◆Iki, Ashibe Research Shaft Site Cleared of Brushwood
Preparation work is underway on the east coast of Iki Island, which is on the route of the Japan-Korea Tunnel.
Following work from autumn last year to January this year, work was carried out over two days from September 1st, two days from September 26th, and three days from October 24th to clear brushwood with chainsaws, pruning branches, and securing a road for work trucks. This work follows the opening ceremony for the Tsushima Research Shaft on September 11th, when the entrance was installed, with the aim of establishing a base for the research incline on Iki.
[Photo] The densely wooded site regains light
The work was carried out by three people, including Director Iki, and progressed smoothly under the blue sky, despite being bitten by ants that had taken up residence in the standing trees. Light streamed into the site, which had been covered in thick, winding vines and overhanging shrubs, and the stone walls that had protected the site with piled stones came into view, recalling the hard work of our predecessors who developed and cared for this island. Rubbing his hands, which were covered in cuts from the thorns of wild brambles, he was reminded once again of "what a wonderful, beautiful island." Work will continue into November, and next year the technical committee hopes to be able to use work vehicles to carry out a precise survey of the Ashibe Survey Incline Shaft.
[Photo] A path that had been blocked by a vast bamboo forest was cleared.
Field Newsletter November 2014 (PDF view/download)
