Country Life

by Robert George, Jan 2, 2003 | Destinations: Japan / Tokyo

Rural life in Gunma Prefecture moves at a much slower pace than the typical urban existence in Tokyo.

Rural life in Gunma Prefecture moves at a much slower pace than the typical urban existence in Tokyo.

Image © 2002 Robert George

Rural life in Gunma Prefecture moves at a much slower pace than the typical urban existence in Tokyo.

Rice is Japan's most important agricultural crop. And although only 15% of Japan's landmass is suitable for cultivation, 14 million acres are planted with rice, many of them postage-stamp sized family farms nestled in vacant lots between suburban buildings.

Rice is Japan's most important agricultural crop. And although only 15% of Japan's landmass is suitable for cultivation, 14 million acres are planted with rice, many of them postage-stamp sized family farms nestled in vacant lots between suburban buildings.

Rice is Japan's most important agricultural crop. And although only 15% of Japan's landmass is suitable for cultivation, 14 million acres are planted with rice, many of them postage-stamp sized family farms nestled in vacant lots between suburban buildings.

A story told with photos.

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Perhaps the most anticipated and beloved celebration in Japan is the season known as Ohanami. The word translates as flower watching, and depending upon the weather in mid-spring, sometime during the month of April, the entire nation of Japan bursts into bloom with the ubiquitous sakura, the flowering cherry tree. The sakura create a frosty-pink canopy over city parks and country hillsides alike, and the people of Japan emerge after the long winter to rejoice in this ephemeral season. Beneath a canopy of blossoms, street vendors offer an array of traditional foods, including yakitori, skewers of savory grilled chicken.

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