Rice Planting Festival

The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of rice ご飯. My school area, Minamiuonuma-shi, is famous for Koshihikari and rice related product like sake. Family size farms in the area are mostly managed by old persons. In spite of mechanized farming, traditional techniques are also promoted to hand it over to the fresh generations. Rice harvesting event is always celebrated in mid-September to early October and students from primary schools to universities are invited to participate. The participants are provided with necessary stuff like sickle and gloves. Honestly speaking, I have never been to a farm for harvesting rice in my own country where agriculture is one of the main productive sectors. The farmers serve the guests with local foods, sake, and beer, and the oldies and the youths happily cheer together.
.
The photo was taken in 2014 rice harvesting season.