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Bee Farm
Mr. Ando stands in front of a pot heating up wax to be shaped into sculpture candles. 99.11.23/ Temperature: 5C/ Weather: Partly cloudy/ Wind Direction: SE
Start: Entrance to Asahi Mineral Spring Latitude: 38 14 19 N/Longitude: 139 59 37 E
Destination: Taro Bridge, Asahi Town /Latitude:38 17 14 N /Longitude: 140 07 50E
Distance Traveled: 10 kmMeandering down the logging road that heads out of the mountains from the Asahi Mineral Spring and into downtown Asahi Town, I enjoyed the fresh dry air of Yamagata's early winter. It was here that I happened upon Mr. Ando, bee farmer and candle maker. After realizing that Yamagata is the place he should be, Mr. Ando settled back in his hometown of Asahi and began endeavors to carry on traditions of his family as well as create a new relationship with the nature of Asahi. Sitting in his newly built Bee Farm, surrounded by bee's wax, spools of wicks and forms to shape candles, Mr. Ando told me about his grandfather. "In addition to being a beekeeper, my grandfather used to be a kariudo (hunter and gatherer of the forest)(see Wisdom report#?). He hunted hare, pheasant, and bear. Also, he made charcoal and collected edible plants and wild mushrooms. I am proud to say that he lived this way." It took him close to 25 years, which nearly coincided with the loss of his grandfather, to realize the appeal and richness of Asahi. Coming back to Asahi he established his new bee farm where his grandfathers house once stood.
Handmade "Exploration for Wisdom" candle. "As proud as I am of the way my grandfather lived and as much as I want to pass that tradition on, it wouldn't be very appropriate in this day and age. I do however want to pass on his culture and spirit." In an era where nature preservation has become common sense, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify kariudo practices that harmfully impact the environment. Mr. Ando explained to me that he seeks to play his part in passing on his family's traditions through his relationship with nature. This relationship is now being explored to make candles from beeswax.
"When kids and adults come to the bees' forest I have them taste the sweet, natural flavor of honey; I share with them how to make beeswax; and I share with them the beauty of my candles' flickering flames. Experiencing all of this leads one to realize that we can taste delicious honey because of the richness of the forest, because there are bees, because there is a beekeeper. I am always thankful for each and all of these."
Water along the Asahi River is backed up to form a lake-like area above the Kikawa Dam. Mr. Ando attributes some of his thankfulness towards nature to his grandparents' traditions. "My grandfather used to always take some honey to the mountain god after the first batch was done each year. It was his way of showing thanks. In Japan it is said that there are gods in all things. I think that the Japanese created the idea of gods to be able to show their appreciation to all things."
I think Mr. Ando's experience might have something to teach us. Realizing that traditions of his ancestors don't suit the times, he has gone on to create a new occupation which combines the heart and skills of his family with his own new values. He is on a challenging new path; I wish him well. What challenging new path awaits all of you? What will you carry on from your parents? What will you try to change?
Greg
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