Participants plant seeds on reclaimed land, dreaming of spring fields of rape blossoms

The reclaimed area known as Bannosu, along the Inland Sea in Kagawa Prefecture, is a broad expanse of land under prefectural management. At present, it has not been decided just how Bannosu, which lies adjacent to where a national highway and a major railroad converge to cross the Great Seto Bridge, will be used. Today, about 10 people have gathered to perform an unusual task. Their actions bring to mind Millet’s painting The Sower. They are planting seeds so that this open field will be covered in rape blossoms next spring.

The Great Seto Bridge, connecting Sakaide with the city of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture. The Shiwaku Islands dot the sea at left.

The Seto Inland Sea Flower Movement is an activity organized by tourist associations on the islands of the Setouchi area of Kagawa Prefecture. It is an attempt to cover these islands in flowers, chiefly plants that are native to these areas, such as narcissus on Ogi Island, cherry blossoms on Megi Island, and marigold on Shishi Island. In response to this movement, in Sakaide as well a plan to carpet Bannosu in rape blossoms is underway, with the local nonprofit E&C Forum playing a central role.

Mr. Obayashi (right)

On this day in mid-November, 30 kilograms of rapeseed were scattered over part of the planned blossom field totaling six hectares in area. In addition to members of the E&C Forum, participants included volunteers such as the staff of companies located in Sakaide and Takamatsu, local public servants, and a paragliding club. Thanks to the cooperation of these people, Bannosu, which had been covered in weeds, was mowed in preparation for sowing seeds. It is likely that in April of next year passengers gazing at the sea from the windows of trains on the Seto-Ohashi Line will see a beautiful field of rape blossoms.

Participants in an October cruise of the Shiwaku Islands (photo courtesy: E&C Forum)

The E&C Forum is a citizens’ group that holds monthly seminars to study topics such as community revitalization measures and global environmental problems. When Professor Emeritus Nariyuki Obayashi of the Tokyo University of Science returned to his hometown after retirement, he joined a study group group at the request of a former high-school classmate, in order to put his knowledge and experience to use for the benefit of the community. The group has now been active for seven years. With Obayashi as an active researcher, the study group grew into the NPO, E&C Forum.

Blossoms in Bannosu in April of this year (photo courtesy: E&C Forum)

The plan to plant rape blossoms is something that grew out of this forum, along with a wide range of activities including holding lectures and concerts for the public. This year, with the support of the Nippon Foundation, the forum held a Setouchi historical cruise around nearby islands, which, as a historical crossroads, offer numerous cultural artifacts and folk material. Participants who explored the Shiwaku Islands near the Great Seto Bridge appear to have greatly raised their level of attachment to their community, while learning about a history that has almost been forgotten. A flower island cruise is planned for the blooming season.

Behind his push for these activities is Obayashi’s impatience with what he sees as an excessive tendency in Japan toward concentration in the Tokyo area. At the same time, he says, "rural areas seem to be all talk and no action. If rural areas do not act, they will lose something very valuable.” In response to this, his former classmates encouraged him, saying that while his lectures might be a little bit hard to understand they felt encouraged by them to act. Obayashi says he is striving to sow the seeds of local culture because, “First of all we need to renew our appreciation for Setouchi culture. While revitalization will be left to the next generation, I believe that the importance of rural regions will definitely return.”