On the first stop of our journey through autumn, we learned about the agriculture in the Aizu region and their efforts to produce safe rice. They explained to us the process of testing the rice, and what exactly they are looking for when testing for safety. After the explanation, they tested some bags of rice to show us that the rice was safe. We even had the opportunity to test some bags of rice on our own! It was great to see that every bag of rice tested well below the radiation limits given by the Japanese government. After, they showed us the over 60,000 bags of rice they have tested. Japanese regulations say that all bags of rice must be tested. After a delicious Soba lunch, we headed out to Yanaizu-machi to visit theNishiyama Geothermal Power Plant. Here we learned how Geothermal power generation works. Harnessing the power of a nearby volcano, the plant runs on renewable energy by using hot water and steam. The plant supplies a generous amount of power to the Tohoku region, and it is very nice to see that there exists an alternative to power supply other than nuclear power. Next, we visited the historic Enzoji temple and learned about the origins of the Akabeko and the history of Aizu. The temple was gorgeous especially in the backdrop of the moutains and red bridge. We got to pray in the main temple, and I got to try awamanju for the first time! It was very delicious. Next, we headed to Kitakata to meet our Farmstay family. It was very exciting to be immersed deep into Japanese agriculture and experience picking tomatoes and cooking our own lunch! After our farmstay, we learned about the efforts of the IIE company. They are trying to introduce new projects using Aizu cotton to make traditional crafts in Aizu. But, more importantly, the projects are meant to provide jobs for the people who were evacuated during the Great Earthquake. Their goal is to help these people give meaning to their lives through meaningful work. It is an effort worth applauding. Our final stop left us at Tsurugajo Castle where we got to paint our on Akabeko! It was fun to release some artistic impulses! We also learned about the efforts to revitalize tourism in the area after the Great Earthquake which has seen a drop in tourists. The tour of the castle culminated at the top of Tsurugajo with a splendid view of the city and Bandai San. It was an appropriate finish to one of the most interesting weekends of my life. |
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