In the mountains of Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, the wild vegetable "Fukinoto", which announces the arrival of spring, has sprouted and harvesting has begun.
"Fukinotou" is a wild vegetable that sprouts in the sunny fields and enjoys a bittersweet taste and a refreshing aroma, and is popular as a spring taste.
On the slope in front of Takako Mori's house in the mountains of Takabushi, Taketa City, a bright yellow-green, plump butterbur sprout has begun harvesting.
Mr. Mori climbed the slope, put a knife at the base while checking the growth condition, and carefully picked each one.
The harvested butterbur is to remove excess leaves and roots, then pack it in a pack and ship it to a local roadside station.
Mr. Mori said, "The cold weather at the end of the year delayed the buds, but the warm days continued, and they all sprouted. I feel the arrival of spring."
Fukinotou harvests in the area are expected to continue until the end of February.