Rice production in Japan is one of the most important in the country, rice is a vital part of the Japanese diet, even in the breakfast. Until recently, Japan produced more than 4.63 million hectares, but this is decreasing because most farmers are over 65 years old.
But still rice is very cultivated in Japan. Rice fields occupy much of the interior, floodplains, hillsides, wetlands, coastal bays and even cities. Japan ranks among the top 10 producers in the world, producing up to 10 million tonnes per year.
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How is rice grown in Japan?
Rice has been cultivated in Japan for over 3,000 years. In the Edo period production was a measure of wealth for a lord. There are currently 1.8 million families growing rice in Japan. Hokkaido is the region that produces the most in the entire country.
To be able to be cultivated successfully, the cereal needs plenty of water, to maintain the ambient temperature within suitable ranges, so in Japan it is grown in terraces or small fields filled with water that is kept in constant movement. The grain is harvested when it is golden and dry and when the water has been completely drained by the plant and the soil.
The purpose of the article is to talk just a little about the crop or cereal. Grain is a very broad subject, with it you can make flour, mochi, onigiri, sushi, drinks like sake and many other things. Most recipes on the Japanese menu require this famous grain.
the rice fields
The Hani from southern Japan avoid making noise when they are in the fields, as they believe that the spirits of the rice paddies are easily frightened and, by fleeing, they can cause infertility in the land. Since ancient Japan, throwing rice at newlyweds is an act that represents wishes of abundance to the new couple; this custom later passed to the West, being very common in Portugal today. (source: wikipedia)
The fields are beautiful, and give a certain charm to the city and the countryside. Our friend Santana's Video shows some of the rice production and the beautiful fields, from the beginning to the harvest:
