As part of the Living Lab activities, the Hira-Ogi Team has launched the Moriyama Tanbo Project, an initiative to restore the beautiful terraced rice field landscape in collaboration with local volunteers, interested companies, and nonprofit organizations. Since March, the team has gradually been involved in tasks such as repairing the rice paddy embankments, and now, the rice planting season has finally arrived!
Over the course of three days, rice planting was carried out in 11 abandoned or nearly abandoned paddies.
To ensure a good harvest, it is important to plant the seedlings at even intervals. Using a traditional tool generously lent by a local farmer, participants carefully measured the distance between each seedling as they planted. Lining up in rows, they planted in unison, then rolled the tool forward to mark the next row—hence its distinctive conical shape.
Though the work was physically demanding—sinking into the mud and maintaining a half-squatting posture—it brought out many wonderful smiles ☻
On some days, as many as 30 participants, from children to adults, took part.
With guidance from experienced farmers, participants also had a chance to try machine planting. After sweating through the hand planting, the speed of mechanical work felt all the more impressive.
The neatly planted seedlings alongside the traditional stonework scenery were a beautiful sight. We look forward to watching the fields grow in the coming months!
