[Creative Fiction] Aizu Wine Dawn Tale (Episode 1)

(Synopsis)
The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, where the beautiful original landscape of Japan and the Japanese spirit still remain. The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture may not be considered a major production area for Japanese wine. However, wine grape production has been carried out for over 50 years, and the high quality of Aizu wine in recent years is attracting attention in the wine industry both domestically and internationally.
This is the story of the beginnings of young people who loved the land of Aizu, took on the challenge of growing high-quality grapes that would become the raw material for Aizu wine, and pioneered a path as a new production area.
A woman hired by the town office as a staff member for a limited period of three years brings pride to the local people and creates a small miracle for a stubborn young farmer.
(End of Synopsis)

Prologue: The Era of Blue Spring

George Kumada, who spotted Chieko Sato in front of the school gate, got off his bicycle and walked toward the gate. Chieko noticed George, who had a body that was too big for a first-year high school student, and smiled at him. In the sunset, Chieko's long hair swayed in the wind.
Did something happen?
He didn't ask.
Four months had passed since they entered Aizu High School, and it had become a sort of promise between the two that when Chieko was at the school gate, George would listen to her talk during the short walk to the station. Sometimes, George looked forward to listening to Chieko's stories all the way until the train arrived.
I was chosen for the lead role in the autumn drama competition.
Ahead of the seniors? That's amazing, congratulations. I'll buy a few tickets.
He had already heard that there was a ticket sales quota for members of the high school drama club. George wondered if the shadow in Chieko's smile, despite being chosen for the lead role, was due to anxiety about that quota or the pressure of the lead role.
Thank you, that helps. But don't just buy them, make sure you come to see it. Aside from that, there's something I want to talk to you about, George.
What's wrong? You're being formal.
Chieko's expression stiffened slightly. It was an expression she had rarely shown to George, whom she had spent time with since they were children.
George... do you like me?
I wouldn't be walking with you if I didn't.
His honest feelings came out as words without him panicking at the sudden question.
I like you, George. So, I want you to come watch the competition not as a childhood friend, but as my boyfriend.
This time, George's expression stiffened. He made a face like he had bitten into a bitter bug. If passersby saw that face, they might think it was scary.
It's not fair to Yoshiki. Since we were playing house, Yoshiki has been my partner.
George thought of Yoshiki Kikuchi, another childhood friend and high school classmate. Yoshiki, who had had handsome features since he was a child, and Chieko were talked about by the adults in the neighborhood as being a perfect match. And George felt that Yoshiki had liked Chieko for a long time.
We're not at the age to play house anymore. Besides, Yoshiki-kun says he wants to go to a university in Tokyo, so he's not going to date anyone in high school, right?
George also knew that when Yoshiki was confessed to by several girls after entering high school, he turned them down, saying, "I'm going to a university in Tokyo, so I don't intend to date anyone. I don't want to have a long-distance relationship."
(Maybe he doesn't date other girls because he likes Chieko?)
He felt like saying that, but he also thought it wasn't his place to say it.
My parents told me to go to a local university. What about you, George?
I've decided to take over the farm, I'm not thinking about anything else.
George, the eldest of three brothers, had decided to take over the family business, Kumada Farm, and with his younger brothers' further education in mind, he was thinking of studying at a correspondence university to reduce the burden on the household budget.
I also admire Tokyo, but my parents won't allow it. I'm like a bird in a cage. But you'll stay here with me, right, George?
Their feet stopped at a traffic light.
Someone like me isn't suitable. Chieko will be able to get a cooler boyfriend. Yoshiki would be a good match, but if it's me, people will laugh and call us 'Beauty and the Beast'.
George, why are you George? You only think about yielding to others, throw away that name. Think properly.
Chieko scolded George in a slightly theatrical tone. Perhaps she was already in character for the play. The light changed and they started walking again.
I am thinking properly. I can't throw away my name.
That's not what I mean. I want to know your feelings, George. You're fine with walking home together like this, so why don't you want to date me?
It's not that I don't want to.
He thought he liked Chieko. That feeling was true. But he also liked Yoshiki. Perhaps because he had spent so much time with the two of them since he was a child, it was similar to the love he felt for his family, and he felt resistance to changing that relationship.
Are you okay with me dating someone else? Third-year senior Yaginuma asked me out. I've been turning him down, saying 'I have someone I like,' but he said, 'If you're not dating anyone, date me.' What should I do?
Seeing her face with tears in her eyes, the feeling of "I must protect her" welled up in George's heart.
Is someone like me okay? Unlike Yoshiki, I don't look good, and I have no merits in study or sports.
You're fine, George. I know you better than anyone. You're clumsy, but I love how you're always trying your best for someone else, no matter what.
I like you too, Chieko. I want you to make me your boyfriend.
Chieko nodded.
Nice to meet you as your girlfriend again. I'm sorry if it seemed like I forced you, but my feeling of 'I want to be your little bird' is real. The train is coming, so see you later.
After saying that, she turned around and headed for the ticket gate. Her skirt and long hair danced in the wind. Watching her back as she headed to the platform, George got on his bicycle, telling himself, "This is fine."
There was no doubt that he liked Chieko; he felt at ease when he was with her. However, he didn't know if the feeling he had now was what people called love. But when he imagined Chieko dating that flashy senior named Yaginuma, an unpleasant emotion welled up.
(I don't want that guy getting close to Chieko.)
He decided to be honest with that feeling.

Furthermore, George, who felt it was strange that his name had the kanji for "two" despite being the eldest son, once asked his father the reason for his name when he was a child.
"Even if we're a rural farming family, we might be suddenly sent to America, so our family has had names that are easy to understand globally for generations. That's why I was named Dankichi by adding 'kichi' to 'Dan', and you were given the kanji for George to match the name 'George'."
The fact that he was disappointed after being given such a hollow explanation is still a trauma even now that he has become a high school student.
(If I could throw away my name, I would.)
He thought while pedaling.

1 Winter City

The white light car, a Daihatsu Mira, driven by Momoko Ohto, exited the Tohoku Expressway at the Koriyama Interchange. About 200 km from her home in Chofu City, Tokyo, to here. This was the first time she had driven such a distance alone. She felt a sudden wave of fatigue as she left the toll gate. Waking up early in the morning was also tough, her eyes were tired and her shoulders were stiff. However,
(Finally, I've made it this far.)
Thinking about the new world she was heading to, a feeling of excitement overflowed. While waiting at a traffic light, she slapped her cheeks with both hands to get pumped up.
(Grandma, I'm heading to Aizu now.)
March 29, 1995 (Wed) 10:00 AM.
With thoughts of her grandmother, who had passed away, in her heart, the car carrying Ohto revved its engine toward the mountains in the west.

She decided to exit at the Koriyama Interchange and head to Aizu-Wakamatsu from Koriyama via National Route 49, following her father's advice.
"The Ban-etsu Expressway is boring, just running through the mountains. You might get bored and start driving dangerously. But National Route 49 is good.
After passing Koriyama and entering Inawashiro Town, you'll see Lake Inawashiro on your left after a while.
The beautiful water surface, also called Tenkyo-ko (Heavenly Mirror Lake), shines so wonderfully on clear days that the sky and the lake seem to be competing. If you can, you should take a break around there. I'm pretty sure there's a free parking lot where you can see the whole of Lake Inawashiro.
You can see mountains far beyond the lake surface, and it's beautiful that there's still snow on the peaks in spring. And the air is delicious. It has a good scent that includes a little sweetness.
If you drive a little further from there, you'll see Mount Bandai on your front right. That's also good. It's not that high, but the mountain is close and its grandeur stands out. I feel like there's a beauty that can't be captured in photos. Well, that part is something to look forward to seeing for yourself."

The mountains along National Route 49 running through Koriyama still had a winter atmosphere. The appearance of the trees with their leaves fallen wore a chilly air, but that dignified beauty captivated Ohto's heart. On the way up the long slope called Nakayama Pass, she was also able to see a small two-car train running on the tracks right next to her.
(That must be the Ban-etsu West Line train.)
Just thinking about things like that, or even just finding the word 'Aizu' on a sign, made her feel happy. She was slowly and surely getting closer to Aizu. The scenery changed even more after going through the tunnel at the top of Nakayama Pass.
"After passing through the tunnel, it was snow country."
She remembered a line from a novel.
From winter to midwinter. According to the calendar, it should be completely spring after the vernal equinox, but the scenery in Inawashiro Town was surrounded by distant snow-capped mountains, and snow remained in the shadows along the road.
Before long, a large lake appeared before her eyes. Remembering her father's words, she entered the free parking lot.
(From here, it should take about an hour to arrive. Even if I get a little lost, I have plenty of time before the 1:00 PM meeting time.)
She got out of the car and took a deep breath in front of Tenkyo-ko/Lake Inawashiro. In front of the vast lake, Ohto's small body looked even smaller. When asked about her height,
"I'm 150 centimeters tall."
she would answer energetically, but she kept her exact height and weight a secret. If she weren't wearing a recruitment suit, it wouldn't be strange for her to be mistaken for a high school student. Her brightly dyed short bob added to her baby face.
She had cut off the hair she had grown during her university days as soon as she got a job. Perhaps because of her slightly rounded figure, a close friend told her, "You're cute like a Koropokkuru," but she wasn't convinced whether she should take it as a compliment.
The wind passing by her collar was cold. She couldn't feel the sweet air her father had talked about, and the cold south wind blowing from the lake was just taking the heat away from Momoko's flushed body.
The water surface shining in the sunlight accentuated the whiteness of the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a harmony with the beauty of the blue sky. This water flows into Koriyama, where it passed through, and will also flow into Aizu, where she is heading. This lake is the source that nurtures life.
"Nnnn."
She stretched two or three times and moved her body sideways while making a sound. Thinking that there was no one here who knew her, she didn't feel embarrassed.
She returned to the car and turned up the heater setting a little. She picked up the map she had left in the passenger seat and reconfirmed the route ahead. For a while, she just had to follow the road. She decided to take another break around the time she passed Aizu-Wakamatsu City.
Now, to the west. Just to the west.
She tightened her resolve and returned to National Route 49. After passing the lakeside where tourist facilities lined up on the left, Mount Aizu-Bandai appeared in front of her.
She let out a sigh involuntarily.
The mountain with three peaks had a grandeur that far exceeded the impression she had from the guidebooks she had seen so far. Since the mountain was close to the road, she felt a size that was more imposing than its altitude.
(I'll come to see you again properly next time.)
Ura-Bandai, Goshikinuma, Lake Hibara, Haniwa Shrine, Bonari Pass, Gold Line—there were mountains of places she wanted to go. But for today, she had to head to Niitsuru Village Office. A while after passing the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall, she had to face another pass.
(Once I cross this pass, it's finally Aizu-Wakamatsu City.)
Excitement turned into nervousness.
(Aizu, which my grandmother loved. I couldn't come to visit with her, but I came to live in Aizu, to work in Aizu.)
She thought that the reason her father didn't oppose Momoko's attempt to start living alone in Aizu right after graduating from university was because he knew her grandmother's feelings for Aizu. Her father was happy that she would work in Aizu, and her mother was worried.
After crossing the pass, it became a steep downhill slope, which flustered Momoko. After passing several curves, the Aizu Basin spreading out below her eyes jumped into view. The buildings were more densely packed than she had expected, and she couldn't visually confirm Aizu Tsuruga Castle. Mountains shining silver in the distance and high surrounded the toy-box-like city area. She felt like the temperature inside the car had dropped a little.
(Niitsuru Village should be at the foot of that mountain visible to the west. If it comes to this, I won't take a break and will go straight to Niitsuru Village. After confirming the location of the village office, I'll take a slow break.)
Seeing the city area of Aizu-Wakamatsu, she felt like her sleepiness and fatigue had blown away.
(I want to arrive quickly. Not in the car or on a break, I want to properly feel the air of Aizu.)
She felt like her rushing feelings were making her heartbeat faster. The scenery she had seen many times in books now existed before her eyes as reality.

Niitsuru Village Office, which she had thought might be difficult to find, was easy to find. After turning left onto National Route 49 and driving south for about 10 minutes, Niitsuru Station, Niitsuru Elementary School, and Niitsuru Village Office were located a little away from the village's settlement. Conversely, it could be said that there were no other conspicuous buildings, making it difficult to get lost.
The time was 11:30 AM. She arrived much earlier than the 1:00 PM she had planned. The problem was that she couldn't see any convenience stores or supermarkets nearby where she could adjust her time.
She had no choice but to park her car in the village office parking lot and wait. She regretted not preparing lunch at a convenience store on the way. At a glance, there didn't seem to be any diners in the village either. She wanted to avoid getting lost or being late while looking for a diner, so she decided to spend the time in the parking lot as it was.
(It's no problem to skip one or two meals.)
She told herself to encourage herself and reached for the map.
(It's impossible today, but let's imagine where to go first. I guess it's Aizu Tsuruga Castle.)
In this era, car navigation systems were hardly widespread, and Momoko's car didn't have one either. All she could rely on was a paper map. Mobile phones were also not very widespread. Even if she had a mobile phone, Niitsuru Village was out of range.
"Knock, knock."
Momoko, who had been thinking about Aizu sightseeing, was brought back to reality by the light sound of someone knocking on the car window. She hurriedly closed the map and shifted her gaze to the window.
Are you Momoko Ohto?
A man who looked about the same age as her called out to her. His two-block hairstyle gave off a slightly mischievous atmosphere, but he was smiling. There was a man in a suit with handsome features who wouldn't have been out of place in a fashion magazine.
Are you Mr. Kikuchi?
So this is what he looked like.
Until now, she had been in contact via facsimile and mail, so she knew the person in charge's name, but the person she had imagined was a tired "middle-aged man from the village office."
Without minding Momoko, who had a slightly surprised face, Kikuchi continued.
Yes, I'm Kikuchi. I'm glad you arrived safely. We were scheduled to have a meeting from 13:00, but if it's not inconvenient, shall we start now? It won't take that long.
Surprised by his quick footwork in noticing Momoko in the parking lot and coming out of the office to call out to her, she nodded and got out of the car.
It's cold, the wind is cold.
While thinking she wanted to take out her coat from the trunk, she followed Kikuchi, who was walking ahead, toward the village office building. Momoko was relieved because the heating was quite effective inside the village office. She was introduced to a grumpy-looking man by the window, and after a simple greeting, she sat on an old sofa in the corner. It was shabby for guests.
Once again, I am Yoshiki Kikuchi, in charge of commerce and tourism at Niitsuru Village Office. I am your contact for the 'Furusato Supporter,' in other words, Ms. Ohto's person in charge. First, there are several documents I would like you to fill out.
Several documents were placed on a small table in front of the sofa, and Momoko signed them as prompted while listening to the explanation.
Regarding employment conditions, as I have already informed you, it is not a regular employee position but a 'commission,' a part-time special position with no set working hours, and it will be a monthly salary.
However, basically, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will be engaged in work centered on commerce and tourism at this village office. That said, since it's a small village office, in reality, you will be doing work as a jack-of-all-trades for the office. I am also a young staff member, so I am in a position like a jack-of-all-trades.
Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you will work at Kumada Farm. I think it will be centered on light work, so we will prepare work clothes, etc., here, but if there is anything you are missing, please consult us each time.
Once you get used to it, there will also be work such as exhibiting at events on Saturdays and Sundays, but since there is no overtime pay, I am sorry, but if you work overtime or on holidays, we will have you adjust your time in the form of compensatory leave. The same applies to work at Kumada Farm.
Roughly speaking, this is it, but is there anything you would like to confirm?
The working conditions, etc., are fine. However, I wonder if it's okay to ask this, but I don't really know about Niitsuru Village, so is it really okay for it to be me? Also, I heard that the village would rent a single-family house for me, but since I live alone, a studio apartment would have been enough.
This way of saying it is a bit, well, I won't hide it, so I'll tell you the truth. For this project, only Ms. Ohto applied. Thank you very much for applying. The project was almost scrapped. This 'Furusato Supporter System,' as an overview,
・Have young people move from the city for a limited period (three years)
・While working at the village office and in agriculture, promote the charm of the region
This is what it will be, but it is a project where everything is groping in the dark with no precedent, including other municipalities. Both I and other staff members were anxious about 'whether there would be anyone who would actually come,' so I am grateful that you applied.
Actually, the origin of the project is from Mrs. Kayoko Kumada, the owner of the house where Ms. Ohto will live,
"It's a waste to leave the house empty."
I heard that story. Around here, the house grounds are large, so people often build new houses without tearing down old ones, and that was the case for the Kumadas, but if you leave the old house empty as it is, it will only get damaged and it's a waste, so I don't need rent, I want someone to live there. I received that consultation,
"Then, how about the village rents that house, recruits someone to live there, and has them help with the work of the village office and Kumada Farm? I'll think of some strategy."
With that kind of feeling, the 'Regional Revitalization Project/Furusato Supporter System' was born. And from Mrs. Kumada,
"A young girl would be good. We only have boys, so boys are enough."
I also received that voice unofficially, so we welcome Ms. Ohto coming and living in a single-family house.
His tone was light, but he didn't seem to be lying.
If that's the case, that's good. I'm relieved. Also, I would like to ask one more thing, is there a diner where I can have lunch around here?
Perhaps it was an unexpected question, Kikuchi's face clouded.
Please wait a moment. I'll go check now.
He stood up, returned to his desk, and started making a phone call.
(Is he checking if it's a regular holiday?)
While she was thinking about that, Kikuchi returned with a smile,
Lunch is fine. It's sudden, but please have lunch at the home of the landlord, Mrs. Kumada. After that, you can clean up the house as it is, so I think it's just right. I also sent a guide here, so I think you should follow that car.
Lunch at the landlord's house, is it okay to visit suddenly?
When I asked on the phone, she was happy to be able to meet you soon. She looked very happy. And, well, before the pickup comes, it will be a little supplementary, but regarding the 'Furusato Supporter System,' as I mentioned earlier, there is no precedent, so in a sense, I think it's fine to do anything as long as you act based on what you see and feel from Ms. Ohto's perspective. I want you to blow a new wind. I think you have anxiety, but I will also fully back you up, I look forward to your success.
Thank you. I'll be in your care.
As an aside, you cut your hair since the photo on your resume, didn't you? A short cut also suits you well.
I thought it would be easier to move if it was short because I would be doing farm work. Was it bad?
It's not bad at all. Rather, I think it's a good attitude. It's just that I explained to the landlord that you were a 'woman with long hair,' so I just thought there might be a bit of a gap. So it's not like it matters. Oh, it seems the pickup has arrived.
The scent of soil drifted from the entrance and reached Momoko.
George, over here!
Kikuchi called out to the man who entered the village office with a happy smile. Momoko also turned around and looked toward the entrance.
The man called George, while hunching his large body, walked slowly and bowed lightly to the man sitting by the window, then approached the table where the two were and sat next to Kikuchi without hesitation.
Big. Every part of his body, face, hands, and feet was big.
A crew cut and a navy blue work jacket and rubber boots. He was wearing clothes that suited this rural village office well. With a thick body that could be seen even through his clothes, it felt like the air in the village office had become a little thicker. His tanned brown skin, thick eyebrows, and body that looked like his clothes would burst gave the impression of a small bear, and he wore a mysterious atmosphere that felt a little cute even though it was heavy.
Ms. Ohto, this big guy is George Kumada, the landlord's son and the successor to Kumada Farm, where you will be working. He looks scary, but he's not a bad guy. He looks old, but he's 26 years old, the same as me.
Kikuchi introduced him in a way that could be taken as rude, but George didn't seem to care,
I'm George Kumada, nice to meet you. But, I'll say this first. I consider you an 'important guest' entrusted by the village office. I don't expect you to be a fighting force for the farm. I'm grateful that you'll help, but I definitely don't want you to overdo it. You can prioritize the village office work and other work you want to do, and you can take a break when you want to.
Kikuchi's expression became stern.
George, that's too much all of a sudden. Even though she came all the way from Tokyo. Ms. Ohto, please don't worry too much, just listen to the part about not overdoing it.
It's not about whether you're good or bad, but I don't think there will be a good harvest if someone who doesn't have roots here comes. Yoshiki's simple idea like playing house to revitalize the village with people brought from elsewhere is bad.
Momoko responded to George's provocative words with a smile.
I'm sorry to be in a position to be taken care of, but even if I'm an outsider at first, if you raise me properly, wouldn't I be useful? I heard that they used to grow a specialty product called Onotane Ginseng here. Since it was also called Korean ginseng, it's of Korean origin, right? The Chardonnay, a wine grape that Mr. Kumada is growing, is also native to Europe. I don't think you can say it doesn't fit the land just because I'm an outsider. It's also called Buddhist Aizu, but Buddhism came from India, right?
Her expression was calm, but it was a bitter content that completely denied George's words.
Kikuchi looked at George with a happy face. While a little surprised by Momoko's attitude of not being intimidated, he felt like applauding.
That's right, or rather, that's exactly right, I was wrong. When I heard that you were hired for Yoshiki's project, I thought you might be an untrustworthy person like Yoshiki. I'm sorry for saying something rude, nice to meet you again.
Trust George-chan and Ms. Ohto, and contribute to the revitalization of the village.
It's bad that you say such unnecessary things.
No, I'm different from a man like George who has a bad mouth and a bad attitude. I'm a good person.
You are certainly a good man, but it's a 'good' that comes with 'anyway' or 'condition'. That aside, I think farm work and rural life are full of hardships and not something a young girl can enjoy... I'll be in your care for three years. My mother is also looking forward to you coming.
George has had a complex about Tokyo since his ex-girlfriend ran away to Tokyo. Because of that, I think he said mean things to Ms. Ohto, who is from Tokyo, but he's not a bad person, so please be assured.
Yoshiki, it's not a story to hide, but it's not something to talk about at a first meeting.
George lightly brushed off Yoshiki's words. Momoko smiled at the two of them, whose interaction was like a comedy duo.
You two get along well, don't you?
Since we were born until now, except for university, we've been together through elementary, middle, and high school.
Kikuchi answered, and George continued.
It's a rotten relationship. From birth until now, including this time, I'm always made to clean up after Yoshiki.
After the two exchanged smiles, Kikuchi returned to his work face.
Then, Ms. Ohto, you must be tired from long-distance driving, so please rest your body as soon as possible today. George, please guide the way and introduce her to Mrs. Kayoko.
Yeah.
After giving a short reply, George stood up slowly, went in front of the man by the window, and when they exchanged words, the man smiled. George returned to the two and
Then let's go.
He turned his back to the two and headed for the exit. Kikuchi called out to Momoko.
He looks like that, but he's a kind man, so please be assured.
Yes, I'll do my best.
Momoko hurriedly chased after George's back. The village office staff saw the two off with warm eyes.
(Episode 1 ends here)

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