Over the past decade, there has been a marked rise in interest from international buyers looking to purchase akiya — Japan’s abandoned or empty houses. Though many believe that the only way... Read more
I take a small amount of vinegared rice in my palm and deftly shape it into an oblong mound. I gently press on the topping and am filled with a sense of accomplishment as I gaze at my tray o... Read more
We’ve been hopping from field to field all morning and now have a colorful array of natsu yasai (summer vegetables) loaded in the back of our kei truck. It’s scorching outside and will only... Read more
Paul Christie cuts a relaxed figure as he tunes into our interview from his home on the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture. A farmer, businessman and tourism ambassador who has spent the... Read more
