TOKYO, Apr 17 (News On Japan) –
The Emperor sowed rice seeds on April fifteenth in a paddy close to the Biological Laboratory on the Imperial Palace grounds, marking the beginning of this 12 months’s rice cultivation.
He planted seeds of the Japonica rice selection Nihonmasari and the glutinous rice selection Mangetsumochi.
Each 12 months, the Emperor personally takes half in sowing the seeds in spring and harvesting the rice in autumn. The whole course of is carried out utilizing conventional methods with out using trendy equipment. The rice grown is just not for business functions however is utilized in imperial rituals and ceremonies, together with choices on the Ise Grand Shrine and different Shinto rituals that honor Japan’s deities and the spirits of the imperial ancestors.
This hands-on involvement in rice cultivation symbolizes a connection between the Emperor and the folks, particularly farmers, and displays the cultural and religious significance of rice in Japan. With this seed sowing, the Emperor has formally begun his farming duties for the 12 months.
Source: Kyodo