Kumamoto

Jul 5, 2015 - 1 min read

Arao Rice Planting Festival in Photos

Local festival to kick off the growing season

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A local girl in Arao readies her bundle of rice for planting

A local girl in Arao readies her bundle of rice for planting

The rice festival begins with a few dances by masked performers

The rice festival begins with a few dances by masked performers

The participants line up at the edge of the paddy (and pose for photos)

The participants line up at the edge of the paddy (and pose for photos)

Reflections in the rice paddy

Reflections in the rice paddy

Kumamoto's popular mascot, Kumamon, was there to kick off the festivities

Kumamoto's popular mascot, Kumamon, was there to kick off the festivities

Local schoolkids joined the costumed planters in the paddy

Local schoolkids joined the costumed planters in the paddy

The planting lasts for about 30 minutes

The planting lasts for about 30 minutes

A local girl in Arao readies her bundle of rice for planting

The rice festival begins with a few dances by masked performers

The participants line up at the edge of the paddy (and pose for photos)

Reflections in the rice paddy

Kumamoto's popular mascot, Kumamon, was there to kick off the festivities

Local schoolkids joined the costumed planters in the paddy

The planting lasts for about 30 minutes

The annual Arao Rice Planting Festival allegedly has a history that stretches back some 1200 years, but it is still very much a local affair that warmly welcomes anyone who can attend. The small rice paddy next to the town's Hachiman Shrine is the location for event, which involves a select handful of female villagers and school-age volunteers planting the first few rows of rice shoots as a symbolic start to the growing season. This year, the ceremony began with a few dances performed by masked entertainers; the actual planting was then kicked off by popular prefectural mascot Kumamon.

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Mandy Bartok

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Yui Yamaguchi

Yui Yamaguchi 10 years ago

This was on Kumanichi News Paper as well. I didn't know that people have kept the tradition for 800 years. Interesting photos!

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 10 years ago

Yui, I was surprised as well to hear it was a festival with such a long history. And it was very small but very welcoming.

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