ABSTRACT
AttheendofWorldWarII,thebulkofthelandwhereHieidaira nowstandswascommonforestland,andafewpatchesoffield wheremountainricewasgrown.Theforests,undertheexisting legalframework,wereownedconjointlybythesixhamlets(aza) ofShigaVillage(mura). 1Thericefieldswereownedprivatelyby someofthevillagersofthenearesthamlet:Yamanaka.During thewarandforanumberofyearsafterwards,acutedifficulties inprocuringcharcoalandoilmadethesellingoffirewoodan extremelyprofitablebusiness.Wellawareofthis.thevillagerscut andcollectedwoodfromtheforest,andthencarrieditoff(on theirbacksoroncarts)tothecitiesofKyotoandOtsuwhereit wassold.
