West Faithful Acres

Mount Fuji Watching Over the Winter Fields  Happy New Year. In this area, the snow has begun to fall, and each time I step outside I can feel the start of winter. It’s been a while since my last update, but the land has remained unchanged, and little by little, I’ve been gathering things I want to write about. This year, I hope to return to the blog at a steady, sustainable pace. Winter Silence A Frozen Lake Beneath the Mountains

The traditional nativity scene depicting Jesus’ birth in a stable Christmas on the farm is shaped by both faith and daily work. The season does not bring bright lights to the fields, but it does bring moments of quiet reflection. Christmas morning begins at church. Sitting in the service, surrounded by familiar faces, there is a shared sense of gratitude for the year that has passed and for the simple things that continue to sustain us. Faith here feels grounded, connected to the land and the people who care for it. After the service, attention turns to a small nativity scene. A simple stable is recreated in miniature, with the child Christ at its center, surrounded by figures of people and animals. Though small in scale, the scene carries a quiet weight, reminding us of a story rooted in humility and presence. Even in winter, the farm asks for steady attention. Water lines must be checked, feed prepared, and animals watched closely as temperatures drop. These small responsibilities sh...

During the dry season, wildfire prevention becomes one of the most important responsibilities for farmers and landowners. While crop health is always a priority, farm fire safety is just as critical especially in rural areas where a single spark can quickly turn into a large-scale disaster. On a recent farm patrol, I was reminded how dramatically wildfire risk increases during dry months. Dead grass, fallen leaves, low humidity, and seasonal winds create ideal conditions for fire. In these circumstances, even a small ignition source can lead to devastating consequences. Wildfire Suppression Efforts in Ōtsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture – Jan. 15 Wildfires don’t just damage crops and fields. They threaten farm equipment, livestock, nearby homes, and entire communities. Once a fire starts, it can spread faster than expected, making early prevention the most effective form of protection. Common Causes of Wildfires in Agricultural Areas There are many factors that contribute to wildfir...

Hey there! How’s it going? I’m doing great over here! Today, I wanted to write about the land I use as a farm, but from an administrative perspective. Basically, it’s an article about how farms are positioned within Japan’s legal system. It might get a little formal, but that’s because running a farm requires following society’s rules! Land Registration in Japan So first off, the land I use for farming in Japan is part of a system called land registration. This system is quite similar to the ones in South Korea and Taiwan, which have evolved under similar historical influences. Let me give you a quick rundown of how Japan’s land registration system works. Land and buildings are treated as separate pieces of property. That means there’s a separate registration for the land and another for any buildings on it. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for the land and the building on it to have different owners—something that’s different from most Western countries. Opposability Princip...

This article contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Introduction Choosing the right grass cutting machine can be confusing due to the wide variety of handle types, cutting heads, and mower categories available. Selecting the wrong equipment may lead to inefficiency, fatigue, or safety risks. This guide is written to help homeowners and land managers clearly understand each option and make an informed decision. This article is based on real-world residential and land maintenance use cases, focusing on safety, efficiency, and long-term usability rather than promotional recommendations. U-Handle Brush Cutter U-Handle Brush Cutter The U-handle brush cutter is designed for stability and long-duration work. Its bicycle-style handle allows the operator to use both arms evenly, reducing strain on the lower back and shoulders. This type is commonly used in open areas such as farms, fields, and ...

 Thanks for stopping by my blog today! So, it’s my second day in Tokyo, and by evening I’ll be heading back to Nagano on the usual Azusa train. Tokyo is such a unique city where the hustle and bustle of urban life coexist with seasonal natural beauty, and every time I visit, I discover something new. Today, I want to share some of Tokyo’s charms. First, here’s a fun fact: some local governments across Japan actually designate an official “flower” for their cities or towns. These flowers usually reflect the local environment, culture, or history, and are often used for tourism promotion or as a symbol of the area. For example, Tokyo’s city flower is the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom. Kyoto also chose cherry blossoms, while Sapporo’s is the lilac. Cherry blossoms and lilacs are deeply tied to the seasons in Japan and are integral to the local scenery. Golden Ginkgo from Below One of my favorite things about Tokyo is spotting seasonal flowers and trees tucked between the buildings. Du...

Overall Condition of the Frosted Fields I headed out early this morning to patrol the farm. The air was crisp and it felt great. Judging from the condition of the soil, I didn’t find any tracks from large animals. Compost Condition Check The compost shed hasn’t been disturbed either. Blueberry Bush Condition The blueberry bushes are fine too. They should bear fruit next year. That’s good news! Soil Lifted by Frost Heaving And the soil has risen a bit from frost heaving. This is really important because it should help create nice, fluffy soil. Frozen Puddle Condition As you can ...

Tsunami warning issued in Japan after 7.6 magnitude quake ABC News According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:15 p.m. JST on December 8. Hachinohe City recorded a maximum seismic intensity of Upper 6 on Japan’s scale, and tsunami warnings and advisories were issued across wide areas along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Following the quake, the agency also issued a notice titled “Warning for Potential Follow-Up Earthquakes in Hokkaido and the Sanriku Region.” This alert indicates that the likelihood of another significant earthquake has temporarily increased compared with normal periods. Seven prefectures are included in this advisory: Hokkaido , Aomori , Iwate , Miyagi , Fukushima , Ibaraki , and Chiba . People living in these areas are encouraged to review their daily emergency preparations and be ready for special disaster-respons...

 You take the highway from Tokyo and exit at the Suwa-Minami Interchange. From there, you start climbing a gentle slope. Along the way, the road winds gently through vast farmland. When you reach the intersection at the end of the farmland, if you look back, you can see the low mountains like Mt. Nyukasa up close, and it really hits you that you’ve reached quite a high elevation. Continuing straight through the Fukami Intersection, you keep ascending gently, but the scenery changes dramatically. Surrounded by tall trees, you’re treated to a serene forest bath. I love going here on clear summer mornings in early August. The cool air that descends from the mountains mixes with the sunlight to create mist, making the atmosphere feel completely tranquil. A forest bath surrounded by tall trees After the forest bath, you’ll come to a...

Agricultural ponds and Mountains waiting for snow Dear readers, thank you as always for checking out my blog! It’s getting colder where I am, and we’ve entered the snowy season. Just like bears going into hibernation, my farm work will be on pause for a while until spring arrives. Of course, I’ll still be doing my rounds, and I’ll share updates with you whenever there’s something to report. But if I only post those updates, the content might get a bit sparse and honestly not that interesting. So I’ve been thinking that I’d like to start introducing some of the shops and places near my farm. Around my farm, there are lots of spots I’d love people from all over the world to visit: a small church, a stylish café, a ski resort, and even a bakery run by a famous chef. I’ll introduce them to you little by little. I just wanted to give you that update for today. Bye!