Just yesterday (Mar 31), Samani woke up to a thin layer of snow on the ground. It's been a while since we had snowfall in March.

A few days ago on March 29^th, we held the latest KanxKan Lecture event, "A Stroll Along Samani River."

We started our walk at the central community center.

As we crossed Seseragi Bridge, we were greeted with views of Mt. Apoi, Pineshiri, Tannett, Mt. Rakodake, and Mt. Tokachidake.

The fukujuso (buttercup) flowers were blooming. (FYI: These flowers are poisonous, so please don't eat them.)

We also saw fukinoto (butterburs). (By the way, miso fukinoto is delicious!)


We made bamboo leaf boats to float down the river. All the participants made excellent boats!

Most of the birds that are usually swimming in the river were resting on shore due to the strong winds!

A male mallard with curly tail feathers, a green head, and a yellow bill.

We came across some asatsuki (Japanese chives) and had the participants smell the aroma and check for bulbs in the ground. (These chives would be delicious in okonomiyaki~)


Ibotanoki shrubs(species of privet), are common in Samani. In summer, they are covered in white blossoms.

The strong winds created beautiful patterns on the surface of the river. I could also see some green moss on the riverbed.


We ended our walk back at the community center, next to the Japanese ash trees that used to be part of the Samani Elementary School's schoolyard.

I was very glad that this event was not canceled due to bad weather! I think for next time, it might be nice to walk along the Samani River in the opposite direction in either summer or fall.