Disappearing Japanese Lifestyle

This video is my attempt to capture an image of a lifestyle in Japan which may soon be gone. Though farming was an important lifestyle in Japan for centuries, few young people are choosing this way of life which many see as difficult and with little chance of a good quality of life. The children of Japanese farmers are more often now choosing to leave the farm to pursue life and opportunity in Japan's bustling urban settings. With college degrees and high-paying jobs there is little reason for such young people to consider returning to the family farm despite the fact that many hold a sentimental longing for an once idealized, simple and humble way of life. After farmers such as those in this video are gone there may be nobody willing to take over their small, family farms. Neglected and abandoned farms may then be reclaimed by nature as this old way of life fades from the landscape as well as the minds of the Japanese people. I often encounter lost farms while exploring in the hills and mountains of central Japan, which cause me to think of the people who once cared for the land and received sustenance from it. There is a quality of character in such people which I respect and admire and which I believe lies at the heart of the character of the Japanese.

Discover the possible future fate of these farms by viewing the video at the following URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8lkrEmoNzM

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• Japanese
• farm
• farmer
• farming
• life
• lifestyle
• way of life
• Japan farm
• Japan farmer
• old
• old man
• old men
• fading lifestyle
• old way
• old ways
• rural
• rice
• vegetables
• softypapa
• AbandonedJapan
• Kurt Bell

[scott1423678]

I'd take over a farm in Japan, that would be the best

[tremault]

what is that feeling in my heart. sadness mixed with yearning... I would so love to own such a plot of land. but i would not know how to care for it.

[birthnight]

The sun has fallen. Your fire burns and you've done a good day's work. It's time to rest, and time to eat a well earned supper. You are happy though, for tomorrow you will work the land once more.

[benthecoolman2]

if you ever get the chance you should take the opportunity to restore an farm and grow some thing and show us how the proses goes and how it works. you think that its a good idea?

[dannybizal]

This is so moving. Thank you again for providing us with so many great video's!

[MANNY100123]

Can anyone take over those farms? or Are certain things needed to do so??? I'm just curious!!! Thanks much for the vid!!! ;)

[shinx12345]

Time and time again in history, we are reminded that things that are 'die out' will still have an influence. Something that has been done for so long, such as farming, will probably still have small (names of brands, slang) & large (Farming as a hobby, farmers markets ect.) influences that will endure even in thousands of years.