In Japan, a lot of land is used as rice fields for growing rice. In fact, these rice fields have many advantages other than rice cultivation. In this article, we will take a look at some of the advantages of rice fields.
Creating safe place
Paddy fields play a role in protecting the community. The role of paddy fields is especially important in mountainous areas.
1 - Preventing flooding
When it rains heavily, rice fields store rainwater. By storing rainwater, the amount of water flowing into rivers at one time can be reduced. This helps to prevent flooding.
2 - Preventing landslides
When constructing rice fields, a variety of tasks are carried out to create an environment where rainwater can easily accumulate in the fields. In addition, daily maintenance of the rice fields creates an environment where water can easily accumulate.
Example of tsaks :
- 畦塗り (Azenuri) : Plastering the soil walls surrounding rice fields with soil to prevent water leakage.
- 代かき (Shirokaki) : Tilling mud
However, if rice fields have not been used for a long time, water does not accumulate in rice fields but seeps into the ground at once, causing landslides due to the sudden increase in groundwater. Especially in mountainous areas, terraced rice fields are often created due to their topography and they play a significant role in preventing such landslides.
Making life more comfortable
In addition to safety, rice fields provide comfortable living.
3 - Producing ground water
The accumulated rainwater seeps into the soil and becomes groundwater. The groundwater that returns to the rivers is used for drinking, domestic use, and water for factories. As the water seeps out of rice fields, microorganisms in the soil make the water clean by decomposing the organic matter.
4 - Relieving the heat
Paddy fields cool the air through the evaporation of water from the fields and the transpiration of rice. This cooled air moves into the city lowering the temperature.
Shaping society
Japan's society is shaped by its rice paddies.
7 - Preserving the rural landscape
In Japan's rural area, the creation of rice fields creates a unique landscape. Rural landscapes are created by the continuation of agricultural activities. It is truly an art of the earth created by the collaboration of farmers and nature.
8 - Passing on the culture
There is a close connection between rice farming and traditional Japanese culture. Many festivals have their origins in rice cultivation, such as prayers for a bountiful harvest and the Niinamesai ritual (新嘗祭) to give thanks for the harvest. Oshogatsu which is an annual event and celebrates the New Year, was originally an event to welcome the Kami of rice. Rice cultivation is also related to traditional arts. For example, the origin of sumo wrestling was originally a ritual to divine the harvest of crops.
Although it is not common in the city, this kind of ceremony to pray for the harvest still remains in rural areas.
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Prayer for Harvest Season in Kurokura, Matsunoyama
Autumn is the season of harvest. Many fruits, vegetables, and grains, including rice, the staple food of Japan, come to fruition. At the time of harvest, various rituals have been handed down in Japan since ancient times, including prayer for the harvest and ceremonies to celebrate the harvest. There has been an animistic belief in nature since ancient times in Japan, where kamis are believed to dwell in various things, such as the mountain kami in the mountains and the river kami in the rivers. Therefore, I believe that in rural areas where there are many farmers and they receive ...
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9 - Education
Rice fields can also function as a place of education for children. Through the experience of rice cultivation, they learn about rice, the environment, and satoyama.
Protecting the environment
Paddy fields provide a place not only for human life, but also for living things to coexist.
10 - Habitat for living things
Rice fields are also a place where rich ecosystems are maintained. Because rice fields are connected to the surrounding mountains, rivers, and waterways, various living creatures flow into the paddy fields which in turn attracts other living creatures through the food chain.
