High oil prices amid Middle East tensions make it hard to control greenhouse temperatures, hurting tomato growers in Shitara, Aichi: “It hurts a lot,” “It’s not profitable.”

Shitara Town is a rural municipality located in the mountains of Aichi Prefecture, Japan, known for its rich natural landscapes and traditional culture. Historically, the area thrived as a post town along the ancient Iida Kaido trade route, and it later became part of the Mikawa Province during the feudal era. Today, Shitara is celebrated for its scenic beauty, including the Shitara Dam and the preservation of local crafts and festivals.

Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a historically and industrially significant region. It was historically the heartland of the powerful Oda and Tokugawa clans, with Nagoya Castle serving as a key feudal stronghold. Today, it is a major industrial hub, home to Toyota Motor Corporation, and boasts cultural sites like the Atsuta Shrine and the Nagoya City Art Museum.

Toyone Village is a remote mountain settlement located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, known for its stunning terraced rice fields and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. Historically, the village thrived through agriculture and forestry, and it has preserved its rural landscape, which includes the scenic “Tanada” rice terraces that date back centuries. Today, Toyone is recognized as a “Japan’s Most Beautiful Village” and attracts visitors seeking to experience its unspoiled natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Nagoya Castle is a historic Japanese fortress originally built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate, serving as a key military and political center. It was famously topped with golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) ornaments, but much of the castle was destroyed during World War II. Today, the reconstructed main keep and surrounding grounds are a popular tourist attraction, preserving the site’s samurai-era heritage.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been a crucial trade route for centuries, controlling the passage of oil and gas from the Middle East to global markets. Today, it remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, as about 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through its waters.

Nagoya Port is one of Japan’s largest and busiest ports, located in Ise Bay. Its modern development began in the late 19th century, and it played a crucial role in Japan’s industrial growth, particularly in the automotive and shipping industries. Today, it serves as a major hub for international trade and is also home to attractions like the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium and the museum ship Fujii Maru.

The Iida Kaido was a historic highway in Japan during the Edo period, connecting the Nakasendo road at Shiojiri to the city of Iida in Nagano Prefecture. It served as a vital trade and travel route through the mountainous region, facilitating the transport of goods and the movement of people. Today, preserved sections of the road offer a glimpse into Japan’s feudal-era travel culture and scenic landscapes.

The Ontake River flows through the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, originating from the slopes of Mount Ontake, a sacred and active volcano. Historically, the river has been central to local life, providing water for agriculture and serving as a route for transporting timber, while the mountain itself has been a site of Shugendō religious practices for centuries. Today, it remains a key natural feature, supporting both the region’s ecosystem and cultural heritage.