Daikon Tsugura

Its hard to believe that less than a month ago, when I was snapping these photos, there was not a bud to be seen on the trees. I had great ambitions to get out there and document their progress and the subtle changes in green. I wanted to photograph the young leaves of some of the trees this area is known for - tochi, buna, kiri - the namesakes of our (no longer very) baby birds.

Imagine how surprised and saddened I was this morning when I took a moment to look up from my work only to find that the tender birth of spring had passed me by. (Photo below)

sigh...

Above are a few photos taken in the beginning of April of a daikon tsugura - a large basket made of rice straw used for storing vegetables (usually daikon radish) through the winter. As you can see, this one housed some carrots, cabbage, and gobo (burdock) as well.

Below is a semi-aerial view of the village and our rice fields in the first week of April Click them for a larger view.