The other day, Miyagi Television Broadcasting came to cover this blog, reporting on the rice growing environment conditions here in the "Home of Fireflies."

Tome City in Miyagi Prefecture has been designated a protected habitat, as it is the northernmost area in which Genji Botaru fireflies (Luciola cruciata)--known as being an "environmental barometer"--gather en masse. Genji fireflies inhabit the clear waters of the Masubuchi River and usually are considered as a good sign of a clean environment and safe rice cultivation.

These clear waters are drawn by pump and are used in rice cultivation. Water is the very lifeblood of rice.

The photograph shows staff from Miyagi Television filming the clear waters of the Masubuchi River.