In Nasushiobara City, there are many villages where houses, mainly farmers, are lined up along the road, and it seems to be one of the characteristic landscapes. Rows of settlements (houses facing south) are often found along highways such as the old Oshu Kaido Road and Aizu Naka Kaido Road（It's an illusion, but Connected Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture and Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture）, as well as along irrigation canals in the Edo period. Kami-Onuki and Shimo-Onuki are almost continuous with Kami-Ishigami and Shimo-Ishigami in Otawara City, and it seems to be one of the largest in Japan. Many of these settlements are well-planned settlements, and the houses are built after allocating residential land, and the width of each house seems to be almost the same. Onuki area: homestead woodland, hip gable roof (a small roof attached to the lower part of the gable roof that can be attached over the window or entrance), cotton field village, distant view (Mt. Nasudake in the background). Most of the city, except for the mountains in the northwest, is located at the top and center of the Nasu alluvial fan. , 11,000 ha of desert wilderness was left behind until the beginning of the Meiji period. As part of the Meiji government's financial reforms, Nasunogahara became a government-owned wilderness, and large-scale farms were established one after another on land leased from the national government. Most of these large farms were initially established as co-operative farms, but by the 1887s most had been dissolved and transferred to influential individuals. Among them, management by the nobility is particularly eye-catching. The existence of these nobility farms is due to national roads, railroads, and the opening of the Nasu Canal. It also seems to have had a great impact on infrastructure development. The Nasu Canal was originally conceived as a canal plan, and after repeated petitions by Josaku Innami and Takeshi Yaita, the excavation of a large irrigation canal was eventually approved, and in September 1885, the main canal was opened. 16.3 km was completed, followed by the excavation of four diversion channels, which enriched the settlement. These costs are covered by national expenditure.
【Product name】
Nasu White Bijin Long Onion
【Type】
Allium fistulosum L.
【Producing area】
Kamionuki, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture (JA Nasuno, JA Zennoh Tochigi)
【Origin of name】
Nasu Mountain Range, Osabi Mountain Range From the foot of the mountains to the confluence of the Hoki River and Naka River, Nasunogahara is a gently sloping plateau with an altitude of about 150 to 500 m. And from the good texture with a faint sweetness.
【Major features】
Nasushiobara City has a thriving cultivation of paddy rice, vegetables, and fruit trees, taking advantage of its cool climate. A complex alluvial fan spreads out against the background of the Nasu mountain range, and the Nasu canal, which was built in the Meiji period, irrigates the fields, and the difference in temperature between day and night makes for delicious crops. Located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, 150 km from the Tokyo metropolitan area. With an altitude of more than 200 m and a cool plateau climate, the urban area is formed at the foot of a mountainous area rich in nature dotted with valleys and wetlands, such as Shiobara Onsen, which belongs to the Nasu volcanic zone and is rich in hot spring water. Dairy farming is thriving, and I've heard that the gross production value of raw milk ranks fourth in Japan. The mountain village area at the foot of Mt. Yamizo has long been known as a major production area for Shimotsuke tobacco. seemed to have a good reputation. In the early Edo period, leaf tobacco cultivation was also introduced in the Nasu district. The leaf tobacco produced in the Nabekake / Higashi-Nasuno area was generally called 'Harahomono' and it seems that it had a low evaluation. In the Meiji era, a monopoly shop was established in Otawara, and it is said that cultivation also flourished in the former Kano village in the Nishinasuno district. In the Tsukizawa area, there is a monument called "Tobacco God" (built in 1940). Leaf tobacco cultivation continued to expand after the war, but after reaching its peak in 1963, the planted area and the number of growers halved. The Kaida boom in the 1965s led to a shift to rice farming, and the number continued to decline. A large amount of firewood and charcoal was produced as part of the forestry business of the large charcoal farm, which was a major production area, or as a side business for farmers. With the opening of the railroad in 1885, many firewood merchants opened in front of Kuroiso Station, and it seems that the area became so lively that it was called the "Town of Firewood and Charcoal." It is said that he handled more than 16,000 tons of charcoal cargo at Kuroiso Station during the Taisho era. Five years later, in 1919, he more than tripled his timber output from 4,000 tons in 1914 to more than 13,000 tons, meeting the expanding demand in central Tokyo. The charcoal shipped from within the prefecture is called 'Yashu charcoal,' and the North Nasu region has gained popularity as a major charcoal production area. In particular, in the Takabayashi district, which occupies a vast forest, he produced 1,800 tons in 1913, and together with the Kuroiso district, it seems that he was producing 40% of the production in the North Nasu region. In the postwar period, after peaking in 1957, production plummeted to less than half in 1963, and continued to decline amid changes in household energy demand. In addition, Nasunogahara has long been known to the world as a horse-breeding area. Nasu-Higashibara was once a wilderness called Daiwa Plain, and the 44 villages surrounding it have long been blessed with lush grass and raised horses. In the Meiji era, cattle and horse breeding companies were established, and the breeding of horses became more and more popular. The Toyoura farm (a farm established by renting out the prefectural Nasu farm) of Mototoshi Mouri (1849-1908: 14th lord of Nagato Province, Nagato Province. The area is about 906 ha around Kuroiso Station (former Toyoura district). A branch office of about 1,000 ha around Nasu table-land Yawata, which was called Toyoura Farm until 1913. Initially, the business was a direct management of land reclamation and livestock farming, but two or three years later, the land reclamation business was switched to tenant farming and relocation. Introduced people. In 1889, about 20 households from Tokushima Prefecture settled in a group, and the area is commonly called Awa cultivating new land. In 1898, they began planting trees and took over direct management. Partially in 1941. After the war, all of the arable land and part of the mountain forests were released by the post-war agricultural land reform. The Nasu table-land branch was also gradually sold, and today some of the forests and urban areas are owned by the Mouri family. There are hardly any vestiges of the time when it was a farm now.) and so on. In 1890, Saburo Kuramitsu of Kuroiso built a racetrack (currently Kuroiso Elementary School) at Toyoura Farm and made great efforts to encourage birthing horses. In the Taisho era, the breeding of improved horses, including Western breeds instead of native horses, became popular. It seems that there were quite a few farmers who always kept 5 or 6 horses. However, due to the collapse of the military after the defeat in World War II, the main demand was lost, and with the mechanization of agriculture and the increase in dairy farming, it gradually disappeared. Nasu's white bijin green onion is popular as a soft and sweet green onion with almost no spiciness, and is highly rated by market players and consumers for its good quality. Produced in the northern part of the prefecture, mainly in Otawara City, especially the so-called "soft white green onion'' (Greenhouse soft white green onion) is different from the conventional method of stretching the white part by gathering soil, and it is a light-shielding material inside a vinyl house. It seems that they are carefully cultivated so that the white part is especially long using The JA Nasuno Green Onion Group has about 170 producers, with a cultivation area of about 70 ha (including about 16 ha of soft white green onion). Received the Grand Prize of the Japan Agricultural Prize. The Tochigi Agricultural Products Marketing Association has also been certified as a “Regional Brand Certified Agricultural Product”. According to Tochigi Prefecture, on June 24, 2022 (Friday), a quality fair for Nasu's white beauty green onion "Greenhouse soft white green onion section" hosted by the JA eggplant green onion section will be held. This excellent agricultural product, "Greenhouse soft white green onion'', is cultivated in a plastic greenhouse with a light-shielding plate for soft whitening. The soft white part is 40 cm longer than that grown outdoors, and the green onion is soft and can be eaten raw. June is usually the month when shipments of green onions are the lowest, but due to the advanced daily cultivation management of the producers, they are shipped all year round: Centered on designated markets in Keihin and Utsunomiya. It seems that the quality expo that was held at that time was a very difficult examination to decide the particularly excellent one from the high quality Nasu white beauty. Green onions grow blue and hard when exposed to sunlight. White beauty green onion is grown so that the white part is especially long by blocking the light on purpose, and the white part has almost no bitterness. Haku beauty green onion is one of the greenhouse soft white green onions, cultivated under special organic fertilizer and thorough quality control. About 80 cm in length, the soft white part that occupies more than half of the length has a moderate pungent and odor peculiar to green onions, and is said to be suitable for eating raw in salads and other dishes. The variety is the same as that of outdoor-cultivated green onions, but it seems to grow white and long because it is protected by a styrofoam shading plate that was originally developed by green onion. In addition, unlike outdoor-grown green onions, there is no soil adhering to the soft white part, so it is popular because it can be delivered to the table while maintaining "beautiful skin". It is no exaggeration to say that 70 to 80% of the deliciousness of green onions depends on whether or not they can produce good seedlings. There seems to be a manual prepared by JA Nasuno's "green onion section", but the producers say that there are still many things to try. But it seems that making delicious green onions is very rewarding. Take the lead in improving Japan's status in the international community, which began with the unequal treaty; Served as Foreign Minister of the Aritomo YAMAGATA Cabinet: Play a major role in drafting the Constitution of the Empire of Japan-Opening of Aoki farm; Nasu detached residence. On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, when the shipment of spring buds of asparagus reached its peak, the spring bud competition "Naspara-chan Grand Prix" was held by the Asparagus Subcommittee of JA Nasuno. This is the 6th "Naspara-chan Grand Prix", and each time there are more than 60 items exhibited by club members, all of them seem to be lined with asparagus of high quality and perfect thickness. The JA Asparagus Subcommittee is practicing cultivation that is particular about soil preparation. In particular, the shipped spring buds (harvested from February to April and characterized by being thick, soft and fresh) are proud of their rich taste and sweetness. Mr. Shimizu of executive farmer won the Tochigi Governor's Award, which is the highest award of the Grand Prix. He has won the award for the third consecutive year. “Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture” used to be “大俵”. It's a name that seems to be rice, and it's a land where you can still get a lot of delicious rice. It can be done from good quality water, fertile soil, and the wholehearted production of each farmer. In addition, many horticultural crops such as asparagus, udo, green onions, garlic chives, strawberries, and tomatoes are also produced. In particular, asparagus takes advantage of the characteristics of the Nasu Region, which is one of the leading livestock farming areas in Japan. It is grown in environmentally friendly soil using good quality compost and is thick, soft and delicious. Located in the northeastern part of the prefecture, the central western part of the city is surrounded by the clear stream “Nakagawa River” and the Hokigawa River, which boasts one of the largest catches of sweetfish in Japan. Beautiful mountains are lined up. There are many historic sites such as the national treasure “Nasunohinomiyatsukonohi”, which is the oldest monument in Japan, and it has a long history of living inhabitants from ancient times. It plays the role of the central city in the northern part of the prefecture in various fields such as culture. Blessed with water and greenery, abundant land, and seasonal nature. People began to live in the land of Otawara about 13,000 years ago, dating back to the Paleolithic era. This has been clarified by archaeological excavations in front of Biwaike Park（Paleolithic excavated from the embankment in front of the central part of the paddy field）and Chojagadaira. In the Jomon period, about 4,500 years ago, large-scale settlements were built in Yusaka（Designated on March 22, 1961 at a city-designated archaeological site）, Haneda-Chojagadaira, Mr. Nagamine, and Jomon, and people lived there. 1976 『下侍塚周濠発掘調査概報』湯津上村埋蔵文化財調査報告2 : 土地改良事業, 古墳時代, 古墳周溝, 土師器. During the Heian period, as a manor for the Nasu clan, the residence of the Nasu Family was established in present-day Sakuyama and Fukuwara（Fukuwara Castle (Kitaoka Castle)）, and it became an important area in the Nasu Region. In the latter half of the Muromachi period, Sukekiyo OTAWARA, a vassal of the Nasu family, built Otawara Castle, laying the foundation for the current urban area. During the Edo period, it prospered as a castle town of Mr. Otawara, and it was also lively and lively as a post town on the former Oshu Highway. In 1872, “Otawara Prefecture” was born by the abolished feudal clan. Later, when it was integrated into “Tochigi Prefecture”, the branch offices of the prefecture and the branch offices of the central government offices were set up, and in 1889 it became “Otawara Town”. In December 1954, Otawara Town, Kaneda Village, and Chikasono Village merged to form “Otawara City”. After that, after a split merger with Nozaki Village and a partial transfer of Nishinasuno Town, in November 1955, it became Otawara City until the Great Heisei Consolidation due to the merger with Sakuyama Town. Otawara beef carefully fattened on a dedicated farm in Nasu surrounded by nature. After fattening for 1 to 2 years longer than normal japanese wagyu beef, it is shipped to the market. “Nasu District, Nasu Town“, Located in the northernmost part of the prefecture, it boasts a total area of 372.34 km2 (28.725 km east-west, 25.91 km north-south), the fifth largest area in the prefecture. From the Nasu mountain range, including Mt. Chausudake, which rises to the northwest, to the Iono and Inazawa areas in the east, which are around 220 m above sea level, the altitude difference is extremely large at 1,700 m, and due to the influence of the Yamizo mountain range, there are undulations. Many complex terrains. The northwestern part of the town is andesite, which is a neutral eruption rock due to the influence of the Nasudake eruption, and a thick layer of volcanic ash can be seen above it, and outcrops such as the Tertiary period and Quaternary diluvium can be confirmed in the eastern part. In the southeastern part, the rocks that form the Yamizo massif are high-quality stones, and among them, the Ashino stones produced in the Ashino area are known nationwide. The area around the summit of Mt. Nasu is a region where alpine plants grow in clusters. It is widely distributed in Mt. Chausudake, around Otoge, Mt. Asahidake, Sanbonyari, Kiyohira, Sandogoya, Numahara, etc., and attracts the eyes of many tourists every year. Around 1,200 m above sea level, Sasa species such as Sasa spiculosa, Sasa kurilensis, Sasa veitchii, and Sasa yahikoensis var. Further down, from Yawata Onsen to the site of the old radio relay station, there is a deciduous forest zone. Approximately 200,000 Rhododendron kaempferi and Rhododendron japonicum grow in clusters over an area of 23 ha near Yawata hot spring. Rhododendron quinquefolium, a show; blood-stained mucus discharge that happens during pregnancy up to two weeks before delivery, at Iimori, Shimizudaira, Kita hot spring, etc. You can see Bisset et S. Moore (1877). Nasu is located in the northeastern part of Kanto and borders the southern part of the Tohoku region, and belongs to the distribution range of temperate plants, but both northern and southern plants are mixed and show the southern and northern limits of each. It is a botanical interesting zone. Also, when classifying into front and back Japanese types according to the climate type, both plants are mixed and colored as a characteristic of Nasu plants. Many animals such as wild boars, rabbits, and foxes live in the village-vicinity mountain, and it seems that flying squirrels have been witnessed. It seems that bears used to come down to the village from time to time to surprise people. Deer and other animals also lived widely, but it seems that they are rarely seen. The current situation is that forest resource development and tourism development are progressing and the habitat distribution is changing. Among other animals, antelopes are mentioned, also known as krasin, and at one point the number decreased sharply due to overfishing, and since it was designated as a special natural monument, the number has been increasing little by little. In addition, the number of monkeys has increased in recent years, and they can be seen even in the immediate vicinity of private houses. Among the animals that live in the Nasu plateau, Ihimori horse fly, which grows at the source of Kaohsiung hot springs and Iimori hot springs, Yugai, and Rhacophorus arboreus (Okada et Kawano, 1924), who live in Kagaminuma, and Salander Newt. As a bird, Nucifraga caryocatactes inhabits around Asahidake and Minamigassan (Linnaeus, 1758) etc. are said to be mentioned. The Ashino area, which developed as a post town and castle town on the former Oshu Highway (currently National Highway No. 294) and still conveys the remnants of those days, is located in the eastern part of the town area. A little away from the JR Tohoku Main Line, in addition to the national highway, there are two major local roads, the Otawara Ashino Line that continues to Otawara and the Daigo Nasu Line that connects Kurodahara City. Along the Oshu Kaido, there is the Ashino city area, which has prospered as a post town and castle town for a long time. It is also famous as an agricultural area centered on rice cultivation, a forestry area known as Yamizo wood, and an Ashino stone producing area. Abundant historic sites are scattered in the prefectural Yamizo Nature Park, especially in areas blessed with historical resources such as Saigyo and Basho MATSUO, which are known for their poems. It is an area blessed with historical resources such as Yukoyanagi and Gotenyama (Ashino Castle Ruins; Sakuragajo). There are abundant local industries such as agriculture and forestry and Ashino stone in the area, and we are promoting the revitalization of the area while promoting tourism that makes use of historically important historic sites. In order to create an environment, the creation of villages that arouse the nostalgia of history, such as the maintenance of Ichirizuka and Dosojin along the highway and the maintenance of Gotenyama and its surroundings, is underway. On the other hand, we will promote the development of agricultural production infrastructure centered on rice, promote the promotion of agriculture and forestry by branding Hachimizo wood, and develop facilities for processing and selling local products such as Ashino stone and forest products. We are striving to foster and develop local industries. The Iono area has many old Higashiyama roads and historic sites, and the Iono area, which retains the footprints of ancient culture, is located in the easternmost part of Nasu Town. It is in contact with Tanagura Town, Omotegou Village and Shirakawa City in Fukushima Prefecture. The Iono area, which borders Fukushima Prefecture, has a history of being developed as a post town and castle town by the former Higashiyama road. Even now, an urban area is formed along National Highway No. 294. From the city area, there are four major local roads: the Kuroiso Tanagura Line that runs through Tanagura Town, the Daigo Nasu Line that runs through Daigo Town, the Sakamoto Shirakawa Line that runs through Shirakawa City, and the Nasu Kurobane Motegi Line that runs from Kurobane Town to Motegi Town. The main industries are agriculture centered on rice cultivation and forestry. On the other hand, the area is dotted with numerous cultural properties such as the “Mimori Family House,” which is designated as a national important cultural property, and historic sites related to Minamoto no Yoshitsune. In addition, the area, which forms part of the Yamizo Prefectural Natural Park, has a lot of nature such as the “Iono Castle Ruins Forest (prefectural designated natural monument)”. The Nasu area, which has played a central role in the town's administration, industry, and distribution, is the area that forms the central area of Hon-cho, centered on the rice paddy area, the Kurodahara area, and the Takaku area. The Kurodahara district is formed around three major prefectural roads, including the town hall, cultural center, Central Sports Park and Sports Center, Nasu Swimming Dome, Yosasagawa Fureai Park, and other major urban service functions and residences in Hon-cho. Functions are accumulated. It is an area that plays an important role in connecting each area such as the Nasu plateau area and the Ashino / Iono area. Looking ahead to the 21st century, as a base to drive revitalization, while promoting the formation of orderly urban areas and the development of urban facilities such as the development of public sewerage by introducing city planning, we will strive to strengthen commercial functions and attract companies. We are promoting the creation of a vibrant and attractive town by creating employment opportunities. In the Takaku area, the Shikuuchi industrial park is located and is a base for industry and distribution. In recent years, the population has been increasing and it is expected to develop further in the future, so promotion of residential land development and development of parks Tolerant to create a better living environment, such as promoting. In addition, since it is also an agricultural promotion area, it is necessary to promote it as an agricultural area, and while improving the agricultural production base, rice, livestock, and flowers are being promoted. The plateau area at the foot of the magnificent Nasu mountain range continues to develop as a major resort area mainly for tourism and dairy farming. The main peak of the Nasu mountain range, Mt. Chausudake, which still emits smoke and is a symbol of the town, rises, and in the plateau area that spreads out at the foot of the mountain, the Nasu hot spring village and the Imperial Villa, which boasts a hot spring of 1360, are refrained from in the lush nature. Furthermore, villas, recreational facilities, golf courses, leisure facilities, museums, etc. are enriched, forming a major resort area in the metropolitan area. In 1994, “Mount Jeans Ski Resort Nasu” was opened, and in 1998, “Nasu Animal Kingdom” was opened. Demand for tourism, which had been concentrated in summer, will expand in spring, autumn and winter, and efforts will be made to develop it as a year-round resort area. In the future, we aim to become a core tourism and accommodation base for the international tourist destination “Nasu”. In addition to alleviating traffic congestion by improving the road transportation network, we are working to create a space suitable for a “world-class tourist base” based on the intentions of local residents, and are promoting the revitalization of the Yumoto Onsen district. “Nasushiobara City”, Located in the northern part of the prefecture 150 km from the metropolitan area, half of the city's area is colored seasonally along the Hoki River, including Shiobara hot springs, Itamuro hot springs, and Sandogoya hot springs, which belong to the Nasu volcanic belt and have abundant hot water. It is occupied by the mountainous areas with abundant nature, which are tourist attractions such as the Shiobara Valley and the Marshland Marsh. The other half is a gently sloping alluvial fan sandwiched between the Naka River on the north side and the Hoki River on the south side. Urban areas are formed around Nasushiobara, Kuroiso, and Nishinasuno stations on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and Utsunomiya lines, along National Route No. 4 and National Route No. 400. In addition, dairy farming is also active, and the crude production value of raw milk is the highest in Honshu (the fourth largest in Japan). At an altitude of over 200 m, it has a cool plateau climate. Precipitation is high in summer and low in winter, ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 mm per year. In the mountains, there is snow in winter, and snow remains even in late April. Jomon pottery excavated from the Tsukinokizawa site City-designated site April 1, 1984. In 1977, Tsukinokizawa (the ruins are large settlement ruins centered on the middle to late Jomon period (about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago). From here, many dwelling sites and bag-shaped clay jars (the bottom is widened by holes for food storage dug in the soil) are found. In addition, many relics were discovered, including the nationally designated important cultural property “Fukabachigata Earthenware”. The ruins are located on a low plateau, with the Tsumuro River on the south side and the Small River about 200 m northeast. The existence of the ruins has been known for a long time, and has been excavated five times (1932, 1935, 1952, 1977, 1991-1994). As a result of the 4th excavation survey accompanying the construction of a wide-area farm road in 1977, 31 pit dwellings, 110 or more earthen jars, paving stone remains, and stone arrangement from a range of 12 m in width and 180 m in length Remains have been found. The soil pots are concentrated from the center to the west of the plateau, and the ruins of residences are concentrated on the east side of the plateau, and it seems that there were restrictions on where to live. It is a Jomon pottery excavated from the ruins in the middle of the Jomon period (about 4,500 years ago), and it is a valuable pottery influenced by the southern part of Tohoku. 旧西那須野町教育委員会他 2002 『井口遺跡発掘調査報告書』 農業集落排水事業に伴う発掘調査報告書. Nasu-Shiobara is “Shiobara Onsen”, which has many sources for more than 1200 years since its opening: Year 806 (first year of Daido)- It is said that a hot spring was discovered at Shiobara Motoyu; 1059 AD (Kouhei 2), Saburo Nasu, Muneshige, discovers Itamuro (Shiozawa) hot spring. It has a hot spring resort called “Itamuro Onsen,” which has been counted as one of the seven hot springs in Nasu since ancient times. Famous as a place where we achieved. History and culture basic concept: A concept for comprehensively preserving and utilizing cultural properties, including the surrounding environment, by grasping a wide range of cultural properties that exist in the area, regardless of whether they are designated or not. From the basic concept for local governments to promote cultural property protection administration. The city has a history and climate not found in other areas, which has been protected as a property shared by citizens. The “Nasu-Shiobara City Historical Culture Basic Concept” clarified the new value of cultural properties by showing and summarizing the characteristics of the historical culture of the region, regardless of whether they are designated, undesignated, or classified. Is formulated. JA Nasuno, recommended rice: Nasu sodachi (Koshihikari Rice); Limited production area to jurisdiction (Otawara City, Nasushiobara City, Nasu Town). It is 100% first-class rice, and the rice made from the water flowing from the lush Nasu Mountains has a refined taste and is eaten well. “Nasuhikari Rice” : A variety that was bred at the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station and has a large grain and a solid taste. In addition, its taste is close to that of Koshihikari, and it has become popular in recent years and is the focus of attention. “Minori Rice（Koshihikari Rice）: The rice is 100% first-class rice, which is produced only in the Kurobane area, and the rice grown in the mountainous rice fields of the Yamizo Mountains has a sweet taste. “Nasu no Binasu; Venus（Goddess Venus）” is a variety that is cultivated mainly in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu Town, and Otawara City. A planting method called “V-shaped four-piece tailoring”. It is cultivated under strict control, and the season is from early June to mid-November. As the name suggests, it has a beautiful and supple silhouette and a brilliant dark blue color close to black. The meat is tender and can be cooked in any type. House cultivation has been useful since it was shipped to the market from the end of March. It is also used for the lunch plate "Nasuben" using local ingredients of Nasu, and is famous as one of the representative vegetables.
Tochigi Prefecture has been known as a famous producer of long green onions since the Edo period. In particular, the "Nasu Hakubijin long onion'' cultivated in the northern region is one of the representative vegetables of Tochigi prefecture as a branded leek. There is a special fertilizer, which is indispensable for making delicious long green onions. Also, it is no exaggeration to say that 70 to 80% of the deliciousness is determined by whether or not you can grow good seedlings. It seems that there are also manuals prepared by the "long onion section" of JA Nasuno. There are two types of onion cultivation: outdoor cultivation and greenhouse cultivation. In both cases, growing the soft white part to a pure white color for a long time produces a soft, high-sugar green onion. Apparently, only those that meet strict standards, such as a white part of 30 cm or more, are selected. It has little peculiar odor and spiciness, so it is better to eat it raw.
It is produced in the northern part of the prefecture, such as Otawara City and Nasu Town（Sponsored by: JA National Central Association, JA Prefectural Central Association, NHK). Long onion that won the highest award. This excellent agricultural product is nurtured in the fertile land and clean water of Nasunogahara, and is attractive for its white, slender appearance and pleasant texture that evokes a faint sweetness. Watanabe farming (Yanagisawa, Noda City, Chiba Prefecture) seems to be the main seed, but it has excellent hypertrophicity, heat resistance, and cold resistance, and is a first-generation hybrid that has a wide range of adaptation and high yields. It has won a prize in the breed examination committee. A thick, black green onion with excellent heat resistance and cold resistance that quickly thickens. It is slow to grow after the soil has been set in place, is less likely to crack at the neck even at high temperatures, and does not seem to have much soil getting into the rim. The plant is upright, the leaves are medium length, and the leaves are supple, so it seems that the leaves are less likely to break.
Kamionuki Castle Hoe Dance: Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property, January 18, 1985. Dedicated at Kami-Oonuki Hokene Shrine. Owner or Manager: Kamionuki Castle Kuwamai Preservation Society. A total of 21 performers, including 1 Uchiwatori, 2 drummers, 12 hoe beaters, 4 flutes, and 2 flag bearers, dance to the flute and uchiwatori reeds. Kuwataki is performed by a local boy. The programs include Hounen-Bayashi, Iribata, Okazaki, Kanpaku, Yahha, Geza, Toudo no Mai, Hundred Halls, Tri-Trolley, and Kaido Kudari. Thanks to the enthusiasm and efforts of the locals, it was revived and is now dedicated to the annual festival of the local Hokene Shrine held in September. It is an elegant performing art that transforms the rice-planting dance into a performing art. Folk performing arts called castle hoe-dance and Taira-hoe-odori still exist in the breadbasket along the Hoki River in northern Tochigi Prefecture and in the southern part of Fukushima Prefecture. It seems to have been handed down in six villages, including Sekiya along the Hoki River, which was the territory of the former Otawara domain. Currently, it is handed down in three districts: Sekiya and Kami-Onuki in Nasushiobara City, and Kamiishigami in Otawara City, but the costumes, songs and dances are not the same. Its origin is uncertain, but according to oral tradition, in 1533, Hatogamori Castle (privately owned, designated date: May 3, 1973. Built by Yamamoto Kazusanosuke Ietaka in 1089）fell. , Sekiya village was placed under the control of the Otawara clan. Eventually, in 1543, Otawara Castle was built, and villagers in the territory, including Sekiya Village, were mobilized. It is said that when the feudal lord held a consolation party in the castle to celebrate the completion of the work, the peasants who were forced to work impromptu held a hoe and banged on the barrels and danced. This shiro hoe dance was last discontinued around 1922, but was revived by local volunteers in 1982, and is now dedicated to the local Atago Shrine annual festival held in April.
