Page 241 - Changing Living Spaces

Agricultural Crises Due to Flood, Drought, and Lack of Sunshine

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0
1803, 6 1803, 7 1803, 8 1803, 9 1803, 10 1803, 11 1803, 12 1804, 1 1804, 2 1804, 3 1804, 4 1804, 5 1804, 6 1804, 7 1804, 8 1804, 9 1804, 10 1804, 11 1804, 12 1805, 1 1805, 2 1805, 3 1805, 4 1805, 5 1805, 6 1805, 7 1805, 8 1805, 9

Figure 11 Number of Restoration Labourers from June 1803 to September 1805
Source Original digitised database from Amakusa-cho Kyoiku-iinkai (1985–1998);
UkM, Ueda Yoshiuzu Diaries.

flooding damage. In addition, of course, there was constant concern that
there would be insufficient rain, as suggested by the rain-seeking rituals,
since such rituals were performed in more than 70 percent of the years
observed. In addition, it was confirmed that sunshine was expected in
July and, at the same time, prompt rains that ensured sunshine and fair
weather in August. It was confirmed that the rhythm and balance of rain-
fall and solar radiation are important for rice growth.
Relationships with other agricultural products, such as wheat and
sweet potatoes, were important in sustaining the lives of the villag-
ers. In this chapter, we have focused only on rice, an important annu-
al crop. However, in addition to agriculture, the livelihood of the entire
village was maintained as the pottery stone industry also played an im-
portant role in the economy, although further comprehensive study of
the economic situation is needed. In many ways, however, this society
was heavily dependent on the organic economy, and the influences of
meteorological phenomena were great. In addition, fluctuating weath-
er conditions and even extreme weather phenomena were unavoidable
conditions that led local people to produce sweet potatoes for stockpil-
ing, take action in various village units, and develop local management
strategies to discuss with regional governments.

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