Life in Nanbu Town

　I would like to introduce the lifestyle of Nanbu Town that I love.

Nanbu Town is now known for its beautiful red-tiled houses, but life here used to be very challenging. Especially in the mountainous areas, life was so difficult that it was said, "You either live in Tsuruda or climb a yuzu tree upside down."

What I love about life in Nanbu Town is its "poverty." Even in hardship, people helped each other and lived culturally rich lives. This spirit of mutual support and cultural living deeply attracts me.

Harvest Scene

One of my favorite scenes is the harvest scene. During harvest season, rice fields are filled with "hade" (straw racks), and harvested rice ears are hung on them. This is the most vibrant moment in Nanbu Town.

Villages

Nanbu Town developed as a rural mountain village. As these villages formed, the community bonds within them strengthened.

Enjoying Folk Performing Arts

During the day, people in the villages were busy with farm work. What they looked forward to was the Bon Odori (Bon dance) and folk performing arts held during the Obon season. Even today, such folk performing arts are performed in family gatherings.

Meals

Due to the physical labor in agriculture, meals with high salt content were preferred. Dishes like "shōkemeshi" and "narazuke" (pickled vegetables) are characteristic of Japanese countryside cuisine. They are typically seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sake, resulting in a sweet and salty flavor.

Currently, meals are gradually becoming more health-conscious, and the preference for salty flavors is decreasing.

Faith in the Community

The people of Nanbu Town are devout, and each household continues to perform rituals passed down through generations. The photo shows a ritual called "Mōshiage" in Basara.