Farming in Japan is different from farming in North America or the US. The mountainous Japanese landscape doesn’t allow for big, stretched out fields. Instead many people run their own little farms, tugged into the hills.

The village of Otaki is no different. Many of its inhabitants are growing vegetables and crops, some have animals. They sell their harvest on local markets or in regional supermarkets. But while the younger generation leaves the countryside, the work is getting harder for the ones who stay.

Most people in and around Otaki follow a rather traditional Japanese lifestyle. Their houses merge western elements with traditional Japanese architecture. But with the young generation leaving the countryside, many of the elders are increasingly afraid of their customs dying with them. More than you helping them in their daily work, they appreciate the chance to teach you about their work and their culture.

For Japanese farmers the day typically starts with sunrise. You may be asked to get up early to do some first chores before breakfast. Throughout the rest of the day more work awaits. Depending on the season and weather, expect about 2-5 hours of work per day. During spring, summer and autumn, the work will be mostly outdoors. Tasks e.g. could be:

• Fertilizing fields
• Plowing fields
• Planting / harvesting
• Maintaining fences to keep out the monkeys and wild boars
• Maintaining the water supply system During late autumn and winter most work would be done inside. This is when Japanese farmers process their harvest to conserve it throughout the winter or dedicate themselves to local handicraft. Tasks could e.g. be:
• Processing the harvest to conserve it
• Preparing conserved meals
• Local handicraft
• Preparations for the upcoming spring
• Scraping snow
  
  Besides your work on the farm, you will join other participants in Otaki to learn about local culture and explore the surroundings.
  Please note that during the months of January and February participants will assist the elders in the community with snow removal and can engage in winter sports such as sledding or snow trekking as well as the other weather permitting activities described.