miyoshi city
Tsuganomine in Motoi, Higashi Iya, Miyoshi city
Blessings of the steep slopes Indigenous millets have been cultivated in the Higashi-Iya Motoi area of Miyoshi City for generations. In particular, Yatsumata (finger millet), a indigenous species of Higashi Iya, originates from Africa and has been cultivated in the mountainous areas of Japan for a long time. However, its cultivation areas have decreased over time, and it is now called “phantom millet”. Recently, Yatsumata has attracted worldwide attention as a superfood and slow food because of its high nutritional value and resilience to harsh climatic conditions. Harvested Yatsumata is threshed and sold as either grains or powder. It is also being commercialized as sweets and other products that take […]
Ochiai Village Observation Point in Miyoshi city
To support food supply and livelihood A panoramic view of Ochiai Village can be seen from the Ochiai Village Observation Point in Higashi Iya Nakaue, Miyoshi City. In the sloping fields of Ochiai Village, indigenous millets, seasonal vegetables, and other agricultural products are cultivated in small quantities and multiple varieties due to the limited arable land. This has fostered a subsistence-based agricultural system, ensuring efficient food self-sufficiency. To protect traditions and nature Ochiai Village has preserved the “Nishi-Awa Slope Farming System,” where the sloping land is cultivated without leveling the terrain. In these fields, kaya grass is used to prevent soil erosion and as organic fertilizer. Additionally, stone walls and […]