Bamboo shoots prep for spring

video in Japanese

Japan’s traditional calendar says today (Tuesday) is the first day of spring, but the weather was snowy in Kyoto.

That didn’t stop local farmers from test-digging bamboo shoots to see how they’re coming along.

The area is known for its tasty bamboo shoots, which are used in a range of Japanese cuisine.

This year’s crop is apparently developing nicely, despite fears of damage from last year’s typhoons.

But people will have to wait a bit more until they can eat this year’s bamboo shoots.

The shoots will be ready for harvest and shipped at the end of this month.