[Branches: In-house cultivation] This marks the second year of branch cultivation in Nakanojō Town. The past winter saw us busy with planting, local events, and expanding our operations.

My name is Hita, and I cultivate ornamental branches in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture.

In January, there were days when temperatures dropped to -8°C, and the soil froze to a depth of about 5cm.

The eucalyptus in the field were affected by the cold differently depending on the variety.

Populus sustained some damage, but I continued to care for them, hoping for their recovery in spring and beyond. Guni and Parvula were cold-hardy and completely unaffected. I proceeded with further planting.

In February, I harvested curly willow from the Nakamura Flower Association for cuttings. Some will also be given to Mr. Hasegawa in Toyooka Village, Nagano Prefecture.

I've also been organizing the workspace I rented at the end of last year, and my dreams are expanding as it's shaping up to be a very functional space.

I also participated in local events.

I enjoyed both the "Bird Chasing Festival," where prayers are offered to ward off crop-damaging birds and insects, and the "Onbe-ya" festival, a traditional Little New Year event in the Kuni district where people throw "fuku-dawara" (sacks of fortune) to wish for good luck!

Entering my second year as a Regional Revitalization Cooperator

Having lived in Nakanojo Town for a year, experiencing the changing seasons firsthand, I truly feel that moving here was the right decision.

In my second year, I will continue to push forward with planting and other initiatives at a rapid pace in Nakanojo Town, which is rich in natural resources.

Although three years will pass in the blink of an eye, I will do my best to establish myself as a producer of ornamental branches!

Branch Subscription Service | Just wait at home, just decorate.

View Products 〉

Written by
Yukio Hida

As a member of a regional revitalisation programme, he works on branch cultivation in Nakanojo, Gunma. After experience in the flower wholesale industry, he now handles shipping and delivery for the branch subscription and began his current activities in February 2025.