May 22, 2012

ID Students go Rice Planting!

On the week of May 7th-11th the International Department students went to the rice fields near the school's sports academy dorms in Washimiya to go rice planting (taoue, or 田植え). This is a great experience for the students to interact with their Japanese home rooms, learn more about Japanese agriculture, and have some fun and exercise in the sun!

IMG_1198_web.jpg


Rice is a staple food in the Japanese diet, and is the most commonly grown non-perennial crop in this country. The relationship that Japan has with its rice, and in particular how it is planted and the time it takes to grow and harvest, is embedded in the country's folklore and religion. Whether it is in making New-Year rice cakes, preparing Japanese rice wine, or involved in the celebrations of Autumnal harvest festivals (matsuri, or 祭り), to say that you have helped in part of the rice cycle is to say that you have truly experienced a core tradition of Japan.

IMG_1199_web.jpg



Rice is grown in wet paddy fields that are heavily irrigated in the spring, which is the time when the rice is planted. It also becomes home to a variety of wildlife, such as frogs, which the high school kids love to catch!

IMG_1206_web.jpg



Pictured is Nick and Jesse with their slightly-less-than-pristine Japanese home room.

アーカイブ

[2018]
[2017]
[2016]
[2015]
[2014]
[2013]
[2012]
[2011]
[2010]
[2009]
[2008]
[2007]
[2006]

about Seiritsu

Seiritsu Gakuen is a private co-educational high school created in 1925 and it is located in Tokyo, Japan.

≫more info