While gazing at the rice fields bathed in the glow of the sunset

Yesterday evening, as I walked
my usual route while gazing at the rice paddies bathed in the colors of the sunset, I came across a scene that made me stop in my tracks. The surface of the water in the paddies, where the rice had just been planted

, mirrored the sky perfectly.A vivid sunset spread across the sky, its colors reflected on the water’s surface, making it seem as though the entire earth had been dyed in the hues of the sunset.

The mountain range in the distance appeared as a black silhouette, with layers of orange and pink clouds piled high above it. A peaceful moment passed, making me forget the heat of the day.

In Nishiki Town at this time of year, the rice paddies, now filled with water after planting, become “mirrors of the water,” reflecting the blue sky in the morning and the sunset in the evening. The charm lies in how the same place reveals completely different expressions depending on the day, the time, and the weather.

I see this view every year, but I never tire of it no matter how many times I see it. As I gazed at the sunset reflected in the rice paddies during my evening walk, I felt once again how fortunate I am to live in a place where I can enjoy this view.

It’s a special season that lasts only for a short time.

When you visit NORICHIE, please be sure to take an evening stroll. I’m sure you’ll encounter beautiful moments unique to Akita’s rural landscape.