The villagers are said to be the descendants of the Taira clan, who once ruled Japan but in 1185 were ultimately beaten by their rival clan the Minamotos, fleeing until they arrived here to lead a secluded life for centuries since then. It is a nonsectarian Walking Zen. Those from overseas would also find it a deep plunge into the culture of Japan, where tradition is still strong and folklore vital. The climate of Sikoku is not uniform. That is why greenhouse culture of vegetables is extensively practiced along its coastal areas.
Regional characters differ, too.
The trademark of Kochi People is the so-called igosso . You will find some igosso people in this little book, too. The natives of Ehime Prefecture, which was formed of eight fiefdoms, think highly of tradition. Tokushima people are known for their animated spirit expressed in their folk dance called Awa Odori, while Kagawa, the smallest prefecture in Japan, is often referred to as 'Japan in miniature' in terms of the spirit and behavior-patterns of the natives. And each of them was to hold sway over the Lands of Iyo, Tosa, Awa and Sanuki respectively.