How Do Local Residents Regard The Strong Local Wind Matsubori-Kaze?: A Case Study Based On A Questionnaire Survey At Ozu-Higashi Elementary School

Based on a questionnaire survey, this study investigates how local residents regard the strong local wind Matsubori-kaze, which occurs at Mt. Aso in Kumamoto prefecture. We distributed questionnaire sheets to students of Ozu-Higashi Elementary School, where Matsubori-kaze frequently occurs, and received 25 responses from their families. The collection rate was 71%.Application of quantification theory type III to overall replies to six questionnaires reveals that recognition of Matsubori-kaze by local residents was explained primarily according to their experiences with this strong local wind. However, duration of residence in this region was not related directly to the overall responses. The recognition of Matsubori-kaze differed between duration of residence of 31-45 years and that of 61-75 years. Analyses of key words used in responses from the respective groups reveals that the former (duration of residence of 31-45 years) had a strong adverse perception of Matsubori-kaze in the outdoors, whereas the latter (duration of residence of 61-75 years), which was engaged mainly in agriculture, had a fatalistic acceptance of this strong local wind.Application of quantification theory type III to 56 key words that appeared in multiple questionnaire sheets reveals that these key words can be summarized as "strength and mode of Matsubori-kaze," "agricultural damage in areas with strong winds," and "surrendering to Matsubori-kaze."