It is time to cut the weeds along the canals. We assemble at 6am, armed with gas powered cutters, hand saws and scythes to whack and trim the tropical growth on the banks of the canals. The summer air is already hot but heats up by 8 am and everyone is in a drenching sweat.
Old people used to plant flowers along the canals and maintain the slopes with a bit of pride. These days, invasive species have taken over and every year there seems to be a new variety of weed or tree that has spread - we are seeing wild hops, some kind of alder or ash tree and highly invasive 6' tall reeds just run rampant. The seeds and roots are a threat to the nearby fields and the canal water carries them throughout the village so it becomes a big problem.
By cutting the slopes, the village earns a few thousand yen for the village coffers. If we do not volunteer for the work, then the city needs to send a crew to do it. Individually, we get a 100 yen can of tea for our labors and respect!
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