As the seasons change, we begin preparations for the main store and making indigo.
We are currently busy preparing our main store for its opening on May 4th.
In the midst of all this, the indigo dyeing process has also begun, and I've been feeling dizzy and fulfilled (or maybe too much so). Every year at this time of year, the snow starts to melt, so it's a very busy season.
We are also preparing the fields and sowing indigo seeds. Since this is a weather-sensitive job, we will be checking the weather forecast as we go along.
Whether it's farming or indigo dyeing, planning is important when working with nature. But even if you plan ahead, things can be difficult depending on the weather, so planning is even more important. Otherwise, things will never progress.
Since coming to Itoshiro, I've learned the importance of not just going with the flow of nature, but reading the natural conditions carefully, making a plan, and steadily putting it into practice, one step at a time.
Even if you feel like taking a day off today, if today is the only sunny day, you have no choice but to do it today.
I don't have the experience of enjoying a relaxing time surrounded by abundant nature; I just do what needs to be done as the seasons change.
It's hard work in itself, but when there was a lot of snow, we had no choice but to stay inside, so when the snow melts and the soil in the fields becomes visible, it certainly makes you feel more positive and ready to get started. (I'm sure the local grandparents feel the same way!)
The main store will open on May 1st, and the indigo dyeing will begin shortly. I am really looking forward to both.
I hope many people will visit Itoshiro!
Find out more about our store opening here!