William Kochia (Japanese, “kokiya,” also “houkigusa” ほうき草, meaning a plant for making brooms) is an annual plant native to Eurasian and known for its unique round shape and fluffy texture. As they grow, their color changes from vibrant green in the summer to a greenish-red and finally to a bright scarlet in late October. Some enterprising locals in Minamiaso Village have taken to planting cosmos and Kochia together, which are both blooming now, to draw the delight of visitors. Kumanichi has the scoop: