Wednesday, May 22, 2024
On Tuesday, May 21st, starting just after 10:00, 12 fifth graders from Hokuryu Town's Shinryu Elementary School (Principal Kamata Sadao) had the opportunity to plant rice in the rice fields of Takada Co., Ltd. in Mitani, Hokuryu Town.
Rice planting experience for 5th graders at Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School
At the elementary school, fifth graders are learning about rice cultivation during their comprehensive studies class.
Arrangements by Akimitsu Takada, Chairman of the Hokuryu Town Agricultural Guidance Association
This time, at the request of the elementary school, the fifth graders were given the opportunity to plant rice, thanks to the arrangements made by Akimitsu Takada (60), chairman of the Hokuryu Town Agricultural Guidance Association. The seedlings planted were the "Nanatsuboshi" variety of rice.
On the day of the event, there was some concern about the weather as it had been drizzling since the morning, but by the time the students arrived at the field, the rain had stopped and the rice planting experience began without any problems.
Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro also participated with the students.
On the day, Mayor Sasaki Yasuhiro joined the children in the barefoot rice planting experience! In addition, the principal of Shinryu Elementary School, Kamata Sadao, visited to encourage them and took some great photos! Mr. Kitajima from the Sorachi Agricultural Improvement and Extension Center and reporter Kashima from the Kita Sorachi Shimbun also attended.
A proper greeting on behalf of the students
"Thank you for all the preparations you've made so far today. This is my first time planting rice, so I'm nervous, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll do my best today, so please support me," said the student.
All the students said enthusiastically, "Thank you for your support!"
The surrounding rice fields had already been planted, but a 5m long field had been left open for the students to try their hand at rice planting.
Students take on the challenge barefoot!
Despite the cloudy skies, the students took on the challenge energetically in shorts and barefoot!
Clutching as many seedlings as I can hold in one hand, I sink my feet into the muddy rice field, step by step.
We proceed slowly and carefully to avoid stepping on the small seedlings that have already been planted.
"Ahhh, it's cold!"
"My legs won't move! I can't move forward!"
"Be careful not to fall," said the teacher.
"Make sure to plant the seedlings evenly and firmly so that they don't fall over," says Takada.
At first, the children's feet got stuck in the muddy rice fields, but they gradually got used to it and were able to move their arms and legs smoothly.
"I don't feel the coldness of the water anymore. I'm getting used to the muddy soil!"
The students smiled and said, "It was hard work, but we managed to plant them successfully and it was fun!"
We finished by pouring water over our muddy hands and feet and rinsing them off.
Question Time
After lining up, it was time to ask questions to Mr. Takada.
- teacher
Today I had a valuable experience.
I don't think I would normally go into such a messy muddy area.
In class, students are learning about rice cultivation through the internet and other sources.
Students, is there anything you would like to ask?
- Students
What is the most difficult thing about growing rice?
- Akimitsu Takada
The most difficult part is preparing for rice planting and growing the seedlings.
It's the same with any crop: if you produce good seedlings, you will get a good crop.
It is said that the quality of the seedlings determines the harvest that autumn will see, and this is called "naehansaku."
The best way to grow rice is to produce good seedlings and grow them healthily. Seedlings are important for any crop.
- Students
What are some tips for growing rice?
- Akimitsu Takada
The key is to produce good seedlings, plant them carefully, and then carefully manage things like water, temperature, and weeding.
- Students
What do you do with the harvested rice?
- Akimitsu Takada
Rice is harvested by each farmer and delivered to the agricultural cooperative. It is stored in the cooperative's cold storage facility and is shipped and sold to customers over the course of a year.
- Thank you on behalf of the students
It was my first time walking in a rice field and it was difficult.
I'm looking forward to seeing how big they'll be when I come next time. Please take good care of the rice plants from now on.
Thank you for today!
The students gave enthusiastic words of thanks!
Everyone expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, saying "Thank you very much!!!"
We expressed our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the preparations and then boarded the minibus to head to the school.
This rice planting experience will allow you to learn about the rice that local farmers grow with care and dedication, and also give you hands-on experience of some of the rice-growing processes.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers for the precious hands-on learning experience of the students of Shinryu Elementary School, who are learning about and experiencing firsthand the importance and difficulty of rice cultivation...
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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
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