In Mashiki-machi, Kumamoto prefecture, shipment of watermelons, special products of the prefecture, has been continuing although most of the producers had their houses heavily damaged or collapsed by the powerful earthquakes striking the town on Aril 14 and 16.
Some of those producers have been evacuated to their greenhouse for growing watermelons, while others are staying in their automobiles. One month has passed since the earthquake hardly hit the town, but it is still difficult for them to work out a plan for revitalizing their life. Nevertheless, producers maintain their hard working saying “We cannot afford to be depressed so many days.”
Yuichi Murakami, 47, is a farmer growing watermelons on two-hectare farmlands in Mashiki-machi, had his house completely demolished by the quake. He and his six family members have been evacuated to one of his greenhouses for producing watermelons.
One third of the 40 meter-long greenhouse is now a living space of his family. Plastic sheets are spread on the ground of the greenhouse, where his family members sleep on piled blanket. A neighboring family provides them with opportunities to bathe. Washing clothes is done at a “coin laundry” or a laundromat. And some members of the Murakami’s family have to go to the emergency water station to get the water every day.
Yuichi Murakami and his family members have to put up with many inconveniences. All of them, however, keep supporting each other. They seem to be proud of growing watermelons at the biggest producing area in Japan.