Yamamoto MasaoSon album

“The sheep village – Yamamoto Masao
I walk in the wind of a mountain road and listen to the harmony that flows from the ridge line. A group of goats draw white dots on the slope.
This is a bit difficult for a Japanese to understand. Sheep are just cattle here. S., the young farmer who allowed me to photograph his lambs, told me that he goes down to the city to work part of the time because he can’t make a living from his sheep farm. However, on my next visit, he was also starting to raise chickens for eggs. He had finally decided to stay in the mountains and make a living there.
M. and G. have a herd of mohair goats in the mountains. He looks after the goats and she designs and produces beautiful objects from their wool: blankets, scarves and jumpers. They are colourful and extremely soft. I took some pictures of this couple and their goats on these heights. The place made a wonderful shooting studio with its wide open perspective on the mountains. I am happy to keep a mohair item they gave me. Unfortunately they are thinking of leaving the mountains next year and moving elsewhere. Looking after these delicate mohair goats is hard work and they don’t want their children to do the same as them.”