Colorful rice planted to make large-scale rice paddy art in Japan

The Japanese village of Inakadate is known for its large-scale rice paddy art. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the agricultural village to view rice fields that sport giant pictures depicting local culture and folklore.

The initiative started in the early ‘90s as a way to draw tourists to the village. The pictures are decided on a year in advance; a theme is decided, designs are mocked up, then refined. Markers are placed on the fields to map out each drawing before planting begins. Each mural measures 15,000 sqm and uses up to seven species of colored rice. The process can take three months, and involves over a thousand volunteers.

What a great way to encourage tourism and celebrate local culture and agriculture at the same time!

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