It has been 19 years since I started growing trees from seedlings on this land.

I was told many times that it would not work because of the difference in the land and soil, but as I watched the trees grow little by little, I began to think it was interesting.

In this area, rather than growing seedlings from scratch, it is common to purchase trees that have already grown to a certain size from other prefectures, bring them to Mizuma and train the branches from there. This branch tip technique is what characterizes Mizuma and is a technique we are proud of. We train the purchased trees more carefully here and make them beautiful. I find this process beautiful and fascinating.

We also grow seedlings on our own land. In the past, I sometimes took too much care, but this did not allow the trees to grow to their full potential. I feel that it is necessary to have a sense of knowing when to leave them alone for a while, but the more skilled the person is, the more they tend to be concerned about the details and put in too much work. Maybe they don't want others to think that they are cutting corners. But that does not allow the trees to show their true potential. In other regions, trees grow thicker quickly if left alone for two or three years, and it's surprising how different the process is.

Still, growing trees from seedlings on your own land has its own unique appeal. You can mold them to your liking, and the attachment you feel as you work with each tree one by one is priceless. Every year, I plant more new seedlings, sometimes leaving it to my employees, so that they can grow as artisans and I can continue to take on new challenges.

Growing trees is not just about making them bigger. I see it as a journey of personal growth, honing my skills in the process and interacting with nature.