Biei

Naosaburo Kobayashi from Hyogo Prefecture settled in Asahi District in September 1894. It was the beginning of Biei Town’s history that he exploited pristine wilderness through many difficulties.

Biei Town is a birthplace of the union of“The most beautiful villages in Japan”. Biei Town with population of about 10,000 people is positioned roughly in the center of Hokkaido and is adjacent to Asahikawa and Furano. Its area is roughly the same as that of 23 wards in Tokyo. Mountain forests cover 70% and fields cover 30% of the entire land surface. Since the temperature changes drastically in inland region, the day when the temperature falls below minus 20 degree in winter is not uncommon.
As name of “Hills Town Biei” indicates, the majority of land in Biei is hilly area. The majestic Tokachi mountain range towers behind many rugged  hills.
Mt.Tokachi has been brought the ordeal and the abundant gift to the people who live in here.
“Driving skill of farmers in Biei is fine.” We heard same opinion here and there of Biei. They drive a tractor lurching when plowing fields. It is so risky work. They make the ridges straight in an oblique direction in order to prevent topsoil runoff by a slope of hill. “When we farmers in Biei eat seasonal corn, we go to the field to reap after made boil some water. That is the best.” Asparagus is also the best to reap during moist with the morning dew. It is a special episode in the place where is reservoir of ingredient.
“I didn’t know there is such a beautiful place in Japan.” Particular beautiful landscape of hills in Biei became famous with the picture by photographer Shinzo Maeda as a start. Visitors suddenly increased from end of Showa era. Residents reaffirm value of landscape which they think as common.
Biei Town made a great change into a town with agriculture and tourism.
This year, it’s 115 years after born of Biei Town. We would not here without our ancestors’ effort. Town’s history will be still made from now. There is a place in which we can take on unknown challenge here.

Interviewed in January, 2015