Further ahead, you will see the terraced rice fields that have been severely damaged by the earthquake.
Rice paddies dried up due to ground fissures
Rice paddies that have collapsed and are flooded with red soil.
There were also many large cracks in the ground along the country paths.
A tragically collapsed section
Looking up from below reveals the extent of the damage. I was also interviewed by an NHK announcer, but I was speechless at the sight of the damage from below.
Mr. Taniguchi explains, "'It has been designated a disaster site, and repair work will be carried out this year.'"
Apparently, this stake is proof that the area was designated a major disaster zone.
People being interviewed by NHK
But the women were also gathering wild vegetables.
We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Taniguchi for their assistance this time.
Lily was home alone all day, but I played with her a lot when I got back. Now she's sleeping with her mom. Lily looks relieved now that her dad has come home.