It's that time of year again for rice planting! You didn't think they only grew green tea and dikon radishes, did you? We've seen and eaten enough rice to last us a lifetime! We've also had the pleasure of being apart of the rice planting process! Nick has been studying the Bible with a Japanese University student for the past year, Taiki. His family has a rice farm. So, of course, we had to see it and get our hands dirty! Rice plants are all started in the greenhouse. Man, do they have greenhouses in Japan! In the greenhouse, each small plant looks like a small blade of grass. There are hundreds of these small blades held in each seed tray. Once they're big enough, then it's off to the rice field.
Then, the rice plants are taken out of the trays and put on this rice planting machine. Keep in mind that when the plants are taken out of the tray that they are all stuck together still in the shape of the tray. The rice makes it's way to the bottom of the machine where there is a special mechanism that pulls each individual plant and puts in the mud. The machine is not much bigger than a riding lawnmower and it looks like one too! The tires on it are hard rubber and very thin so as not to get stuck in the mud while planting the ric or disturb the narrow rows of planted rice. It's quite something to watch!
Most of the field can be planted by machine...except the corners. We were the designated rice corner planters for this particular field. We tried wearing rubber boots. But, it's actually easier to go bare foot! Angie learned that it's easy to fall in the mud no matter what's on your feet!There are all kinds of rice fields in Japan. Rice can be planted in the country as well as in the city. One thing is for sure, Japenese plant in any space that they can.
If rice is planted early enough in the spring, then a farmer can get two crops from one field. The Japanese use a Harvesting machine that is not much bigger than the planting machine. After the rice is harvested it is then dried and put into a series machines to get it ready to be sold in the store.
Angie's dad and Nick were able to visit our friend's farm and meet his grandfather! Taiki is the oldest son and will most likely take over the family farm as is custom in Japan. Here is a picture of all four of them! Also, Taiko is an excellent pianist. Every time we visit his house we are given a concert!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QN0KF9cHjsI&feature=user
NEXT UP....FARMING GRAPES IN JAPAN!!
