As soon as our interview team arrived at Farmstay Furusato, our host, Mr. and Mrs. Kawai welcomed us like their real grandchildren. The word “Furusato” means “hometown” in Japanese. The Kawai named it so that people would find their house at home. It is located in Akita Prefecture, far north of Tokyo the capital, in Tohoku area.

Host Father Kiko Kawai san

Host mother Reiko Kawai san

   First, the Kawai Family took us to their greenhouse, and it was full of young broad beans. Kawai’s family never forgets to explain their passion for farming. Mrs. Kawai said that she wanted visitors to know how much love and energy are showered to each vegetable that is served in our dining.

The young leaves of broad beans

   Kawai Family produces many different types of vegetables. Broad bean is one of their best products, but they are also famous in town for their sweet juicy Edamame. To those who stop by at Furusato, you are guaranteed to have an all-you-can-eat Edamame Party! 

These beans are all yours!!

   Mr. and Mrs. Kawai are amiable people, and it was delightful to talk with them. I really felt like they were my real grandparents. Ms. Kawai took us out saying, “Let’s walk on the snow together, holding hands, and take a picture of our footprints!” I borrowed her long boots and went out. Though I have seen snow many countless times, I would never think stepping on new snow taking hands was something special. The Kawai grandparents never forget to find joy in the everyday life event.

Stepping on untracked snow! Simple but it was fun!

There were also footprints of small animals

   The other reason why I thought of them as grandparents, was their skill in teaching tips of how-to-homestay in Japanese homes. Tatami’s room manner such as stepping on the threshold is rude, was one example Mrs. Kawai taught us. Low dining manner (called “Ozen: お膳” in Japanese), was also new to me. As a young Japanese, I have been ignorant to many of these traditional Japanese manners, so it was also a new learning experience for me. To visitors; it is much more worth spending time with these knowledgeable people than to check YouTube and books about manners! 

Traditional Hina (Girls) doll for festival in March

   Mrs. Kawai ended the interview saying, “I really like children’s laughter, and I never forget the faces of those who visit here.” Furusato is a place for family and friends who seeks to enjoy the typical homestay in Japan. There is no fanciness in Akita nor in farm stays, but you can find your “Furusato: hometown.” I am sure you will have a memorable and heart-warming experience with the Kawai family!

Collumn written by Seira Nagasaki, Takumi Inakawa and Shinichi Okada (Akita International University)

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