How are you these days? I wish you all have pleasent and relaxing time. Tak (nearyl 7 year old) and Mari (19 monts) are stanidng in front of "Tanada" -- Japanese preserved rice growing paddock in a rural area of Ehime about an hour drive from where we live. People re-build and preserve satir-shaped paddock on hill-side that has been designed for rice growing. Economically, rice growing in such area does not pay, but the side-benefit such as conserving natural environment and preventing flooding overwhelm the economics. Sadly, the movement is only carried by private initiatives. I am involved assisting their movement. Do not say because the rice they grow turn into beautiful "Sake" -- of my favorite.
-- shiro