A green-fingered couple in the town of Yakuno in Fukuchiyama have brought a fallow field to life with a sea of sunflowers that is casting an enchanting sight for local residents amid the autumn breeze.

Approximately 2,000 sunflowers, currently out of season, grace the field thanks to the work of Yoshinori Kinugawa and his wife Chisato, who live nearby.

Inspired by a sunflower field that had utilized idle rice paddies along a road in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture, the couple decided to revitalize the depopulated town by plowing a rice field that had been neglected for two years near the Osako Community Center.

Yoshinori Kinugawa (L) and his wife Chisato are pictured with the sunflowers they grew in the town of Yakuno in Fuchiyama

They sowed seeds over a three-day period in late August and employed methods such as cutting weeds and building a scarecrow to ward off hungry deer.

Affectionately named "Yui's flower garden" after their granddaughter, Yui, who lives with them, the field is marked with a sign displaying its personalized moniker.

Reflecting on their endeavor, Yoshinori Kinugawa shared, "It was the first time for me to try something like this, so seeing the flowers bloom so exquisitely brought a sense of relief." "I sincerely hope that those who come to admire the flowers will find joy and leave with a smile on their face."

The Kyoto Shimbun

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