At Grandma’s house, they engaged in pig farming until around 2020.
When 2-1 was little, upon returning to the family home, they would occasionally visit a pigsty located a short distance away to observe the conditions of the pigs being raised.
Similar to the current cultivation of vegetables, pig farming was also on a small scale. By the time Second Son was born, pigs were already a familiar presence, and it became a norm.
However, during Second son’s childhood, there were times when feeling embarrassed about the family business of pig farming.
The town where Second son was born and raised wasn’t large, yet the number of farms was decreasing. In the surrounding area, it was common for the houses of friends to be occupied by office workers.
Reflecting on the time when 2-1 was born
After many years, becoming a parent brought about certain realizations.
The dedication of Grandpa and Grandma to raise their children through pig farming, and the realization that one must also strive earnestly to raise their own children.
As Second son entered the workforce, pig farming in Japan, especially on a small scale, faced extremely challenging economic conditions.
However, the path chosen by Grandpa and Grandma to raise children was solely through pig farming. When the two decided to transition from pig farming to becoming vegetable farmers, it presented a significant dilemma.
Nevertheless, with Grandpa surpassing 70 years and facing declining physical strength, continuing pig farming became challenging. They opted to embrace a life as vegetable farmers.
Presently, the building originally used as a pigsty now houses agricultural tools and materials for vegetable cultivation.
When Second Son visits the family home during breaks, the sight occasionally evokes a sense of loneliness.