Yamakoshi has a special water supply system that utilizes melt water, rain water, spring water, and ground water from horizontal wells. These wells run horizontally into the mountains to draw out ground water. They are perfect for this mountainous topography and natural environment blessed with strata that easily absorb the abundant melt water. Furthermore, there are social networks called “Maki”, which play an important role in controlling the local water supply. “Maki” are groups of related families. The maintaining of the members’ livelihood and the management of natural resources in this area are all based on these “Maki” groups.
These water supply and control systems have enabled the people to build terraced ponds, which are flexibly used as ponds for carp breeding in usual times and as reservoirs for rice faming in the dry season. These systems have helped to bring about Yamakoshi’s unique agricultural methods including the breeding and raising of Nishikigoi.
These water supply and control systems have enabled the people to build terraced ponds, which are flexibly used as ponds for carp breeding in usual times and as reservoirs for rice faming in the dry season. These systems have helped to bring about Yamakoshi’s unique agricultural methods including the breeding and raising of Nishikigoi.