Gifu University
Next day Megumi had planned for us to meet his group of students, the new school year was just about to start… he had mentioned to them having gaijin guests, Elina being from Finland and their studies in forestry made that quite an event – it appeared… Needless to say we were not prepared for that, but in the end it turned out to be quite informal and very friendly.
Kaki & chainsaw sculptures
And We then went to pay a visit to one of Megumi’s friend, a producer of kaki. Gifu region is renowned for its famous kaki, the huge production is exported all around the country. Megumi’s friend is one of the largest producer, a family business which has lasted for 4 generations…
Their friendship does not come from his profession, but his hobby… when the kaki’s harvest is over, and trees are ready for next season – that friend of his becomes a professional chainsaw sculptor!
To complete the day we went to see a famous secular cherry tree… Usuzumizakura (根尾谷淡墨桜) an exception as those tree usually hardly go beyond 100 years.
