SHIGA, Nov 11 (News On Japan) –
After a painful divorce that almost tore his household aside, Kenji Kataoka stop his secure job and started a brand new life as a candy potato farmer in Kōka, Shiga Prefecture. The single father has spent the previous two years working the fields whereas caring for his teenage son, Sōshi, who stopped attending college in elementary years. As the household faces its second harvest season, small adjustments start to look of their lives.
Kataoka says he taught himself farming by watching YouTube movies and in search of recommendation from aged farmers within the neighborhood. He recollects considering, “I might be able to do this myself,” and determined to take the leap. The days are lengthy, however he finds consolation in the truth that his time now revolves round his son. “If I keep moving forward positively, I believe my child will follow,” he says.
After the divorce, elevating Sōshi alone whereas holding a full-time job pushed Kataoka to his limits, each bodily and mentally. There have been occasions, he admits, when he struggled to search out objective. “When you’re isolated, it’s hard to stay positive,” he displays. Eventually, he made the choice to prioritize his son above all else and left his firm job to pursue farming full-time. “I wanted to live a life where my child comes first.”
Though the household’s earnings has but to match what he earned as a salaryman, Kataoka sells his harvested candy potatoes on-line and thru a small meals truck. He continues to find out about meals preparation and gross sales, typically experimenting with recipes and presentation to draw clients. Despite setbacks—together with a latest theft of crops from his subject—he stays decided.
One day, after returning dwelling from work, Kataoka discovered a handwritten letter on the desk from Sōshi for Father’s Day: “Thank you for always making my meals.” The quiet gesture introduced tears to his eyes. “It reminded me that I have to keep going,” he says. “I’ve made it this far because of my son.”
Life at dwelling has additionally seen small however vital adjustments. Now 14, Sōshi has begun to indicate curiosity in finding out once more, even expressing a need to attend highschool—a turning level for the daddy who had watched his son withdraw from the world for years. “He’s starting to challenge himself, to try things on his own,” Kataoka says with delight.
By October, the household was prepared for harvest. The summer time had been dry, however the candy potatoes had grown effectively. As father and son dug up the soil collectively, laughter blended with the sound of rustling leaves. Later, they bought their freshly cured candy potatoes at a neighborhood occasion, aspect by aspect on the sales space. For Kataoka, it was greater than a enterprise milestone—it was a season of development for each his crops and his youngster.
Their journey from hardship to hope continues, one harvest at a time.
Source: YOMIURI