No.103 Two Rice Planting Festivals

This year, we have been overwhelmed with measures against COVID-19 since the beginning of the year, but two rice planting festivals were held in the city, and I was able to be involved in both. Through rice planting, I was able to feel nature and take a moment to relax.

On May 24, 2020 (Sunday), the rice planting festival organized by the executive committee was held in Sakahama's fallow rice fields as part of the "Everyone's FUJISAN Earth Festa WA 2020 Tokyo" event. It is said that this event is usually held at the Fuji Mountain venue and other locations that rotate each year. This year, it has been decided to hold the Tokyo tournament, and since it was said that Inagi is a good place for rice cultivation, the rice fields in Sakahama were selected, and I, the Mayor of Inagi City, was appointed as the tournament chairperson.

On the day of the rice planting festival, there was a state of emergency in effect, and for a time, the event was in jeopardy of being canceled. However, it was held with infection prevention measures in place, albeit on a smaller scale. We would like to express our gratitude to all those involved for their diligent efforts in preparing the fallow fields through a series of activities such as mowing, plowing, and puddling.

I have heard that the "NPO Earth Living Association," which serves as the secretariat for this event's executive committee, is active in the majestic foothills of Mount Fuji, focusing on themes such as Sound Youth Development, natural environment conservation, and food improvement and security. Originally, Mr. Masahiko Asaka from the former imperial family was scheduled to attend and participate in rice planting, but due to the scaling down of the event for infection control measures, he was unable to attend, which was very disappointing.

Our country is called the land of Mizuho, and since ancient times, we have formed villages centered around rice cultivation. Growing rice goes beyond mere food production; it is related to our lifestyle, the creation of performing arts and culture, and it shapes a spiritual culture that permeates deep within our hearts. When I was a child, I was taught in my family education that even if we left side dishes uneaten during meals, we must not waste a single grain of rice and should eat it all properly. This teaching was not just about valuing food, but also about considering the hardships of the farmers who grow rice and being grateful while eating.

Although this time it was on a smaller scale, local parents and children participated, and the little kids got muddy and continued to plant by hand until the end. I also wore traditional footwear and helped out until the very end.

On June 5, 2020 (Friday), a rice planting festival for the offering rice of the 2020 Niiname-sai was held in another rice field (not open to the public) in the city. This is the second time in 15 years that Inagi City has been chosen. The owner of the offering rice field has a significant role, but it is also a great honor. In the fall, it is said that the offering rice will be dedicated to Okunitama Shrine, Meiji Shrine, and Ise Shrine at the same time as the imperial offering. This rice planting festival was attended only as a ceremony, and the actual rice planting was done by the chairman of JA Tokyo Minami, the owner acting as the farmer, the chairman of the local Tenmangu Shrine support association, and the wife of the owner acting as the saotome.

Both days were in between the rainy season, but it did not rain, and we were able to hold the event on a sunny midsummer day. I am overwhelmed with joy to have participated in the rice planting festival twice.
With the development of Tama New Town and the progress of the Land Readjustment Project, the townscape is changing, while Inagi City still retains its satoyama and farmland. It is wonderful to have an environment where we can easily engage in rice planting. I pray that both rice fields grow safely and that we can hold a harvest festival in the autumn.