General class competitors planting rice paddies in line in the initial phase of the competition.
Hiroki Arai
All-Japan Rice Planting Championship Tournament took place at Iwate Prefectural Mizusawa Agricultural High School in Oshu-shi, Iwate Prefecture, in late May. The supra-regional and supra-generational event is for agricultural high school students and local farmers to compete on the speed and accuracy of their hand rice planting. It was originally a school event of the prefectural high school for encouraging skill learning. It has been open for public, however, since 1999 as an “all-Japan” competition and as an opportunity for students and farmers to get together and have fun.
High school students seemingly having some difficulties in handling rice plants.
Students of Iwate Prefectural Mizusawa Agricultural High School cheering for their friends in the rice field, adding another highlight to the competition.
Hitomebore rice plants raised at school in advance of the competition.
Experienced farmers gradually led others by a large margin. High school students (upper right corner) trying to catch up with them.
(June 1, 2014)