On Rubber Boots and Rice

A little more than a week ago (the Sunday after I climbed Mount Himekami,) I woke up at 6am, cooked breakfast then put on my rubber boots before jumping in the car with Mr. kanmuri and one of my friends. What was I doing with rubber boots on on an early Sunday morning? I was on my way to harvest rice! Yup, I got up at 6am on my day off to go do volunteer manual work in a rice field. I know, I know; I need to sort out my priorities!

This, obviously, was not something I did on the spur of the moment. No, this rice harvesting thing is actually a big event held every year by the town of Inakadate in Aomori Prefecture. Now this is not just regular harvesting; the fields people get to play farm in are actually two big pieces of art. By using different types of rice plants, the rice field artists of Inakadate create huge pictures in the fields. Thus, this event not only offers a good opportunity to learn about Japanese tradition but it also works as a big publicity stunt for the small community. Volunteers come from all over the country to work the fields and are rewarded with a hot meal after their hard work.

Last year's field art

I first learned about this event last year when a friend of mine invited me to participate. I had a great time and decided that I wanted to do it again this year. I decided to share the experience and organized a little event around the activity. Of last year's group, no one except me showed up, but many newcomers participated and we really had a blast! Unfortunately, the event was a little smaller this year and we didn't get to buy yummy rice ice cream nor to climb up the tower to observe the rice field art.

Here are a few pictures of our "hard work." I must confess that I worked a whole lot less this year; the novelty had worn off. Plus I had a good excuse: I had to make sure my peeps were having fun!

Dana playing Miss Harvest 2009

He looks unhappy, but by the end, Mr. kanmuri was a pro.

Murder at the harvest party

Tying up the stocks

Peace!!

Farmers of the year

My peeps :D

A random Japanese man came to us and asked if he could take pictures of us with the hat!

These old ladies knew what they were doing. They worked a lot faster than us!!

Rice is stacked to dry on these posts.

Up to no good

If you are interested in participating next year, contact Inakadate's Sangyouka around mid-September. Their phone number is 0172-58-2111. Take note that they don't speak English. The town also offers a traditional rice planting experience in May. For more information call the number above or consult their website.