～Kuwa: The Traditional Japanese Hoe～
information
These hoes come in various types designed for specific tasks, such as tilling fields, leveling soil, making ridges, weeding, and harvesting. They feature a wooden handle attached to a metal blade at an angle of less than 90 degrees.
Main Types of Kuwa
Hira-guwa (Flat Hoe): Used for tilling fields, leveling soil, and making ridges. It is ideal for clayey or soft soil.
Kara-guwa (Heavy Mattock): Thick and heavy, this type is used for breaking up hard ground and clearing new land.
Bichu-guwa (3- or 4-Forked Hoe): Perfect for crushing hard clumps of earth and turning over the soil to mix it thoroughly.
Katate-guwa (Single-Hand Hoe): A compact, one-handed size designed for small home gardens and general horticulture.
How to Use
To use a kuwa properly, raise it up to shoulder height and let the blade swing down into the earth. The secret is not to force it with muscle power, but to let the natural weight of the hoe do the work for you.
Although it is a tool used since ancient times, it remains indispensable for preparing soil to grow crops and is still widely used by farmers today.
