Farmers’ Floral Marvel Boosts Tourism in Shrinking Japanese Town
In the small town of Asahi, Toyama Prefecture, a farmer’s dedication to creating picturesque landscapes of flowers has breathed new life into the community. Hisao Yamazaki, 81, the sole grower of tulips in Asahi, has transformed the town with vibrant blooms, attracting a surge of visitors and reviving the local economy.
Asahi, with a population of about 10,000, had been facing a decline for years, seeing its population diminish from nearly 25,000 to less than 16,000 in 2000. Witnessing the town’s struggle, Yamazaki was determined to make a difference. He embarked on a mission to design a captivating floral landscape unique to Asahi, hoping to inject vitality back into the area.
Around 20 years ago, Yamazaki planted tulip bulbs near the town’s riverbank, synchronizing their bloom time with the cherry blossoms adorning the bank. This harmonious fusion of colors, along with the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered mountains in the Northern Japanese Alps, captured the attention of social media users, proclaiming it the Haru no Shijyuso or spring quartet.
Not content with spring blooms alone, Yamazaki went on to plant 30,000 spider lily bulbs along a 600-meter-long embankment, ensuring visitors could also enjoy the vibrant display of flowers in the fall. Today, these spider lilies have become one of the town’s seasonal attractions, further enhancing its allure.
This year, Yamazaki received subsidies from the town to cultivate sunflowers on a 1.5-hectare field. In mid-September, the sunflowers reached their peak bloom, drawing a multitude of visitors who were eager to snap photos amidst the golden beauty.
Atsushi Yoneda, a member of the town’s tourism association, expressed deep gratitude for Yamazaki’s efforts to revive Asahi. Recognizing the renewed interest in the town, Yoneda credited Yamazaki’s unwavering passion, stating, It is all thanks to Yamazaki’s dedication. We cannot thank him enough.
Yamazaki himself beamed with joy, expressing his desire to see his birthplace transformed into a place of beauty. I want the place where I was born and grew up to be as beautiful as possible, he shared, his heartfelt positivity shining through. For Yamazaki, the fulfillment lies in witnessing the revival of his beloved hometown.
Through the brilliant creations of Hisao Yamazaki, Asahi has reemerged as a must-visit destination, captivating visitors with its breathtaking floral landscapes. As the town embraces its newfound vibrancy, it serves as a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of nature’s beauty.
