When people think of Tokyo, they often envision futuristic buildings, robot servers in restaurants, and the flashing lights of Kabukichō. However, there's a wealth of experiences that don't involve gadgets or technology. In the rural areas surrounding Tokyo, you can enjoy activities like strawberry picking, shiohigari (clam-digging), and much more. This time, I'm excited to share our annual inekari, or rice harvest, activity.
What is Inekari?
Inekari, or rice harvest, typically occurs in the autumn months, from September to October. Historically, rice harvesting was a manual process involving sickles. This labour-intensive method required cutting the rice stalks, bundling them, and then drying them before threshing. Inekari is a communal activity where neighbours come together to help each other with the harvest, reinforcing social bonds and community spirit.
Inekari Experience
We began our inekari at 8:00 am. Although autumn has brought cooler temperatures, today was unexpectedly warm. In the past, we used sickles for the entire process, but this year, we cheated and decided to use a rice harvester to expedite the work. We started by manually cutting the rice on the edges and corners of the field to create enough space for the machine to manoeuvre.
The weather was somewhat cloudy, with no rain and the sun hidden. It was the perfect condition to work and enjoy being in the field.
Passing the bundles of rice through a chain of volunteers is faster and less tiring compared to each volunteer carrying bundles individually. And way more fun.
Once most of the rice was harvested, we prepared haza, or rice racks, for the paddy rice. The harvested rice is hung on racks to be dried naturally by the sun and wind. This traditional method, known as hasakake, ensures high-quality rice through natural drying. Even after the harvest, farmers remain busy maintaining the temperature and humidity of the rice to preserve its original freshness and flavour.
Typically, this process takes us two days of cutting and hanging rice, but thanks to the many volunteers this year, we were able to finish in just one day.
After a hard day's work, we headed to an onsen for some much-needed relaxation. As usual, we ended our day with a nijikai (second party), celebrating our efforts with a hearty "otsukareee" (good job).
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The Significance of Inekari
The rice harvested during inekari is often categorised based on quality, with some regions known for producing premium varieties of rice that are highly sought after both domestically and internationally. This annual tradition not only ensures a bountiful supply of rice but also strengthens community ties and preserves cultural heritage.
I hope this glimpse into rural life near Tokyo has inspired you to explore beyond the city's modern attractions and discover the rich traditions that continue to thrive in Japan's countryside.
Message us if you're interested in volunteering for next year's inekari.
