In April the rural fields of northern Ritto City near Yasugawa (野洲川) come alive with agricultural activity, and many flowers and insects appear. This year, 2020, the threat of the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) has greatly reduced human activity, but rural life goes on and nature is taking its course as usual.
Japan is now in a nationwide state of emergency from April 16th through May 6th. Many public facilities have closed, including a ground golf course that is used by many local older people.
On the other hand, work goes on as usual for local farmers. The owner of this tractor told me that he will soon plant two varieties of rice in adjacent fields.
Most colorful winter birds have disappeared, but long-term residents like sparrows and greenfinches remain. Great cormorants, active here in spring and summer, are nesting nearby along the river.
Every spring insects and other small creatures bring colorful movement. Their beauty becomes more apparent when they pause.
Many varieties of flowers are in bloom. Large flowers like irises and magnolias appear in many gardens.
Some open spaces near the river are dominated by colorful dandelions and violets.
Ι hope this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will soon subside and allow people to live normally again. Living in a rural area, it is difficult to imagine having to stay indoors in order to avoid too much close human contact.
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