Nowadays, rural and agricultural lifestyles are attracting a lot of attention, but would you like to have your own 'go-to' farm? This issue introduces Makidoki-mura, a weekend farming and breakfast club in Fukui, Nishigama-ku, Niigata City.

The Makidoki Village is a gathering that meets every Sunday morning at 6am at the old thatched-roof house in the Fukui village, the Fukui Old Headman Sato House, where everyone works in the fields and cooks and eats breakfast together.

The old house has a working hearth and kamado, where wood is burned and kamado rice is enjoyed.

It started in 1999! Since then, it has continued for 20 years with members changing over the years.

Everyone is an amateur at field work. Whenever they think of something they want to plant, they plant it anyway. As it is a once-a-week activity, it is difficult to manage the vegetables well, but we are amazed at the vitality of the vegetables that still grow to the point where we can eat them. Of course, we are also amazed by the life force of the weeds that grow in bows (laughs).

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of rental vegetable gardens, but many people find it a hurdle to do it alone. In this respect, the good thing about Makidoki Village is that everyone can do it together.

After working in the fields, breakfast is prepared by all participants. They cook rice in the kamado or use harvested vegetables. They also receive vegetables and pickles from local people, learn about local cuisine and listen to old stories.

And this year, rice cultivation has started! The first time growing rice is nothing if you have help! We are having fun working towards the autumn harvest.

Makidoki Village is a place where you can spend a relaxing weekend with the people gathered here, playing in nature and bathing in the village's hot springs. The looseness of the village, where anyone can join without application, is wonderful, and some people come from outside the prefecture to visit. On the fewest days, there are four or five people. On the best days, close to 30 people gather.

If you are a fan of an agricultural lifestyle, why not come and visit?

• Makidoki Village website: https://makidoki.localinfo.jp/
• Makidoki Village Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/makidokimura/