Sasaoka preparing for rice planting under full-blown cherry blossoms in morning sunlight (in Uda-shi, Nara Prefecture)
A tree of full-blown cherry blossom is standing right next to a rice paddy, mirrored on the water and providing a magnificent view to both locals and tourists in Haibaramorokino, Uda-shi, Nara Prefecture. The tree of approximately 80 years old is also known as “Mirror Cherry Blossoms” as its reflection on the still water is so beautiful.
The rice field belongs to a 78-year-old rice grower, Manji Sasaoka. On April 12, 2016, he was busy preparing for rice planting under the cherry blossoms in full bloom. “The blossoms and the water are in perfect harmony. Farmers here are getting older with many giving up their rice fields. But I want to keep this paddy to protect this magnificent view.”
The cherry tree belongs to Hisano Nakamura, 83, a more-than-60-year-long friend of Sasaoka. It was her father in law who planted the tree. “It’s probably good nutritious water provided by the rice field that makes the flowers last so long,” Nakamura explained. She also gets a share of rice from Sasaoka’s rice paddy. “Both the tree and I owe him very much,” she said with a smile.
The blossoms are at their best until around April 20 this year.