Journeys in Japan S2010E22 - Ashikaga city, Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture is situated in the most northern part of the Kantō region, and is a prefecture that is inland, not facing the coast. Though only 70 kilometers away from Tokyo, it is an area that still retains a lush mountain landscape. This program goes on a journey to visit the people who live in the natural environment of such a mountainous area, taking a look at their work and everyday lives. The first place we visit is Ashikaga Flower Park of Ashikaga City. Though it may seem like a regular botanical garden at first glance, there is actually a fantastic sight here that draws enormous crowds. The tree doctor and director of the gardens Konami Tsukamoto takes us to see the most treasured sight of the gardens. Moving further north, we enter a lush rural mountainous area. Here, we find a plant that grows over three meters tall. Tochigi Prefecture is actually one of the largest hemp producers in Japan, and July is the month when the crop grows most vigorously. While watching how it is harvested, we ask Yoshinori Ōmori about his endeavors in creating new hemp products. Being a mountainous area, many peoples' lives are embedded in nature. So what is it like? Laura Adeyto goes to visit the house of Takeshi Machida, whom she met in Tochigi City, to spend a day of rural life. Going out to weed the rice fields and chopping wood to feed the fire to cook rice, it is all about taking the time and effort. It is indeed a "slow life" experience. People who normally enjoy the convenience of urban life rarely feel the presence of nature close at hand these days. A way of life in nature seemed to emanate a nostalgic feel, something we seem to have forgotten and left behind.