February 28, 2016
Japanese excited on arrival of long awaited spring after unusually cold winter
People in many parts of Japan had to ensure unusually cold, sometimes stormy weather this winter, but the long awaited spring has come, letting them go out to enjoy warm sun lights in the field.
The Minaminosato farmers market in Chikuzen Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, was flocked with hundreds of customers on weekend late in February, as the mercury rose as high as 20 degrees centigrade.
Cold waves hit not just the northern snowy countryside but also usually warm regions in western and southwestern Japan this winter.
Heavy snowfalls affected farming production in widely scattered areas from January to February, pushing up prices of vegetables and other farm products. But various kinds of fresh vegetables were seen at the Minaminosato market with prices returned to normal levels.
Minaminosato, opened in April 2009, is one of the most successful "Michi-no-eki" markets in Kyushu, southwestern Japan. Customers formed long lines in front of cashiers with baskets containing vegetables and foodstuffs.
Some vegetables and foods were on display with handwritten recipe cards attached. They recommended how to cook or freeze-store the ingredients.
Customers also enjoyed eating at an adjacent farmer-run restaurant and fast food shops at the food court.
Michi-no-eki roadside markets are built in rural, sparsely populated areas across Japan so that they can serve as shelters in an emergency with water, food and necessary equipment in stockpile.
The Minaminosato market is at a less convenient location, but it is expected to help bolster the local community, at a time when depopulated areas are increasing in farming regions throughout the country.