”Metsugi” is a grafting technique and refers to grafting of buds of a tree into branches and trunks. After cutting into a ”daiki” stock tree or cutting its bark open, a ”tsugiho” scion made up of buds of ”hogi” plant tissue in wedge shape will be inserted and fixed there. A number of buds can be grafted onto a single tree. As results can be obtained in a short period of time, re-grafting can be done in the same term. Non-coalescent buds turn darkish 10 to 15 days after the ”metsugi” grafting process. ”Metsugi” work is best carried out from August to September.

translated by Kyodo News