Note: The photo above was taken in Ojiya City Niigata prefecture where we are doing the recovery on the terraced paddy field, in the winter season rice field are covered with thick snow, the hot air balloon competition was took place by joinning of more than 30 hot air balloon on Feb 2006.
Some other balloon photo can be seen on photo-one, two, three, four.

The environment on the rice farming is severe so that successor to farming family is so limited now a day because of limited income due to investment vs return is not affordable to live.
Many of farming family seem to quit doing and leave Terraced paddy field without maintaining it.
Considering above environment, our Recovering and Preservation Association was formed to recover the said field by renting from farmer who quit producing rice any more.
The Terraced paddy field has also the function of preserving water, like dam, since he keeps the rain water for a while before flowing it to lower.

Here depict some of recovery activities on year 2005 (first year of recovery activities) and following year's one by one.

The our association started the recovery activities one year after severe earthquake on Octover 8, 2005 in Ojiya City area.

The recovery steps follow firstly cleaning of the grass on the said field where much of them were grown in past years.
There were several of cracks and steps found on the Terraced paddy field while cleaning of grass and they should be put with soil firmly free from water leakege.
There are also collapsed rice terrace adjacent to which are leftover without maintaining.
The rest is one of refreshing time while recovering activities with volunteer.
After rest time is over volunteer start activities to finish asap.

As reference, the said field we first recovery activities took place being like as of April, 2007. Many of other places were recovered and updated soon.

Here you will see some of surroundings on the Terraced paddy field on our site.
Firstly, on 2006 we had a heavy snow falling after 18 years interval the similar heavy snow in this region.
The cottage you see stands middle of said field and the thick of snow piled up can be seen by 2005 October (no snow), 2006 February ( a heavy snow over 2 meters) and 2007 February ( light snow less than 1 meter) on the same site.

The recovery activities include also with participation on the local traditional season work such as cleaning on the water pass and cleaning weeds on the side of road that those field work tend to carried as team work as possible so our Volunteer type member also need to participate to keep good relation with neighbor and most favorit matter is to have a small lunch party with person gathered after the work is over.

Now some of activities from recovery work thru plantaion will be depict here to know what were took place here as follows.

On May 13, 2007 the recovery work (for plantation preparedness for year 2007)were took place by participating volunteer groups and Universities in niigata prefecture, and rice plantation work were made by participating.

Severe earthquake, occured on July 16, 2007, that gave many cracks on the [footpath between rice field] as seen, for which manual recovery will never be possible any more so that they will be collapsed soon by even light rain.

The Terraced paddy fields recovered this year and planted three out of thirteen　looking under tree are seen as of July 24, 2007.
It was 30 degree celsius out side on July 24 and many of such under the tree (good place to rest) exist around terraced paddy fields which　is good for the health too.

September 17, 2007
It has come to time to harvest the Terraced paddy fields where we recovered and plantation made on May comming end of September..
The Rice growing status　on the Terraced paddy fields can be seen on main body of the home page(Japanee version), it is, however, some of the pictures will be added on this english part of home page as follows.

1) Plantation time (beginnning of June)
2) Mid June
3) Mid August
4) Mid September

September 22, 2007

The status on the Terraced paddy fields was checked one week before harvesting today and water manegement is one of the most important actions since hardness on the ground surface is a key to success to harvest smoothly by heavy Combine machine.

One of landmark terraced rice field of our association being as photo taken this morning that they are ready for harvesting.

Note:
Harvest time to come on September 29 and 30, 2007 so that you are appreciated to work with us.

September 24, 2007

Here you will see some of persons who are living in Ojiya City and being took care of Terraced paddy fields daily was photo taken this morning at the site.
The person on the left is Mr. Reitaro Taniguchi　who appealed for association, second left is Mr. Takeo Tanaka who is a Secretary General, third left is Mr. Yoshio Okada who is a assistant secretary general, and right most is Mr. Tadao Goto the president of association.
The lady sitting front is accountant of the association who is spouse of Taniguchi's.
We like to run the recovery activities by receivng your kind help for preserving Terraced paddy field as much as possible.

October 1, 2007

The Terraced paddy fields we recovered for rice planting in late May this year (for second year) were harvested on September 29 and 30 by having 56 peoples volunteers in total.
Some of field work were supported by participation on part-1, part-2, for reference.
Thanks to those participation, 9 out of 13 Terraced paddy Field were completed to harvest and rest of Terraced paddy fields should be harvested on sunny day so that wet rice harvested leads Combine malfunction.
Note: September 30, it rained in the morning, the work needed to suspend due to malfunction on the combine.

The Terraced paddy fields in the area might have snow falling in sometime early December that we can not see ground before April next year.

November 25, 2007
Now I like to go back to Terraced paddy fields little bit, the year of 2007 is the second year of which the recovery activities were taken.
In order to celebrate and commemorate 2nd year, the association hold the event thanking being worked with us by participating many of volunteers coming, local NPO and government member having a lecture, panel discussion and some entertainment by member of association.
Some of presentation and entertainment be shown on the photo-1(A Mayor speech), photo-2(A member of the municipal assembly), photo-3(panelor), photo-4(entertainment by Piano performance).
.Above event was took place on November 4, 2007 at Ojiya city in Niigata prefecture Japan.
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January 18, 2008
It is a middle of Winter time and the place where we are living is covered with snow and it will last for next three months.
The photo shows the today's shot on the Tanada
preservation office the foot of Terraced paddy fields in Ojiya City in Niigata Prefecture Japan.

February 11, 2008
I will show some of winter event on Ojiya city in Niigata prefecture that the place on Ojiya being covered with thick snow and it covers rice field and get them "white flat field" for winter sport.
The 5th Koo-Da-Pparra field Cap competition which the player put on the snow board and have Kite for driving.
The hot air balloon competition be coming soon for Feb 23 and 24 and it will be reported soon after.

February 25, 2008
The one of winter event on Hot Balloon festival/competition at Ojiya City was held on February 23, the weather in the early morning was reasonably　fine but it got sudden storm shortly after hot balloon were took off.
We could see the preparation thru take off phase close enough at the site and could share the pilot and passenger on them while they are on the ground.
The event was plannded for two days but it was cease continuing on the morning due to bad weather at this time.
A small branch was set by our association to sell some of products locally developped the following photos are one of scean on them.

We expect the good weather next year.

photo-1 and photo-2

March 6, 2008
In winter time no real activities on farming exist as far as terraced paddy field in Ojiya, Niigata prefecture so one [natural monument] is introduced for your reference at this time.
The natural monument, assigned by Ojiya city, exists close to terraced paddy field now we are being recovered
The natural monument is a pond and it is told there are twenty or more floating island and that moves around in the pond when wind flows.
This pond has also the function of source of water for the Terraced paddy field since the pond locates rather higher position on the local Terraced paddy field.

March 16, 2008
The fine sunny morning comes and editor went up to the near by Terraced paddy field where we recovered, the road to it were still 1meter or more residual snow and was hard to get there.
Comparing last year the residual snow on the road and Terraced paddy field being three times(3) thicker than last year so we are wondering if snow could melt away by early May or not otherwise it may hit to plantation acitvities.
The paddy field, landmark (TANBO) we name, being picture taken this morning which is covered with thick snow.

March 25, 2008
The paddy field near terraced one is about to melting out the snow by recent temperature and bright Sunshine.
The group of Swan came to the paddy field near our Terraced paddy field like as we saw last year, they stop some days before flying out to Northward such Siberia region.

April 14, 2008
The area where we are recovering Terraced paddy field has many garden to be cultivated the soil, and writer did some work to plant Spinach and welsh onion yesterday.
It is expected to yield some months later so that we will be able to enjoy with it.

April 16, 2008
The group of killifishes swiming vivid at the Terraced paddy field for which the writer saw yesterday at ones near by.
They are so vivid as compared to last winter time on December.

April 23, 2008
The work for rebuilding the footpath around rice field will be started on coming Saturday April 26 and 27 that will be made by participating the members and volunteers.
The photo is the work to cover the blue sheet over the cottage skeleton by President and assistant for the rest place near the terraced paddy field.

April 27, 2008
The Terraced paddy field recovery activities were started by participation of Volunteers and member of association on April 26 and 27.
The work to make water stray route to bypass water leaking are deemed required to realize tight road since the area on Terraced paddy field has plenty of underground water and they tend emerge the place regardless of our wish.
Note: The tight road is required to run the combine or any mobil gear move smoothly.

May　2、2008
The recovery activities on the Terraced paddy field were started as previous report, the volunteer and members on the association gathered in the morning at the field on 26 April was photo taken before start working。
Note; Blogger/writer is not show up on the photo.
One thing it should be added on the photo above is the person [fourth from right] is Mr. Landy who came from Malaysia presently studying at Nagaoka University of Technology and being a member of Volunteer group (Volt of Nuts) at University.
He gave us the great deal of power and enjoying at the terraced paddy field recovery activities on April 26.

May 3, 2008
The place we are recovering the Terraced paddy field is located at longitude138.8 degree east and latitude 37.3 degree north where is the place so called [river terrace] along the ShinanoGawa river caused by diastrophism on millions years.
Three mountains we can see (from the recoovery site) toward southeast about 30 killometer away, they are Komagatake mountain 2003m (left most on the photo), Nakanotake mountain 2085m (center on the photo) and Hakkaisan mountain 1778m (right most on the photo).

May 6, 2008
The footpath between rice field slope were partly collapsed last year as reported and it was recovered as seen on right hand side on the photo where the rice plantation will be made coming May 24 and 25.

May 8, 2008
The Terraced paddy field on one of recovered before and after can be seen on photo-1 ( /before/on October 2005 at the time of start recovery) and photo-2 (/after/on July 2006 first growing two years after earthquake disaster)

May 13, 2008
The rice planting work will be scheduled on coming May 24 and 25, the Terraced paddy field's surroundings should be prepared so as to be the rice should be grown in timely manner.
In order to support it, the water leak out from upper footpath should be flow around to warm up before pour into terraced paddy field.
**Footpath before restoration
**In the restoration work
**Intermediate/work in process

May 14, 2008
The place where we are recovering the Terraced paddy field locates valley in hilly district (without saying) and paddy fields are surrounded by ridge line of hill, and the photo is some of the look to and from ridge line of nearest hill.
**View to the ridge line of hill from one of paddy field
**View from ridge line of hill to some of paddy field

May 17, 2008
Looking the Terraced paddy field each of them is located like cluster side by side and water is supplied via mostly upper level of paddy field one step down to next paddy field, it is however due to less snow in the mountain area the lack of water is caused on some our paddy field under recovery.
We are told that paddy field recovery can not be made at once but it takes several years before understanding the soil and surrounding is returned to the ones before earthquake on Octover 2004.
One example of [lack of water] on the paddy field is Tanbo-j (Paddy field-j)

Paddy field waiting for water on -j.

May 19, 2008
We can see a stratum by the road to the Terraced paddy field a/b/c(from Futamata region) and it may tell millions of years geographical history on this region, it is told that the area is situated on the river terrace.

May 20, 2008
The final preparation, before rice planting, has started on the Terraced paddy field that president handled the Tractor in the paddy field.
It might be hard to say that all of the paddy field get ready for planting since water in the paddy field is not enough before coming week end on May 24 and 25 for rice planting activities/events.
Fortunately, it is rainy day today (May 20) so that most of paddy field may get enough water for planting in time.

The president runs the Tractor in the paddy field

May 21, 2008
The rainfalling gave us a great deal of chances to make ready for rice planting that some of Terraced paddy field had such opportunity doing actions beforehand.
The writer took some photos on the preparation work in the paddy field that was performed by the president.
Photo-1, -2

May 22, 2008
The preparation on the Terraced paddy field is in rush to get ready for rice planting to be done on May 24 and 25.
Two men were working by Tractor on site from early morning on 5/21.

Relaying on the rice seedling to operator

May 28, 2008
Three (3) more photos be shown here the rice planting activities on the Terraced paddy field.
Collaboration with person and machine are really requested on the Terraced paddy field since the paddy field usually small in size and condition on the soil may not be good by planting machine running so planting by hand is essential on such place.

Photo-1, -2, -3.

May 29, 2008
The Terraced paddy field can be seen in many places in Ojiya city and southern part of city the district called Iwasawa is also mountainous area the similar landscape as ones we are recovering is seen as photo taken.

May 30, 2008
Another photos during the rice planting work be shown as follows,
Neighbor and mass communication writer also visited us to see recovery work/actions and conveying warm words to us which gave us power on continuation of activities
*Photo-1, -2, -3

May 31, 2008
The purpose of the preservation association is not only immediate recovery of the Terraced paddy field itself, but also to make available sustainable work force by receiving volunteer team such as presently university student's (they are so powerful) so that their member be able to cordially come and keep working for 2-3 years　time period in their vacant time during their study and also persons who may be retired and for seeking reasonable rural natural life .
Note:
The Ojiya city in Niigata prefecture area is covered with thick snow for 3-4 months ( from December thru March although its depent on weather conditions) and residents be able to enjoy different life than urban area.
Some of photos during rice planting on May 24 are,
Photo-1, -2, -3.

June 1, 2008
Here you will see another Terraced paddy field in the Iwasawa district where writer took photo while strolling, after completion of rice planting, in the area by chance.

June 2, 2008
One of the relaxed time while rice planting or any on the field work would be a lunch time, as always our lunch being served at Bal-side-Lodge by XYL and got powerfull energy for the rest of work.
We are very much　in appreciation of their support.

June 3, 2008
As you will see the soil on the Terraced paddy field and its underground conditions after earthquake is different from ordinary one in the past, although it is 3rd rice planting activities after quake this year but some paddy field's soil condition were still different from last year for which the rice planting machines working area and manual planting area should be mutually separated, it is one of our joy to work on the Terraced paddy field together.
Note,
There should be always manual rice planting area(such as on the corner of pady field) on the paddy field exist but the area that received earthquake is different from ordinary paddy field.
Photo: machine and manual rice planting on the paddy field f/g,

June 5, 2008
Some pictures of activities on rice planting be continued to show for
what they have done on the day.
It may not be necessary to say but the blog here is not only to tell or to inform the present status on the Terraced paddy field recovery itself but also to show any persons surroundings/concerned to them that the writer, being mostly stationed in Ojiya, keep updating as much as possible.
If anyone likes to know more information or visit the site, please let me know so that we can make further contact/information exchange.
Photo-1(engine start), -2(trace on the rice planting).

June 6, 2008
Some other photos be shown not in time sequence though,
members were rice planting manually where it should be that the machine could not planting due to nature of it and a kind of group work was really required with chat so that planting activity itself is simple enough.
Photo-1(manual planting in TANBO a), -2(last phase on TNABO a)

Note, The tanbo location (Terreced paddy field site) can be seen by clicking the [TANADA location MAP] on top of this blog, for quick look please click here so that the brief location can be remained in your mind.
As explained on May 3, the TANADA location is 138.8 degree of east longitude, 37.3 degree north latitude on the earth.

June 9, 2008
The writer have strolled some part of Ojiya City while in out of task and many places of new to writer were found, and like "a state of nature " of terraced paddy field was reached in the Iwasawa district where was supposed to have broadcasted a year before last as the top scene of program opening.

June 10, 2008
The overlook on the said (previous) terraced paddy field was photo taken from the "upper right ridge line of a mountain (right most red clay place)" back, on the other hand the close look of the paddy field that can be seen on the overlooked photo was taken by road side of paddy field on the same terraced paddy field.
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June 15, 2008
The terraced paddy field we are recovering are thirteen pieces as of today along Totazawa (Tanbo d thru p) and Futamata (Tanbo a thru c).
The photo views up toward Tanbo a-c by Futamata's road on the sunny morning.

June 16, 2008
The writer revisited the Iwasawa's in the morning and found that seedling being grown and much green field was seen than ones on June 9 as photo taken.
The site is located about 15Km south from where writer is staying.

June 21, 2008
In the vicinity of Ojiya, Yamakoshi village now in Nagaoka city is also hilly place and have got one of severe earthquake on 2004, the area has many Nishikigoi producers for that many koi pond are existed by the terraced paddy field.
It is told that many farmers have changed their paddy field to pond for the koi in the past and the area is now called one of branded Nishikigoi producing district.

June 22, 2008
The upper part of Iwasawa's terraced paddy field is seen on the photo below and some portions are left uncultivated now due to some reasons that writer does not know as yet.
In some day if they are cultivated then preservation the area and keeping the natural resources could be maintained.

the upper part of paddy field (left) and lower part of paddy field

June 23, 2008
The said Iwasawa's paddy field is seen different angle such from upper place as photo　taken, the area as a whole is large enough and its gives us breathtaking and tranquil mental opportunity.

June 24, 2008
Revisited paddy field on the Iwasawa and photo taken at intervals of almost one week that shows seedling being grown and it may become carpet-like in some months.

June 28, 2008
Revisited the Iwasawa's terraced paddy field that the seedling being grown and it looks all of the paddy field have plenty of water.
This is the fourth visit since June 8 and different scenery is there as of June 27 with much green field than June 8's.

June 29, 2008
The terraced paddy field on the Iwasawa can be seen from middle stage of the hill as photo taken, the view angle is different from ones by overlooked view without saying though.
Some of different scene can be shown at times.

June 30, 2008
The overlooked view on the Iwasawa was photo taken at the cliff of yellow clay colored (right upper corner) that is about 30m high from paddy field level.
The ground level is the real world of paddy field and farmer's daily effort can be visible so that water management and others be maintained properly which fit to the each paddy field.

July 1, 2008
On the near hill-top there existed many terraced weedy-uncultivated land and photo below shows its aspect, far left-center on the photo is toward the base of terraced paddy field.

July 2, 2008
The some terraced paddy field that we are being recovering has facing the lack of water due to less rain falling in mountain area, but it was fortunate we had rain falling in last week and the Tanbo-J got plenty of water as seen on the photo.
It is said that it is almost a mast to visit paddy field frequently to see if any change was there or not to make any possible actions in time

July 3, 2008
Revisited the Iwasawa's and found farmer was mowing the weed on the walk pass that results one of well management on the paddy field.

July 4, 2008
The upper part of Iwasawa's paddy field is contrast view on rice planting part and on the uncultivated part, the terraced paddy is widely opened to south/west.

July 5, 2008
The close look on the seedling in the paddy field showed their growth after 6 weeks of planting and we will be able to see an ear of rice around mid August.

July 6, 2008
Iwasawa's status is seen as before and close look on a part of it is here in the following photo that the photo was taken early in the morning and the field comes green carpet-like..

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July 7, 2008
The Iwasawa's view from hilly-top as of today is seen by the following first one was on late May and latter is as of July 7.
The first one was photo taken when blogger had car driven on the narrow regional road that leads to another direction.

Photo as of late May

Photo as of July 6

July 9, 2008
After severe rain falling on July 8, writer did short revisit to Iwasawa in the afternoon with sunshine, I suppose even the part of paddy field it gives good tranquil-refreshment effects to our mental
And also the variety of sizes such as large, small, wide and narrow set balance of landscape and it appeals to us.

July 10, 2008
There are many marks remained the landslide (due to earthquake) in the mountain hills, and along the local narrow road leading to terraced paddy field we can see some of them.
The bottom walkpass was originally straight, but curved due to landslide.

July 11, 2008
The site we are under recovering terraced paddy field is located 800 meters deep inside the mountain hills from prefectural road.
The hills near the Paddy field and the photo is taken from entry of regional road to Terracd paddy field under recovering, and the majority of soil on these area is sand-like and not rocks so that we should be careful when heavy rainfalling is forecasted.

July 13,　2008
Revisited the Iwasawa's and the much green rice field is seen from cliff on the site as photo taken with slight rainfalling.

July 27, 2008
Another 60days left before harvesting on the paddy field, several weeds grown in the paddy field together with rice plants and weeds are much stronger and they are tougher than rice plants.
The activities for the next 60days are concentrated to get rid of such weeds and keeping reasonable level of water in the paddy field.
The some of participation was photo taken before start working.

August 2, 2008
Looking closely the paddy field some of scene on struggling for life among rice plant and weeds can be seen so that it seems weeds tend to spread their share of own kind to survive.
Those, eventually, weeds make lowered the rice yield since manure around the rice plants absorb by weeds.

August 3, 2008
The rest time is indeed required in timely manner while working in daytime.
This, even, short time rest refreshes not only mentality but also for physical conditions view much to continue the rest of work planned with members.
There are several places to rest in nallow mountain hill area, but some other paddy field in our district does not have at all.
Senior persons get together are very active working when they come to Ojiya city to recover.

August 4, 2008
It is said that the rest in the daytime is essential for continuation of work, on the other hand dinner time is another relaxed and rest time among members gathered, and the photo is scene on preparation of BBQ at Mr. Goto's garden in front of his house.

August 6, 2008
Terraced paddy field in Iwasawa district on late July was seen like below and their seedling seems grow as expected and an ear of rice will come out on middle of August, then rice field turn to golden carpet like scenery.

August 9, 2008
Working in the paddy field man makes interruption to natural living even temporarily, and guys living there welcome us and comes touch on our skin, sometimes this results itchy situation and it lasts several weeks before it is cleared.
The mowing work is scheduled for end of this month so that blogger bought a bug-net to clear this situation in advance.

August 14, 2008
About two and half months passed since after made planting of seedling on the paddy field, the rice has his own DNA and it is told that an ear of rice should be coming out around mid August.
As the blogger tentatively away from site, but it was as photo last August the same time for "an ear of rice" at terraced paddy field under recovery.

August 20, 2008
The footpath that had been collapsed by heavy rain (the reason why it was collapsed is pending argument though) a year before last, is now seen reasonably stand without any suspicious aspect.
The footpath slope is overgrown with weeds which strengthen the footpath.

August 21, 2008
There are many local summer festival in Ojiya city and one of them is "Ojiya festival" to be held on coming August 22 thru 24.
The fireworks is also planned on August 23 in Shinanogawa river.
Many people living locally as well as people who tentatively returned to his/her hometown are also joined with summer dishabille to keep cool surroundings.

August 22, 2008
One of big summer festival took place in Ojiya City is fireworks on the Katakai (district).
The one of main program is launching the four (4) feet diameter of ball (the largest in the world) to 2700 feet (800m) above the ground to have large-flowered 2700 feet (800m) diameter's, as well as launch of many one feet , two feet and three feet of ball, and also variety of fireworks , the festival is held on September 9 and 10.

The photo shows comparison the ball "2 feet" and "4 feet" diameter's(weight: 420Kg).

August 23, 2008
There are many local festival and scenic place in Ojiya, the Yamamoto Yama tableland is 336m heigh, one of the scenic place that a kind of bird's'-eye view is possible from there.
The photo was taken toward east with Echigo Sanzan( three mountains) from Yamamoto Yama tableland.
Note;
The tunnel (1.9km long)of Kanetsu auto higyway being passed under the Yamamoto Yama tableland.

August 24, 2008
The previously mentioned 4 feet diameter firework works at 800m heigh altitude, and taking picture at a moment is very difficult by digital camera (by easy use one), but more important matter is we should be there to see and feel large-flowered fireworks and having large sound from the heavens.
Other variety fireworks are running for two hours from 6pm thru 8pm,the weather condition is the key to success though.

August 25, 2008
The Yamamoto Yama tableland in Ojiya is a scenic place mentioned before, the following photo was taken toward north and you will see big Shinano Gawa river as well as YahikoYama about 45km far from.

August 26, 2008
The paddy field in Fujisawa rural region is now full of an "ear of rice"and harvesting activities should be took place in several weeks.

August 27, 2008
There are many historical known places remained and also scenic view place in Ojiya city, some of them were already on this page so far, I will show the Nishikigoi that was locally (Ojiya and Nagaoka region) developped and widely known in world wide now a days, the Nishikigoi developper/producers are actively working to brush up and keep producing good quality of it.
The Nishikigoi exhibition can be seen in "Nishikigoi-no- Sato" [home town of Nishikigoi] in center of City.
It is worth visiting to understand Nishikigoi history and seeing large Nishikigoi by naked eye.

August 28, 2008
In the said hometown of Nishikigoi, we can feed them and the photo is one of the scean with feeding to large Nishikigoi's.
They are so vivid and giving us an elegant pose for tranquil situation.

August 29, 2008
City of Ojiya is mostly hilly place and because of it many of festival and custom were keep maintaining locally in each region in good manner.
The scenic place is another part that is worth visiting, the Kanakura Yama mountain (581.4m heigh) is the place of scenic view and it is worth visiting in a fine day.
The photo was taken on last fall on the way to Kanakura Yama.

August 30,2008
The terraced paddy field, one month after last visit, is now full of an "ear of rice" and it looks they are trying to run last corner before harvesting at TANBO a.

September 2, 2008
Revisited the Ojiya natural environment preservation pond the name of Kori -Dono-No-Ike (Kori-Dono-Pond) where exist many floating island that moves by occasional wind.

Two floating island when photo first taken

Above photo was taken few minutes after,it is visible the island left was moved toward left

September 4, 2008
The many grasshopper on the terraced paddy field in Ojiya is found as photo taken lately that he poses on the stem as if he hides from blogger.
The area on the terraced paddy field is now full of "the Japanese pampass grass"that tells the autumn is gradually coming around us.

September 5, 2008
There are many Japanese pampass grass seen around the terraced paddy field that tells autumn is coming in, and sky also tells autumn is coming so that occasionally an altostratus appeared above us too.

September 6, 2008
The Kori-Dono-No-Ike the floating islands inside was as reported on 2 September and blogger and the member have walked around to see if something can be found behind the floating island.
The back of floating islands, some are rigidely touched side of pond and some are not as if they are ready to move by wind blow.

September 7, 2008
Without saying, but the mowing work in and around paddy field is one of the important work before harvesting so member gathered on last week did it under bright sunshine.
Many weeds grown in the paddy field and they kill seedling to keep their world in there that affects much deterioration to amount of yield.

September 8, 2008
A family of bird a dabchick was found in the Kori-Dono-No-Ike when we visited last week, their home being in the reed (it is hard to find) and it is floating to away from enemy including us.

September 9, 2008
The mowing work on the paddy field have done with member last week ,it was really hard work under sunshine, it is however, member joined all agreed that this is an essential work to be done before coming harvest in someweeks.

September 12, 2008
The harvest time now comes in two weeks by joining member and local volunteer together the terraced paddy field we cultivated is very much natural cultivation with almost no agricultural medicines.

September 14, 2008
The seedling on the paddy field is grown and now a full of "ear of rice" and it looks they are waiting for harvest timing.
The planting time at terraced paddy field had been some weeks later than field in the flat ground so the harvest timing should be late.

September 15, 2008
It is the "Respect-for-the-Aged Day" today in Japan, aside of that the local respectful culture, event and many goods exist and the textile cloth is one of them, the Ojiya-Chijimi /Ojiya Tsumugi (made of hemp)textile had its long history to develop and they are in the active local industry and preserved as of today,its textile is being assigned as (nation designated) intangible cultural treasure.
The textile machines can be seen at Sun-Plaza in Ojiya city and how to weaving also be seen on site as well as DIY too.

September 20, 2008
The harvesting activities to start on next week end that we are long been waiting for, the paddy field "as of last year" the same time was as seen below.
How much we can harvest is not known, but the heaven may give us a chance //// to celebrate our effort to date/////.

September 22, 2008
The rice seedling grown so far seems reasonably in good shape, the last year on TANBO-b　was as photo, it is expected to harvest plenty amount of rice this year too.
The harvesting activities to come on 27th and 28th on this month.

September 24, 2008
More than half the terraced paddy rice field in Iwasawa were harvested since last visit, if blogger were to come every day the full of golden colored rice field before harvested could be photo taken.

September 25, 2008
The close look a part of Iwasawa's paddy field is seen that the grown seedling is now full of an "ear of rice", they should be harvested soon
The harvesting work be took place only at non rainy day so that combine machine can be used for, or malfunction of combine machine be resulted.　
The harvesting by manual be done any time, though.

September 29, 2008
The long been waited harvesting work had started on last week end, the first day was overcast and slightly rain (it was rain last night ) so no combine machines could be running around.
The traditional-man-power such as hands were powerful means to harvest when no machine be able to use in the paddy field.
The working photo be shown day-to-day bases so that what works were done in the terraced paddy field on 27th and 28th of September in Ojiya.

September 30, 2008
As always, in order to avoid any injury, Mr. Goto president, demonstrated how to grasp a rice plant when harvesting be done by hands.
The ground where mowing of rice is weak and tend to unbalanced condition while in doing so.

October 7, 2008
The rice plant mowing by combine machine is really a powerful tool, it is however, whether or not it can be effective depends on hardness on the paddy field.
The paddy field harvested this time had small number of paddy field that were hard-grounded surface.
The photo is one of hard-grounded paddy field.

October 8, 2008
The paddy field "number h" had weaken portion on the ground especially east part where combine goes into rice field.
The combine needs to come back to near road to unload unhulled rice after mowing rice, it is however, due to weaken the ground in the paddy field it was difficult to move without roadway for combine.
(It was prepared tentatively as seen on the photo)
Any possible actions on this problem must be taken for next year.

October 9, 2008
The harvest activities were underway all over the region and Iwasawa's too, the paddy field on it is the same, one day after last visit as of September 28 was seen as photo.
The paddy field should be empty of "ear of rice" by now.

October 10, 2008
The usual practice of "making rice cake" meeting was held after finished first day rice mowing activities.
Where "stemed glutinous rice" a "mortar", and a "pounder" also persons who do it are required without saying though.
All participate have enjoyed doing and eating at the site that all agreed to join next too.

October 11, 2008
The another angle of photo, taken during "making rice cake" meeting gathering around a table, it looks they are enjoying a lot.

October 12, 2008
It is not too much to say that rest and lunch time is most wanted time while mowing rice plant and other work since the tentative relief of fatigue may be possible, the real feeling of fatigue may emerge few days later, though.

A scean of lunch time as of September 27

October 13, 2008
As you see in the several photo the paddy field under recovery have different faces each other, but most of them shows ground is not rigid so that Combine could not be run fully there.
It might be a problem to be resolved for getting such rigid ground by the time of rice plant mowing.

October 16, 2008
Many killifishes were found in the waterway side by paddy field , they are so tough to live long that they live somewhere to pass winter in paddy field, the photo was taken while rice plant mowing time the number of them were more than last year.

Octover 17, 2008
The surface on the paddy field sometimes shows a kind of figure, the Paddy field on last year had unknown one, but none on 2008.
It might be an effect of less manure on the point where figure appear.

2007 field H (left), 2008 field H (Right)

October 19, 2008
The paddy field of last year and this year can be seen here how much they are look same and how much they are not, the figure on the paddy field may vary the photo are paddy field C on year 2007 and 2008.
They are just after an "ear of rice" have come out.

Aug. 25 2007 (left), Aug.30 2008 (right)

October 21, 2008
The paddy rice field on b is seen like following compare with last and this year just before harvest.

Sept. 22, 2007(left), Sept. 24, 2008(right)

October 22, 2008
The paddy field on d is seen like following last year and this year they seem not much different each other.

Sept 1,2007(left), Aug.31,2008(right)

October 23, 2008
It is the day the severe earthquake of "The Mid Niigata Prefecture Earthquake in 2004" occured on October 23, 2004, our association of Terraced paddy field was established/started thereafter on Sepember 2005 to recover terraced paddy field left over.
The situation on the said paddy field is that recovery activities for consecutive years are required since how much the paddy field were recovered can not be evaluate right after it was done, but several following years are deemed required.
The reason behind is rice harvest can only be possible one time a year and reviewing the soil on the paddy field be examined thoroughly after mowing activities are complete and take recovery actions based on it.
The more important matter is how many farmers are coming back to continue their life-work in the region/////while preservation association is keep working.

October 24, 2008
It was the 4th year after the mid Niigata Prefecture earthquake in 2004 the civil summit was held at Kawaguchi Town adjacent to Ojiya city.
Four sub meetings were separately held to share any problems experienced while doing recovery actions in different area, the participants are representatives of "The Mid Niigata prefecture earthquake in 2004", "The Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquak in 2007", "The Noto Hanto earthquake in 2007" and "Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake",
And the general session was held thereafter with Governor of Niigata prefecture Mr. Izumida, Mayor　of Kawaguchi Town Mr. Okamura　and two university professors.

October 25,　2008
The paddy rice field on "d" is seen below on the last year and this year which are just one week before harvest.

Sept. 22 2007(left) Sept.24 2008 (right)

October 26, 2008
Let's continue some photo:
The paddy rice field on "f" is seen as follows which is one month before harvest.

Sept. 1, 2007(left) Aug.31 2008(right)

October 27, 2008
Continuation on the rice field on "f" just before harvest.

Sept. 22, 2007(left) Sept. 24, 2008(right)

October 28, 2008
The harvesting work have almost completed in Terraced paddy field in Ojiya district, and blogger revisited Iwasawa's in rainy morning and the field seems ready for snow falling.

October 29, 2008
Rice field on "g" just before harvest on last and this year are seen like below, the middle part of 2008's shows some sinking part due to failure of fight the rice with weeds.

Sept. 22, 2007(left) Sept. 24, 2008 (right)

October 30, 2008
One more new paddy rice field will be recovered next year so the preparation work on reconstructoin of walkway and making flatness of rice field will be scheduled for coming week end at the site, please join.

October 31, 2008
The collapsed slope on the footpath was now repaired after harvest at Iwasawa's, it seems the longer slope tend receive damage than shorter against natural disaster unless any construction implemented in the slope to strengthen (photo below).
The similar collapse have been experienced on the footpath between "h" and "j" under recovery last year too.

the walkpath/slope collapsed in the center paddy field

the walkpath slope repaired, as of Oct. 24

November 1, 2008
The weeds and some trees' leaves are now changed color and they look start preparation on sleeping long winter seasons in Ojiya area.
The Iwasawa' upper part of paddy field tells/shows winter season comes soon.

November 2, 2008
Let me look around Ojiya city, the road to lead the adjacent town as far as Oguni, there are three road exist two of them are available even in winter time but one.
Blogger have strolled some time ago the road that leads to Oguni town, it is about 4km to reach the tunnel from the place where blogger temporarily stayed, the tunnel is located just in between Ojiya and Oguni.
The road is closed in winter time when much of snow fall.

November 3, 2008
Most of work on the paddy field related is now end except for preparation on next year's in advance.
The 3rd recovery years was finished , it is however, big crack on the adjacent paddy field "a" still exist that flows water to small waterway side of paddy field, and upper walkpath moved (slide-down) into paddy field "a" that resulted smaller "a"a little.
It is our hope that if remaining paddy field above the present paddy field "a" can be recovered, all the paddy field on Futamata area are maintained beautifully and maintenance of water flow as well as local natural resources be maintained forever.

A big crack, upper side of paddy field "a"
that (slide caused by earthquake) pushed
walkpath down (to right) as seen

November 4, 2008
An another look on upper part of Futamata's paddy field where unrecovered are seen as of late October , the nature comes and tells grasses and weeds to be prepared for a l-ooo-ng winter season.

November 5, 2008
The site where terraced paddy field being recovery were showed in mid May, the pond so named Kori-Dono-No-Ike (Koridono Pond) is located behind the trees over the paddy rice field, the pond is one of the water sources to Paddy rice field.

November 6, 2008
Let me recall some year back that the terraced paddy rice field under recovery being located mid hilly place and a year before last and last year's winter time were quite different as far as level of snow.
In February 2006, it was more than two meter height snow remained, however almost none remained in February 2007
Walking up to the site was severe so that surface of snow were not hard enough for walking.

The cottage left you see is only second floor of it (first floor can not see due to snow), however the right, you see ground floor.

November 7, 2008
It is said that the things can be seen different if it sees from another direction/angle, the same might be true on us around.
The photo shows another look on the cottage on year 2006 and 2007.

2006 Feb. (left) 2007 Feb. (right)

November 9, 2008
There are many seminars in farmer's laisure seasons called by NPO's or local government related, to the one of them president and blogger attended at Yamakoshi last March where presentation of local activities were made for attendant's reference.
One of the key message was how to make the local products to become branded products by having strategic approaches with regional associated power.

November 10, 2008
The paddy rice field we are planting and harvesting had been wild field after severe mid niigata prefecture earthquake and many of work were continually done,since then, in past four years, now it could be a good time to look back a little.
The paddy field has own alphabetical symbol from "a" thru "p" as of today.
The paddy field "a"has been like photo (year 2005) and next year (year 2006) can be seen as well on the frame.

photo shows as of 2005 October

November 11, 2008
The terraced paddy field recovery "before" and "after" are recorded and it might be a time look back now in several places.
The terraced paddy field, one of the site, where under recovery is Futamata district and they are seen like////those paddy field are not on our coverage, however the farm road by paddy field being used to get terraced paddy field.

recovery complete as of Dec. 2006

November 12, 2208
It could be a different view and may find something when it looked from another angle on Futamata's paddy rice field,

recovery work underway

November 13, 2008
The chance on closer look the born of an "ear of rice" could be seldom, some of scene were pictured in the past, so it is better recall them for refreshment.

welcome to the world

November 15,　2008
The home of president is located on a slanting surface surrounded by trees and where is a mid point on the regional road.
The place of landslide that have occured by mid Niigata prefecture earthquake on 2004 still remained, it is short distance from his home, the recovery work have been done in early spring the road thru the area was marked closed on the regional map, but it should be cleared by now.

November 16, 2008
It is an autumn all over now and you may have an opportunity to see red yellow leaves near by, Ojiya local is one of them and you see some,

This can be found near by JR water power station

November 17, 2008
One of Ojiya's natural monument is Kori-Dono-no-ike (pond) they show different view in early spring than summer time especially on the floating island.
Please be referenced on May and September on this blog

November 18, 2008
The year of 2006 Jan-Feb, it was the heaviest snowfall that we have had in eighteen years in Niigata-Ojiya area and they were covered with thick snow, the daily life was interrupted by snow on the road.
The road side were as seen till mid March,however the snow melts about 10 cm thick rate a day when it gets sun shine..

November 19, 2008
Continuation of yesterday's blog, the snow fence along the regional road is seen like photo and what might be this winter//nobody sure yet.

November 22, 2008
Some of autumn taste around terraced rice paddy field being shown here and one of shot taken toward Futamata's with Mt. Komagatake (upper right) was pictured in autumn.

November 23, 2008,
There find a gravel picking site near Iwasawa's where is near Shinano Gawa river and it is the area of river terrace too, the site (gravel picking) is hilly sandy place, but some of stratum is seen.

November 24, 2008
Looking back the last year, first snow falling　day, at the site where we are staying, was November 19 as far as record, 1-2cm of snow were seen on the roof .

November 25, 2008
The same as yesterday, looking back the file, on year 2006 first snow seen on the terraced paddy field was December 3, althogh it must have been snow falling on November 19 at the time we saw snow at the area we are staying, the day visited was early morning.

November 26, 2008
In the farmer's leisure season, blogger and Mr. Goto president, made a short trip:
The southern Tsunan Machi where is called Akiyama-gou village, the national road 405 is passing thru and the bridge ( Mae kura bridge ) is crossing over the Nakatsu Gawa river (canyon) which was photo taken at Autumn, the place like to revisit sometime.

November 27, 2008
Looking back the files on last year, the scene of rice mowing exist at local district in Ojiya, one paddy field got the result of full of millet than rice, this seems to have happened by no enough work had been done to get rid of weeds in timely manner due to some reason.

November 28, 2008
The daily life requires huge amount of electric power to run, and nuclear power station has been increased to support, on the other hand hydroelectric power as well as thermal power are still dominant.
Many of hydroelectric power plant are seen in along the canyon in mountain region the photo is one the blogger saw in southwest of Niigata pref. when strolling around.

November 29, 2008
Blogger revisited Iwasawa's terraced paddy field and area had covered by fog, the photo was taken in the morning,

December 1, 2008
It comes to the last month of a year 2008, the 4th regional reconstruction exchange meeting was held at Echigo Yuzawa area where is one of famous winter ski resort, our association joined the meeting to exhibit our activities.
Any more information in the meeting be followed soon.

December 3, 2008
The 4th regional recon. exchange meeting was held, as shown before, the hall inside was vivid having participants look around to talk with parties joined each other.

December 4, 2008
In the early morning there existed fog over the terraced rice field at Iwasawa's and the Mt. Hakkai san was seen over Iwasawa's when blogger visited last week.

December 5, 2008
In the said meeting after exhibition is over the buffet dinner party was held, vip meeting and also chat continued and Mr. Goto and Mr. Inagaki
a secretary general of Chuetsu fukkou shimin kaigi　(Chuetsu　reconstruction civil association) chat too, the photo is one of the shot and they might have been talking about no concern on drinking beer or sake since no more car driving is necessary tonight.....

December 6, 2008
In the said exhibition meeting, nine (9) parties were participated from Ojiya City region and a commemorative photo was taken with more than 30 people joined.
Of them, some person are work-acting closely, but some are new to each other, it is however, the important matter is act anything that could be beneficial each other for region as soon as know each other after return to each town/region.

December 7, 2008
What had been today on last year as far as terraced paddy fields, the field was covered with snow at the site of tanbo c (location c), the weather today(December 6, 2008) in the Ojiya region seems to have been snow falling and similar landscape might be there.
note: today's photo is not available.

December 10, 2008
There are several practical way to get Ojiya and one of them is getting via JR railway, the other are by Bus system, Car driving via route 17 or Kanetsu auto highway from Kanto plain so on.
The railway is thought to be one of the reliable means.
The photo was taken on December 12, 2005 in front of JR Ojiya station, a little snow was there, but we got much snow before end of December that had not been realized till then.

December 11, 2008
Taking public bath or Hot Spa is good for refreshing physical and mental point after got sweat in activities done with members.
There are some spa in Ojiya region and photo ( Chijimi-No-Sato) is one of them, it is found by the side of National road 17 near JR Ojiya station.

December 12, 2008
Looking some years back the area where terraced paddy field recovery are known as heavy snowfall region, the photo file recording on three years ago showed severe year indeed.
The photo, slight snow (as of December 12, 2005) heavy snow piled (as of December 30, 2005), were taken near bolgger's lodging by prefectural road.
As seen the snow sweeped could be thrown away aside of road in this area but the region where does not have spare area snow could be piled up looong and it would be difficult to get rid of snow in quick to keep daily life...

December 13, 2008
The same as yesterday:
/ again looking back/
the heavy snow fall gives impact to daily life much, the lodging blogger stay had received impact much ( year 2005 January 8) as well, the snow fall and pile up at mountain area are required to preserve water for later use such on Paddy rice field and water reservoir etc.
The snow piled at mountain area in the paddy field in Ojiya get thawing by sometime May and farmer start preparation activities thereafter.

December 14, 2008
The same//
In the early morning whenever snow fall got over 10cm on the regional road is confirmed, the snowplow heavy machines start running, in some day it is noticed that the machine clears the snow several times on the same road a day due to consecutive heavy snow falling.
(The photo is as of Jan. 9, 2006)

December 15, 2008
The scean around blogger stay being shown so far, and another aspect I like to show is the place of behind (December 8, 2005) the house that is not the place to access during winter season, so no activities for snowplow is done.
It results thick snow field to change the landscape.

as of February 18, 2006

December 16, 2008
It must be a wisdom method that having a fountain systems to clear snow before pile up on the road, as seen the photo the water keep flowing on the road to wash out.
Living in the rural district require those fountain systems to keep daily life such as car driving smooth so on.

December 17, 2008
The landscape before and after snow falling get changes much as shown so far, how was two weeks before melting over is shown here, the melting speed depends on where the site resides in whether it is faced south (having an opportunity for long hours bright sunshine) and rain water that accelerate melting as well (photo: as of April 15, 2006).

December 18, 2008
The snow melting speed be accelerated by the higher temperature and rain fall, the said place behind the stay is now almost free from snow, it is four and half months after first snow piled there (photo: as of May 4, 2006).

December 19, 2008
Now turn the eye to terraced paddy fields, what had been the site as of begining of May 2006, the paddy fields had some residual snow in a part "side by east" since time to sunshine on those is short compare with rest of part on the paddy field due to shade by hill.
(photo: May 2,2006)

December 20,2008
Nobody knows what may be happning in winter time as far as terraced paddy fields under snow, the photo shows closer look on slope of residual snow(terraced paddy field C),
it was not known what have happened exactly under snow slope as of photo taken.
(photo:May 2, 2006)

December 21, 2008
The size of landslide could not be visualized but it was revealed that the size was huge and unable to clean by members himself without having heavy machines that require $ so the cleaning activities had been limited.
After limited work (some remained left) had been over the terraced paddy field was prepared for the first planting of rice after recovery.

December 22, 2008
Looking some years back:
The terraced paddy field' side by Farmer's road on Futamata had been such on the photo that they were not recovered and waiting for recovery work by heavy machines.
It was beginning of May and soil on the paddy field were eroded and had uncontrolled waterpass were found.

looking down toward futamata as of May 2, 2006

December 23, 2008
The recovery work by using heavy machines were started and they were under recovery as seen as of September 20, 2006, and farmers should be pleased to start rice planting work next year after three years interval (after severe earthquake).

December 24, 2008
The terraced rice fields under recovering in Ojiya is surrounded by lower hill and there exist many spring water, one of the place is Baba-Shimizu near Ojiya Highway Inter change, where the water comes out continuously and water outlet being set for easy pouring

December 25, 2008
The next several photo show the terraced paddy field's snow melting view (as of April 12, 2006), for those area usually there should not be necessary to visit before snow melting out.
(photo-1)

December 26, 2008
The snow melting may be started by several occasion such surface temperature get high due to sunshine and atmosphere, rain fall, paddy field surface temperature get high, water flowing in the paddy field get high and some others.
The terraced paddy field under recovery and near by exhibited such aspect as photo.
(photo-2)

December 27, 2008
In the terraced paddy fields there found the "flower of a coltsfoot" in the cold water stream, the snow piled up on the paddy field start melting as written above and it is not known where the water under the snow flowing until it is revealed to surface.

December 28, 2008
It is thought that the winter is dominant season in Ojiya so that snow covers almost five months in the region, walking/strolling around terraced paddy fields covered with snow is fan since many unusual events cound be found.
The Echigo-Sanzan was seen over the terraced paddy field as of April 12, 2006.
The lodging blogger stay in winter season being summerized for year 2005 thru 2008 Spring.
(2005winter-2006Spring)
(2006winter-2007Spring)
(2007winter-2008Spring)

December 29, 2008
The another photo shows start of snow melting process on Tanbo [a] (as of April 25, 2006) that tells spring is near to us.
(photo-3)

December 30, 2008
The Tanbo [a] 's and [b and c too] residual snow ten days (May 4, 2006) after, since last visit on April 25, were as photo that most of them were melted out due to water temperature got high and bright sunshine had given to accelerate it.
(photo-4)

December 31, 2008
The sign on the snow melting out as far as surface indicates by showing any crack on the snow field and leads to sinking later on.
If blogger were to be side by the snow covered paddy field long, more detailed process could be photo taken, but was not possible.

January 1, 2009
A happy New Year on 2009
( Ein glueckliches neues Jahr in 2009)
We like to keep writing-sending some of recovery activities and its related as much as possible this year too, so that please enjoy with it, if any comments you may have please let us know.
Ojiya city is situated at hilly foot district along the Shinano Gawa River and in the winter season heavy snow fall is usual, but the amount of snow fall depends on year though.
There are some farmer's road leading to Terraced Paddy fields and we will be able to see long distant Yahikoyama mountain (634m height), over the center of Ojiya city and auto highway, that is about 45 km away in the clear from the farmer's road.

January 2, 2009
There are twelve paddy rice fields under recovered so far and they have their own face each other in terms of melting process.
The melting process largely depends on surroundings as mentioned before, some of them could be shown here one by one////
The rice paddy field number [b] (center of photo) as of March 21, 2007 showed us as photo taken that the field started melt smoothly.

January 3, 2009
The paddy rice field [b] one week after last visit as photo that snow piled was disappeared and it has plenty of water.
The works before planting got ready should be started soon and some of series activities be continued by members participated.
(Photo was taken on March 27, 2007)

January 4, 2009
The paddy rice field [a] and [b] are also free of snow as of April 7, 2007 and it is ready for any preparations work.
It had been felt a warm atmosphere a bit when walking in the weedy field by paddy field.

January 6, 2009
The "footpath between rice field" on paddy field [a] and [b] have been repaired first of all and continue one by one.
Whether or not the level of footpath repaired has enough height to keep water in the paddy field is not known until water get filled later, though.
(as of May 3, 2007)

January 7, 2009
The first local district's event in a new year is traditional Saino-Kami that wishes prosperity of natures, healthy and sound on mankind.
The tripod shaped tower made with rice straw and bamboo and some other woods are formed by peoples cooperative work in local residents.
(The event this year will be held on January 11, 2009)

start of making tripod//complete

January 8, 2009
The Ojiya city's amount of snow fall largely depends on atmospheric condition, January 2006 had heavy amount of snow in the Niigata pref. region, the photo shows one of them looking regional road in front of blogger stay on January 6, 2006, the road were cleaned by heavy snowplow every time snow pild was observed but nature won sometime.

January 10, 2009
When the time to come to melting piled snow, special attention should be needed while walking over the snowy field.
While walking the regional road it was seen over the drainage running by road had thin residual snow as if they were disappeared.
There should be no problem who knows all about, it is however, walking on mountaineous even terraced paddy field who does not have any "feel of the place" special attention is needed or falling in the hole///
(Photo:April 25, 2006)

January 11, 2009
The heavy amount snow piled on the roof better be cleared as soon as possible, it is however, such work require lot of effort and there should be many occasion to remain long, thus snow melting water tends to spill out from pipe due to choke by snow piled.
Some icicle were observed under the edge of roof on the second floor.
(Photo: January 25, 2006)

January 12, 2009
The shape of snow we know of being a snow-mark (crystallized), it is however, at the beginning of heavy snow fall, when snow cloud comes, first we saw were not snow-marked but some kind of grain like shape, for it blogger says 'rice of Koshihikari' being fallen in winter time////
(photo: January 23, 2006 at Ojiya)

January 13, 2009
There often could see the 'black and white drawing' like scenary after snow fall on the trees, the photo was taken at blogger's stay in Ojiya on March 3, 2006

January 14, 2009,
To pass the mountain there are some way to do, one of them is cross over a pass that sometimes interrupted by snow fall in winter time, the other would be passing the tunnel under the mountains and so forth.
In the Ojiya local there is a tunnel that had been made by regional peoples to keep regional unification , but this is a very unique case, though.
The tunnel can serve car passing is inevitable means for daily life and we can experience different environment after passing the tunnel especially winter time in terms of snowfall.
(photo: tunnel entrance at Oguni and Ojiya's exit)
(as of March 5, 2006)

January 15, 2009
Any sign on melting the piled snow could be seen anywhere, one obvious evident is crack on the snow field as mentioned before.
The another evident seen was on the way to Futamata's terraced paddy field as photo taken that crack was revealed clearly on the sloped snow surface.
(as of February 20, 2006)

January 16, 2009
An another aspect on melting snow piled can be seen on "snowslide" near by terraced paddy field where snowslide occured are not the place to walk, though.
(as of February 20, 2006)

January 17, 2009
The terraced rice paddy field that had been left over after the Mid Niigata Prefecture Earthquake in 2004 can be seen as of June 20, 2006 (tanbo #, e/k/l/and m) for which the recovery work have started thereafter on 2007 and 2008.
(as of June 20, 2006)

January 18, 2009
As previously mentioned the recovery on the tanbo # e/k/l/m have started from year 2007 and it looks as photo taken as of June 28, 2008, it is however, continuous work should be needed and keeping sustainable regioal work force is one of the subject to pursue.

January 19, 2009
The first recovery activities on the terraced paddy field have started on Tanbo "c" as previously shown, the Tractor have worked to keep level over the "tanbo c" so that level of water in the paddy field is a mast, the similar work have done all the terraced paddy field before plantation of young rice plants.
(as of May 25, 2006)

January 20, 2009
The first rice plantation work have started on May 27, 2006 after recovery on the terraced paddy field.
The rice planting work seemed difficult for beginner when planting machine to be handled that
Mr. Taniguchi adviser to association made a demonstration of handling machine before us.
(as of May 27, 2006)

January 21, 2009
Following the demonstration by Mr. Taniguchi the rice plantation work by Mr. Goto have started and it was his first experience to do.
Mr. Goto said it was rather difficult to handle the planting machine so the line could not be aligned properly because several simultaneous attention were needed to adjust machine and how to route in the paddy field and so forth.
( as of May,27, 2006)

January 22, 2009
The terraced paddy field damaged by the Mid Niigata prefecture earthquake in 2004 that some were left over could see in Ojiya local as on the photo as of June 24, 2006.
The soil on the field were disappeared and they are almost no way to recover.
(as of June 24, 2006)

January 23, 2009
The farmer's road along rice paddy field in the Futamata after mid niigata prefacture earthquake were interrupted /stopped walking due to landslide and it was obliged to detour walking.
The farmer's road leads to Paddy rice field now we are recovering does not show any of residual scean now, it is however, it must be noted that the place the landslide occured might be tendency to landslide future too if similar case happened.
(as of July 20, 2006)

January 24, 2009
The work to recover the terraced rice paddy field, that were left over after mid niigata prefecture earthquake in 2004, have started on August 2006 (as previously mentioned with different angles) as photo taken that gives farmer's opportunity to continue rice planting work in the place where they were doing for many years.
Their planting work could start on May 2007 after three years absence that can be shown here soon later.
(as of August 22, 2006)

January 25, 2009
There are several ways to drying the unhulled rice that one of them is drying by machine (with unhulled rice) in house, the other may be drying ( with shape of "ear of rice") in the outside under sunshine.
The drying outside is seldom to see now a days.
(as of September 27, 2006)

January26, 2009
The heavy machines working could see as photo, and they equip GPS so that flatness on the paddy field can be kept while recovering.
The real reconstruction thought to be completed only after confirming the footpath can be strengthen by weeds covering it othrewise the footpath might be eroded by rain and so forth.
(as of September 29, 2006)

January 27, 2009
Looking back the recovery activities, it had been 5years since first work put on, many of persons were joined and working together to recover the paddy field thereafter.
(as of October 9, 2005)

January 28, 2009
Looking back again the recovery work by heavy machine on the Futamata area that work had been started from July time and they are working in rush to close completing as of September, the photo was
taken beginning of September 2006.
(as fo September 9, 2006)

January 29, 2009
The work recovering paddy field by heavy machines is about to complete and they get shining bright, the small valley of Futamata till Tanbo c should all be recovered as far as paddy field (hardware itself).
(as of September 29, 2006)

January 30, 2009
The recovery work now complete at Futamata's paddy rice field that have started on July, the soil on the new paddy field does not have enough manure that any of readiness activities should be needed before planting activities be started after snow is melted over in the next Spring.
(as of November 25, 2006)

January 31, 2009
The "crack" on the collapsed paddy rice field by mid Niigata pref. earthquake in 2004 were seen many places, one found was seen on TANBO c right after it was started recovery on 2005.
Nobody knows how deep its crack is.
(as of October 9, 2005)

February 1, 2009
An another type of crack have seen on the Tanbo c the east side of crack had been lowered that means tanbo c got slant toward east that could see at the time when water pour for the final preparation was done on May.
(as of October 9, 2005)

February 2, 2009
The many of remain of landslide and fall-downed shrub in the field needs to be cleared off from the terraced paddy field before go into preparation work.
The volunteer gathered at first year mostly did not have experience to do those work at all.
(as of October 9, 2005)

February 3, 2009
Early in the morning ( 1:51am ) on Feb. 2 Mt. Asama 2568m lies between Gunma pref. and Nagano pref. did small eruption according to radio news, some ash fell on some area in Kanto plain by wind from northwest.
It is said that 85 active volucano are listed that covers from Hokkaido to Nan-Sei Shoto (South West Islands) in Japan.
The some level of alert was upgraded and reissued by officials several hours before and the eruption was confirmed early this morning.
(the Mt. Asama photo was taken on Jan. 29, 2006)

February 4, 2009
The recovery work first started at the collapsed paddy field had been grope by volunteer unless having advice by local farmers/expert who knows the site around for many years.
Any suggestion given by them accelerate volunteers to work jointly and smoothly at the site.
(as of October 10, 2005)

February 5, 2009
The work require powerful machines to clear unnecessary remain of landslide and fall-downed shurub in the paddy field so that they are heavy and unable to carry out by hands then small crawler machine comes to play with us.
Every work at the site is unscheduled and grope for participants///.

February 6, 2009
The measurement on the terraced paddy field to be flat-
level is essential after mowing weeds and removal of remains land-slide.
The leveling check equipment was used to confirm leveling all over the paddy field for that volunteers were tried to measure leveling.
The paddy field first recovered had slant toward east even after flatness had kept by work at the time of recovery on October 10, 2005 this have been seen at the preparation on the paddy field on May next year so that water in the paddy field toward eastward got deeper compare with west portions in the same paddy field.

February 7, 2009
There had several steps on recovery of Terraced paddy field after collapsed by earthquake one of it was heavy machine having that can move away the remains land-slide from the work being done.
The soil good quality in terraced paddy field got very heavy in contrast with ordinary soil.

February, 17 2009
It had been 5 years since recovery activities started, the soils and landslide remained were so heavy to move out so small crawler machine are about to utilize by participated members and cooperation work is really required to work forward in timely manner.
(as of October 10, 2005)

February 21, 2009
The snow pile up at the roof being less compared with last year this situation is better since daily work by residents for snow cleaning is not required or small number of cleaning.
On the other hand there exist some concerns for water supply in the Spring for terraced paddy field.

February 23, 2009
The Hot Air Balloon festival was held in Ojiya as scheduled with some schedule change but event went well as far as blogger sees, the first day's morning was windy and snow falling that Hot air balloon competion was cancelled, it is however an event of collaboration on Hot Air Balloon and fireworks went well in the evening with calm weather that nobody thought it could be done, though.

February 24, 2009
For the while reporting of Hot Air Balloon festival related is in centered, the snow statues competition were held on the site that many groups were perticipated to build snow statues in limited time.
The making Rice Cake, preparations on the temporary shop, will be coming next.

Febuary 25, 2009
The site where the said event took place have been allocated to perticipants groups and construction of the temporary shop needed to be built by own in designated space so that we started building the shop.
The member gathered had hard-working in the afternoon of previous day under low tempereture and snow falling environment as photo.

February 26, 2009
After hours of hard-working the simple branch was built up and goods were displayed on the tables, and flags also put side of the branch to show we are here.

February 27, 2009
In the site there are several events carried and a "making of rice cake" is one of them by group members in the local residents.

February 28, 2009
One of the major events at Hot Air Balloon Festival is to have collaboration Balloon and Fireworks in the evening at the site, in the morning of Feb. 21 weather was not suitable since windy and snowy that no Hot Air Balloon competition was took place.
The weather is really temperamental, changeable in the region especially in winter season and unable to control its nature that responsible in charge must have been uneasy till completion of the great winter events.
The picture is 8 balloons raise on the snowy field before collaboration with fireworks starts.

March 1, 2009
On the day of first Hot Air Balloon Festival, in the morning was severe for balloon launch, but in the afternoon the weather got recovered and gradually many peoples were start visiting since the site had some advantageous that it nears large supermarket.

March 2, 2009
The adjacent branch being sold the sweetfish as "roast sweetfish on skewer" by the fireside that exhibited tast reasonable to eat at this season so it is expected to have next year too.

March 3, 2009
The amount of snowfall this year got little compared with last year so far that some concerns arises for lack of water in the terraced paddy field later in the region.
The blogger have no chance to visit Terraced paddy field this season yet.
(The photo was Futamata's as of March 2, 2008)

March 4, 2009
The amount of snowfall differ from each year in Ojiya region as well, that will affect largely on local life good or bad.
The affects on the natural weather conditions should apear only later by natures badly such as water supply from mountain regions and so forth.
The area blogger stay had no residual snow a year before last on the same day.
(photo: as of March 4, 2007)

March 5, 2009
In the Hot Balloon Festival the demonstration on the Helicopter being held that it looked as if real Heli...the flying and moving is smooth enough, it is told that the Heli will fly in Farmer's busy season above the Paddy rice field.

March 6, 2009
The day that the Hot Air Balloon festival take place the road in the blogger stay had snow piled, and this scene was a long while since weather did not gave the region plenty of snowfall this year so far.
(photo: as of February 21, 2009)

March 8, 2009
The first day's event on Hot Air Balloon festival comes to end and the temp. -shop about to close at evening however many visitor stopped by to buy warm Baked ONIGIRI (rice ball) and AMAZAKE (a sweet drink made from fermented rice) and so forth.
We expect to have vivid events next year too with much snow piled in the site.

March 10, 2009
(strays)
The night and day time changes by sun rise and sun set respectivery without saying, it may not be easy to see especially the sun rise in summer time so that we tend to work late at night and miss sun rise in the summer time, but winter time.
It is because sun rise time in Winter is late as compared with Summer.
One minute before sun rise was pictured at Ojiya on Feb 22, 2009
The sun breaks thru the buildings at O'hare airport.
(The photo was taken at Chicago O'hare Airport February 2009).

March 11, 2009
(looking back)
Our associations on the "terraced paddy field preservation" was formed on 2005, after severe earthquake on October 23, 2004, and being continuing recovery works with members concerned to date.
There was rather big earthquake, thereafter, a year before last in off the coast of Kashiwazaki-Kariha, west of Ojiya city with M6.6 on July 16, 2007.
The some of related records-pictures will be shown in the following one by one.
(as of July 16, 2007 TV caption)

March 12, 2009
(looking back)
On the date of said earthquake, blogger visited one of terraced paddy field c to see if any changes, it was found nothing damaged, but for muddy water in the paddy field that was caused by vibration due to quake.
(as of July 16, 2007)

March 13, 2009
(looking back)
The small cracks on the farmer's road was seen in the Futamata's on the day of quacke occured that it is small question why the crack happened ? it is not known about what construction would be under the ground where the crack occured, though.
If all around were moving as per certain mode there should have no crack on the ground, bolgger thoght////
(as of July 16, 2007)

March 14, 2009
(looking back)
The similar small cracks on the farmer's road to Paddy field k-l-m
was seen as photo where members usually walk to get "k-l-m",nothing harm to us, though.
( as of July 7, 2007)

March 15, 2009
(looking back)
The Shinanogawa river the longest river in Japan is flowing in Ojiya city as part of it, and it is said that they are not utilized as a means of transportation nowaday, though,
The level of water in the river vary time to time even normal day, but any heavy rain fall was occured in upper stream of a river then level of water get higher in some hours.
The far end is the main water stream of Shinanogawa's
(as of June, 2007)

March 16, 2009
(looking back)
Even the small river it has some kind of functions for giving any benefits to local such as water distributions to rice field, a carring excess water from the district especially at rainfall and also snow melting seasons.
The river, named "Cha-Go-river"(the river flows into Shinano Gawa , eventually) that passes in Yoshidani district in Ojiya city, it had overflow in the past and areas had full of maddy waters, so work to strengthen wall, modifications of stream, and some others have been taken.
(photo was taken at June 2006)

March 18, 2009
It was first Terraced paddy field visit this season on March 17 that it has still some residual snow in shadow part of terraced paddy field.
The paddy field a thru c were shown on the column of "Tanada now" on the top page so that please visit there.
Many of killyfishes were found as if they were waiting for my visit in the waterpass by Tanbo c.

March 20, 2009
The many oil well were developped in Higashiyama district in Nagaoka city in Meiji era (year 18xx), those facilities are no longer exist due to no economical justification confirmed.
(photo was taken at Nagaoka, well model)

March 21, 2009
The Paddy field as of March 17, 2009 was seen for three fields (a/b/ and c) and those a and c have still residual snow and some weeks might be require to melted out there.
The close look on tanbo c (paddy field c) is seen as photo taken as of March 17.

March 22, 2009
The overlook on paddy field C and Futamata that they are seen with some residual snow partly.
The residual snow may be melted out in several weeks even in shade area.
(as of March 17, 2009)

March 23, 2009
The flag posted by paddy field b had been down in snowy period that blogger found recently at first climb the terreced paddy field, and it was restored by paddy field b again.
The flag had discolored due to sink under piled snow for some months.

March 24, 2009
The adjacent paddy field of "a", left over, has a crack and emerged after melting snow as of March 17.
This paddy field gives abnormal water to recovered paddy field so that some water pass should be developped and maintained for April to September time frame.

March 25, 2009
The status on Paddy fields by blogger temporary stay looks as of March 17 that no snow remained as compared with last year the same time.
It might be good for farmer to start any preparations for farming, but for some concerns may arise on lack of water supply later.

March 26, 2009
In the farmer's leisure season, walking to local mountain was made in the sunny day, the Mt. Shiro-yama, located between Ojiya and Oguni town in Nagaoka city 384m heigh, has a ruins of an ancient castle although no sign of remain there.

March 27, 2009
Ojiya and its vicinities had some trial boring for Oil area the site have changed to paddy fields as photo that could see from walking pass to Mt. Shiro-yama.
The paddy fields on the bottom in the photo was the site of trial boring site for Oil.

March 28, 2009
Again, viewing from summit the adjacent town of Oguni in Nagaoka city is seen partly that town is surrounded by mountains and town itself is north-south ward long in shape.

March 29, 2009
The view toward east from Mt. Shiro-yama that can be seen the table-shpe of Yamamoto yama 336m heigh (center left) from where 360 degree view can be seen.

March 30, 2009
Also viewing toward south from summit that near by mountains ridge on Yoshidani be seen.
Incidentally, the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119) returned to KSC safely on March 28 15:14 (EDT) after 13 days mission, Congratulation.
The Japanese astoronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata's successful work and safely return after completion on his mission at ISS is highly expected.

March 31, 2009
On the way to Shiroyama summit it was seen the ruins of summer castle left hand side on the photo and part of town is seen in distant and foreground the base of entry to Shiroyama, where natural water flowing.

April 1, 2009
On the way to summit it was also found a bloom along the road that could stand against snow pile during winter season.
There were many senior person passing to and from who does walk every day to summit whenever weather is acceptable.

April 2, 2009
In the mountains, there found many trees naturally grown in the slope and they get curved bottom due to thick snow piled while winter seasons.
In many years later they may be cut down for maintenance of mountain but they may be useless since curved trees do not have any need for.

April 3, 2009
On the Tokimizu (Baba Shimizu) fountain, the start point to Mt. Shiroyama, there found the goodness of mercy (Kannnon) standing by small pond.
About one hour walking to Mt. Shiroyma (384m) summit that is good for recreation and good overview from the summit in good weather.

April 4, 2009
The Japan cedar trees being found on the ground and mountains as well and it is time to pollen by them, that gives some influence to persons who are sensitive to pollen.

April 5, 2009
The Mt. Kurohime and Mt.Yoneyama could be seen from summit toward west, over the Oguni town, where much of snow were seen, the height of those mountains are 891m and 993m respectivery.
note: blogger need to confirm later which of the mountain is it.

April 6, 2009
A big Cherry Tree was found at near summit of Mt. Shiroyama　they should be in blossom soon because of 384m height the time to bloom must be little bit late compare with ground level.
Note: The diameter is more than 1 m)

April 8, 2009
The Niigata Prefectural branch is located in Omote-Sando, side of Omote-Sando-Hills, where can be reached by 1 min. from Tokyo Metro Omote-Sando sta. A2 exit.
The NESPAS building is seen like photo where many of local products are exhibited and welcoming for visit.

April 10, 2009
The road to Oguni town was seen on the photo that was taken on March 19 from the summit of Mt. Shiroyama.
The road is coming from Ojiya city thru Shin Sakuramachi tunnel near Kanetsu auto road Ojiya Inter change.

April 11, 2009
On the Yamamoto yama table mountain there is a small town place where many of lodges were built for staying and making possible farmer's life by urban-peoples, this supposed to make possible to immigrate into local district.
(photo was taken on April last year)

April 12, 2009
The photo, looking the lodges (Klein Garten) from road, shows clean and calm as of beginning of April last year.

April 13, 2009
The spring has come to everywhere and many field activities has started and as usual the sunday open market participating local farmer is also started as well.
Many flowers and specially cooked foods are also serving to visitors with reasonable prices.

April 14, 2009
The process to have seedling already started about one month before rice planting activities in Ojiya district, temperature get high now a days and most of farmer get started preparation for rice planting.

April 15, 2009
The terraced paddy fields under recovery as of April 15 last year was as photo having cherry blossom and slight snow remained under shadow portion of paddy field.
The recovery activities will be scheduled on coming April 25 and 26 at the site (Ojiya city) and we welcome anybody who are eager to volunteer work with us.

April 16, 2009
In the NESPAS 1st floor, there found many Niigata's local products are being exhibited and sold that may not be available in Tokyo area/local.
There might be a good place to visit even Niigataite.

April 19, 2009
The paddy field left over, after Mid Niigata earthquake, were seen in many places and one of them is seen adjacent to "Tanbo f" as well.
The reservation on the water supply to paddy fields is essential, but no water supply could be confirmed for those paddy fields due to earthquake.
Technically water supply, by a drainage pump, to those paddy fields might be possible but they are not economically justified unless any special reasons.

April 25, 2009
It has come the time for plantation the seedling at Iwasawa's, the paddy fields are shining and it is ready for planting that work may be started in some days.

April 26, 2009
The 4th year's terraced paｄｄｙ fields recovery work have started today with volunteers participated including Tanbo P.

April 27, 2009
On the first day of recovery on year 2009 Mr. Goto explained to members participated how to proceed the work before starting it by side of Tanbo p.

April 29, 2009
On the site, some instructions were given to members participated by Mr. Goto how the chaff be scattered on the paddy field

April 30, 2009
The flower of coltsfoots now grown as the coltsfoots at the side of Tanbo c (Paddy field c) as such many of natural plants started to enjoy their life at the sit.

May 1, 2009
The work for strengthen the small water passage side of Paddy fields under way by persons participated
The day of work had light rain falling, but some of planned recovery work have completed thanks to members participated.

May 2, 2009
A kind of Mushroom was found near Baru-Ike Pond near Paddy fields under recovery as of April 26.

May 6, 2009
The trees on the slope tend to have a curved shape naturally and ones on heavy snow falling area show remarkable aspect than the other areas.

May 7, 2009
The Dogtooth violet after blooming is over was seen as a fields at back of Baru-side lodge near by paddy fields under recovery, the area in the small hilly place has many wild plants all over on early spring.
It was told that the blooming of Dogtooth comes more than ten years after seeding.

May 19, 2009
The fourth rice planting work will be scheduled on May 30 and 31 at the site where recovery on the terraced paddy fields being done.
Many volunteer and member of association come and receiving their cordial support to complete the planting.
Further work to maintain paddy fields toward mowing time for four months are continually required by resident persons and volunteer members.
(Photo was taken at chat after Lunch as of May 2008)

Any more items be updated soon

May 21, 2009
The arrangement on the Paddy fields were going on at Tanbo G as of last year and similar work must be doing this year too by resident persons to have ready for rice planting work on coming May 30 and 31.

May 22, 2009
The completion of arrangement on Paddy fields D and E as of May 22 last year is seen and almost ready for rice planting on coming May 30 and 31.

May 23, 2009
It was last May 24 that the rice planting work had been made with persons participated at the paddy fields.
May 30 and 31 are the days to perform rice planting work this year so anyone is welcomed to join us.
(Photo was taken last May at Tanbo G)

May 24, 2009
Looking three years back the Tanbo a the footpath was not well recovered as compared with this year, it is told that any improvements on the paddy fields can only be possible one year after so that the effectiveness can be seen once in a year as far as rice planting is concerned.

May 25, 2009
The collapsed Tanbo after Earthquake disaster could not be recovered at once, but require many years by owner's option.
The paddy rice fields first recovered were four (a thru d) and several near by paddy fields were left over so that It was not known how many and what kind of efforts were required for them.
The photo was taken by Tanbo e looking toward Tanbo KLM where no road could be seen as of June 2006.

May 28, 2009
It comes to the last corner before rice planting on the Paddy fields, the photo shows a scene an arrangement on the Paddy rice field by Mr. Goto who wears mothproof nets.

June 1, 2009
It has come to time to rice seed planting under bright shinning day with 29 participants (on May 30) gathered covering 13 Tanbo in total.
The photo shows just befrore start of Rice planting machine at Tanbo f.

June 3, 2009
One of rice planting work run by participant is pictured who is a person to perticitpate every time and now he can handle rice seedling machine.

June 5, 2009
On most of rice fields's soil are tight enough for seedling planting by machine and easy to finish, it is however, for the fields it does not tight enough manual planting was required by members participated as always.

June 6, 2009
As always but it does not expect though, there are several places where the soil under water were deep and muddy, and planting machine could not escape from the field.

June 7, 2009
The paddy fields currentry recovering are 13 fields and each of them has different each other and they also show different characteristics than last yeat.
Photo is one of paddy field G making manual planting the place machine could not plant due to maddy soil on May 30.

June 8, 2009
On the paddy fields some of insects are flying and waiting for human to be there for their feeding so that it is better weare long sleeve and nets over face during any work in the paddy fields.

June 9, 2009
The lose look on rice seedling planting collaboration work manual and machine at field G previously showed.

June 10, 2009
As usual, after rice planting work is over, supper have well been prepared by local residents of the association at Ojiya's municipal home where the annual meeting was took place as well before supper.

June 12, 2009
The manual rice seedling planting was done to complete Tanbo G's before moving to the other paddy field as of May 30.
The following work to be continued would be water management and weeding until harvesting around Octover.

June 14, 2009
There are many places where we can view around, the Kanagura-Yama is 581.4m, is one of them, located between Ojiya and Nagaoka city the good looking place to see Ojiya city over Shinano Gawa river.
On the opposit side the dense mountainous area can bee seen.

June 15, 2009
The Yamakoshi area had received severe damage by Mid Niigata Earthquake on 2004 the area has many Terraced paddy fields and koi ponds for Nishikigoi.
The area now seems recovered to some thought level and some of paddy rice fields and ponds can be seen from Kanagura-Yama.

June 16, 2009
From the summit of Kanagura yama city center can be seen as photo over Shinano Gawa river, the Kanetsu motor way should be run behind the City gymnasium although it could not visible enough.

June 17, 2009
The Paddy rice fields where had trial boring for Oil place have now changed to ordinary paddy fields, and could see on the way back from Oguni to Ojiya road side of route 403.

June18, 2009
Revisited Iwasawa's on May 29 that their plantation were finished earlier than our's.
The terraced paddy fields on Iwasawa's is breathtaking view and giving tranquil environment to us.

June 21, 2009
The landslide remains where we can see along route 403 that is left over as is.
The photo was taken on the way to Ojiya from Oguni town.

June 22, 2009
The same as yesterday the other landslide remains we can see is exist in the Futamata district on the way to underrecovery terraced rice fields as photo taken.

June 24, 2009
There are several cultural inheritance in Ojiya local, Mokujiki priest's statue is one of that the temple is located in Koguri yama district.
We will see 33 Kannonn statue inside.

June 26, 2009
In the said temple there are 33 Kannon statues that a priest made them while he was staying in Ojiya for 2 and half years in Edo era.
His name is said to be Mokujiki Shonin (priest).

June 28, 2009
The another look on the Yamakoshi's ponds, side by terraced rice paddy fields, where Nishikigoi are released for raising in summer season.
It is said that if any additional ponds may be required it can be increased by changing rice fields so that ponds and rice fields layed side by side, but will never be happened the other way round.

July 1, 2009
Visiting several paddy rice fields, it is found out some of new things that did not notice in the past years.
Tanbo A vs Tanbo B (Rice seedling grouth different)
Tanbo D ( seedling grouth different from lines)
Why ?

July 3, 2009
The association joined the tour visiting terraced paddy fields in Nakajyo town Nagano Pref. on July 1, the terraced paddy fields farms run the owner systems that any persons who wish to make seedling and harvest he can apply it with charge.

July 5, 2009
On the way back to Ojiya we visited Hakuba Jumping facilities where the 1998's Winter Olympic games were took place.
The photo was taken from the start position of 90 meters jumping and 70 meters' is on the right..

July 6, 2009
While visiting the terraced paddy field in Nakajyo town in Nagano Pref., the local senior explained us of tragedy by landslide caused due to Earthquake on 1847 (Edo era).
The area we are all standing had been maddy stone and sands that could be seen by a picture sketched .

July 7, 2009
Revisited the Iwasawa's one month after seedling that all of the paddy fields now get green fields, and it looks they are waiting for water maintenance and mowing work in coming months.

July 10, 2009
Looking the paddy rice fields closer can be interesting to know somekind of details, photo is the part of Iwasawa's.

July 16, 2009
The another closer look on paddy fields was photo taken at Iwasawa's late June.

July 17, 2009
The another Iwasawa's close look on paddy fields was also photo taken late June.

July 20, 2009
The another closer look on Iwasawa's the photo also taken late June.

July 25, 2009
The Echigo three mountains (far fade mountains) viewed from Paddy rice fields side by Baru-Side Lodge was seen as photo taken as of July 18.
(the photo was taken by Mr. Enomoto a member of association)

August 11, 2009
About two and a half month passed since rice planting was done at the terraced paddy fields, in next week end there will be mowing activities planned.
There had a meeting chat-talking-drinking-eating after work is over with participants get together.
The photo was taken at last activities as of July 18, 2009.

August 26, 2009
About two and half month past and the mowing work have been done by members particiation, and photo was taken at the terraced paddy fields before starting it.
Weeds were grown in the rice fields and on the farm road.
(Persons in the photo are two local resident and two from Tokyo)

August 31, 2009
The terraced rice fields now have plenty of weeds not only in the paddy field but also on the farm road as mentioned before.
On the other hand, rice planted being full of ear of rice to be grown to yield in next one month so that much of continuous　maintenance on the rice field are deemed required.

September 6, 2009
It was a full moon yesterday and clear moon was pictured early in the morning on September 6.
The LRO launched some months ago should be orbiting still as lunar orbit about 380,000km away from us, this is amazing and Kaguya did similar reconnaisanse till some months ago.

September 10, 2009
On the day of terraced paddy fields mowing work had been done, Ojiya matsuri ,regional summer festival, was held by participating regional volunteers peoples.
It was held in designated area of city and roads were closed for festival so that Dashi (Festival cars) and peoples participated can be walked on the roads with safe.

October 7, 2009
The rice plant mowing activities were took place on October 3 and 4 at the site where recovery actions had been applied since 2005.
Number of rice fields in the region recovered now comes 13 and three of them have been mowed complete during work days, this small number of fields complete was caused due to weather was not appropriate and rice fields ground was not suitable for machine mowing.
The manual mowing on the rice plants was done by members participate.

October 12, 2009
Terraced paddy fields in different area than our association's, Iwasawa's ear of rice were mowed complete as of October 2 as far as blogger visited the site.
The weather conditions give an impact to mow the ear of rice much so that combine machine malfunction be caused due to wet on ear of rice cluster.

October 14, 2009
Some of mowing works could be seen here as one of record as of October 3 and 4, 2009, more than 60 persons were gathered in two days that encouraged us to promote　further in the district.

October 20, 2009
The grand meeting so named "All Japan Terraced Paddy fields summit" was held at Tokamachi city in Niigata Pref. on October 16 and 17.
The member of our association participated the summit to make information exchange with others, in addition,Mr. Goto, president of our association, was invited as one of panel speakers on the meeting (Subject on the Session: Terraced paddy fields and its managemant on the Earthquake recovery).
The photo is one of the scene at meeting hall on members participated.

October 29, 2009
The activities summary from October 2005 thru October 4, 2009 (for five years) reflecting recent events on the terraced paddy fields led by Mr. Goto was broadcasted in the morning of October 28, 2009.
Some of photos are summarized in the file.

November 5, 2009
Some comments were added on the photos to his words as of Nov. 5

November 6, 2009
The work at paddy fields on year 2009 (last work on year 2009) will be performed on November 7 and 8 on the Ojiya site.
Any photos and comments on the work will be shown here after the work is complete.

November 8, 2009
The paddy fields' footpath recovery work was performed with participation of 22 persons in total for two days under sunny days.
It was the last work on 2009, walk path on three paddy fields were recovered, and it will have snowy seasons on the district soon.
There found many killyfish, river crab and aquatic insect in the terraced paddy fields that they seem preparing for coming winter season.

November 16, 2009
In farmer's raisure season there are many events by running local goverments, NPO related association and private society as well.
On last saturday (Nov 14) there hold a festival of talks on terraced paddy fields at Gaien Mae near Omote Sando in Tokyo.
Many of persons as well as associations have participated to make information exchange and several panel talks were held that gave us of vivid new information.
One of interesting information was/////why the lower level terraced paddy fields in one group is getting larger in space compared with the higher level of paddy fields (Assuming a group of terraced paddy fields belong to one owner and adjacent to higher paddy fields belongs to different paddy fields owner)
Can you guess why ?

Novmber 17, 2009
(the answer that blogger learned are)
Let me try to explain why the lower part of paddy field is getting larger in a group of paddy fields (assuming adjacent upper terraced paddy fields belongs to different owner), the paddy fields especially in terreced tend to erode in lacking the surface due to some reasons( it is not necessarily terraced one), to make it strengthen the footpath between paddy fields, some soil needs to be yielded from the same paddy field, to make it happened soil should be scraped by a hoe from upper portion of footpath in the same paddy field (this work resulted footpath comes thinner and widen a paddy field a little year by year, though).
And also scrape work is required to find a rat' hole and it should be padded in order to stop water leaking thru its hole.
To keep continue those work a paddy field space comes larger due to footpath is scraped, as a result adjacent upper paddy field's footpath comes thinner and it should be strendthen too, the same manner as lower's be continued till owner's terraced paddy fields come to boundary/edge to adjacent owner's paddy field in years.
The soil scraped would be smooth-leveling on the paddy field and be used for padding to rat' hole as well.
( please refer to sketch on the festival )
.
November 20, 2009
The paddy fields repair/maintenance were made on three locations on Nov 7, paddy field number C had landslide on the first year and had no water passage prepared on the side of cliff so much of water from cliff had flown into paddy field direct that some part of paddy field get wet and muddy conditions last thru the seasons.
This gives us unwilling situation since even at the rice mowing seasons the ground gets wet and mud that combine machine could not work well.
It is expected to have ideal paddy field as far as water on next year.
(The photo is a scene on paddy field C)

November 30, 2009
There are several scenic places in Ojiya city and Yamamoto yama table highland (336m) is one of them, and 360 deg view is possible from top and photo is looking southeast over Kawaguchi interchange on Kanetsu auto highway.

December 11, 2009
In Winter season there exist various fair or exhibition, one of them is ECO PRODUCTs2009 being held at Tokyo Big Sight between Dec. 10 thru 12.
It is told that the reduction of CO2 is demanded now a days and many of new ideas and products that may contribute what they think to it, being exhibited by large companies as well as NPO's, and it is worthseeing at the site.
The photo is one of the booth exhibited by NPO TANADA (Terraced Paddy fields) NETWORK.

December 12, 2009
The side by Tokyo Big Sight there is a pier where the large sailing vessel (Kaiwo Maru) was moored on the day of visited.

December 19, 2009
A year end dinner party run by NPO Tanada network was held at Shinjyuku near their office on Dec. 14, having discussed the effort made thru this year by member participated.
The NPO Tanada network seems to take a role to make a network throughout Japan's every parties concerned the terraced paddy fields.

December 26, 2009
The TANADA X'mas meeting was held at Ojiya on 24th of Dec. with more than Five feets of snow on the roof.
The snowy season has just begun, but amount of snow remaind on the roof being voluminous and weight so peoples do the work to dig the piled snow to ground.

January 2, 2010
A Happy new year on 2010
(Ein gluechliches neues Jahr in 2010)
The clear view on Mt. Fuji covered with snow is seen from southern part of Kanto plain.
In the winter seasons, southern part of Kanto plain is mostry clear in sky (a typical weather), but once low pressure will be passed off the coast of Kanto plain it will have rain or snow.

January 14, 2010
The weather in Niigata prefecture this year at this point is similar to ones of four years back namely huge amount of snow falling caused an interruption on daily life.
According to Mr. Goto, president of association, it was about three feet of snow fall last night and it is not possible to go out from home so he is obliged to stay at home today.
The photo is his home as of Dec 24, 2009

January 16, 2010
Almost a week long continuous snow fall resulted 301cm(nearly 10 feet ) thick of piled snow at Ojiya's fixed point observation at Ichinosawa district as of January 16, 2010.

January 23, 2010
The piled snow scene was pictured by Mr. Kanamaru, a member of association, as of Jan 16 thru 17 at the site (Ojiya city) that huge amount of piled snow on the roof were seen similar to ones on 2006.

January 31, 2010
The activity on the relief funds for Haiti earthquake disaster was made at JR Ojiya station on Jan 30 by Goto, president, and some residents in severe cold day and they are photo taken.

February 2, 2010
The snow fall and its remain on the city status has been given by a member of association as photo where much of snow stays on the roof and clean surroundings on the house is seen.
Note: it is said that snow falling this year is similar to ones on 2006 in terms of piled snow.

February 6, 2010
The regional piled snow on the road in the morning can be seen as pictured as of Feb. 4, 2010 that low temperature below zero unable to melt piled snow on the road.

February 13, 2010
On Feb. 11 the National Foundation Day meeting was held at Chiba city and Mr. Goto was invited, and had a chance to talk about "a need of decision to make step forward with own power" based on his experience.
Some photos can be seen here surroundings and inside.

February 20, 2010
A View from snowy summit on the Shiroyama mountain and from less snow summit can be seen as photos those were taken by Mr. Wakai, a member of association, and blogger.
The mountain, so called Shiro Yama, is situated ten minutes to base-entry by car from Ojiya I.C. and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the summit while no snow on the ground.
The center of Ojiya city is seen in foreground and Yamakoshi village is located over the far mountain.

Left: Photo taken by Mr. Wakai on Dec 25, 2009
Right: Photo taken by blogger on March 19, 2009

March 1, 2010
The Hot Air Balloon festival in Ojiya was held as scheduled and kind of flea market mostly food are run in parallel same as last year.
It is, however, the Hot Air Balloon competition was cancelled due to weather was not allowed the Hot Air Balloon to be launched so that rain falling in the morning and wind direction was not appropriate in the afternoon.

March 3, 2010
On the date of Hot Air Balloon festival, many events were took place such as snow mobil ride, making a snow statue competition, exhibition a fighting bull, and flea market like.
Many peoples were visiting and enjoying chating-talking together for spending time in the fair ground.

March 7, 2010
Looking back several years, our association had received several opportunities to participate meetings, seminars and events run by prefectural and or regional offices.
They can be seen in the 2006-2/10, 2007-2/17, 2008-3/9, 2008-10/23,
2008-11/29, 2009-3/18,
2009-10/16
Those meeting had given us ideas to start thinking by regional peoples much, it is however, important thing is how the thing can be implemented from sustainability view point in the own region.

March 12, 2010
The work to recover the terraced paddy fields had been started on 2005 and planting the rice ceedling started from one year later, that is from 2006, the region where rice fields is located in the mountains so that snow remained long as compared with other region.
Some pictures on year 2006 are summarized snowy month to just before rice seedling seasons.

March 13, 2010
The less snow falling was recorded on 2007 as compared with previous year of 2006, and terraced paddy fields being recovered-maintained are as photo taken with small number though.

March 14, 2010
The snow fall on year 2008 was more than last and snow melting was little bit slow as compared with year 2007.

March 18, 2010
The year 2009 was less snow falling as compared with 2008 and snow melting speed was faster than last year.

March 26, 2010
The photos recovery started were summarized as of 2005 and this was the initial cooprtative memorial work on the site.

April 2, 2010
There found born of Salamander in pond near terraced paddy fields in Ojiya where many killyfishs and other aquatic living as well.
(The photo was taken by Mizoguchi who lives in Ojiya)

April 13, 2010
The terraced paddy fields that are under maintaining by our association as of April 12 being as photo taken, the area seems much snow remained as compared with last year.
(the photo was taken by Mr. Mizoguchi who lives in Ojiya)

April 20, 2010
There will be 2010's first paddy fields recovery work on coming week end although it is not known yet if the site is free of snow by now.
Any status be repoted by end of month.

April 26, 2010
The first work at the Terraced paddy fields were started at Ojiya site on April 24 and 25, the weather were fine indeed.
The paddy fields are located in the mountain area and residual snow are still there that prevents recovery work although last year were no snow remained in the same time.
The farmers road leading to paddy fields has just been worked to clear the remained snow to enable easy walking.

April 28, 2010
As already told the amount of residual snow is much as compared with last year and several footpath got hurt by piled snow.
April 24 and 25 the days of recovery work were fine days and proceeded many work by volunteers gathered.

April 29、2010
The snow on the Iwasawa's paddy fields should be similar to Futamata's so tried to visit to overlook, it is however, farmer's road was closed due to piled snow remained.
The photo was taken from lower part of Iwasawa's

April 30, 2010
There were several places that require repairing the paddy fields' footpath as the piled snow gave erosion on them.
The photo is one of the place working to strength footpath by members participated on paddy field L with snow remained.

May 10, 2010
The word of Spring has come is also valid to Terraced paddy fields, the Tulip blooms in town as well.
The photo shows its grown in the front yard of house in Ojiya city's.
First one is year 2007 April, second one is year of 2008 April, third one is year 2009 and fourth is year 2010 April, number of Tulip increase by three each year.
What number of tulips be expected next year then ?
Year 2007, year 2008, year 2009, year 2010

June 1, 2010
The works to maintaining terraced paddy fields have started as fifth year since recovery activities began.
Fortunately the weather were just fit to rice planting on two days where we did the work.
Much of maintenance work be continued toward harvest time on October time frame.
Some of activities can be seen on May 29 and 30 photos as reference.

June 18, 2010
The some works before making the rice planting work, covering the top of lodge was done by members living in Ojiya city.
The top was usually removed after rice mowing work have been done due to thick snow that may be piled in winter seasons.
The photos were presented by courtesy of Mr. Mamoru Watanabe.

Photo: before, underway, complete

June 28, 2010
The work to weed in the paddy fields have done after 4 weeks planting at the site on June 26 and 27 with rainy conditions.
Controlling on the water in the Paddy fields and weeding seems the most important works in some consecutive months according to local senior.

June 30, 2010
The seedling planted on May 29 now grown reasonably after one month as of June 27 as shown on the photo, they seem well "putting forth of shoots" and water management is a key to success from now.

Left; time of planting
Right; time of one month after planting

July 3, 2010
The lightning bug on the terraced paddy fields were photo taken at night of June 27, 2010.
It was the time to fly many lightning bug in the Ojiya region that tells fields are surrounded by full of nature.
Note: Photo were taken by Mr. Masakatsu Noguchi　Photographer who lives in Tokyo.

August 8, 2010
A weeding work have been taken place on late July at the site of Ojiya district.
The old weeding equipment and a straw raincoat were presented by local resident and photo was taken at the side of paddy fields.
It seems farmers were doing any works at the paddy fields in the rainy days with this form in the past.

August 24, 2010
The paddy fields's mowing work under severe temperature environment had been done on August 21 and 22 at the site, and regional festival was took place in the night at the same time.
The photo is one of fireworks taken at the side of Shinano gawa river.

September 13, 2010
It has come to Autumn, but in reality it feels mid Summer from view point of tempereture around.
This is true in Terraced paddy fields in Ojiya city that one of walk pass between paddy fields was eroded by water inside of paddy field which suspected to be caused by crack due to high temperature and full of water inside of paddy field.
The size of eroded was not confirmed yet but it will be pictured soon for any possible recovery.

September 21, 2010
The site where erosion occured was visited and photos were taken that revealed much soils were dropped to lower paddy field.
The recovery work should be started after harvesting.

Covering the soil dropped and walkpath temporarily repaired (right)

October 6, 2010
The harvesting work have been done on last Saturday and Sunday at Terraced paddy fields in Ojiya city.
It took 120 days after seedling and bright sunshine days were given to volunteers participated.
Looking back this year, there were many heat temperature days which are new record according to Japan Weather Association and many rainy days in September that leads unnecessary water in the paddy fields that were burden to volunteers.

October 13, 2010
The manual mowing work started after direction received by leader of local farmer on wet paddy fields.
This direction was needed so the combine machine can not be run on the portion of wet paddy surface.
After mowing rice,bunch of ear of rice should be carried to the area where threshing be done on the side of paddy fields.

October 19, 2010
It is the time to hold university's capmus festival were held all over Japan and we held open shops on Niigata univ. in Niigata and Keio univ. in Fujisawa and those are one of them.

Left: Niigata univ. Right: Keio univ.

November 3, 2010
The eroded part of paddy field was repaired by using heavy machine run by local professional as photo.
The terraced paddy fields exist in mid mountain area so the soils not only inside of paddy fields but also base ground of paddy fields are not rigid as compared with paddy fields in the flat area.
We should be carefull much after Winter seasons is over to be checked if any crack or eroded part exist around paddy fields or not.

November 15, 2010
On November 13 and 14, members visited the Ojiya site to arrange paddy fields after mowing that had been done on October 2 and 3, and as one of immediate works to be performed was making cleared rice from Brown Rice that was harvested and Brown Rice'd at mowing time by Combine machines.
Member participated had run a Rice-Cleaning Machine at rice center and packed as per ordered, this almost ends our works in year 2010 at the site.
Each bag contains 30Kg of Brown Rice and being sold as is or with cleared rice

November 24, 2010
One of the work after harvesting was making a new water inlet route to paddy fields.
Looking some kind of outcome by paddy fields, each paddy field had its unique characteristic based on adjacent paddy fields and situation of paddy field some has good for having sunligt / sunshine relative to the others, but some has not enough temperatures on the water flowing for seedling and growing rice.
The photo is the work making longer water path to paddy field number 13 (P) for which was worked on November 13 by members participated.
Note: The reasons for making longer path is that while running in the path water gets warm before flowing into the paddy field even some meters short which was told by local farmers.

December 11, 2010
Most of works related to terraced paddy fields were end and preparing for snow falling to start soon.
As far as weather, it might be more snow falling than last year according to some local senior, but it is, however, nobody can get right answer until it comes time.
There will have a X'mas party in Yoshidani where our association reside on December 25 evening and if anyone could participate please join, we welcome any of you.

December 19, 2020
Snow falling in Ojiya district has just started and urban area got about 10cm thick snow last week.
Usually snow falling and thickness on the terraced paddy fields get much compared with urban area since terraced paddy area is located much higher level than urban area.
The photo is one of urban area snow remained.

December 22, 2010
It is a day of "the winter solstice" the shortest daytime a year, and daytime starts longer gradually from today.
The sunrise time in June timeframe and Winter time differ about 2 and half hours in latitude 35 deg area, namely Tokyo area.
Today's sunrise in Fujisawa city in Kanagawa pref. is seen as photo taken this morning with some clouds.

December 23, 2010
Talking about daytime, the sunrise time starts earlier than now from middle of January next year, but sunset time may be late a minute a day base, this gets daytime longer from now until the summer solstice is reached on June.

December 26, 2010
Snow falling continuing in past few days and they covered all of the area on Mr. Goto's premise.
His house stands about 50m away from regional road and therefore snow removing work in the morning especially snow fell at night is severe.
For next six months he is obliged to stay in such environment before coming spring.

January 1, 2011
The sixth Terraced Paddy fields recovery work on Ojiya city has been end thanks to more than 200 participants , and Year 2011 is the seventh will be started by Hot Air Baloon festival on February like last year in Ojiya city.
The Terraced Paddy fields on site will be under thick of snow for next five months.

January 2, 2011
The Ojiya area is covered with clouds as usual on Winter seasons, on the contrary area where blogger live is usually　free from clouds.
It is, therefore, sun rise and Mt.Fuji can be seen from blogger's premises and local.

January 10, 2011
The snow piled on Ojiya rural district records just over 2 meters and snow falling may be continuing couple of days more.
The car in the photo being parked not on the road direct, but on the snowy thick road, and we see the amount of snow in this district.

January 12, 2011
Snowy clouds being passed over Ojiya district and have given much snow this year too.
The carriage has piled snow that have got last night about 1meter.

January 19, 2011
One of new year's local winter events in wishing the good health was took place like other districts and the photos are recent activities in Ojiya city.
The triangle like build up is centered on the event and being constructed with usually such bamboo and rice straw so on, and many of good wishes ornament including Dharma (tumbler toy) those have been spent previous year in some place in the premises are put around said build up that they are eventually burnt out.
Some of items such as dried cuttlefish and rice cake that, those items are considered to be a good luck in life, usually be baked in the residual heat after build up was burnt out.

Every person gathered wish new year the good health in his/her families.

scean one, two, three

January 20,　2011
Snow falling at the Ojiya rural district continuing and 86cm (about 3 feets) a day were recorded on Jan 20 morning.
About 330cm piled snows are being recorded too as of Jan 20 morning and photo shows morning view by Mr. Motosou a member of association who lives in Serikubo Ojiya city.

January 31, 2011
The snow cleaning work was done at Mr. Goto's house that has plenty of snow piled with almost more than 4 meters thick of residual snow as of January 28, 2011.
(note: the window of the house you see is second floor's and first floor is behind the snow ground)
The photo we can see the snow's wall like scene on the both side of regional road is near Goto's house.

February 28, 2011
The first major regional event on 2011 of Hot air Balloon festival (competition) was held on February 26 and 27 snowy fields in Ojiya city, it was 35th competition.
Many local peoples and also foreigner have been visited to see winter events in Ojiya city.

March 2, 2011
Piled snow on on the road side is still exist but snow on the road is cleared by local public office.
They may be melted out about 3-4 inches a day so they might be clear from road side before May.

March 11, 2011
First ever recorded of earthquake on Magnitude 9.0 (nine) in Japan was occured at 2:46pm JST 130km off Sendai city in the Pacific Ocean.
Many aftershock are being recorded even now.
The ground shake was felt in Fujisawa area ( 450km from epicenter) too, and TV reporter shows real Tsunami at city area and movement of Tsunami on the ground.
How much damages being /were caused by this huge earthquake was not known yet.
(usgs earthquake map shows where the epicenter are as of March 11, 2011)

March 12, 2011
Another large earthquake occured in Niigata prefecture early morning other than said earthquake as shown on USGS map.
The mode of earthquake is different from Pacific Ocean's.
Many aftershock being occured both on Pacific's and Niigata's.

April 25, 2011
The snow falling this winter at Ojiya area are severe compare with last year and more snow than five years back.
It is, therefore, residual snow on the terraced paddy fields are much and no field works are possible at least some weeks.
Local farmer said his works should be postponed until residual snow are cleared.

May 10, 2011
First work on the terraced paddy fields this year were took place on May 7 and 8 with sunny days.
Twenty four persons have got together on site and repairing of paddy fields were done, and we are wairing for coming plantation days on May 28 and 29.
It is felt that water power are strong and water erosion of soil were seen on the same paddy field like last year.
Participants have recovered the paddy field to stand against water at least for coming winter seasons.
photo-1 photo-2 photo-3

June 2, 2011
It comes seedling/plantation days on May 28 and 29 as 6th year after mid Niigata prefecture earthquake in 2004.
The site on the terraced paddy fields got thick snow on last winter and melted away those snow piled just few week before.
Many members were participated and worked actively toward harvesting time on September it can reach in 120 days from the day of plantation.
some of photos are
one, two, three, four, five

June 14, 2011
Rice seedling made last week on May in the paddy fields can be seen as photo taken, and it seems they are growing as expected with enough water in the paddy fields.
Mr. Wakai a member of association who lived near terraced paddy fields walked to the site and photos were taken.
June 9, June14

June 28, 2011
The weeding work have been done after one month of plantation on terraced paddy fields with overcast weather.
It is the time to clear waters in the paddy fields and rice plants may be able to grow in timely manner that was told by local senior.
Paddy field 8(h) is seen like photo taken as of June 26.

July 31, 2011
Mowing works have been performed by members gathered at paddy fields on 24 and 24 July.
The Seedling made on end of May being grown relatively slow as comparede with past years.
The weather was good for fields work and memberes seemed enjoying with paddy fields.

August 9, 2011
Niigata/Ojiya area had severe rain last week on July and many mudslides were caused and remained surrounding and on the terraced paddy fields.
One of severe event was mudslides over the water pass and its route was closed, and new water pass seems created naturally.
This situation needs to be recovered otherwise water be flown from upper part of terraced paddy fields could not be supplied to downward paddy fields.
The photo shows mudslide covers farmer's road near Tanbo 1 thru 3.

August 22, 2011
The previously said mudslide remains mid farmers road and waiting for clean up by heavy machines as ap.
It seems chances of mudslids occuring side of terraced paddy fields exist anywhere.
It is told that the mudslide remains seems to be a basement of terraced paddy fields from ancient time in this area.
The photo below was taken on mudslide and no car be able to pass.

September 5, 2011
Almost 100 days has passed since rice seedling on end of May, and harvest time be coming on our terraced paddy fields on October 1, 2011.
The rice is little bit behind compared with last year so more sunlight may be required for rice in the terraced paddy fields.
We are expecting to receive many volunteers on coming October 1, 2011.

September 11, 2011
Grass mowing activities were took place on the terraced paddy field last week end.
Rice mowing work be planned thereafter on October 1 and 2, 2011 and it will be 6ths since after terraced paddy fields recovery work have been started.
Heavy rains were received last week of July and paddy fields have got many mudslide and impacts were left behind.
Many grasshopper were seen on paddy fields and this indicates some kind of cleanliness over paddy fields and its surroundings.

September 21, 2011
The Globe/Earth turns the Sun in a year and keep continuing, we hope it lasts forever, it may be possible.
The Typhoon is one of the typical phenomena that usually occur in the tropical zone in the atmosphere.
It occurs all the year round and mostly　it flows to west by Esat winds around equator.
When west winds get strong, it turns northward and passes west edge of high pressure on the Pacific ocean on August on.
The photo is one of Typhoon coming and approaching Japan island now.
Typhoon nbr 15 (Roke)
(Photo was obtained thru JWA's HP)

October 2, 2011
The sixth rice harvest activities were performed on October 1 and 2 with many volunteers participated.
Most mowing activities were made by hands since many paddy fields were muddy and not suitable for Combine running in the paddy fields.
Those conditions were caused by rain falling lately and unable to drain in timely manner.
The photo shows trace on the paddy field of nbr 7(g) where Combine got struggled to move.

October 9, 2011
The sixth rice harvest acitvities were completed on October 8, 2011.
Some additional lead time was required for the rice harvested manually which were mowed in rainy days that needed to dry up before running them into Combine.
The activities summary photos are seen on the attached page.

October 24, 2011
It comes time to hold a festival locally and the Niigata University's one was held like as last year at the site.
Photo shows a member participated by Association on October 22, 2011.
(photo was prepared by member participated , courtesy of Mr. Watanabe)

November 14, 2011
The last work on the terraced paddy fields was took place on November 12 on the site.
The area will soon be snow falling from mid December and it lasts snow piled up till mid May next year.
This is the nature on our terraced paddy fields and some works on the paddy fields are really required to keep the site acitve even after clearing of snow.
One of the work is to make water path on the paddy fields.
The other is to splay out chaff over a paddy fields this would make effects as manure.

November 20, 2011
The earthquake disaster museum was opened in Ojiya city on October 23 to commemorate seventh year after severe earthquake.
The museum exhibits event sequencially 3hours, 3 days, 3months then events after 3years on and many locally organized groups that they carry activities to date.
Our association was selected as one of exhibit on the museum.
Some of them can be seen here.
If you have spare time why don't you stop by.

One Two Three

November 29, 2011
Rural villages are spreaded in the Cities, those area are mostly located in foot hill or near by mountains.
The blogger have been trying to find any house and land located mid mountain hill near Ojiya local, and most probably from Spring next year some information and photo may be reported from the site.
(Aged house)

December 23, 2011
The terraced paddy fields maintaining locates foot hills of mountains and thick snow piled in winter season.
Dates of snow melting out is a key to farmers when the works can be started on the sites.
The persons living near by paddy fields be able to aware status of snow melting, but persons coming from out side of town have no way to know it and they should know in advance otherwise no plan can be scheduled in timely manner.
This is a snow piled up and melting trend in past years and this tells some hints to farmers in advance.
As seen, time of snow melting out this year was around first week of May, while last year was around last week of April, so that first works was started second week of May this year.
SNOW TREND on near by terraced paddy field

December 31, 2011
The Ojiya city is full of snow like as last year and one of Webcam viewing Shinano Gawa river which flows in the Ojiya city is seen.
The Web camera location is not hilly place but urban district on Ojiya city, it is however some of feeling on the snow can be realized with it.
(photo is obtained by one of Shinano gawa river local office)

January 4, 2012
It comes a new year to run everything peacefully and Ojiya city area is full of snow not only foot of hilly place but also urban area.
The daily snow falling and snowfall on December 2011 was summarized by member of association (Mr. Kanamaru）and it shows over last year.

January 14, 2012
Snowy days are continuing since middle of December and 2 and half meters thick of snows are piled on the roof of a house.
The piled snows are to be cleared in timely manner otherwise house would be damaged.
The photo shows snow cleaning work on the roof of the house which is 7 to 8 meters heigh from the ground.
The house far in the photo is a storehouse and 8 meters heigh

February 7, 2012
The snow falling and piled in the region of mountain foot of Niigata pref. seems more than one of year 2006 according to weather association.
The one of Ojiya district where we can get periodical data on the January was summarized and what follows are ones prepared by Mr. Kanamaru (member of association).

March 2, 2012
On February 25 and 26 there have been an hot air balloon festival in Ojiya city and many of visiters were got together, the weather did not good as expected and no balloon competition was took place.
In the evening on the first day, balloon and fireworks collaboration was took place.

April 8, 2012
The terraced paddy fields that we recovered and maintained are under still thick piled snow.
The photo was taken from mountain ridge road running near paddy fields.
The amount of snow falling seems similar one with last winter, it is however ground and atmosphere temperature are lower that last winter and it affects snow melting late.

August 12, 2012
Several months have been passed since plantation on the paddy fields.
The plantation was made on end of May and it is begining of August now.
Some of photo following say present status on our paddy fields recovering.
Photo-1 May, photo-2 June, photo-3 July,photo-4 August

August 30, 2012
It will soon be coming harvesting time on end of September.
It will be sevenths harvesting work since terraced paddy fields recovery activities thanks to many voluntieer's works to date.
Photo shows mowing works in the paddy field by volunteer on August.

September 9, 2012
There is an another three weeks before mowing of ear of rice and last mowing works was done on some of paddy fields by member participated on September 8 and 9th.
There were many severe hot days and some of side effects has been observed on the terraced paddy fields.
Any how we all member of association expect to have harvesting days on end of September.
The full of ear is on the paddy fields now.

Sepember 22, 2012
It comes time in one week before rice mowing festival in our paddy rice fields.
The rice being grown and ear of rice seems waiting for our mowing actions.
Fifteen rice fields are running and each of them showing different status and ear of rice on tanbo(number 10) exibits ear of rice like this.

October 1, 2012
The sevenths rice mowing activities were took place on Seprember 29 and 30 with good weather against weather forecast tells that slight rain and overcast weather.
Fifteen pieces of rice fields on mid mountain region were successfully harvested with 68 peoples gathered in two days.
It was the record number who were perticipated for harvesting activities so far.
It had severe weather in summer time, one was hot tempereture and the othere was no enough water supply in timely manner.
It is however local farmer told us that grain of rice should be big enough and quality is also good even such weather conditions.
Following photo was taken right after last bunch of rice was harvested in front of combine machine.

October 12, 2012
Blogger re-visited terraced paddy fields two weeks after harvested and they are looking for further arrangenments on middle of November which is thought to be the last work on terraced paddy fields this year.
The terraced paddy fields which are our working places locate about 30minutes walk from basement of association site.
On the way back, we could see well known mountains so called Echigo San Zann.
They are EchigoKomagatake(2003m), Nakanodake(2085m) and Hakkaisan[Nyudoudake]
(1778m) from left.
They are located about 20Km east from the site of photo taken.

November 9, 2012
After rice mowing, Terraced paddy fields seem got relaxed and waiting for snow falling in the mountain region.
The blogger being stayed in a region of Oguni town ( Nagaoka city) an adjacent area to Ojiya city.
The mountain near by is full of broadleaf tree and now started to red yellow leaves.
One photo was taken by chance along regional road.
A small water mill with hot feet water site surrounded by Terraced paddy fields was pictured backed by red leaves on the hill.

December 2, 2012
December 1 was third day to have snow falling this winter (First day was November 15, Second day was November 27 and Third day is December 1) and about 20cm thick snow was piled on the ground.
The ground level on blogger stay is about 270m above sea level and temperature is lower than plain so much snow falling is normal.
We had more than four meters piled snow on last February( February 2012) and sometime coming January or February next year similar thick snow may be coming.
The photo is the morning view on blogger's premise outside of front door.

January 1, 2013
Mountain hill side on Ojiya city is full of snow as usual and the place blogger live is more than four meters thick of snow fall todate so far.
Snow falling from new year eve to New year goes about 28inches thick and work to clean by plow was a essential work in the morning.
The snow falling would continue for next two months then bright spring would be coming.
Some more photos would be paste on the page.
The photo below is a view from a pass near by Yoshidani Ojiya city.

February 10, 2013
Since after first snow fall on mid December almost two months passed.
Intermittent snow falling continued in this region, it is the natural weather in winter season here.
Niigata prefecture lies facing Japan sea and gets snow clouds over Japan sea in winter season.
NO outside special work is there and Mr. Goto president of association came to blogger's home in beginning of February to chat by Fireside in living dinning room..

February 25, 2013
As one of usual practice in Ojiya city the Hot Air Balloon festival was took place, it is however, Balloon competition was stopped doing due to weather condition was not suitable to fly.
As usual, a shop (booth) was open by our association too to be able to give some opportunities of locally yielded matter to visitors.
A picture is one shot of under preparation before booth is open.

March 8, 2013
About four months has passed since after snow falling in the mount hill region in Ojiya and its surrounding.
It is said that severe snow falling period is over and the piled snow would be melt out on the terraced rice paddy field day by day due to temperature rise.
The picture below are one of sample on the terraced paddy fields side of blogger' house on Oguni machi Hosse district.
One is view on Autumn and the other is Winter.

Autumn / Winter

March 31, 2013
Nineth year has passed since after Mid Niigata Erthquak and some of memorial park have been prepared in Kawaguchi town in Nagaoka city as well.
The site is near Kawaguchi Sanrora route 17.
The site describes on the spot of from on the day to 2007 so far.

May 4, 2013
It comes a time to planting baby of rice on the terraced paddy field too, the photo is the site where baby is growing inside of small vynile house.
The size of production is not large but small as compared with volume production.
The photo was taken on the hilltop of Oguni town of Nagaoka city.

May 26, 2013
Most of paddy fields in the plain area seems finish, it is however, in the mountain hill side of it has not been finished.
As soon as preparation is finishied farmer starts seedling the photo is one of them in the terraced paddy field.

June 4,2013
The rice planting work were took place on the terraced paddy fields which is 8th work from 2006 at the mountain hill region of Ojiya city.
Fourteen (14) fields out of fifteen (15) were planting completed and one left (due to lack of water) will be planting soon after water filled in the paddy field.
A photo was taken while manual planting being done on June 1.

June 23, 2013
About 20 days has passed since after rice seedling planting
and now weed comes on the rice fields.
Mowing works is really required so that he gets nourishiment
for his grow which we expect to be a ones for rice grow.
Ten persons were gatherd on June 22 and mowed a weed from some part of rice fields.
Some more works to be continued as soon as possible.

July 27, 2013
Almost two months has　passed since after seedling planting.
The same as last month mowing works were really required on the each paddy field.
The persons who had given his time to paddy fields were got together and mowing work was performed and finished as intended.
.
Three persons on the above photo from left have visited here from Tokyo and Chiba prefecture and right most is Mr. Watanabe vice president and his left is Mr. Goto the president of association.

August 5,2013
A hut side by Terraced paddy fields was opened after piled snow has melt out,
A hut mentioned being named for "Akashibu no Ashi yu" (An Akashibu's hot water on the hoot) .
A hut has a PIZZA pot and serviced whenever anyone stays on local inn.
Note, This Akashibu no Ashi yu is located next to Ojiya city and it is only 5 to 6km to our terraced paddy fields.

September 1, 2013
Grass mowing work has been done by thank to members participated one month before ear of rice mowing work will be done.
It is eights year since after association started recovery and maintenance work had been started.
The weather condition may be changing frequently and we hope the day of rice mowing work day be good for us.

Member of mowing work participated

Ear of rice in the rice field

September 9, 2013
The last tanbo (paddy fields) works before harvesting was done on September 9 under sunshine.
It is three weeks before harvesting and most important matter would be how much hardness is kept on the ground base of paddy fields.

September 11, 2013
The harvest season comes to rural area in Niigata pref. too.
Paddy fields of Hosse in Nagaoka city is hilly place and mostly terraed paddy fields and it comes also harvest seasons.
It has passed about 120 days since after planting work has been done.

October 2, 2013
The eights harvest work was took place on September 28 thru October 2
with members of participation.
The ground of paddy fields were so soft and many fields could not accept the Combine rather manual mowing works were forced which results fatigue and no good feeling remained after the works.

October 16, 2013
Blogger revisited the Iwasawa's terraced paddy fields few days ago, and hervest work has been completed by the time of visited.
It seems that some paddy fields had not been planted this year.

November 4, 2013
The full of the Japanese pampas grass and red leaves along the farm road in hilly village of Hosse.

November 11, 2013
The water management on the paddy fields are really required to maintain any conditions on each phase from rice planting thru rice harvesting.
We experienced many times the surface on the paddy fields were so soft at the time of harvesting.
In order to improve such occasion works on the water pass side by paddy fields, which should be lower level as compare with surface of the paddy fields, were made.
The participants did a good job to reinstall the pipe side by paddy field to flow the water smoothly.
.

November 13, 2013
It has started the snowy season and some snow fell on the terraced paddy fields near by blogger's stay were seen, where is near the paddy fields in the Ojiya city.
It should be similar snow situation over there too.

November 20, 2013
The trees on the mountains of the hilly village is now full of red leaves
that can be seen once walked into the farm road.
It is said that it will last for several days more.

November 27, 2013
An overview from Doken pass we can see some mountains over Ojiya city and those are located close to Fukushima pref.
Their summit are covered with snow and it will be snowy days in next two days here as well.

December 2, 2013
Blogger visited Kizawa district in Kawaguchi Nagaoka city in the evening and Terraced paddy fields and Koi ponds were seen beautifully.
The site being located close to route 117 mount hilly places and morning view should be good as well as evening's.

January 5, 2014
The overview from Doken Toge pass toward Yamamoto yama are all covered with snow while no snow was seen in November.
The altitude of the pass is about 290m and therefore temperature here is about 1.8 deg C lowere than town with zero altitude.
The snow expected to be melt out in April/May time frame.

February 14, 2014
The base site on the Yoshidani area are covered by full of snow and Yamamoto Yama area was pictured while driving the middle of rice field near by.

March 25, 2014
The winter snowy season seems turn to Spring since temperature goes up and snow piled started to melt out in Hosse hilly town.
About 120 days passed since first snow fell in town and 1600cm thick snow were hell in 120 days in total.
It is obvious that those piled snow will be melt out by middle of May in terraced paddy field as well
Photo was taken at Douken touge pass looking toward Futamata area.

March 26, 2014
There may be persons who like to know what would be a now the Terraced paddy fields where we are working, the paddy fields were photo overviewed taken this morning by the route 341.
The terraced paddy fields seem still under snow.

The following picture was taken from the same place looking toward tanbos
on last November 27, just for comparison purpose.

April 18, 2014
The snowy season is now over which has lasted for about four months in town andteracced paddy fields as well.
Fifteen paddy fields were recovered and maintained after disaster by earthquake had been occured in Niigata pref. ten years ago.
Three paddy fields in Futamata district were observed this morning and there were no snow on the paddy fields.
It is told that the amount of snow falling this year had been less than last year so the snow piled had been melting smooth than last year.

Paddy field number 1

Paddy field number 2

Paddy field number 3

June 5, 2014

It has come the Spring and Rice planting season comes as well on the Terraced paddy fields.
The ninth planting work had been done on May 31 and June 1 by participation of volunteers
under bright sunshine.
Fifteen paddy fields (number of Tanabo) were planting in total and water management and work of weed be continued toward harvesting time on September end.

The planting by machine has just started on the one of paddy fields.

August 3, 2014
The rice seedling planted in some time May now grown little bit earlier than normal year
and our recovered tanbo too, and Iwasawa's (vicinity of Yoshidani) tanbo as well.
Blogger visited this morning to see their status and it is found they are full of green all over the terraced paddy fields.

September 15, 2014
The terraced paddy rice fields that we maintain come almost full of ear of rice after 120days since planting.
Many works on the paddy rice fields required maintenance of water on the paddy fields to be sure that time to require water and time to no water require.
In two weeks time harvest work will be done with volunteers gathered who may come from Tokyo, Chiba,Saitama,Kanagawa and other areas including Niigata pref. local too.
The picture below is present ear of rice on the Terraced paddy fields(Tanbo).

October 3, 2014
The harvesting works on the Terraced paddy fields on the 9th mowing had been done by participating volunteers from Niigata pref. local, and other prefectures such as Tokyo, Kangawa, Saitama, Chiba and Gunma.
Over 60 persons were came the site and much unhulled rice are expected although it is not know how much we could harvest as of today.
Most of Tanbo (Terraced paddy fields) works were completed, but some Tanbo's reconstructions may be required in order to pursue more reasonable Tanbo ground than this year.

November 21,2014
The time has come the snowy seasons after harvesting on the Tanbo, the record says it had
snow falling on November 11 last year.
The local mountains over 2100m heigh had snow covered already they are located about 55km west from Hosse hilly village in Nagaoka City.

December 29, 2014
Much snow has fallen on the hilly Hosse village in December for which the amount of piled snow has never experienced according to senior living in town.
The piled snow may be melted by end of march next year, it is however we need to coexisted with snow who are living in the village.

February 3, 2015
The snow fallen in December 2014 has been 800cm while a year before last on the same period had been 300cm.
On the other hand, January last month was 400cm nearly the same amount with last year on the hilly village of Hosse where is an adjacent town of Yoshidani in Ojiya city.
The view on this picture had been taken few days before looking west from Hosse town.

March 3, 2015
The winter fest in Ojiya city the Hot balloon competition has been took place on February 28 and March 1 with reasonable environment conditions at the Nishinaka fields.
The start of competition has been cloudy, but becoming fair at launching time.
The size of hot balloon can be realized by the photo.

March 7, 2015
It seems that the winter season turned to Spring in rural area too since temperature comes up and non snowy days continue.
It looks the piled snow on the (terraced) paddy fields started melting as well, the marks on the terraced paddy fields appeared with the shape of something in Ojiya city.

April 2, 2015
It enters fourth month of year 2015 and it is also called spring has come in general
however in the hilly places where such terraced paddy fields the thick snow remained.
The residual snow amount remained are quite different from last year due to huge amount of snow had fallen on last December. The known mountains such Komagatake, Nakanotake, and Hakkaisan were clearly seen this morning.

April 15, 2015
The small common hepaticas were found in hilly Hosse village
on the slope the side of farmer's road.
The petal size is about 1 cm diameter.

May 3, 2015
The piled thick snow becomes clear in the paddy rice fields
in the mountain area too and now be ready for works.
Hosse hilly villages surrounded are full of teracced paddy fields and some works were
started to prepare right after snow melted out.
In 120 days after rice seedling and the harvesting works may be started arround October.

May 12, 2015
The works on the paddy rice fields were started after disappering the piled snow and first works had been done by volunteer members.
The picture shows putting partitions in the paddy field in order to keep water levels on the tanbo keeping even.
It is because, the level of designated Tanbo is not horizontal plane that water level on the Tanbo can not keep right one what we think.

June 1, 2015
The tenth rice planting on the recovered terraced paddy fields started and completed on May 31 as scheduled.
The picture shows the manual rice planting by volunteers gathered on the site.
The harvesting will come in 120 days later on end of September.
There are many actions needed to get there such as mowing around paddy fields and also water management around.

June 17, 2015
The rice seedling planted on early June getting graw as seen on the pictures below
one is as of June 5, and the other is June 15 at the rice paddy fields near by.

The seedling as of June 5

The seedling as of June 15

The Totazawa's tanbos were pictured by radio controlled helicopter, the some Tanbo we maintained can be seen upper right corner and right bottom. July 12, 2015

July 30, 2015
The seedling planted last May now growing all over the fields and overlook on the site was pictured, they are tanbo nbr 6 thru 9.

August 23, 2015
The paddy fields we maintained where the rice seedling planted now growing and harvesting activities be coming on September 26 and 27.
Before reaching the harvesting much of works on the paddy fields being required by members of association and picture shows the time befor start of work on the paddy fields on August 23.
They ware clothes to protect against insects what they think.

September 5, 2015
The harvesting work will come in a month and mowing and water path maintenance work has been done by members attended.
The photo is one of works cleaning water path by Tanbo in order to reduce water flows into Tanbo inside.

October 11, 2015
The tenth harvesting works have been conducted on September 30 to October 6 in the terraced rice paddy fields with member gathered from various area such Tokyo, Kanagawa, Gunma, Saitama Fukushima and Nagaoka in Niigata pref. local.

October 24, 2015
After harvesting we reviewed each tanbo's conditions where ground had been hard and wet at harvesting time and they come due to water management.
In order to improve such conditions some little water pond side of Tanbo was created by members participated.
The purpose of the pond by tanbo is to drain water intentionally or naturally in the tanbo to pond where the level is lower than Tanbo's.
This kind of construction could been seen everywhere llocally.

Construction works on going
October 24, 2015

After rain fall in the night and water fills in the pond.
October 25, 2015

January 2, 2016
A happy new year on 2016.
Thanks to participants all the Tanbo works have been end and waiting for coming Spring on 2016.
The surroundings of Tanbo where blogger live is now full of snow although snow fell on December last month was not severe.
The picture below is the present scean of blogger's premises.

February 20, 2016
In the Blogger's premises there still exist much snow remained as of today and
snow fell in the past months are memorized as following.
That tells weather conditions varies year to year on the hilly Hosse village.
December on the year-
2012: amount of snow fell was 497cm
2013: amount of snow fell was 290cm
2014: amount of snow fell was 780cm
2015: amount of snow fell was 255cm

January on the year-
2013: amount of snow fell was 430cm
2014: amount of snow fell was 606cm
2015: amount of snow fell was 405cm
2016: amount of snow fell was 470cm

February on the year-
2013: amount of snow fell was 396cm
2014: amount of snow fell was 395cm
2015: amount of snow fell was 420cm
2016: amount of snow fell was 220cm (as of Feb 19)

March 15, 2016
The surrounding on the Teracced paddy fields has still much snow piled and
may require some more months before melting them out.
The area on facing Sunlight can come faster snow melting than shadow area without saying.

April 5, 2016
The snow fell on this winter in the local area had been relatively little amount as compared with last winter and recent view on the terraced rice paddy fields where association maintaine look like this photo overlooked that was taken on March 29.
Several high temperature days being continuing around and those snow migt be melted out before long.

April 24, 2016
The overlook on the Terraced paddy fields from regional road was seen as photo taken this afternoon.
No snow remained around paddy fields.

Tanbo nbr 10~12

Tanbo nbr 6~15

May 22, 2016
The preparation on the Terraced rice paddy fields were started to mow grases on the walks,
that will help keep cleaning side of Tanbo.
The rice seedling be started on May 28 and 29 on the Terraced rice paddy fields as scheduled.
The photo was taken on May 14, 2016 at Tohtazawa area.

May 28, 2016
The eleventh rice seedling plantation work has been performed on May 28 on the terraced rice paddy field.
Two distinct group of terraced rice paddy fields were run for past 10 years, and having local successor of farmer appeared at the Futamata district where three tanbo are well maintained by us.
Those three tanbos were released for local succesor which meets our initial intention to do.
The activities and or works be focussed on one district without transporting the machines between two district.
The photo here being manual rice planting works by volunteers participated.

June 29, 2016
It has been one month passed since after seedling planted and photo shows someweed
were seen on Tanbo nbr 14 (paddy rice fields).
The mowing works are scheduled on coming week end ( July 2 and 3) with members participated, and its work be done in the afternoon also in the early morning on the next day considering temperature surrounding us.

August 11, 2016
The tanbo weed mowing works in the tanbo and walk passes were done on August 2 and 3 on the site.
The rice seedling seems growing as expected so far.
The harvesting works be coming in two months.

August 26, 2016
The mowing work had been done with members particitated on August 20 and 21 on the site where association maintained todate.
The rice seeding planted were well grown so far and provided weather conditions such as temperature keeps normal, much rice than last year could be harvested, we hope.

October 3, 2016
The 11th rice mowing harvesting works have been conducted on September 30 thru Cotober 2 for three days.
The participnants counted for 57 persons and it had been good weather for harvesting works.
Some pictures during work were summarized on the other page.
Ref:
The rice seedling planted on end of May became unhulled rice after 120 days, namely it was the time to harvest last week end.

November 13, 2016
The last works on the Tanbo were completed before coming snowy season by partipation of volunteers.
There are some small ponds around Tanbo that keep water of which may be used to fill the water to Tanbo when it is required to in time.
The photo below being a work mowing grass in the pond

January 2, 2017
A happy new year
The year of 2017 has been opened and 13th Tanbo preservation activities
will be waiting for us.
The photo(Tanbo) below was taken on the Hosse village where blogger live this morning.
The snow fell last December was 110 cm while it was 255cm on year 2015.

February 23, 2017
The snowy seasons could be left from us in one month and Hosse village as of today is as
photo below looking the feet hot spa in the village for which the photo was taken on Feb. 16.
.

February 27 2017,
The 41th hot air balloon festival/competition was held in the Ojiya city and
An association of Tanada opened in the booth as "hand made goods-rice based -" shop at side by Shinanogawa river fields.
The hot air balloon fest. is thought to be a start of fields works in this district.

March 26, 2017
The spring is near and images on the Tanbo appears near by blogger live
on the hilly Hosse village.
Which tells temperature around is getting high.

April 12, 2017
The Tanbo we maintain is seen side by the pref. road 341 and overlooking of
some Tanbo's were photo taken on April 11.Snow piled can be seen in the Tanbo's.

April 16, 2017
The said Tanbo few days after previous photo taken are now pictured
on April 16.
It is apparent that snow piled on the Tanbo getting melted away.

April 22, 2017
The Tanbo overlooked from regional road seem free from Snow remained as of April 22 morning
The Tanbo works after Snow melted be scheduled on coming May 13 and 14

April 24, 2017
The nearest known mountains so called Echigo Sanzan are clearly observed
from local village and photo taken.
Mountains from left are EchigoKomagatake (2003m) Nakanotake(2085m)
and Nyudotake(1778m)
from left,

May 3, 2017
The Koridon pond near the Terraced Paddy fields, we maintained, now a days
free of snow.
This pond is said that has tradition of Dragon-God and pathetic story
and the pond has many floating islands it move by occasional winds blow.

May 27, 2017
The preparations on the Tanbo has been started following May 13 and 14th works
on the Tota- Zawa district
the works at this time being cultivations on the tanbo that the surface to be smooth
at the time of rice planting which come June 3th and 4th.
The works has been pictured overlooking from Road 341.

June 5, 2017
The 12th rice planting has　been made　and completed on June 3rd and 4th that covered 12 tanbo fields except for one Tanbo [nbr 15] in total at TohTazawa district.
Next 4 months we maintain rice fields from the view point of water are enough and some weeding work should be performed in time.

June 12, 2017
The one tanbo nbr 15 remained that could not make rice seedling, was performed
after pouring water enough for seedling on June 8.
The tanbo nbr 15 locates on the higher position than other Tanbo's that due to some reason the water could not fill in time.

June 27, 2017
On the day of tanbo maintenance at Yoshidani Tanbo fields, blogger
re visited the Iwasawa terraced rice paddy fields on June 24 morning.
The rice fields were full of green some weeks after seedling planted.

July 10, 2017
It is rainy seasons in Japan and Niigata area too, and due to heavy rain fall on the beginning of
July Tanbo's walk pass was collapsed/eroded due to much water in the Tanbo.
The Tanbo eroded was on of the biggest size in the group and temporary repair
was done by persons participated
Following picture show some part of place, walk pass and after temporary repair made.

The place eroded seen from lower angle of Tanbo

New walk pass construction by persons participated

Blue sheet been put on the eroded place after making a new walk pass

August 5, 2017
It has just passed the middle of process
on the rice seedling planted toward harvesting,
Some matter happened on the paddy field due to heavy rain on July
but it looks unhulled being grown as expected on the tanbos.
Members on the local residents in Niigata pref. got together and had weeding works on August 2nd and 3rd.

August 20, 2017
It comes about 40 days before harvesting time and many weed on the tanbo
appeared as usual..
There were several occasion weed growing on the Tanbo than past years some might be
missing the weedicide right after rice seedling planted on some Tanbos.
Some volunteers member came to the site mowing weed with severe Sun light on August 20
and this work cause heavy load on us.

September 10, 2017
It comes 20 days before harvesting and works on the rice fields are in rush to be
able to run harvesting works that come on end of month.
It is natural that rice seedling planted and weeds both grown as time goes and timely
manner of weed mowing works deemed necessary.
Volunteers got together to the site and mowing works were done on
September 9 and 10.
Photo shows mowing works being done farmers road by Tanbo fields

.

October 6, 2017
The 12th rice harvesting works has been started from September 29 and continuing its works
and due to poor tanbo surface conditions the mowing works could not be completed as of October 6, 2017.
An urgent call was issued to members of association and harvesting works be scheduled on coming 8th and 9th on October.
Note: The poor surface came from much rainy days and unable to cope with keeping tanbo' s in timely manner too.

October 11, 2017
The 12th rice harvesting works has been completed by having additinal works made
on October 8th to 10th with volunteers gathered.
As said the tanbo's surface were muddy an so hard to walk on the rice fields due to
mostly weather conditions and our efforts maintaining tanbo's.
The picture shows the work on the Tanbo 4 by volunteers and persons living locally.

November 7, 017
The Tanbos where harvested now could see as photo and looks they wait for coming next
spring to be members of volunteers coming to work for rice seedling planted here.

January 8, 2018
The year of 13th terrased rice paddy field recovery activities has come
and looking back over last 10 years there have many effort put in place by
volunteer gathered.
The number of paddy fields maintained vary from four to 15 as max. and changed to 12 as of today.
There were two separate groups of Tanbo (Paddy fields) one in Futamata (three tanbo) area and the othre is in Totazawa [12 tanbo] area and they are about 800m apart each other.
As one of goals on the association is to cultivate paddy rice fields by members till anyone appears who would like to continue locally.
On year 2015, one local farmer appeared to continue Futamata's then those three (3) tanbo
were released to him and association could concentrate works on one area's that is Totazawa's.
The tanbo's physical conditions are changing even no actions given to it, it is however, the tanbo's conditions are usually changed since due to thich snow piled while in winter seasons from December till coming March, that snow fell give physical damage (nobody can see where the damages are happened before snow melted out) on Tanbo.
Due to damages by Snow the tanbo's conditions are changing every year and many preparation works to get back tanbo to normal before rice seedling planted on June are required.

January 23, 2018
Most of areas in the places where we live in Niigata pref. are more or less some level of
Snow piled in winter seasons.
And almost no fields works is appreciated in winter seasons except for indoor's.
In the clear day there can be seen local mountains such as Echigosanzan on the east wards and Mt.Yoneyama/Mt.Kurohime on the west wards.
The photo below took from blogger live was Mt. Yoneyama where we will see two small hut on the summit the height of Yoneyama is 993m.

February 6, 2018
There exist many mountains around that are covered with snow and in one of the place on the Yamamoto yama (336m) where used to have a Ski Slope.
(An overlooking from Dokentouge pass)

March 21, 2018
The snowy seasons on 2018 here in Niigata pref. seems over which lasted for
four months from December to March this year.
The heavy machines work to clear piled snow on the regional road have been continuing and be completed soon.
This works values to the farmers who has some fields in the far area than in the village.
The amount of snow fell so far recorded for 1700cm for which had been measured in front of door of blogger's home.
The picture shows one of heavy machine work near by.

March 31, 2018
The Tanbos we maintain can be seen over the regional road of 341 and they are
still under the snow piled as seen by the photo.
The snow may be cleared in April if high temerature keeps running around.
The Tanbo number 6 thru 8, and 15 can be seen on the photo although they are not clearely identified..

April 23, 2018
The Tanbos we maintaine on the Toutazawa district now no residual snow
remained as of April 16, 2018.
The snow fell this year has been high amount in the past 7 years
it is, however, they cleared in quick due to recent high temperature around.
the photo look almost no snow on the Tanbo it was taken from side of regional road 341.

May 1, 2018
The Ojiya and Nagaoka now has no snow impact and we are in the Spring season
and Blogger have walked down to the local pond which name is [Kori Dono no ike].
This pond is located just behind of terraced rice paddy fields where is being maintained by us.
There are some residual snow around the pond so that surrounding has many tall trees that protect sunshine.light

May 16, 2018
The Tanbo maintenance works this year has been started on May 12 and some damage
on the rice fields has been found.
Without saying though, but tanbo rice fields lies outside and under natural environment.
The area of tanbos we maintain has thick and heavy snow piled this should cause unpredictable damage on the tanbos.
The tanbo damage received was photo taken and it showed erosion by water due to snow melted water.
The tanbo nbr14 had much sands over the surface of it due to this damage on the upper tanbo nbr15.

Tanbo nbr 14 (view from tanbo nbr15) covered with much sands.

One part of tanbo nbr 15 had tumble down toward tanbo nbr 14.

May 30, 2018
The 13th Rice seedling planting being scheduled on June 2nd and 3rd, and
preparation works on the site were done by local volunteers members as usual.
Thanks to those works, all 12 tanbos were now became ready for planting works.
Some report on the works be updated after works are over which is first week of June.
The photo shows checking the tanbo fields if it is OK or not.

June 3, 2018
The 13th rice seedlig planting works has been done on June 1 thru 3 with bright sunshine
with volunteers gathered.
As everybody know that the tanbo's conditions be changing even on the same tanbo due to thich snow piled in the winter seasons.
It is therefore some preparation works be required before seedling planting works starts,
Anyhow the rice be yielded after 120 days.
The photo shows some works to put seedling by hands where planting machine left over while
running on the fields.

July 10, 2018
The tanbo's maintenance works mainly on the weed mowing are requested to
keep an environment of rice paddy fields in good conditions.
The weed mowing works has been done on June 30 by persons associated at the tanbo's one month after rice seedling planted.

August 7,2018
The weed mowing works on the Tanbo have been done on August 2nd and 3rd by the persons participated of volunteers under severe high temperature.
It is told severe high temperature may result death if no proper actions such as taking rest in timely manner and having water as well.
The tanbo we maintain do not use weed killer so that weed grow on the road between Tanbo
affects rice seedling badly while they are growing.