Akari Shikauchi, a member of the Soma area in Hirosaki City, is currently selling owl birdhouses.

Mr. Shikauchi, who is appointed as a regional development cooperation team in the same area in the suburbs of Hirosaki City. A former carpenter and an apple farmer, Takaho Yamazaki, planned owl birdhouse production.

Mr. Shikauchi said, "In recent years, small animals such as mice have been frequently eaten, and I thought about protecting the apple trees. Owls are said to eat three mice a day, and they are a savior to apple farmers. The owl nesting activities in apple orchards have been picked up by the media for several years, and the demand has increased."

The birdhouse is 80 cm high, 40 cm wide and 30 cm wide. In order to protect the owl, which is weak against water, from rainwater, pine trees that are strong against water are used, and the rain protection technology used in temples is used. In addition, a ladder is installed inside the nest so that chicks can easily nest.

Mr. Shikauchi in charge of birdhouse design. "I made them silhouettes such as mice and squirrels to make them more familiar. They are all handmade and there is no equivalent. In Aomori where there are many apple farmers, I'm happy if it helps a little," he says with a smile.

Due to build-to-order manufacturing, the application deadline is February 20. The selling price is from 10,000 yen. For orders and inquiries, please contact the General Affairs Division (TEL 0172-84-2111) of the Soma General Branch of Hirosaki City.