One day, we visited a village, Ojiro, to get a story for Kusaichigo. First, we went to see elderly ladies at the ages of 89 and 85, but they were not sick in bed, we couldn't talk with them.
Instead, we interviewed some elderly ladies who were walking outside because they were pleased to accept our offer.
＜Life in their childhood＞
What did you play for pleasure when you were a child?
"We used to play marbles or Ojami."
What about boys?
"Let me see, they used to catch Japanese white-eye birds in the mountain."
Did you play a "Harvest Moon Robbery" game?
"I didn't, but small children played the game"
What's a "Harvest Moon Robbery"?
On the night of a full moon, rice cakes and fruits are put on a place where children can take them easily. When it gets dark, children are coming to rob the cakes and fruits.
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
"When we were young, we formed a large family, so seven or eight brothers or sisters in average".
One last question, when did you get married?
"Marriage? My parents already decided my bridegroom. So the wedding reception took place in his house. My hair was set beautifully by a hairdresser. As we didn't have a camera, I have no photos".
That is regrettable. We wish we could see the wedding pictures. The elderly lady got married at 21.
Next, we visited a Ichikawa-san's family who runs a wild boar farm.
What's your motivation of running a wild boar farm?
"Of course, to give life to our village".
How did you get the wild boars in the farm?
"We caught some in the mountain and bought some".
Do you name them?
"No, we don't. Some of them have already their names, such as Taro or Hanako, when we bought them. But, they were destined to be used for food...."
(After all, they are supposed to be eaten...)
Do you have no women in the farm?
"Now, we are running the firm by 5 men....women are good at taking care of boars. But there might be a danger..."
Are boars dangerous?
"Not so dangerous. But if you throw a stone or something like that, they become furious".
Next, we will introduce jobs in Osori.
Do you have a child to take over your job?
About a basket shop in Neginohata.
"I have a son, but he is doing a different job".
Where did you learn the basket making?
"From an old owner of a cigar store".
To where do you ship baskets?
"On demand"
What did you do between the 20's and 60's?
「"In this region, there are other basket makers. We could do our business in the region".
What about your future?
"I will continue my work until I cannot do it".