Planting and harvesting rice is a huge part of Japanese culture. One of the nicest things about being in Japan is that you can volunteer to help rural communities plant rice. In this photo I was planting sake rice. I have been planting and harvesting sake rice for 7 years for some of the most prestigious sake breweries in the world. I won’t reveal the names…
As you may or may not know, the rural population is shrinking, and the average age of the farmer - rice cultivator - is like 75 years old! They often have to rely on Co-ops and machines for planting and harvesting their rice nowadays.
Back in the old days, most neighbors/families/friends volunteered to help each other plant and harvest rice, which was a big part of the community bonding. Now, as a result of technology, that bond has been weakened and neighbors are more isolated.
Most modern Japanese regard rice planting as a novelty or rare activity for aimed at kids. It is unthinkable for someone( adult ) from the big city to get dirty in the soil for the most important stable in Japan.
Quite sad…
There are some small and ambitious startups hosting rice planting and harvesting events in September, but you have to research them.