food
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 […]
Higashi Otani, Wakimachi, Mima city
Indigenous millets : necessary factor of the food culture in this area In the Higashi Otani area of Wakimachi, Mima City, local residents have traditionally cultivated indigenous millets on steep slopes, developing specialized techniques for their preservation. These agricultural practices are a significant aspect of the region’s food culture. Notably, buckwheat cultivated in this area is widely used in the preparation of soba gome, a traditional buckwheat soup that is a staple of local cuisine. Additionally, soba-making workshops have become popular attractions for tourists, promoting cultural exchange and regional heritage. The Mimura area, located within the Higashi Otani village at an elevation of approximately 500 meters, offers a panoramic view […]
Kiriu village in Tsurugi town
Blessings of the Steep Slope In Kiriu village in Tsurugi town, indigenous subsistence agriculture has been developed, featuring small-scale, multi-crop cultivation that maximizes the use of narrow fields on steep slopes. Biodiversity Despite its small size, the area supports rich biodiversity, with a high proportion of Indigenous plant species and several valuable animal species. Recycling-Oriented Agriculture Using Kaya Vegetables and fruits are grown in sloped fields, where kaya straw is ploughed into the soil to prevent soil erosion, enrich fertility, and control weed. Additionally, the creation of "koeguro", a symbol of Nishi Awa, has been ongoing for many years. Indigenous agricultural tools associated with local environments A varieties of farming […]
Higashiyama Uchino area in Higashi Miyoshi town
Blessings of the Steep Slope In the Higashiyama Uchino area in Higashi Miyoshi town, there are the techniques and cultures passed down in a subsistence lifestyle that has continued for more than 300 years. This area has an indigenous agricultural culture in the mid-mountain slopes where seasonal vegetables are grown. Local population extensively strives for protection of villages and communities from damage caused by wild animals such as dears and wild boars. They also maintain their own food culture in line with the SDGs through a regional recycling system. In the local community, visitors can experience harvesting vegetables, making konjac and soba (buckwheat noodles), and other similar activities. The community […]
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 […]
Fuchimyo area, Anabuki Town, Mima City
Blessings of the steep slopes In the Huchimyo area of Anabuki town, farmers cultivate buckwheat, yuzu citrus, tea, and vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and Japanese radish. You can enjoy the taste of these products, which are grown on steep slopes, at the farmers’ restaurant “Fuwari.”
Sarukai village in Tsurugi town
To Support food supply and living In this sloping field, buckwheat is extensively cultivated. After harvest, most of it is processed into buckwheat rice, a local delicacy, that helps preserve the region’s traditional food culture. To protect traditions and nature In this field, the slope could reach 40 °. The “Tsuchi age” process, which uses Salae unique to the area, is routinely used to restore the soil lost due to erosion. This site also serves as a learning ground for SDGs education, both locally and beyond. Culture associated with the local environment This village is the only place, where traditional local agricultural festival Oinokosan is still observed. Landscape in harmony […]